Chapter 4

          A few weeks had passed easily.

          The Award Show rehearsals were every Tuesday and Thursday and were each three hours long just to get it to perfection. Luckily, the people performing were nice to me (though usually they ignored me most of the time because of my 'ratchet ass'). I was on time for every rehearsal this year, making my Aunt more than ecstatic.

          I've also been doing as I was told these past few weeks. Whatever my aunt wanted me to do, I did as she asked, and even went above and beyond her expectations, including an interview for next months magazine on Seventeen (basically, my upcoming album, and some personal questions, nothing new), and a couple photoshoots here and there.

          The album has been amazing. The song I wrote, and gave to Management have just finished it yesterday. I went in around three in the afternoon yesterday to start recording, and came back late last night. Management are also on the way to figure out a music video for the song.

          Next week, I start teaming up with a group of song-writers to write for my new album, and getting some ideas on what it's going to be about. (Management keep telling me this album has to be different, and has to blow people out of the water).

          And next week, the award show happens. The voting has been insane these past few weeks. Nonstop voting for One Direction, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake. It's just crazy how much love they get.

          Some part of me wished I was like them, getting love instead of the hate. I wanted people to adore me, not hate me. But then again... I cared a lot more about my pride.

          Today, though, I had two different outings – one with my father, and Grandmother, and the other with my Mom and her boyfriend. I was having lunch at a small cafe with my dad and grandmother, and dinner at a French restaurant with my mom and Michael, AKA Doofus.

          It was typical of my mother to go somewhere outlandish and expensive. Ever since she's landed a job as a Doctor – surprising actually – she's been going to expensive places, hence why she drags Ella everywhere.

          @SofiaAdamsOfficial: Lunch and dinner today with the fam, not sure how this will go... :s

          As soon as I typed out my tweet, I favorited and retweeted the few nice ones I received.

          “Ella,” I called out into the living room, shoving my phone in my pocket. “We have lunch with Dad in about an hour, get your stuff ready, okay?”

          Ever since Dad got custody of Ella, she's been bouncing between his house and mine, and occasionally Mom's. Dad was busy with his life as a music producer, so every other week or so, I would take Ella for a little bit. Except this time, I took her for three weeks, nearly four, because Dad was busy with a new, hot shot artist. Today was the first day he'd actually been able to take Ella.

          Sometimes, when I'm stuck with Ella for long periods, I think of how fantastic it would be if Ella actually lived with me. She would not only get the attention she needs, but she'd be around someone who understands her much better than anyone else. She'd be loved, understood, and cared for – all the things she doesn't get when she's around Dad or Mom.

          I've thought about getting full custody of Ella, and even spoke about it with Aunt Delilah once or twice. Aunt Delilah agreed that it would be best if Ella was with me, but then Aunt Delilah brought up my career, and how bad of an influence I would be on Ella --- well, that's what the judge would say, at least – and how I wouldn't be entirely there for her.

          Overall, I wouldn't get custody of Ella because of my reputation. I would be seen a party hard, drunk ass bitch who wouldn't be able to take care of her little sister. That's the only reason that's stopping me from getting my sister into my care.

          I glanced in the mirror before grabbing my wallet – which I was finally able to fix after the party Tatiana brought me to. I was dressed in something simple; a grey v-neck underneath a black zip up hoodie, a pair of ripped denim jeans, and a pair of brown combat boots. My hair was pulled into a ponytail, showing my natural make-up I applied a few hours ago.

          I was decent, at least, and was ready.

On my way to the living room, I checked my phone.

          Tatiana – We need to go shopping soon. When are you free today?

          I rolled my eyes. The amount of patience I had for Tatiana was astounding. Lately, I've been putting off hanging out with her because she had started annoying the piss out of me, to the point where I wanted to punch the daylights out of her. I knew I couldn't put it off any longer. Hanging out with her was a must.

          Me – Later today. I have lunch with my Dad and little sister in an hour, so after that.

          It didn't take long for Tatiana to respond.

          Tatiana – Three then? I'll meet you at my Aunt's boutique.

          I put my phone away, and headed towards the living room. Ella's bags were all set on the white couch, Ella next to them, watching an old episode of Jersey Shore. Her eyes were half-shut, and her arms were crossed against her chest. I chuckled.

          The only reason Ella watched Jersey Shore was to make fun of the cast members. She got a kick out of the drama that happened.

          “Alright,” I said, breaking Ella's attention. “Let's get going. I have to go the bank, stop by the record company, and then stop by Aunt Delilah's.”

          I grabbed a couple of Ella's bags, and she grabbed the rest. Together, we left my condo – locked, of course. I can't afford anyone breaking in – and made our way to my silver Hyundai Elantra.

                                                                      ****

          I pulled up to the small restaurant in which Dad, Ella and I were going to eat.

