HERE I GO LET'S FAKE OUR DEATHS (trace cyrus story)

CHAPTER 1: THE LAST DAY OF SUMMER
There was a week left of summer 08. As Kristy and I looked out at the ocean I said, “I’m really going to miss this.” She agreed and we sat in silence for a moment. We went over all of our favorite summer moments. I though about how I fell in love for the first time this summer, and how it seemed to come to an end so quickly. We continued our conversation about all the things we dreaded in school. Then we sparked an idea. It started off as a joke but then we got way too into our planning. We had the idea to “fake our deaths.” Then we’d venture on a boat somewhere warm and do whatever comes our way. We’d return in the summer and everyone will just assume we were kidnapped or something. We couldn’t stand the idea that school was fast approaching. Through our story telling we paused and gave each other “that look.” The look that we knew somehow we could actually pull this off. We really didn’t care about lying to everyone and missing all that school time, I mean we felt bad about it, but the adventure that lies ahead would defiantly be worth it. Then summer 09 would be here quicker then we thought.
We went home and starting writing things down and pulling maps off of the computer. We packed a lot of stuff in bags, and took our savings we earned over the summer. We were going to do this; we were going to run far away. But there was one problem and it was that we didn’t have a boat. But our best guy friend Joe had one though. We gave him a call. He was never into school; he was always cutting class or getting into trouble so we knew he’d be game for this idea. And our assumptions were true and we all talked on the phone for hours planning each detail. Together our summer savings was $9,000. That would defiantly be enough. It was a good thing we didn’t spend much all summer.
Through talking we had to come up with a smarter plan. Faking a kidnapping wouldn’t go over well. There would be this whole search team looking for us, and when we came home we’d probably have to repeat junior year. Then there would be no real point to our trip.
To make our plan more believable we typed up a fake note to our parents saying we were accepted in this program to study at a special program in Florida. The day before school started we would go to the school and meet with our chaperone. Our parents approved of the idea as long as we would be safe. We sent another fake letter to the school explaining that we were all accepted into this Miami school to study in Florida. They approved as well and were pleased with us for getting accepted. Before we knew it the day came. We were all anticipating leaving home.
CHAPTER 2: 6AM
The moon arose over the town, and Kristy and started questioning the plan. We just did not want it to come crashing down on us. We looked at the time it read “6:00am.” It was time to go “meet at the school.” I hung up the phone with Kristy and Joe. I walked downstairs to complete a tearful goodbye with the parents. I then left the house and walked to the bridge. I spotted Kristy crossing the street to walk over with me. Filled with doubtful anticipation we came to the bridges edge. I looked at Kristy and she took my hand. Together we jumped. Adrenaline pumped through my veins and it felt like we were falling in slow motion. Then as soon as I know it our feet hit the boat and I was aboard. Kristy was standing next to me and we looked up to see Joe, right on time. He threw down our bags to us.
Joe then jumped off the bridge and into the boat as well. He then started up the engine and we handed him the map to Florida. We all screamed and were filled with excitement as the boat jetted off. We waved goodbye to our town. We then headed down the ocean. Kristy and I slept a little but we were awoken by the sunrise.
CHAPTER 3: THE START OF THE JOURNEY
Days were boring on the boat. We had enough food packed to get by, and below the deck there was plumbing so all of our basic needs were met. It was hard to sleep below the deck since it was too rocky, so we all usually fell asleep above deck. Occasionally I’d switch driving the boat with Joe. Kristy never had to drive since she didn’t know how. She was smart in other aspects of her life but anything involving the sea she was not. She didn’t even know how to swim. But that’s why she had me as a best friend I was her balance. I couldn’t believe we were really doing this, running far away from home. It was exhilarating to think about. We were all leaving our past behind.
CHAPTER 4: THE STEAM OF THE SHOWER
One night while we had anchored the boat at some random deserted beach things got headed between Joe and I. Joe always had a crush on me since we were kids. I liked him briefly but we never really did anything about it. He was more of my friend than anything else. Through living with him on the trip, the flirting heated up a little bit. It was more the fact that there were no other guys around that I was taking such a liking to him recently. Anyways one night all three of us had been partying. Kristy fell asleep on the deck as usual. I couldn’t sleep since I was still hyper and buzzed, so I went under the deck to see if Joe was still awake. He barely was, but he noticed me come into his room. We talked for a few minutes but he started drifting off to sleep. I laid beside him for a minute, but then decided to take a shower. I entered the bathroom and turned on the water. It felt so nice letting the hot water drench my cold skin. All of a sudden the door slammed open and Joe ran in. I screamed and he said, “Sorry!!! I really have to pee! I wont look at you.” I sighed and he turned around. When he was about to leave. Then laughed and said, “See I promised I wouldn’t look.” I responded, “That’s surprising” He smirked and said, “Why were you expecting me to?”
“Well Joe it is YOU.”
“What that supposed to mean? Anyways I wouldn’t look even if you dared me to! I don’t see you that way anyways.”
“Oh is that true? But Joe I thought you never turned down a good dare…”
“Whatever. I can make an exception.”
“Are you sure about that? Cause I do dare you. I dare you to turn around Joe.”
And then Joe turned around and looked at me through the see-through shower. He smiled and I laughed. Then he opened the shower door and came in with me. All he had was boxers on. I decided to make a move since I was in need of an adventure anyways….
I leaned in and kiss him. He pushed me up against the shower wall and we made out for what seemed like forever. And I’m sure you know how the rest of the night went…
CHAPTER 5: MYRTLE BEACH
Days past and we slept most of them sleeping. About a week into the trip Joe realized we were almost empty on gas. We anchored the boat off of a beach somewhere. Joe went ashore to see where it was we were exactly, as well as to buy the needed gasoline. When he returned we realized we were off the coast of Myrtle Beach. I had always wanted to go there, as well as Kristy. It was about noontime and Joe said we could roam the area while he did the errands. We walked around and realized a concert was going to be held on the beach at 6pm. The concert posted listed the names of 3 bands. Two of the names I did not recognize, but Kristy and I did recognize Metro Station. We loved that band. We didn’t know many of their songs, but two. Regardless we really wanted to go to this show and we hoped Joe would let us stay. When we told Joe about it he was pumped and replied, “Hell yeah let’s go.”
