I'm stoked about how well my plan worked out. I knew Josh would rather dump Skylar than sleep with me. He would NEVER cheat on her, plus he likes Skylar way too much to risk her thinking he's unfit to be around!

Josh and Nils didn't take as much drugs as Reli and me, but even that's enough to set Skylar off. She's strict; no drugs means no drugs to her. Skylar would rather kill herself before dating someone who has used drugs! It's the same rule of thumb for any friendships she builds.

I also figured Nils would dump me. The Bo Bros are super tight and tell each other everything. I wasn't too bothered when Nils called me out for my behavior. For a second I thought he was giving me a lecture on relationships because it lasted so long. But the poor boy was raging and called me a "brownnoser with a hidden agenda." He definitely stole that line from The Lizzie McGuire Movie.

Josh and Nils Bohous are hot; that's easy to see. With their older brother Keith, the boys are the biggest band in the world. They're like, this generation's Hanson if you think about it. Three brothers in a band.

Any girl would be lucky to date either boy, which probably makes me look foolish for wanting Nils to break up with me. I can't say the same for Skylar. She had absolutely nothing to do with her split, and the girl was devastated.

My reason for breaking up Joshlar is simple: the boys are a distraction from world domination. After riding off of Nils' relevancy, I was about to break up with him anyways. I can't stay tied down to him. There's bound to be other guys in the industry with more wealth and fame in the future! Skylar can manage without Josh too. She's queen of the charts and the split spawned her biggest hit yet: "Superior Vengeance."

The song hints that another girl came between them and that's why he dumped her. It's close to the truth. I mean, I happen to be that girl. Skylar just doesn't know it.

This leads to how I consoled Skylar's heartache. I told her to write about how she felt in song, and three about Josh made it onto the album. Yeah, three. The album's bound to be multi-platinum soon too.

Honestly, Josh breaking up with Skylar is the best thing that could have happened to her professionally. She's SLAYING the charts like mad! She should be thanking me for her success, but there's no way I'll tell her the truth.

Skylar may be doing brilliantly, but me? Not so much. Things have been pretty bleak since Nils and I split. Witches dropped ratings because people adore Nils, and I don't have anyone except Skylar. It's bad enough for Reli to give me the cold shoulder, but our Winsey peers are also doing it.

I'm not coping well with the isolation, so I'm on my way to Skylar's for some plan that's sure to put me back on track—or so she claims.

I pull into her massive driveway and sigh deeply as I turn off the ignition. I don't know why I'm nervous. Skylar has my back. I can trust her. But why do I feel so anxious? Skylar will take care of me. I had her back after the Josh thing; why shouldn't she have mine?

You're clearly over thinking this, Marquie, I think as I approach the door. You're in really good hands here. Watch, she probably knows someone you can date and he's probably a mega star! You have absolutely nothing to fear with Skylar in control. Stop being so unreasonable and have faith something great will arise from this! You got this, Marquilla. You will be victorious.

My confidence slowly builds when Skylar opens the door. Boy does she look hot! Her hair is cut into a sophisticated shoulder-length bob with straight bangs. A nice, dark pink gloss makes her shimmer, and her eyes are so blue, it's like you're staring at the sky. What sets her appearance off is the royal purple skater dress accompanied with a diamond pendant. My God, do I have a stunning bestie!

"You're here!" she squeaks, pulling me in for a hug and nearly making me lose my breath as I gasp for air.

"And you're suffocating me," I note. "Literally."

Skylar releases me and shoots an apologetic glance while I retain my normal breathing rate. After she's satisfied that I'm completely fine, she ushers me into the house and straight into the lounge area.

Two of her cats scope the area as they carry themselves in a hoity manner. I swear they live at Buckingham Palace or something because Skylar spoils the shit out of them! They're the snootiest little things, those damn cats!

We sit on the carpet, where an array of snacks are spread out for our eating pleasure. I doubt having bowls of chips and salsa and candy on the ground is a good idea when Furball One and Furball Two can easily get their paws on the food. I've been to Skylar's multiple times since we became friends, and she's never sat us down like this.

