So Messed Up, Dreams Do Come True- Chapter One
Narrator: As Lori and her friend Jessica and her friend Tanya walked around the Fox Run Mall in Newington, New Hampshire, Lori got a sick, nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach. She was extremely nervous when she realized the reason why they were at the mall in the first place. For they were there for one reason and one reason only and that was to meet the gorgeous, talented group of guys who called themselves Dream Street. Lori was the shy, quiet one. Jessica was the outgoing, outspoken one and Tanya was just the laid- back one. Lori glanced around and saw nobody around. (The girls were there extremely early, but only because Jessica wanted to get there early....so she could flirt with the guys.) Lori adjusted her T-shirt and looked at Jessica and Tanya, who seemed to be really relaxed, when they turned a corner. All of a sudden she bumped into somebody. Because she was so shy she didn't even bother to look to see who it was.
Guy's Voice: I'm so sorry.
Narrator: Jessica and Tanya couldn't believe their eyes. Lori had just bumped into her crush, Greg Raposo, one of the members of the boy band, Dream Street. The other members (Matt Ballinger, Jesse McCartney, Frankie Galasso and Chris Trousdale) were behind him. Greg's eyes were glued to Lori.
Jessica: (in a whisper) Lori, look.
Narrator: Lori looked to see who it was and butterflies filled her stomach. She felt like she was about to puke. She couldn't believe that she had just bumped into Greg Raposo.
Greg: Are you OK?
Narrator: When Lori didn't respond to the hottie's question Jessica elbowed her.
Lori: I- I'm fine.
Matt: (talking to Jesse, Frankie and Chris) She's a quiet one.
Jesse, Frankie and Chris: Yeah she is.
Greg: Are you sure you're OK?
Narrator: Lori just looked at him, unable to speak. She was absolutely speechless and scared. She was so scared.
Jessica: He's not going to bite your head off.
Narrator: Lori suddenly felt really sick and nauseous. She felt like she was about ready to puke even more. She just wished she was back at home, laying in bed, where she knew she wouldn't be made fun of or humiliated or embarrassed. She wanted to stay where she was comfortable and she was definitely uncomfortable. Greg looked at her, waiting for an answer, but when he didn't get one he didn't really understand why she wouldn't answer him. He was intrigued even though she wasn't the type of girl he'd usually go for. She wasn't the gorgeous girl who got everything she wanted. She was a shy, cute girl who just wanted to be liked...who wanted to fit in, but could never find a place where she did fit in.
Greg: I'm not going to bite your head off.
Chris: (talking to Matt, Jesse and Frankie) Man she is so quiet.
Narrator: Matt, Jesse and Frankie just nodded their heads in agreement. They looked at Greg, who was looking at the shy girl. The expression on their friend's face told them that he kinda liked her. Maybe. They would have to find out later. For now they just waited for the girl named Lori to answer their friend's question. Lori, on the other hand, wondered why Greg was staring at her. She just wanted to crawl under a rock and never come out.
Greg: (looking at Jessica and Tanya) Is she always this quiet?
Jessica: Yeah.
Tanya: I don't really know her that well, but from what Jessica tells me she's extremely shy.
Narrator: Lori stared at them in disbelief. She couldn't believe that they were talking about her right in front of her face. She found that to be extremely uncool. What did she ever do to them? Greg looked back at Lori.
Greg: What's your name?
Narrator: Silence answered him. Then Lori just walked away without telling Jessica or Tanya where she was going. She didn't even bother to look back. She knew that Jessica and Tanya were probably flirting with the guys, even though they weren't. Greg stared after her, wondering why she was that quiet. It kind of scared him and worried him. He never met a girl that shy and quiet before.
Jessica: Her name's Lori. She likes being called Lorr though.
Greg: Oh. OK.
Matt: Lori huh?
Jessica: Yeah.
Matt: That's a pretty name.
Chris: What about you guys, what are your names?
Tanya: I'm Tanya, but I prefer Tee.
Jessica: And I'm Jessica.
Guys: It's nice to meet you.
Chris: I'm Chris and these are my friends----
Narrator: He introduced himself but when he was about to introduce his friends and bandmates Jessica cut him off.
Jessica: We know who you guys are.
Matt: They're Dream Street fans.
Greg: That's probably why their friend was so shy.
Jessica: Even if we weren't Dream Street fans she would still be shy and even if you guys weren't members of Dream Street she'd still be shy.
Narrator: Meanwhile Lori was looking at CDs in FYE close to the windows so she could see what her friends were doing. Her friends and the guys seemed to be getting along just fine without her. She figured she would call her mom to come and get her. She didn't want to stick around while her friends hung out with the guys and while other girls flirted with the guys and acted insane. She had better things to do like go home and dream about the day that Greg and her would be together. Little did she know her dream was about to become reality. Greg felt someone's eyes on him and took a quick glance around. Nobody was paying attention to him or his friends until he spotted Lori looking at him from inside FYE. He watched her until she turned around and walked away. She was trying not to make it look obvious- she didn't want him figuring out that she liked him just yet. Then again, he might never know how she feels or even want to know. She knew a guy like that would never give her a second look.
