CHAPTER TWO: UNEASILY WANTED

January 3, 2005

 An hour later, the newly added No Rules arrived back at their house. None of the founding members were happy about Erica joining the band suddenly. They definitely weren’t happy about Erica’s case worker moving in with NR.

 When Erica went inside the house, she was surprised by how small it was. She expected to be in mansion, not an ordinary house. She said flatly, “I thought you lived in a posh mansion, not some puny little flat.”

 Hannah said in snobby tone, “I know, but once we earn enough money, we’ll buy a mansion.”

 Just then, the band’s chaperone approached them. She said, “Okay, since Erica is now a member of No Rules, she’ll move in either Ashley and Sophie’s room or Mariana and Hannah’s room.”

 Erica said roughly, “Fine, as long as I don’t room with the blokes. They’re a bunch of arrogant arses, including that Alan guy.”

 The NR boys laughed nervously. Alex said, “Erm, my name is Alex, and the only arrogant arse is Charlie. I’m not arrogant.”

 Charlie mocked him, “Yeah, he’s too emo to be an arse.”

 With that, Aaron glared at Conner. The chaperone continued, “Oh, and since Erica has a history of theft, Charlie will move in with Edward and Alex.”

 The boys were shocked. Alex said dryly, “Great, more shit from Charlie.”

 Erica rolled her eyes, and muttered, “Now I regret trying to steal that guy’s car.”

 The case worker overheard Erica, so she scolded “Miss Reed, you’re going to bed at nine tonight. You have to be at EMI to put your voice on the No Rules songs tomorrow. Remember?”

 “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don’t remind me.”

 As the members went upstairs, Hannah rushed to the door of her room. She exclaimed, “Homeless chav, you ain’t living in my room!”

 Mariana scolded her. Sophie and Ashley looked at each other, then at Erica. Ashley said nicely, “You can room with Sophie and I.”

 Erica went inside the Sophie/Ashley room. She saw how girly the room. The walls were covered in posters, from Daniel Radcliffe to even Alex and Edward.

 She asked, “Why do you posters of Alan and the other guy when you have them in band?”

 Sophie beamed, “Alex is my boyfriend, whilst Edward is Ashley’s boyfriend.”

 “But you have them in that band. It doesn’t make since.”

 Ashley explained, “I know it looks weird, but we just love to stare at our boyfriends.”

 Then Ashley noticed that Erica had nothing but the ragged, dirty clothes on her back. She said, “I think we should take you shopping. Get you some new clothes.”

 Erica said angrily, “Hell no! I’m not wearing any designer rubbish!”

 Sophie laughed, “You sound like Alex. He hates designer anything. He would always tell me he wouldn’t be caught dead in designer stuff.”

 Suddenly, Erica became surprised. “Really? I thought he was one of those straight guys who love designer anything.”

 “You mean ‘metro-sexual’? It’s all an act. He’s actually an emo.”

 Ashley said, “We’ll explain after we shop at Hot Topic. I think that store might be more your type.”

 Erica agreed.

 A few hours later, Ashley, Erica, and Sophie returned to the house. When they entered their room, they saw Edward and Alex putting a futon in the room.

 Edward said, “The chaperone just bought a futon whilst you were gone. It’s Erica’s bed.”

 Erica gave a half-smile. As the two boys were leaving the room, Alex noticed Erica had several bags from Hot Topic. He smiled, and said, “At least I’m not the only one who hates designer shit.”

 Erica just stared Alex. She had a hard time believing he was emo, but she can see he‘s wearing torn jeans, a punk-rock shirt, and a worn-out black jacket. Then he walked away.

 Sophie and Ashley noticed that Erica was staring at Alex. They closed the door, sat Erica down, and explained everything. They explained that when Alex joined NR, he was a very troubled. He wanted nothing to do with anyone. Charlie would torment him, but everyone else defended Alex. Sophie was always by his side, which made them a couple. They even told Erica that Alex was a former cutter who relapses here and there, and that prior to joining the band, he attempted suicide.

 Erica was shocked when she heard all of that. So shocked that ran out of her room. As she was in the hallway, she heard arguing in the boys’ room. She peaked in to see Alex and Charlie arguing over the rearrangements being done. Suddenly, Alex saw Erica, so she ran off.

 She went inside Charlie’s old room. It was empty. As she looked outside through the window, she heard her name being called. She turned to see it was Alex.

 “It’s you,” she said quietly.

 Alex asked, “Why are you in here? You’re not supposed to be in here.”

 “I just wanted be alone.”

 As Alex got closer to her, Erica hugged him. Confused, Alex asked, “Is everything okay?”

 “I feel really bad for calling you names and insulting you, A-Alex.”

 “Since when did you insult me…oh okay I remember now.”

 Then she asked nervously, “Can I see your arms?”

 “What?”

 Erica rolled up the sleeves of Alex’s jacket. She didn’t see any visible scars, but she felt the scars. With that, Alex abruptly rolled down the sleeves. He asked angrily, “How’d you know about my arms?”

 “Sophie and Ashley told me.”

 Then Alex’s expression soften up, and started to walk away. He told her quietly, “Leave the room now, and go back to your room.”

 With that, Erica left. That day has changed her perception on NR, especially on Alex.

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