We got tickets at the door. All three of us had gotten ready in the boat an hour before so we looked HOT. We raced to the front and reserved our spot. We danced to the other bands and had fun. Then metro station came on and everyone rocked out. The club started a mosh pit and we were all going crazy. I realized how hot the lead singer Trace was when he came up very close to Kristy and I. I don’t know if this was some sort of daydream or not but I think he smiled at me. People started crowd surfing and I had Joe and Kristy lift me up! As soon as I knew it was floating on the crowd I was filled with adrenaline but so nervous that I would fall. Then Trace went to the edge of the stage and reached out for me hand as millions of girls grabbed at his legs. I lifted my hand out to his in return and he touched it! I was so happy! Then I was helped off of the crowd by two security guards and I went back into the crowd to see my friends. Kristy was flipping out about what she just saw happen to me.
When the concert ended Trace went on the microphone saying the names of the places they were going to next. “Bye guys thanks so much for coming! Tomorrow we’ll be in Georgia, then Alabama, and then our final show in Miami, Florida!” Kristy and I looked at each other and screamed. We planned to go to that one since Florida was where we were headed and we would be there in 2 days or less. He also said that the band would be signing autographs now. Joe went to wait in the boat since he wasn’t interested in meeting the band, and he also had a group of four girls around him. It was safe to say Joe was occupied and would be fine while Kristy and I went off to meet the band. As I got closer and closer to meeting trace anticipation grew inside me. Then there I was looking into the eyes of him. He happily looked back and said, “Oh hey! It’s you the one who touched my hand! Hey what’s up? I’m trace.” I was in shock and replied, “Oh hey I’m Mimi you are amazing.” We talked for a while and we were holding up the line. Trace then took me aside and said, “Look I Know this is really random but I think you are really cute. I’d love for you to go to another one of my shows. Are any of the upcoming shows near your area?” I happily replied, “YES! The one if Florida!”
“Oh sweet, the last show. We’ll I’d defiantly want to see you there, and here’s my cell number call me sometime soon.”
He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
I ran out to Kristy and jumped on her. I told her the story and she was so happy. On walking back to the boat I told her about what happened with Joe and I the other night. I told her my thoughts how I thought it was just a hookup and I hope Joe feels the same. I did love him, but I loved him more as a friend. I couldn’t sacrifice our friendship for some dumb fling. I couldn’t loose another close friend. I didn’t want to relive getting my heart broken like I had this summer. When we reached the beach I saw Joe talking to another girl. That made he happy since he could possibly like her, and not me. But who was I kidding? The whole world knew Joe had a crush on me since we met freshmen year.
Kristy and I walked on the beach for a little and took pictures to add to our collection from the trip. An hour passed and Joe said goodbye to his friend and we all went back on the boat. We decided to all take showers and hang for a bit. But we would sleep on the beach tonight for a change.
CHAPTER 6: TAKING HIM ASIDE
While Kristy was in the shower I took Joe aside to make sure we were on the same page. He looked out to the ocean, and took a deep breath. Then he looked back at me and said, “Jess, I don’t knew what to say about the other night. I do like you a lot, I always have. But I don’t want to loose you.” I replied, “Yes Joe, you know I like you too but with everything that happened between my ex and I this year, I don’t want a repeat of that. I could never loose you as my best guy friend. I was just hoping to see that you felt the same way.” He then said to me, “That’s amazing cause I feel the exact same way. We were both going crazy that night and needed a little fun. I don’t ever want to loose you. I love you as a best friend and I always will.” He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I breathed a sigh of relief that we were on the same page.
CHAPTER 7: NIGHT ON THE BEACH
After everyone finished our showers we jumped out of the boat and set up our blankets on the beach. We made a campfire and we talked about everything. We looked out to the shining stars and bright moon. All of us confessed some secrets; how we were so excited yet so scared going on this adventure. Luckily everything had gone pretty smoothly but we could not afford to get found out about our little prank from the people at home. Eventually we fell asleep to the sound of the ocean’s waves crashing on the Myrtle Beach shoreline.
The next morning we all awoke to rainfall. Joe got up first and tried to get us all back in the boat before we got drenched. We quickly boarded the boat and threw all our blankets down below. Kristy and I danced on the deck in the rain laughing and screaming as the cold water fell onto our skin.
Suddenly there was a loud clap of thunder and a huge bolt of lighting lit up the sky. Joe screamed and ordered us to get back inside of the boat. He started up the engine and we jetted off. We all started getting worried since the storm was pretty outrageous. Waves were shaking the ship. We took everything off of the deck to make sure nothing was damaged. The rain started to pour down even harder. Joe was about to order us all inside when the BOAT FLIPPED OVER!
CHAPTER 8: THE STORM
I was pushed with great force into the ocean. I had no time to think about what was happening. All in one second I was submerged into the underwater world. I looked up to see the boat floating above me. I swam to the right and came up for air. I looked for Joe and he screamed, “WATCH OUT!” Luckily the boat wasn’t so massive, and Joe, with some help from me, was able to turn the boat back around. We jumped on the boat and soon realized Kristy was still out there somewhere, and SHE COULDN’T SWIM. Joe said, “Oh my fucking God!!!!! Where the hell is she? I guess we’ll just have to drive around the area and look for her.” I screamed, “Holy shit she can’t swim! We don’t have time to waste.” And I jumped off the boat in search of my friend. Jo screamed at me, “What the hell are you doing? You’re crazy! You will drown in this storm.” I swam out for a second and saw something under me. I dove down and saw it was she. Joe threw out 2 life preservers. I tied one around Kristy. She was trying to tread water but was held under a lot due to the massive waves. Joe drove the boat over to where I was and we pulled her up on the deck. She seemed unconscious or something! I gave her CPR, or what little of it I remembered from lifeguard training. It seemed to work and she awoke choking and spitting out water. I was crying tears of joy that I hadn’t lost my best friend. Joe had turned the other way so we wouldn’t see him crying. Even though anyone wouldn’t be able to see our tears due to the massive amounts of rain from the storm.