Greg: Do you know why she's so shy?
Jessica: I don't know. She has little self- esteem. She doesn't have much self- confidence.
Greg: Why's that?
Jessica: Because the entertainment industry is making her think that she has to be like those models in magazines...skinny....perfect body...just...and then you guys....she thinks she has to be like Britney Spears or something. I don't know. It's weird. I think she's cool just the way she is. I just wish those stupid magazines would stop sending out the wrong message.
Greg: What do you mean, then you guys?
Jessica: You guys turned her whole world upside down.
Chris: How'd we manage to do that?
Jessica: She loves you guys more than anything and she thinks she has to be an imitation of Britney Spears to get a guy to notice her. Really notice her. I don't know. I'm not saying anything else because I don't want her to get pissed off at me.
Matt: She thinks she has to be a Britney Spears clone to get a guy to notice her?
Jessica: Yeah. It's so sad. I don't understand why those stupid magazines would have this much of an effect on her. I don't understand it at all.
Matt: She doesn't have to be a Britney Spears clone.
Chris: Sure she's hot and everything but she has like her own personal trainer, her own hair stylist, her own make up artist, her own fashion person....if Britney didn't have all that she would look like shit. She wouldn't be the way she is....I mean, there's people telling her what to wear, how to wear it, what to eat, where to shop, how to act and all that...If every girl had that....they'd all be hott. But that's not the case and girls don't have to be like Shakira or Jessica Simpson or Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera or whoever. They can be themselves.
Frankie: What's gotten into you?
Narrator: Chris just laughed.
Chris: Well it's true. I mean, there are people telling Britney what to wear and all that...it's not like I'm making it up.
Frankie: Yeah I know. I'm just surprised to hear you say it.
Chris: Yeah I'm a little surprised too.
Greg: I love Britney and all, but Chris is right.
Jessica and Tanya: Yeah he is.
Narrator: Lori continued to look at CDs in FYE when she looked up and didn't see Jessica, Tanya or the guys anywhere. Angry thoughts filled her mind. She was so pissed off. She just wanted to beat the shit out of her friends, but she knew that would never happen. She wouldn't beat them up anyway, no matter how much she wanted to. Then she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She turned around to see Jessica, Tanya and the guys standing there.
Jessica: Come on. We're going with the guys to get something to eat.
Lori: I don't feel like it.
Greg: We don't have cooties.
Narrator: Lori just looked at him. She stared at him and when she felt like she was looking at him weird (like she loved him) she bolted out of the store. Greg was the only one who saw the way she was looking at him, which made him want to go find her, but something kept his feet planted to the floor. After he thought about it for a few minutes he walked out of the store and tried to find her. He looked and looked and looked and looked until he decided to give up. He was never going to find her....then he spotted her. She was in CVS looking at magazines. He slowly walked up to her, trying to make little noise as possible. She was looking at a picture of him and his bandmates in Popstar magazine.
Lori: If only.....
Narrator: Her voice trailed off. Greg watched her put the magazine back then she stood up and turned around. She came face to face with the guy she loved more than anything else in the world. Tears filled her eyes.
Greg: (in a whisper) Hey.
Narrator: Lori looked at him and tried to get by him, but he wouldn't let her. He soon saw the tears in her eyes, which made him wonder why she was so upset.
Greg: What's wrong?
Narrator: Lori looked down at the floor, unable to make eye contact with him. He took a couple steps towards her and before he knew it he reached out and lifted her chin. Tears were free falling from her eyes. Greg couldn't believe that she was crying; he didn't really understand why. He wiped away the tears, surprising her, and gave her a hug. He was extremely surprised when she put her arms around him and held him so tight that she could barely breathe.
Girl's Voice: Greg?
Narrator: Greg looked away from Lori and looked up. A beautiful girl was standing there and he just looked at her, wondering what she wanted. He was kind of busy at the moment- he was trying to comfort Lori. Then Lori glanced up. When she saw the beautiful girl standing there, looking at Greg, and saw Greg looking back at her she knew the moment was ruined. She let him go, even though it was extremely hard for her, and walked away. Greg grabbed her hand.
Greg: Don't even think about it.
Narrator: The beautiful girl just looked at them, wondering what was going on.
Beautiful Girl: Do you think I could get your autograph Greg?
Greg: I'm kinda busy right now.
Narrator: Greg pulled Lori closer to him and he led her out of the store, ignoring the beautiful girl completely. There was going to be a meet and greet in about an hour. Couldn't she wait till then to ask him for his autograph? Right now he was just trying to be as normal as he possibly could.
Greg: Sorry 'bout that Lorr.
Lori: H- How'd you know my name?
Greg: She speaks.
Narrator: Lori tried hard not to smile, but she did anyway.
Lori: Yeah.
Greg: And umm...Jessica told me your name.
Lori: Oh. OK.
Narrator: Her smile faded.
Greg: Can I ask you something?
Lori: Umm....s- sure.
Greg: Why were you crying?
Lori: I don't know.
Greg: I have a feeling that you do.
