ChapterFifteen-Double Life

November 20th, 2006

 It's a few days later, and it's late afternoon. UTurn arrived at a meeting with their manager, Maurice. He told them, "2007 is almost here, and I have big plans for UTurn. First announcement: You are going to premiere your music in Britain next spring."

 The members cheered, but then Justin spoke up. He asked, "Are you sure it's the right time to go to Britain?"

 Alyson added, "He's got a point. From what I've seen, the British S Club 8 fans are still tight knit."

 Andrew said, "And they know about us. Luckily, some of them are supportive of us."

 Maurice explained, "Well, it'll be 2007 by the time you release your music in Britain. Anyway, you will be signing to Fascination Records and Polydor Records. You'll also begin promoting your music in Western Europe, and you'll try again in Germany.

 The members agreed to the plan. He continued, "Now, you're about to release your second album. You know it still has dance-pop, but it has a more pop-rock sound. You will release the dance-pop version in the New England region first, but you'll be releasing a more pop-rock album across North America."

 Alyson out of irritation, asked, "So, our albums won't be dance-pop anymore?"

 "Alyson, let's not go through this again."

 Andrew, feeling irritated, jumped in, "She's right. I know the songs we recorded were a mixture of rock and dance, but we still prefer to release an album that has dance-pop. That's our concept, sound, and image."

 Maurice said, "Yes, about that..."

 Amanda asked sourly, "What now? We dress like little kids?"

 Maurice replied, "Well, your image overall has been sexy-but-age appropriate. But there has been some criticism here in America that you're, supposedly, 'too young' to be sexy. Yet, your image is quickly becoming popular. So, to be fair, you'll be having two images, especially since you're about to turn 18. Tween-friendly, cute UTurn for North America, and racy, sexual, provocative UTurn for Eastern Europe."

 Andrew asked, "So, let me get this straight: We'll be having two, completely images?"

 "Yes, you are."

 "We have fans on both sides of the world. We've seen they talk to each other on forums and MySpace. Wouldn't they become worried that we're having some sort of identity crisis?"

 Maurice, also getting irritated, said, "Look, this is what UTurn will be doing. I don't have time to argue over this."

 Andrew then said sternly, "So what, we don't get a say in this? We shouldn't think of our fans? We shouldn't consider our own reputation?"

 Maurice also said sternly, "Andrew, the fact your parents are heartless lawyers won't change the plans set for you. Some stop with the interrogation!"

 Alyson said, "Andrew has a point. You're forcing this on us by changing our sound, and giving us two images. You know damn well our fans will talk about, and apparently, you don't give a f*ck!"

 Maurice then said angrily, "Shut up, Alyson! You too, the rest of you, including Andrew! Meeting adjourned! Get out of the building."

 With that, UTurn left the building in a huff. They were silent as they drove back to their house. When they entered, they broke the angry silence. Alyson said angrily, "I can't believe that jerk!"

 Andrew said, "I'd sue him, but he's the only manager who ever has interest in us. Unfortunately."

 Riley said, "I'll be 20 in a few months. I don't wanna dress like I'm 11."

 Amanda said, "I doubt anyone in this band would want to look like a bunch of kids."

 Alyson said, "Look, we need to stick together, and stand up for this band. We were the ones who created UTurn."

 The members agreed.

 A few days later, as Maurice was about to leave his office, he got a call. He answered it, and heard a recognizable guy's voice. Maurice asked, "Why are you calling?"

 The guy asked, "Did anyone in UTurn drop out?"

 "No one dropped out. I did what you paid me to say. Now I must follow this plan."

 "Fine by me."

 With that, the guy hung up.

 At the same time, Libby was in Ethan's posh house. He just got off his cell phone. She asked him, "So? Did anyone drop out?"

 Ethan replied, "No one dropped out."

 "What are we gonna do? UTurn is about to release their second CD, and none of girls are dropping out."

 "Trust me, Libby, I'll find a way for you to join."

 "But they wouldn't add a ninth member."

 "I know. I'll figure out how to get one of the girls to leave UTurn."