Page 10 of Painting Her Fate

“After playing, the band met with Jack Quigley, the band’s manager.”

He pauses to see if I’m paying attention, “We signed with Rellington Labels, already started recording, and have plans to tour-.”

“No way!” I cut him off, leaning over and wrapping him in a hug, “that is amazing, congratulations.”

Having watched them play over the years, this is what they all have strived to accomplish; to be signed to a record label and become famous, tour the world and be as big as Gods, according to Dex anyway. There was never any doubt in my mind, I knew they could do it. Rellington Labels has signed major bands that have gone on to top charts and earn prestigious awards. No doubt they will too.

I let go of him and slide back down to rest my head on my pillow, the last of my energy now tapped out. Ending things with him will be easier. I just need a bit of rest first. It doesn’t matter if he asks me to be his, he is going to travel the world and will soon forget about me. There will be another girl who will soon take my place in his dream life, as it should be.

I faintly hear him chuckle, “we are pretty hyped.” He took one of my hands and began rubbing his thumb across it. “It’s kind of crazy how fast things feel like they’re falling into place.” His eyes met mine and I caught a flicker of fear in them.

“You’ll be amazing.” I force my mind to get the words out, “You’ll have them eating out of the palm of your hand.” A yawn escaped now. I felt myself drifting off to a hopeful dreamless sleep, unable to keep the exhaustion at bay a second more.

He whispers for me to stay awake. “Lili, don’t fall asleep yet.”

“Hmmm?”

*Fade* “You mean so much to me, Lili. I want us to be-

Sweet, darkness…

_CHAPTER 2 – LILI_

“I confess I do not know why, but looking at the stars always makes me dream.” – Vincent Van Gogh

wake to hazy sunlight streaming in my bay of windows, the hustle and bustle of the cars on the street and the boats in the Thames make me feel right at home. Turning on my side I find a folded piece of paper where Zane had been not that long ago. I wipe at my eyes then open it, already sensing its contents.

“Lili,

Call me when you wake. There is so much left I need to say.

-Zane”

Just Lovely.There is no one better than my flat mate to help with this predicament of mine.

After tossing my hair in a messy bun and splashing water on my face, I take the note and drag myself to the kitchen.

Damn medication.

Rounding the corner, I find my flat mate having her own dance party to Queen B’s ‘All the Single Ladies’while pouring two cups of coffee. She glances my way beaming a bright smile as she wiggles her hand along with the song, then sets the carafe back and grabs the mugs, handing one to me. She turns the music down and I thank her for the instant relief, as well as for the caffeine. Someone seems in a fruitful mood in comparison to last night. That was unlike the Tamara I’ve come to know and whatever has her down- I will get to the bottom of it.

I set the paper aside, take a seat at the breakfast bar, and cradle my coffee as a dull ache festers behind my eyes.I mentally curse myself for getting to this point of fatigue. I didn’t even drink last night but I feel like I could sleep for two days straight. *sigh* Maybe it’s time for a holiday, somewhere with sun and sand.

The KillersSmile Like You Mean Itsifts through the speaker as Tamara bounces to the beat.

“Mornin’, love. Sleep well?” She asks as she readies the toaster.

I muster a tired groan as my answer. It’s going to take more than a single cup of coffee to change my mood.

Today the poofy pom-pom high atop her head pairs perfectly with the burgundy patterned maxi dress and golden silk head wrap she dons. Her hair pulled back shows off her high cheekbone structure and long neck; she’s an African Goddess ready to slay the day. I fear for all who dare get in her way. Tamara is expressive and unique- something she takes pride in. Unsurprising to me she originally wanted to be a model. ‘Dreams change’ was her reasoning behind the new career. She doesn’t like to talk about it, which is understandable. There’s been something niggling at me for quite some time now and apparently my brain thought this was the best time to bring it up.

“You scare me sometimes, you know that.” I take a sip of the piping hot liquid, “not in a bad way.” I’m quick to add as I watch her dance around the room. She is always this way, all day long, especially in the morning. I’m one who it’s best to not speak to until caffeine is consumed.

Total opposites in yet, we work well together.

“Oh?” She plays coy, “how so?” Her septum ring sparkles in the natural light, and I’m immediately enraptured.

She changed it to a gold ring with a single row of diamonds, her bright smile adding to her energetic persona. She has many pieces of jewelry for any occasion or fanfare. I’ve always thought the little diamond studs are adorable. Maybe I should get my nose pierced. I’ve wanted to, just do not have the bollocks-

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