I hugged Kristy as she whispered a thank-you. We took her into the cabin and put her on the bed with many blankets around her. I slept next to her that night, as Joe drove through the storm, which seemed to calm down a little more every minute.
CHAPTER 9: THE NEXT MORNING
The next morning Joe awoke both of us and told us, “Finally… We’re here!!!!” We all screamed and got up to the deck. Joe tied up the boat at this boatyard called Harbor Marina. We go out and looked at the wonderful town of Miami. Our first destination was the beach. We went to the closest one we could find. It was called First Beach. We played in the waves and had so much fun. We then decided we should look around to see what kind of housing we could find. All of us came across this apartment building called White Deck Miami Housing. We looked inside and saw that we could rent out a 3 Bedroom apartment for the school season. It was costly but we could afford it since we had our $9,000 and at least one of us would get a job down here.
We went up to view our room after Joe made the down payment. It was amazing. It was totally white, and we had an amazing view of First Beach. It had one bathroom that we’d all share, and a living room/kitchen. We all claimed our bedrooms. Mine had an outside deck. This was heaven. The apartment building had a gym, and an outdoor pool on the base deck.
We then got out to look around the city. We were in walking distance of a few clubs, a mini mall, several restaurants, and several office buildings. In these buildings there was a dance studio, an art store, and some other businesses. There was also one main college, the University of Miami. There was a giant sign outside of it saying, “Pre-College Semester course training.”
Maybe I could actually study here. Not to take anything away from our whole runaway scheme, but this could actually be fun. I wouldn’t have to take required classes I could explore the majors I wanted to. The letter my parents have think I’m staying at this normal boarding high school. But this way I could actually learn something and it would be fun. I took the number down that was on the poster and put it onto my phone. Kristy seemed somewhat interested in the idea. Joe was not interested at all. He decided he’d be the one to find a job here, and if we wanted to learn and this college course thing could actually help us out in some way he’d let us do it.
CHAPTER 10: THE PHONE CALL
Later we headed back down to the marina to get all our belongings so we could start unpacking at our new house. On the way to the boatyard my phone rang. It was TRACE!!!!! Wow, I felt bad since I never actually called him. I was too distracted with our trip. I answered and he said, “Hey there sexy. Why haven’t you called? Are you no longer interested?”
“Ha-ha, no of course not. I’ve just been busy.”
“So are you in Florida now?”
“Yes I just arrived a little while ago.”
“Where are you staying?”
“The white deck Miami housing, we have an apartment; room 101.”
“Nice my band and I are staying at the Compton Housing. That is like a block or two away from you place.”
“Sweet maybe you could come by later.”
“Yeah defiantly. But I have the show tonight? Are you still coming?”
“Yes!!! Defiantly what are the details?”
“Well are you home now I could drop by and tell you. I also wanted to give you the VIP passes and tell you about what I wanted you to do for me tonight.”
“Ok awesome yeah I’ll be home in a half hour or sooner.”
“Ok ill see you soon.”
Wow. That was so amazing. Trace is coming to my apartment! My apartment!
I told Kristy the news and she got so excited too.
Soon trace arrived knocking on my door. We all sat in the living room and he gave all of us VIP passes so we were allowed to go up front on the floor and backstage. And he told me that he wanted me to feature in one of the songs called, I wish we were older. Of course, I agreed. I was so excited for tonight. Then he had to leave for a sound check, so he gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
CHAPTER 11: THE SHOW
We all entered the club trace directed us to go to. We entered and the opening band was playing, and the crowd was moshing to the music. The music would shake our souls and adrenaline immediately pumped through our veins. We went backstage and trace’s face lit up when he saw me. They were about to go on. He would have the security guard call me up when it was my time to go on with him. All of us went back into the crowd and pushed our way the front. We rocked out to all the songs, and the guard signaled for me to go up. It was too crowded to get out and onto the stage, so Joe pushed me over the fence and the guard lifted me up to the stage. Trace introduced me into the audience. I sang backup with Mason to the chorus. Then he pushed me to the front of the stage to sing next to Trace. I went to the edge of the stage as people reached their hands out for me to touch them. I was singing my heart out, and I turned around and laid on the crowd. They moved me around and I felt like I was floating on air. Crowd surfing was always the best feeling. Trace copied me and did a stage dive too. We then got pushed together, and he reached out his hand to touch me. I grabbed his hand in response, and then he got close enough to my face, and kissed me. It was amazing we had our first kiss, floating on air. How amazing.
Eventually the song ended and I was back into the crowd. We partied in the crowd until the show ended. We couldn’t find Trace after the show since it was too crowded. Then we just left and headed back to our apartment. Kristy slept in my room tonight since we decided to have a little sleepover. We talked all about what happened and how much fun we were having in Florida.
CHAPTER 12: 1AM VISITOR
After talking we sat in silence watching a movie. Then out of nowhere there was a knock on door to my room. Kristy and I looked at each other wondering who it would be. I got up to the door and opened it. It was Trace and Mason. I smiled and let them in. Trace and I went out on my balcony to talk, while Kristy and Mason sat inside.
