The Fake Empire

Ten years ago

Raeleigh Campbell

POV

{I've made it, I've finally made, all my hard work was finally paying off. All the hard work, sleepless nights, sacrifices were worth it to get to this moment. I can't believe I finally made it big. Making it with my two best friends meant more than anything to me.

Or that's what I thought two years ago, my friends want to go off on their own, they want to abandon me. I feel like I have to start all over again. I don't want to. If my family didn't sacrifice so much for me, I would pack up and start over.

I’ve met with someone who could help further my career. I want to be the best the world has ever seen, I’ve got big dreams. I’ve been feeling a lot lately.

I thought I’d have at least three more years before they abandoned me, I thought I’d have more time to convince everyone I was good enough.}

At seventeen I already have my entire future planned out. I’ve been working myself to the bone, with new music and school. I didn’t have much of a social life, the only human interaction I have is on an anime site.

We’ve just put my music video out for my first single. Putting my name out there is one of my top priorities.

I was running late for a show, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how far I’ve come. I was singing for a modelling show.

I smile when I hear my song come on the radio. My new single. My new love

My parents were so proud of me. My siblings were proud too, I guess.

{BANG}

"Dammit!” I shout out when my car hits the car in front of me. I just got my license. My father’s going to take my keys away if he finds out about this.

Traffic was slow. I was new to LA; I wasn’t used to driving either. It was my first time driving solo. My father didn’t trust me to drive alone.

And of all cars, it had to be a luxury car? Those sporty overpriced cars. How much was I going to have to pay for this car? There’s no way my parents wouldn’t notice if that much money went missing from my savings.

I get out of the car and assess the damage I’ve done. I tie my hair as the wind blows in my face.

I take out my phone out of the car and take pictures of my car and the person in front of me.

The man gets out of his car as well. “Well damn what a way to start off my Monday morning?” He says in a flirty tone.

“Urg you’ve got to be kidding me. Get her to pay whatever we got to go...” The girl in the car shouts before I could even get a word out.

I restrain myself from rolling my eyes. I needed to take care of this in a civil manner. What if they sued me for injuries they didn’t sustain? Did I need a lawyer?

“Here’s my information. Can we not call the police, and I’ll pay for whatever damages.” I grab a business card Jay had made for me.

He shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it...” he doesn’t take my card, frowning at his car, he walks toward his car and driving off before I could even say anything.

I stood there speechless.

Was I just snubbed? I don’t think that’s ever happened to me before. He must not need my money if can afford to pay for the damages himself.

I get back into my car and drive to the venue. I didn’t want my mom and team to wait for me. I worked too hard to get this.

When I arrive at the venue I see an open parking spot, I park and rush in.

When she got to my dressing room, the people were already waiting for me. I was helped into a bright pink mini dress, a gold sandal with silk lace-up straps. They curl and tie my golden blonde hair into a messy bun at the back of my head.

“The jewellery is on its way.” My new manager says.

I nod.

I was both nervous and excited for my first solo live performance. Even though it was just a modelling show. It was still a way to put my name out there.

The higher ups of Greenhouse will be here; they’ve invested in my many models and it’s one of the reasons I got this gig you could say.

They were the best; the Jacobs family is the best at this business. They’ve been doing this for years. They’ve been leading and setting the trends in the entertainment industry.

Today was the day. The day I prove they didn’t waste their money and time on me.

I couldn’t help but think about the guy who I bumped into, his dirty blonde hair and bright blue eyes took me by surprise, I’ve never seen anyone with that shade of blue.

He looked around my age, so maybe he didn’t want his parents knowing he got into an accident, should we have called the police? What if he sues me?

Shit. Why didn’t I think of that?

My mom helps me place a necklace around my neck and the earrings on my ears. Both diamonds. My first diamonds. My parents would never let me have, they didn’t think I was responsible enough. I lost a gold ring when I was younger since then I wasn’t trusted with one.

"Rae you’re up in five..." My manager says.

I nod and head backstage. I’m given a mic, and they help me into my mic pack and earpiece.

The music started playing...

I walk out onto the stage.

“How long until you know?

How long until you’re mine?

How long until we’re together?

Ah, ah, Aah...

Fallin' for you wasn’t part of the plan.

I could love you for the rest of my life.

For the rest of my life...”

I walk to the centre of the runway. I look at the model who passes me.

“So, tell me if you want this,

I’ll be waiting,

I wanna hear you say it,

Tell you want this.

With every moment with you is golden.

It's like I've started dreamin.

It feels like I’m in heaven,”

I twirl and walk down to the end of the runway. I shimmy.

“I'll be singing.

La la la la, la la la la

You’re mine

La la la la, la la la la

You're all of me.

La la la la, la la la la

And I’ll be yours.

La la la la, la la la la”

I dance to the beat, and I pull out my tongue.

“Be mine, my love.

You're my heart and soul.

This is our moment.

It’s finally our moment,

You could have me in any way you want.

How long until you’re mine?

Until you see me?”

I make eye contact with Mr. Blue eyes. My eyes widen and I nearly miss my cue.

He was huge, I didn’t realize how big he was earlier. But he didn’t seem so big until he was squeezing into a single chair.

"La, la, la, be mine,

La, la, la, make me smile,

La, la, la baby..."

I place my hand under my chin, and I pull out my tongue and pull a silly face.

I bow before making my way to the back as the crowd claps.

I hand my mic to one of the crew members and they help me out of the packs.

I head to my dressing room and Jay is waiting. I let out sigh of relief. “How do you think I did?” I ask.

He smiles. “The higher ups were impressed...” he says.

I let out a breath. “Thank goodness...” I didn’t know I was worried about that until this moment... This was my moment to shine.