CHAPTER TWELVE: HOSTILE CONFUSION

September 9, 2005

 It’s now September. No Rules are almost wrapping up their promotions for their single, Drive. Their European-leg of their world tour has been halted: The reason is because NR were needed to be in London for the season 3 of their TV series, Dare 2 Dream.

 At the same time, their rival, BG6, are on the verge of splitting up. They’re promoting their latest single, but just barely. That made the band’s future uncertain. As for skate5 and B.A.S.E., they’re doing really well on the charts. But of course, they’re being overshadowed by No Rules.

 The members were shopping for the season 3 premiere party. The boys were at a designer store shopping for suits. Alex hated doing designer suit shopping. He said in an irritated tone, “Ugh, I fucking hate designer shit. It’s amazing how long I’ve survived wearing this bloody rubbish.”

 Charlie mocked him, “It’s amazing how the world still doesn’t know you’re emo.”

 Alex glared at Charlie. To prevent another argument, Edward told them, “Alex, let’s go to that punk-rock store. Charlie can stay here since he loves designer stuff.”

 Alex and Charlie agreed. As Edward and Alex were walking over to the store, Alex asked, “I think I’m still in love with Erica.”

 With that, they stopped walking. Edward told him angrily, “Are you fucking mental?! You’re with Sophie, and you should remain with Sophie. Besides, Erica has a boyfriend.”

 Alex said in an irritated tone, “I know, dad, I know. Look, I don’t need you as my dad. I got my own parents. And if I want to be with Erica, I will be with her!”

 “Do you hear yourself? I’m trying to talk some sense into you, but it’s one ear out the other with you. Do you still love Sophie?”

 Alex said calmly, “I love Sophie very much, but I can’t get Erica out of my mind. I know Sophie’s right for me. But I feel like things aren’t the same between us. I don’t know, maybe we just grew up or something. I don’t know anymore.”

 Edward gave a pity pat on Alex’s shoulder. All the while, Charlie watched and heard the whole thing.

 It’s now evening, and the members were in their house. Charlie took Alex aside. He asked Charlie angrily, “What do you want now, fuck?”

 He replied in an irritated voice, “If you think I’m gonna leave No Rules, I won’t. It’s just a reminder

.”

 “That was the most random thing you’ve said. But I’ll do whatever I can to kick you out.”

 Charlie laughed in disbelief as he asked, “Really? How?”

 “I’ll tell the whole world that you bullied me since the beginning of No Rules. That you’ve done everything in your power to humiliate me and tear me down.”

 Charlie taunted, “Really? I bet the whole world will be shocked to hear that you’re not some arrogant metro-sexual, but sad, self-destructive emo. I’ll tell the world that you were a very troubled little boy when you join No Rules.”

 “Damn!”

 “Oh, and I’ll the world that you love Erica more than you love Sophie.”

 That made Alex suspicious, so he asked, “How do you know about that?”

 “I overheard you talking to Edward as you two were walking towards that emo store.”

 Then Alex said with determination, “Well, I’m not leaving No Rules.”

 “Be neither.”

 Then Alex said sternly, “I’m calling this ceasefire. We’re not done.”

 “Yeah, we aren’t.”

 With that, the two boys walked away.

 It’s the next night. The NR members were at the premiere party for their TV series. As they were chatting with the cast, a group of teenagers approached them. The members turned, and saw who they were. BG6!

 Surprised, Hannah asked, “BG6, what you lot doing here?”

 Kelsey said nervously, “We just came to tell you that, erm…”

 Sean chimed in reluctantly, “We came to say we’re sorry for trying to fight with you. We were threaten by your success, regardless if you earned it, lost it, or regain it.”

 The NR members were surprised to hear this from their rival. So far, their rivals are still headstrong in trying to stop NR’s steamrolling success.

 Edward said, “Erm, thanks, I guess. We like your music. At least you developed your thing separate from BubbleGum.”

 The BG6 members smiled, and then they left the party. It was the last time they met with No Rules as a band.