“I’m so glad you came out with me tonight,” Trace said. “Oh I had the best time thanks for inviting me.” “Sorry that I didn’t see you after I had to do a signing and it was so crowded I had no idea where you were, so I just decided to come back here. I hope this isn’t too late.” “Of course not and its no big deal.” I laughed and looked out to the waves crashing on the shore of the beach. “You have such a nice view,” Trace said. “Anyways I’d like to see more of you,” He said to me. “I don’t want you to think I just think of you as a fan or whatever, I actually like you.” He let out a nervous laugh and looked at me with his gorgeous blue eyes. They were so compelling. I replied, “Of course I mean I have so much fun when I’m with you.”
He then led me back into my room, and I was shocked to see Mason and Kristy kissing. “WOAH!” Trace said, and he pulled Masson up from the ground. “Let’s go before you get carried away.” Kristy turned red and laughed as I let them out. I closed the door behind me and looked at her. “What?” She said with an all-knowing smile. “Guess you found someone too?” I said. She smiled back at me and she gave me all the details. We talked for a little while longer and eventually fell asleep.
I awoke the next morning wondering if this was all a dream. But it wasn’t and that made me so happy. It was still very early in the morning about 5am. I was feeling restless and couldn’t really sleep for long. Kristy was passed out next to me. I sighed and changed into shorts and headed out to the beach. Even though things were at peace in my life I still felt restless. Sometimes my shadows of the past with my ex stood in the way of taking a liking to someone new. I really liked Trace, but I couldn’t afford to get hurt again. I jogged on the shoreline and watched the sunset thinking about what journey lied ahead of me. So many questions ran through my head. ‘Does Joe really only think of me as a friend? Or is he just saying that to make it less awkward?’
‘Would we ever get caught for running away? And what would happen if we did?’
‘What if I actually fall for trace? But it was way too early to tell.’
CHAPTER 13: ORIENTATION DAY
I reentered my apartment after a trip to the Starbucks nearby. I opened the door and Kristy awoke, her hair a mess. She was obviously out of it already. I handed her a cup of coffee and she thanked me. I sat next to her and reminded her we could check out that college study program today since it was open. She figured she’d go with me to check it out. We both got ready and set off down the street to our soon to be new school.
We entered the building and sat down in this huge auditorium. The Dean talked about all the offered classes that we could take for the next two semesters. The classes were dance, music and instruments, acting, photography, and art. If we were going to sign up we would have to pick one major and one minor. Dance obviously interested me, as well as the art class. I’ve been dancing ballet since I was seven. I attended a high class dancing school back at home. I told Kristy I would sign up for the intensive ballet class as a major, and the art class as a minor. Kristy chose photography for her major, and art as her minor. This way we would have at least one class together. She always loved taking pictures; she was amazing at capturing beauty on film. This school could actually help us to reach our dreams. It wasn’t like a real school, but this would definitely help us out.
Tuition wasn’t free for people who lived locally and enrolled in the school. But we were studying abroad and they let us in since we already attended another school. They called our high school at home to make sure it was ok that we were enrolling at this school. We had already sent them a fake letter of acceptation to a program in Florida so they approved.
CHAPTER 14: JOES DEADLY LITTLE SECRET.
When we got home Kristy and I were excited about our classes. We shopped around during the day to get supplies for school. I got new ballet and Pointe shoes. Kristy picked up a new professional camera. Joe was out looking for jobs that day so he was not at the apartment when he returned.
The day went by quickly and by 9pm Joe was still not home. He texted me that he went out to a nearby club with some friend he had made, and that he got hired at the local Starbucks.
It got very late and we decided not to wait up for Joe. Kristy and I went into our rooms and fell asleep. I woke up around 4am, since I really couldn’t sleep. I went to the bathroom but realized the room was occupied. I knocked on it and Joe said, “Sorry I’m in here.” I waited by the door for a minute and he still hadn’t come out. I knocked again and he shouted, “Sorry I’m going to be a while PLEASE don’t come in!!!!!” Then Joe suddenly burst into a coughing fit. I said, “Joe oh my God are you ok?” He kept on coughing and mumbled, “I’m fine don’t come in.” The coughing got worse and he let out a painful moan. I opened the door to find Joe laying on the floor of the bathroom, and a line of cocaine on the toilet seat. I screamed for Kristy and realized Joe was unconscious. I had her call 911 as I tired to get Joe to stand up. She told me the ambulance was on its way.
The ambulance arrived a few minutes later. They helped me bring Joe down the stairs and they loaded him onto the stretcher and into the ambulance while I explained what happened. On the way to the hospital they asked me if we had any kind of ID for Joe. I reached into the pocket of his jeans and took out his license. He saw that he was 18, and he said to us, ”He’s legally an adult so we don’t have to contact his parents.” I nodded, and let out a sigh of relief. Kristy sat next to me in the ambulance and I held in my tears as best as I could. I was shaking in fear, we couldn’t loose Joe.
They tried to let him regain consciousness, but nothing was working. We pulled up to the hospital and they put his stretcher on a bed with wheels and wheeled him into some distant room we weren’t allowed to enter. The nurse told us she’d come back to tell us any kind of information she received on his condition.
Kristy and I waited for what seemed like forever in the ER. We broke down as soon as the nurse left, but tried to pull it together and regain our hope. Hours passed, and eventually Kristy laid down and passed out on some chairs. I was still awake in my seat, shaken to the core, awaiting the nurse’s arrival. I was praying he was ok. Then the doors opened, and the nurse came through.