"You don't look so good," she observes as she picks up one of the cats, a big fat orange one that reminds me of Garfield. "Are you okay, Marquie?"

"I'm fine," I assure her. I flicker my gaze from Skylar to the cat in her lap and grumble. "I just don't think it's a good idea to have food on the ground when the hairballs are loose."

"Hey, don't call them hairballs! They have names!" she voices in defense as she strokes Furball One. She's so offended I dissed her cats and it shows because her nostrils are flaring. "Poor Pikachu is sad now because you hurt his feelings."

"You named your cat after a Pokémon?" I question, skeptically eyeing her.

"So? People name their kids weird things," she argues. "What's the difference?"

"Sky, Pikachu is a mouse. That's a cat."

"Whatever," she scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Anyways, I have news that you'll love! I found your next boyfriend and he's gonna be huge next year! He's not that bad looking too."

Okay, now we're talking! I always knew Skylar would pull through for me. I helped her with Currently Speaking; it's only fair she helps me with this. I really did freak over nothing!

"Who is he? Do I know him? Is he a singer, an actor, or what? How old is he?" I bombard my hostess.

I know I'm pushing it, but I'm desperate to find out this person's identity. For all I know, he could be a random rising star with an arrogant personality. I'd rather not deal with a snob. I don't care how big and famous someone is—I won't deal with a jerk. I won't tolerate anyone who thinks he can walk all over me.

"Have you heard that 'Just Once' song?" Skylar asks. She pops a piece of chocolate in her mouth and grins. "Das yer clue."

"Isn't that by the kid with the floppy hair?" I guess. Skylar being no help just shrugs. "Ugh! What's his name? I swear it's on the tip of my tongue! It starts with a 'J' doesn't it? Jay-something. Jay..."

"Something's close. Combine it. What do you get?"

"Jay and something? That doesn't make sense, Skylar! Jay Something?!?!!"

"Ugh, you're so slow! Omit the word 'thing' at the end. Maybe that will help."

"Jaysome? What the hell kind of name is that?" I frustratingly wonder. I dip a chip into the salsa and stuff it in my mouth. As I chew and swallow, it finally hits me. "Oooohh! Jason. That's what you wanted me to say! Jason who?"

"You'll figure it out."

Skylar plays a song that sounds familiar. Now I'm frustrated. I swear they play this song every single hour on every single radio station. Why can't I remember th—oh. Okay. The chorus just hit. Now I at least know the song title. Who sings this stupid "Just Once" song?

"STOP SINGING ALONG, SKY! I CAN'T THINK!" I shout as she raises her tone, nearly belting out the lyrics.

"How do you not know who sings this song?" she incredulously asks. "Everyone knows the artist."

Livid, I contain my anger by eating more chips and salsa. I don't know anyone in the industry named Jason who's around my age.

Meanwhile, Skylar enjoys my suffering. She's just sitting there eating candy while that stupid orange cat named after a yellow creature with permanent blush on its cheeks sits its fat ass on her lap. I can't believe she made me come here, only to toy with my fuse!

"It's Jason Flamel," she finally says. "You'd still be guessing if I didn't tell you. He's only a year younger than you and he's a pretty good singer."

Skylar pulls out her laptop and opens it up. She types in JASON FLAMEL in the search bar, and my eyes widen when his picture appears. Now I know who he is. His face is EVERYWHERE! Skylar's right about him being cute. He doesn't look like a douche either. I think we found my next boyfriend.

"I can't believe you're aiming so high!" I exclaim as I read through his Wikipedia page.

"He even has a crush on you!" Skylar gushes, squeezing my arm. "I know people who know his manager's number. I'll set you a meeting in no time!"

"Sky, you're the best!" I squeal as I wrap my arms around her and kiss the top of her head. "Now we need to find someone for you, and everything will be set."

As Skylar and I strategize, I can't help thinking about how perfect we work as a team. As long as we have each other, we're unstoppable. Jason Flamel better watch his back. Once my mom and his manager get talking, his entire career will turn on its head.

A/N:

A short lil' flashback for you guys. What are your thoughts on Skylar and Marquilla now? Next chapter is an exposed post. Love you guys so much. See you then! xx