Faded (Rock Star Trilogy)

Alec asks. He already knows the answer to the question.
    “You know I suck at ballads.”
    “Exactly. Now get your ass out of bed. You have ten minutes to get ready and be downstairs!” Alec smacks my butt and leaves the room. On his way out, he flips the light switch on, and my eyes shut in protest.
    Ugh, why must he be such a morning person? Nobody should be that cheerful before noon.
    I brush my hair and teeth in record time. Then I throw on a pair of jeans and a hoodie and am downstairs with exactly one minute to spare. When I get there, Alec is literally staring at his watch.
    “I didn’t think you’d make it,” he says.
    Just then, Bridgett comes around the corner, carrying a cup of coffee. She hands it to me. “You can drink it on the way.”
    “How are the two of you awake right now?” I grumble.
    They both just shrug their shoulders in response.
    Alec drives us to the studio, and I send Stephan a text. Thankfully, Bridgett picked me up a new iPhone while in LA.
     
    Scarlett: Hey gorgeous. I’m being recruited for a long day of torture. If you feel like stopping by the studio after school, I will see you then. – S
     
    My phone vibrates.
     
    Stephan: Ugh, it’s too early for torture. Glad it’s you and not me. I’m going back to sleep now. Be jealous. See you after school. – S
     
    I am jealous. So not fair!
    It’s cold in the studio, as usual. Otto has the air conditioner turned on 65, and it is miserable.
    Alec stands at the keyboard, and plays a tune for me. I never learned to play the piano because I was never interested. Like Alec said, ballads aren’t exactly my strong suit.
    “I’ve got nothing,” I tell him. “But what if I try to play something on the acoustic?”
    “Okay.”
    I pick up my Taylor acoustic guitar and start strumming.
     
    I don’t want to play make-believe
    I’m tired of the games
    Who you see, this isn’t me
    But I’m scared
    Too frightened to show the real me
     
    I’m jaded
    Too tired to fight
    I’m faded
    Am I even alive?
    I’m hated
    Just pretend that I’m liked
     
    Once I start playing, the lyrics pour out of me. What I’m writing is exactly what I’m feeling. And when I start recording, I can hear the magic in the song. I have no doubts that I am good enough to do this.
    The song starts out with a simple acoustic guitar, but it picks up on the second verse. I add drums, and bass. At the bridge I add electric guitar, and then for the last chorus, it’s just acoustic guitar, and my voice.
     
    3:54 PM
    Jealous
     
    We are just finishing recording my song when Stephan gets there. He is surprised that we are actually done for the day, and even more surprised that I have the day off tomorrow.
    “When can I hear it?” I ask Otto. I’m eager to hear how the finished product sounds.
    “Not until Wednesday,” Alec answers for him. “You get to hear it when Barry hears it.”
    “No way!” I argue. “This is my career, and my future . I want to hear it before he does!”
    “Bridgett can hear it with me later tonight, and we will decide what is the best move. Seriously, Scarlett, you need to trust us more.”
    I glare at him. “You better not screw up my career, Alec Torch. I am putting lot of trust in you.”
    “I know, Scar. I love you like a sister, and I would do anything for you. I promise I will not screw up your career. This song is amazing, and I know that Barry is going to love it. You need to have more faith in yourself. You’re really good.”
    I throw my arms around Alec, and squeeze him tight. “This is why you’re my best friend. I need you. Seriously, I don’t think I could do any of this without you and Bridge.”
    Alec nods his head in agreement. “It’s true.”
    I walk over to Bridgett and give her a hug too. “You’re not stressing out too much over this, are you? I’d hate for you to have another heart attack.”
    She quickly puts me at ease. “I’ve gone to all of my follow-up appointments. My heart is healthy, and any damage I received is already healing. The doctor says I’m fine. But to answer your question, no, I am not stressed out. I actually like being your manager, and Alec makes this fun. I feel like I’ve found my niche.”
    “Good. Now, I’m going to go home to hang out with my boyfriend.”
    Stephan is talking with Otto, so I go put my arm around his waist. “Are you about ready to get out of here?” I ask.
    “Yep.”
    “More Harry Potter?” I ask, as we walk towards his