I nudged Kristy to wake her up, and she jolted forward. The nurse told us Joe had regained consciousness but they had pumped his stomach. We could go into his room and visit him now. We let out a few tears of joy and thanked the nurse. I then bolted down the hall and into Joe’s room. I entered and saw Joe lying there hooked up to an IV. He looked up and I said, “Oh my God, thank God you are alive!!!!! What the fuck happened?” We ran over to him and hugged him. He responded in a low voice, “Guys I’m so sorry. I don’t remember too much that had happened. The last thing I know is that I passed out after telling you to not come in the bathroom.” I informed him on all the details of what happened after he passed out. He replied, “I’m so sorry guys. I feel so bad for making you guys worry. What happened was I went out with some new friends. The partying got a little out of control. They let me try doing lines in the bathroom with them. I was fine at the club. Then I bought some more from them and did more when I got home. But something went wrong. I felt like I was choking or something. Apparently I OD’d, and I would’ve died if it wasn’t for you Mimi and Kristy. They said if I had gone too long without help I would have definitely been gone. I can’t tell you how thankful I am. I understand if you are mad at me for my choice, but let me reassure you I will never do drugs again. That was a one-time deal; I do not want to die. I was being stupid, and I’m so sorry to let you down.” He looked like he might cry. Kristy looked at me and we ran to his bedside and embraced him. We all started crying together. I was so glad he was alive.
The nurse said he would be released from the hospital tomorrow. She said we could leave now, and she exited the room. We all just sat there together, embracing. I couldn’t let go. There was no way we could leave him. We all squeezed into the bed and fell asleep.
CHAPTER 15: THE MORNING AFTER
Kristy and I awoke to the sunlight shining on us from the hospital window. Joe was still passed out. We figured we should let him rest before we woke him up. A few hours later he opened his eyes and we all just sat there in silence for a little while. Then Joe just looked at me and said, “Thank-you.” I replied, “I love you Joe, I don’t know what I would’ve done if you weren’t here, alive, right now.”
The nurse came in the room and said he was good to go. We called a cab to pick us up, and Joe got changed and ready to go. We all left the hospital together. Joe kept his hospital band on to remind him about what had happened, and how he has no choice but to stay clean.
We all re-entered the house. It was so weird. I was so thankful that he was alive. I entered the bathroom to see the line still on the toilet seat. I let out a tear, and breathed in. I swept the drug into my hand and flushed it down the toilet. I then cleaned the seat. There would be no remains of it anywhere. I sat on the floor for a minute, just thinking about life.
We all talked for a little while about what had happened. We didn’t really feel like leaving the house that day. We ordered in food, and just watched movies in Joe’s room all day.
CHAPTER 16: BACK TO REALITY
Today was Monday. Joe started his first day of work, and Kristy and I were off to school.
I entered the dance studio, and Kristy entered her photo class. I started to stretch and put on my dance shoes. I introduced myself to everyone there and they all seemed very friendly. I was talking to this girl Veronica while I was warming up. She lived in the area with her parents and she loved ballet a whole lot too. I was so glad to be on my toes again. I danced all day. The teacher seemed to like my technique, and I was placed at the first bar. There were three bars; the best go to the first, the average to the second, and the struggling to the third.
Kristy was enjoying her class. She presented her photo books to the class and the teacher loved her pieces. She met a guy named John who sat next to her. He seemed nice enough. She also made fast friends with this girl Lilly.
That night Kristy and I took our new friends out to the nearby club, Escape. Joe wanted to come out with us. I couldn’t trust him yet, home alone by himself, so we let him come with us. I would not let him leave either Kristy’s side or mine.
Kristy introduced me to her friends from her class, and I took a liking to her friend John. He seemed like a really nice guy. Kristy was to be the sober one tonight, this way she could keep and eye on Joe and me. John offered to buy me a drink so we went off into the crowd. Kristy hung out with Lilly and Joe all night. She’d eventually drop by to see me every now and then. Two drinks in I was feeling pretty buzzed. John and I were dancing and we wound up hooking up. I decided to have a third drink, and that was a huge mistake on my part. I was getting a little drunk. I wasn’t totally smashed or anything, but I was pretty drunk. John obviously noticed and took me outside for a walk. I thought nothing of it; he was just taking me out to get some air.
CHAPTER 17: THE NEAR FATAL DECISION
We walked around the front of the bar, and ended up at the start of a dark ally way. I was dizzy and a little clumsy.
Back in the club Joe was asking Kristy all about her friend. He was suspicious of John’s real character; Joe had a sense he might be up to something. He kept an eye on the couple the whole night and saw the two leave the club. He thought to himself that if they didn’t come back in five minutes he was going out there to check on me.
Outside the club we stumped into the darkness of the alley, and John threw me up against the wall. We started making out, and next thing I knew he was trying to feel me up. I moved his hand in a drunken confusion. He then took my hands with force and put them behind my back. He pinned me to the wall and tried to unbuckle his belt. I screamed for help but was afraid that no one would hear me or know where to look.
I screamed as loud as I could, and suddenly Kristy and Joe turned into the alleyway. Kristy screamed and Joe realized what was happening. John froze and his mouth dropped open. He tackled John to the ground and punched him repeatedly. Since Joe had him pinned down I kicked his face, I was so mad at him for what had just happened. Kristy ran to get the police man who was outside the door or the club. He ran over and called for backup. Joe held John down, and the police surrounded them. Kristy explained what happened, as I tried to appear sober and explain to the men as well. They took down names and arrested John. They said I could press charges if I wanted to, since it was clear what happened. Joe told them he was our guardian so my parents wouldn’t have to be called. We were living with him, so this time it was not a lie that we told. We watched John get pushed into the cop car. I thanked my friends through my hysterics after the police pulled away.
We immediately went home. I went into the shower and just stayed in there for hours, crying. I was in shock about what could’ve happened to me. I learned my lesson to never go off with someone I had just meant. When I got out of the bathroom I thanked my friends over and over again. If it weren’t for them who would’ve known how that night would end.
That night my phone received calls from the police telling me that he was charged with attempt of rape, and sentences to two nights in jail. He would also be on parole for a year. I felt more reassured of my safety after that phone call. I realized that John didn’t know my last name, or even the fact that we go to the same school. The police also told me that with his charges he was expelled from school, and forced to go back to his hometown in Alabama to serve parole after his jail sentence was complete.
