CHAPTER FIVE: THE BREAKUP-PART1

February 4, 2005

 It’s now early February, and No Rules just finished another TV performance. They’ve been heavily promoting their latest single, Okay. So far, it’s a fan favourite; but then again, any NR song is a fan-favourite.

 As for Erica, she’s been gaining a fan-base. She’s already been cast for season three of the enormously popular No Rules TV series, Dare 2 Dream. (Season 2 ended in late December. The each episodes was one hour, instead of 30 minutes. Season 2 had 16 episodes, instead of 13.)

 But some people wanted to know how Erica joined NR, considering she’s unknown. Due to PR, she had to say she was found, singing on the streets, trying to earn money for her family. But she was allowed to say she was from East London, and that she was poor and homeless.

 NR just finished performing when they saw two raggedy-dressed teens backstage. Erica gave them a hug. The founding members were confused.

 Erica explained happily, “Lot, this is my mate Tara, and my boyfriend Luke.”

 The members greeted Tara and Luke. Tara was star-struck when she saw them, especially Alex. Luke wasn’t impressed.

 Tara squealed, “OMFG, I can’t believe you get to perform with No Rules! And with Alex!”

 Erica said, “We’re now an 8-piece, and Alex is with Sophie.”

 “YAY! You called Alex ‘Alex’!”

 Luke said sourly, “Alan is better, but then again, Amy would be better since he loves designer shit.”

 Alex gave a nervous laugh, but couldn’t say anything since the public doesn’t know that he’s really an emo. Erica decided to defend Alex. “Alex’s not an arrogant arse. He’s really sweet. He’s one of the members that welcomed me, despite my past.”

 Tara gushed, “Aawww, I knew Alex would be a sweetie. He looks too cute to be arrogant.”

 Alex blushed. Luke said angrily, “I can’t believe this, Erica! You’re now just as fake as that rules band!”

 Erica retorted, “I’m not fake! I’m still a bad-ass, just tamer cuz I’m in a pop band.”

 Luke: (angrily) “That’s it! We’re done! I’m leaving you, poser!”

 With that, Luke stormed out. Tara stayed behind. She said, “F*ck him, Erica. He doesn’t deserve you. You’re living a better a life. You’re actually inspiring me to go back to school. We really want to go into acting.”

 Tara gave Erica a hug, said her goodbyes, and left. 

 Ashley asked, “Erica, are you gonna be okay since Luke dumped you?”

 Erica said with a smile, “Yea, I’ll be fine.”

 After NR were back at their house, Erica ran to her room, and started crying. Ashley and Sophie followed her, and comforted her. Alex heard what was going on. Then he came up with an idea.

 Next day, after the members woke up, Alex met up with Erica. He gave her a paper. She saw a lot of writing, with a word on the top, ‘Unforgettable’.

 She asked, “What is this?”

 Alex explained with a shy smile, “I wrote a song for you. After seeing and hearing how you reacted towards your boyfriend dumping you, I was inspired to write this. I made some calls to our managers, and we’re allowed to let you record this one song for you. This is your solo song. I should tell you that I’m still new to writing pop songs. I used to write very dark and very emo lyrics.”

 After reading the lyrics, Erica spoke up. “You’re really good. Can I see your earlier work?”

 Alex felt uneasy, but agreed. He showed Erica his work. She felt a lot of pain for Alex, so she gave him a hug. She told him, “I’m glad you’re alive. You’re immensely talented, and you’re a great guy.”

 Alex smiled, and said, “You’re a great friend. And I’m glad to be alive, too.”

 The two shared a meaningful smile, and soon met up with the other members for breakfast.