          I now had been a thousand dollars richer – thanks to the last few songs people kept buying, and liking. The record company just needed to showed me the edited version of my song I gave to them a few weeks ago. I was shocked to see that it hasn't changed much besides the chorus and the ending. And Aunt Delilah just needed a copy of the new song, and wanted to give me a copy of my schedule for the next few weeks, which was filled with A couple of award shows, studio time, writing time, and one movie premiere.

          When I told Ella I would be going to a movie premiere, and what movie I would be seeing, she twitched and asked if I could take her with to see the “Breaking Dawn part 2”.

          “I don't know,” I chuckled as I locked my car behind me. “I'd have to ask Mack or Thomas.”

          Ella groaned, jumping in her step. “Ugh, I hope they say yes! I've been waiting forever to see part two. I mean, after that ending in part one, I've been on edge.”

          I laughed. Ella happened to be a big fan of Stephanie Meyer. “I thought you read all the books. Five times.”

          “Yeah, so?” she gave me a look.

          I shook my head, a smile forming on my face. Ella was the cutest, most ferocious kid ever, and I absolutely adored her. Whoever said I didn't love my sister like I should was absolutely wrong, and didn't know what they were talking about.

          “Come on, Dad's probably here already,” I hip-bumped her.

“Oh, I hope he's gotten me a ticket to one of his clients' concerts,” Ella mused.

          Frequently, my father gave out concert tickets when they had extra ones, which was most of the time. It was one of his frequent presents we knew we saw coming. For my sixteenth birthday, he gave me tickets to Beastly King, who are now one of the top rock bands. For my seventeenth birthday, I was given tickets to a P!nk concert. And, Ella had only begun getting tickets for the past two years.

          We entered the small restaurant, and asked for a reservation under “Connor Adams”. We were then directed towards a booth in the back. Dad sitting on one side, glancing down at his phone.

          “Hi Dad,” I greeted him with a smile.

          “Hi, sweetheart! Hey, El,” my dad kissed both of our cheeks, standing up. He put his phone away, and slid two menus across the booth as soon as Ella and I were seated across from Dad. “So, how was your time with your sister?”

          I wasn't sure if he was speaking directly to Ella, or me, but regardless, Ella answered. “It was great. I was able to visit the recording studio a few times with her, and go to the music award show rehearsal with her once. And, I met Ed Sheeran, Dad! Can you believe it?! I met Ed Sheeran, oh my God.”

          Yes, that happened. Ella and I were shopping for Christmas presents for Mom and Dad when we bumped into Ed Sheeran. My sister, being a huge fan of his, completely freaked out, and asked for an autograph and picture, which I took. I have to say, he seemed to be happy that my sister was a fan of his, though he barely spoke two words to me (obviously, he didn't like me or my ways... but could I blame him?).

          “Really? That's awesome, sweetheart!” My dad grinned, and turned to me. “What about you?”

          I raised my eyebrows. “What do you mean, what about you?”

          “I mean, how did you enjoy your sister's company?” he raised a single eyebrow, as if the question didn't need to be explained.

          Well, sorry, I thought.

          I shrugged. “It was fun, it always is fun having Ella around. You know this, Dad.”

          “What do you want to eat?” Dad changed the subject, knowing fully well what I meant. (Aunt Delilah had mentioned it to him that I wanted to take full custody of Ella, and ever since he found out, he hasn't been too trusting of me. “I think I'm going to have a bacon cheeseburger with fries, and a small salad. What looks good to you?”

          “Maybe the Chicken Parmesan, and the creamy coleslaw,” Ella murmured slowly, her eyes glued to the menu.

          “The cheese Ravioli looks pretty good,” I commented.

          “Ravioli?” Ella perked, “Where do you see that?”

          “Right there,” I reached over and pointed at the Cheesy Ravioli dish. Ella hummed in appreciation as I continued to look over my own menu for something else. When I caught sight of sweet and sour chicken over rice, I decided that and the ravioli was my lunch.

          Minutes later, a waitress appeared at our sides. “Hi,” she chirped, a smile forming on her face. “Is there anything you'd like to drink?”

          “A lemonade,” Ella replied immediately; she had a thing for lemonade.

          “Water, please,” My father answered.

          “Tea,” I responded.

          None of my family members were into sodas, because of the acidic taste and the aftertaste it gave off. Plus, it was extremely unhealthy and we were raised to not drink soda. Once, I tried soda when I was sixteen, and ended up hating it. Since then, I haven't even bothered to try soda again.

          “Awesome!” The waitress replied. “And have you ordered yet?”

          She took our orders, scribbling them down in that notepad of her's. The rest of our lunch was simple, and easier then it would be than dinner with my mother. An hour and a half later, I left Ella in my dad's care after making her promise to text me later.

          Shopping with Tatiana, I thought, this was going to be grand.

 ___

 Hey guys! What do you think of this chapter?! Short, I know. But you've met Harry, but I promise he'll be in the next chapter and he'll have more of an impact, I promise. And in TWO chapters, you'll see Sofia at the music awards. (: -Chey xx