I slept in Joe’s bed that night. I was too afraid to sleep alone. He gave me a kiss before we fell asleep. I have no idea if that meant anything, or just something between friends. None-the-less it made me happy, and it made me feel safe.
CHAPTER 18: HANGOVERS ARE THE WORST
I woke up with a splitting headache. Joe was next to me. I remembered everything about last night, but I still hoped that it was a dream. Joe had already brought me coffee, since he knew I would need it.
School was today. I had every right to miss class, but I knew that would be irresponsible. I hoped in the shower and got ready. I tried to shake off last night, but something that strong doesn’t fade overnight.
I entered class and continued on with my ballet training. I was tired today, but I pushed through. Tryouts for the ballet at the end of the year were being held next week. It would take most of the year to practice, so we needed to distribute parts now. I decided to audition for the lead. I was excited for this opportunity.
CHAPTER 19: CLOSER
When I came back from class, I sat at my desk, and turned on my cell phone. There was a text from Trace! It read, “Hey babe! What’s up? I haven’t talked to you in forever! Call me when you get out of class, I’ll be free all day.” I smiled and called him.
“Hey Trace sorry I haven’t called you lately I’ve been busy with things you wouldn’t even imagine.”
I went on and told him all about the Joe drug overdose, to starting classes, to my almost being raped last night at the club. I left out the part about John and I hooking up though. Trace was shocked but so interested in my news, and what I had to say. He felt so bad about had happened to me, and he is so glad Joe is ok.
I got so caught up in our conversation I realized we had been talking for two hours already! He suggested we spend the night together. Kristy and I were talking about having a small house party. I suggested Trace come over and bring Mason. That way all four of us could hang out. Joe was working late tonight, so he could be out of the house all night. He loved the idea and said he’d come over.
A few hours later the guys arrived and we started drinking and partying my room. We were going crazy, jumping all over the place, and dancing. We decided to go down to the pool. We played chicken and had a major splash fight in the pool. We then all went into the ocean. Trace held me in his arms and dunked me in the ocean water. We then wound up making out in the ocean. Kristy and Mason went back up to the beach and made out as well.
A little while later we all met back at the pool and went skinny-dipping. It was wicked fun, and defiantly crazy. Soon enough Kristy and Mason disappeared into her bedroom. Trace and I put back on our bathing suits and continued to make out in the pool. He then picked me up, and we entered my room. We made out for an hour, and did some other things. He wanted to go all the way, but I had to stop him. I really liked him, and I couldn’t give it all away up front. He wasn’t even my boyfriend yet, but I sure as hell wanted him to be.
Around 2am the guys left. I fell asleep right away; I was so beat from the whole night. But I fell asleep happy, that things were really turning up after my tragic night at the club. Everything was basically back to normal. I would just be extra cautious all of the time.
CHAPTER 20: SATURDAY MORNING
I awoke around 11am. I had actually slept through the entire night. I checked my phone and saw a text message from Trace, “Meet me at First Beach around 12 ok? I want to tell you something, and don’t worry its nothing bad.” I took a shower and went down to the docks. And there he was, waiting. My heart skipped a beat as I saw him standing there, awaiting my arrival. He smiled at me and took my hand as he led me down the beach. We walked down the shore and he said, “I had the best time with you last night. I really like you a lot Mimi. I don’t get this feeling that often. And id really like for you to be my girlfriend.”
I smiled and tried to hide the total extend of my excitement. I replied happily, “Yes I do want to be your girlfriend. I’m so glad that you asked.” He kissed me and we walked along the shore.
When I went home, as soon as I saw Kristy I screamed and reveled the news. She screamed in response and we jumped around in excitement for a little. We then went out to get lunch and spend the day at the beach. She told me all about her night with Mason. They had made out a lot and she liked him, but he was definatily more into her. I have no idea where that was going, but I’d find out eventually.
For the rest of the day I went to the studio to practice for auditions. I really wanted this lead role but that would call for a lot of commitment.
When it started to get later, Joe went off to his job, and Kristy and I went out to our usual club, Escape. We went alone so we could meet new people. There was a concert going on and the lead band playing was Boys Like Girls. We love that band so we danced all night to the live music. We tired to get backstage when they were done with their set. Kristy and I snuck by the security guards and got a glimpse of Martin Johnson, the lead singer taking off his guitar. I pushed her a little to go up and talk to him. She got herself together and casually said hi and that she enjoyed the show. He smiled and thanked her. Then they started talking. He wanted some help getting around the city since he’s never stayed in Miami before. Kristy was glad to help. We found out he was living in the same apartment as Trace, so we walked him back home. He gave Kristy his number and said that they should hang out sometime. When we left Kristy told me how excited she was. I was glad that she found someone new.
On Sunday I went shopping around and back to the studio to practice again. I was prepared on Monday to audition.
CHAPTER 21: AUDITIONS
I nervously entered the school early on Monday morning to audition. I sat down on the cold studio floor in line, waiting. An hour passed and it was my time. I took a deep breath and entered the private room. I danced the part as the judges watched. I smiled to them and gave it my all. They seemed pleased, and I left.
I then talked to my friends from class while we waited for auditions to end. My instructor announced that the list would be posted tomorrow morning.
After school Trace was waiting for me outside. He took me to the beach and we spent the rest of the day there. I just love spending time with him. Things were really progressing with our relationship.
Soon enough the next dance came and I raced to the school to look at the list. I pushed through the crowd and looked for my name. I saw that I had gotten the lead I screamed and my friend Veronica hugged me.
I kept on dancing for the rest of the week. I also started attending my minor art class. Kristy and I had a lot of fun there. I told her all about how I got the lead and she was so happy for me. She told me how yesterday she skipped school to hang out with Martin. She told me all about their dates and how he kissed her. She really hoped that he’d ask her out again.
The next few months went by very quickly. Joe got a girlfriend named Christina. I was very happy for the both of them. She’d spend nights over the house, and sometimes she’d even hang out with Kristy and I. She became fast friends with us. I realized that the small ‘kinder-garden crush’ Joe and I had for each other had faded. Our closeness to each other grew stronger every day, but it wasn’t like it was before. Our adventure changed us. It changed us all. But Joe and I realized that we couldn’t be together. The love we had for each other, as friends would never be worth it.
Christmas came and went, and we received many calls from home around that time. For the first time of the whole trip I actually felt a little homesick. Soon enough it would be new years and summer 09 would be coming closer with each and every month.
I also realized how close I was getting with Trace. It was the end of the year now, and I realized I have completely let go of my past. This whole trip really freed me. I had learned to love again. I believed that I really loved Trace now. It was so much stronger than I had ever loved anyone else. I decided to wait it out a bit longer before telling him anything, to make sure it was completely real.
Kristy was now dating Martin, and I had never seen her happier. Mason and her remained friends but he was sad to let her go.
All in all we all were really making a life for ourselves down here in Florida. This trip really had a huge positive toll on everyone. All three of us really grew up over one semester away.
CHAPTER 22: NEW YEARS
Today was the last day of 2008. It was sad in a way, but also very exciting. So much lay ahead for all three of us on our journey. This night would be amazing. Joe, Kristy, and I all decided to go out together, just the three of us. We would go clubbing, and then we would meet up with our dates for the house party.
We entered our usual club of choice, Escape. We started the night with a shot from the bar. We stayed together all night just dancing, and going crazy. Then, we all left the club to wander around the strip and see where the night would take us. We came up to a strip club called Exquisite. The sign read, “Amateur night! Hot girls can strip for money.” We all laughed and Joe dared us to do it. He said, “Hey girls you should do it. Come on! I’m always the one earning the money. You should bring some in for a change.” Kristy looked at me, and I said, “What the hell?” We all laughed and entered the club.
Kristy and I went to the front desk and signed up. It would be our turn in 15 minutes the club owner said. Kristy let out a nervous laugh as we went backstage. We went into the dressing room and looked through the closet. We both picked out an outfit, and reapplied some make up.
It was then our time to go up on stage. I walked through the hall and onto the stage. Some guy in the crowd whistled at us, and the music started to play. We slid up and down the pole. Joe was closest to the stage laughing at us, and taking pictures. Then people starting putting dollars in our thongs and onto the stage. Most people doing this would feel slutty but I was actually having a lot of fun.
Soon enough the music stopped and we left the stage. We changed and found Joe. We both counted our money and we made $50 each. We screamed and laughed.
Then all three of us went back to the apartment and waited our date’s arrival. Soon enough the doorbell rang. It was about 11 at night. We starting drinking and people were doing body shots off of Kristy and I. I was even dared to make out with Christina and we wound up doing it! Trace and I went off and made out in the bathroom for some time as well.
Eventually it was almost midnight and we all surrounded the TV to watch the ball drop and for it to be the New Year. The countdown started, “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, ….1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” We all screamed, “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” I popped open the champagne bottle and it was spraying everywhere. Trace gave me my new years kiss. It was such a magical night.
We partied for a long time after that. We all got so drunk it was ridiculous. I woke up on the ground of my apartment, with Trace lying next to me, and everyone else on the floor surrounding us. We had intense hangovers. We all just lied on the floor talking about the previous night. Eventually everyone went off to finish the rest of their day. Trace stayed and helped Kristy and I clean up the apartment. Kristy then decided to go back to bed. Trace and I spent the day at Starbucks just talking, and trying to cure our hangovers.
CHATER 23: THE RAIN
As months passed by Trace and I got closer. Soon enough spring was coming. It was April, and very rainy in Florida. I love the rain. The way it smells, the way it sounds, dancing in it, and even swimming in it. But most of all I loved kissing in it.
Trace and I had just gotten back from a walk on the beach. It started pouring so we headed back to the apartment. As we reached the parking lot it was pouring as hard as it ever has. We laughed and jumped around in the rain together. We then looked at each other, and he said to me, “Mimi, I’m in love with you.” I ran up to him, and jumped on him. I said, “I’m in love with you too.” He smiled and kissed me. That was the most romantic kiss of my life. I got lost in that moment. This felt like some kind of dream, but it wasn’t, it was so real.
I kept myself wrapped around him, as he pushed me up against the outside wall of my apartment. We continued making out, and I slowly began to open the door. He slammed the door behind me when we entered, and threw me on the bed. Then it happened. I’d held out for a while with him, but now was definitely the right now. That was the most amazing night of my life.
CHAPTER 24: THE REMAINING MONTHS
For the next few months Trace and I continued on our amazing romance. Soon enough it was the last week of May. It was show week at our school. Kristy’s photo display was tonight, followed by our art show the next day. And at the end of the week was my ballet performance, where I had the lead.
Are usual group all attended the photo show; Joe, Christina, Martin, Trace, and I. Kristy’s photos were amazing. Everyone was really paying attention to her display. Scouts for big time photo jobs and art colleges were at this show too. One company seemed to really like her work and asked for her number since she was being considered for a college in New York. Kristy was so happy at this news.
The next day Kristy and I displayed our art, and it was fun. I was finding that I was enjoying art more as a hobby then a profession. Kristy and I went together the following night to the program’s play. It was “Annie” and they did a really good job. I was falling in love with the theater over again. I was always in love with the musical “Rent”, since I had the same name as one of the characters! I had been so focused on dance I hadn’t gone to any shows recently. I was really happy to be seeing this play.
Then Friday came along, and it was the day of my recital. I was so nervous. I completed the dress rehearsal perfectly the night before. An hour before the show, I arrived to stretch with all the other members backstage. I put on my costume, and it was time to get ready to go on. The curtain was down and I ran behind it. All of my background dancers ran behind it too. Then the curtain rose, and it was show time. I danced my heart out. All of my friends were watching me. I got such a rush performing. I was doing such an amazing job. Soon enough, the show ended. I felt tears of joy running down my cheeks as I hugged my friends. We curtsied to the crowd, and we received a standing ovation. I thanked my teacher, and our whole class gave her flowers. I was so thrilled. I was just about to exit, when the teacher pulled me aside.
“Hey Mimi! You did such an amazing job, I am so proud of you.”
“Thanks so much, this whole program really helped me to do so well.”
“And it shows! As you know some scouts are here tonight from Juilliard and they’d like to speak with you.”
I was so shocked and followed her into the backstage room. Where a man took me aside. He told me that he loved my performance. He knows that I am only a junior in high school, but he would accept me into the school of Juilliard for college. I screamed and hugged him! I accepted, and he gave me all these forms to fill out and send to him by the end of my senior year. I was so happy.
I exited the stage and all my friends greeted me with hugs and flowers. I told them the news and they all were so happy.
CHAPTER 25: THE END OF THE ROAD
Well, our program had ended. Kristy I were having our dreams come true, it was all so surreal. Soon it was the middle of June, and it was time to leave our new town. It became our new home. It would be so hard to leave. Joe paid our final rent to the front desk of our housing office. Kristy and I were all packing our bags. It was really sad. We would be leaving Florida tomorrow night.
We were all packing our bags and talking about our journey. We all changed a little bit on our own little ways. We learned to listen to no one but ourselves, and to follow our dreams. Kristy and I learned so much about ourselves and the path we want to take in life. We all fell in love on this trip. That was another problem; we had no idea how our relationships would work out now. Kristy and Martin had already talked about their plans. Martin has family back in Boston, MA. He would stay with them at the end of summer, and stay throughout the whole school year. Christina and Joe were still at a loss of what to do. They were so in love, but Christina had no way of getting up to MA. They were going to talk tonight about their plans. I still hadn’t talked to Trace about the upcoming problems. We had been avoiding that subject for a long time. But there was no time but tonight to talk about it. While Kristy would have her last night with Martin, until the fall, Joe and I went out to talk to our loves.
CHAPTER 26: GOODBYE LOVE
I met Trace at our beach, where we spent many nights talking before. It was sunset now. I was excited to see him, yet sad that this would be our last night on the beach. I tingled with anticipation when I saw him. He just looked at me and gave me a hug. We just stayed there embracing each other for some time. Tears ran down both of our faces. Trace composed himself, and said, “I have some bad news. Mason and the rest of the band figured out last night that we are going to do a summer 09 tour. I know you have to go back home. I have no idea what to do. I love you so much, I always will no matter what happens. I’ll always be here for you, but we will find some way to be together. I looked at the tour schedule and ill be in you’re area at the end of July. I promise to you that I’ll see you this summer. July 20th is the day ill be up there. When we get there, then we’ll figure out what to do.” I nodded, and whispered, “I love you. Thank you, for everything. You mean so much to me.”
“I’ll be there to say goodbye to you tomorrow. This won’t be the last time. Tomorrow won’t even be the last time.”
I led a tear fall and he kissed it away.
“Now for one last night,” he said. Then he kissed my lips, and the passion erupted over me.
I awoke in Trace’s arms, under a blanket, at the beach. I was sad that it was my last day here. Trace awoke as well; I just laid there in his arms for a little while. We soon got up and went to the house. Everyone was at the house, “Joe, Christina, Martin, Kristy, Trace, and I.” Joe made us all breakfast. Then our friends left, and the three of us just packed. We took a break and walked on the beach, we walked in silence for sometime. Then we talked about our trip.
Joe said,” I’m so glad we did this. I really am. I can’t believe we actually pulled this off. I love you guys, thanks for being there for me.”
We all hugged and watched our last sunset on the beach. Then we all vowed for all three of us to come back here one day, cause this was our new town.
Back at the apartment we packed the rest of our stuff. Then I just sat there on my deck, looking out to First Beach, crying. I was going to miss this. This whole adventure really changed my life.
Then everyone came in my room, and they looked like they had been crying too. We all hugged and looked at all the pictures from our trip on my laptop. We laughed at all the good times.
Everyone knew to meet us at the docks at 10pm. We all grabbed our stuff and Joe opened the door. He left and Kristy followed. I was out last. Before I shut the door, I took one last final look at the apartment. Thinking of all the fun nights that were had here. Then I blew the empty place a kiss, and slammed the door shut. We made our way down to the docks, and Joe loaded the stuff onto the ship.
Then our friends showed up. The two couples went off to talk on our own. There I was with trace. He looked at me with sad eyes, and held out his arms. I embraced him and he kissed me on the cheek. I was sobbing already. He handed me a letter and whispered, “Don’t open this until tomorrow.” I took it and put it in my bag. He was letting a few tears fall as well, and he said to me, ”July isn’t that far away. We can do this. I’ll wait for you, don’t you worry. No other girl would ever replace you.”
Joe then solemnly said, “Ok, we have to go now.” We all hugged each other in one big circle. Joe and Kristy bored the boat after kissing their lovers one last time. I was still in Trace’s arms. Then I looked him in the eyes, and whispered, “Goodbye love.” He said, “Goodbye.” And kissed me one last time.
Our friends watched the boat leave, and waved goodbye. Kristy and I held each other, still crying a little bit. Then as the boat went out of site of the harbor, and our wonderful new town, we all waved goodbye. Suddenly, all of the memories of the past year there flashed through my mind. I took one last final look at our town and I thought to myself, this was amazing. Then I realized that we have to always take chances, because we never know how amazing the journey that lies ahead is going to be.