Lori: I do, but I can't tell you.
Narrator: Greg looked at her, wondering what was going on in her mind. When she realized he was still holding her hand, she immediately let his hand go, only to have him take her hand again.
Greg: You can tell me anything.
Lori: Yeah...right.
Narrator: She rolled her eyes, not believing him.
Greg: You can. (pause) Why were you crying?
Lori: It's not a big deal.
Greg: Yeah it is.
Lori: Greg just leave me alone.
Greg: I can't.
Lori: And why can't you?
Greg: Because I want to know why you're so quiet and shy and I want to know why you were crying.
Lori: Whatever I say is just going to be used against me. You're just going to tell your friends how pathetic I am.
Greg: I can't believe you would think that. I'm not a jerk, Lorr. I tend to think I'm a nice guy. Nicer than some of those guys out there.
Lori: Well I don't trust you.
Narrator: Not yet anyway, she thought to herself.
Greg: Ouch.
Lori: You should go hang out with your friends and Jessica and Tanya.
Greg: Tryin' to get rid of me?
Lori: Well, I know you don't want to be here. We both know that.
Greg: You have no idea what I want.
Lori: I don't think I want to know either.
Greg: I want you to be able to trust me. I want you to open up to me.
Lori: Well it's gonna be a while.
Narrator: Try like forever, she added to herself. Greg just looked at her, wondering why she was shutting him out. He didn't know what was going on with her, but he knew he had to find out. Now he found her even more intriguing. And he smiled when he realized that she was still holding his hand.
Greg: Will you come with me for a second?
Lori: No.
Narrator: Greg shrugged his shoulders.
Greg: OK. I'll go by myself then.
Narrator: He walked away and she stared after him, wondering where he was going. She couldn't believe that she was pushing away the one guy who she cared so much about. Tears filled her eyes all over again. Greg looked back at her and saw how uspet she was. Just as he was about to go into the Sweet F Factory to stock up on some candy he turned back around and headed straight for Lori. By this time tears were falling from her eyes. Chris, Jesse, Frankie, Tanya, Matt and Jessica were all watching the two from Aeropostale, which was right across from them. They watched Greg put his arms around Lori and watched her push him away from her. She knew exactly what she was doing. She was pushing him away and playing hard to get. She wasn't going to surrender just yet. She figured she was going to make him sweat a little even though she knew that he wasn't interested and that he never would be. The group watched them in anticipation, all wondering the same thing. What would happen next?
Greg: Lorr.
Lori: What?
Greg: Will you please come with me? I don't want to go to the candy store by myself.
Lori: You're a big boy. I'm sure you can handle it.
Greg: I wanna go with you though.
Lori: Well I don't feel like going to the candy store. Sorry.
Greg: You suck.
Narrator: Lori stared at him in disbelief. She couldn't believe what he just said. She shook her head and then looked at him.
Lori: YOU SUCK TOO YOU FUCKIN' ASSHOLE!
Narrator: Now it was Greg's turn to stare at her in disbelief. He couldn't believe that she yelled at him. He was only pressing her buttons because he wanted her to open up to him and the only way he knew how to do that was to piss her off. He knew she wouldn't remain quiet for long. Greg laughed.
Lori: I'm just a big joke to you aren't I?
Narrator: Greg immediately stopped laughing.
Greg: No. You're not a big joke to me.
Lori: Then why were you laughing at me you jerk?
Greg: Because you have no clue what I'm up to.
Lori: I don't want to know what you're up to. I could care less.
Greg: You're so tough. (pause) I'm really scared of you.
Lori: SHUT THE HELL UP!
Narrator: People nearby stopped to watch and teenage girls surrounded them. Soon the girls were up in Greg's face, touching him, hugging him, kissing him and trying to get his clothes off, when Lori pushed them all away and started yelling at them. Greg fixed his shirt and watched her with anticipation. The teenage girls soon left the scene. (They were all scared of her. Nah. I'm just kiddin'.) She turned to Greg.
Lori: You OK?
Greg: I am now, thanks to you.
Lori: It was no problem.
Greg: Thanks for saving me.
Lori: Anytime.
Greg: I owe you one.
Lori: No you don't owe me anything.
Greg: Wanna hang out with me and the guys after the meet and greet?
Narrator: Lori stared at him and saw the way he was looking at her. It kind of freaked her out, but she knew not to get a big head yet. She didn't know if he liked her or not. Out of nowhere she suddenly got this urge to kiss him like he was never kissed before, but she controlled herself. She couldn't embarrass herself. And besides, she wanted to do that when they were alone....if they would ever be alone. Then again, maybe it wouldn't happen. Only in her dreams.....
Lori: I- I don't know.
Greg: Oh. OK.
Narrator: He frowned. He looked down at the floor and slipped his hands into his pockets. Lori continued to stare at him and she got the look of love in her eyes, which made her look away. But her eyes moved back to him. She took a couple steps towards him and lifted his chin. He looked at her, wondering what she was going to do, but she didn't do anything (even though she really wanted to kiss him). Their friends continued to watch them.
Greg: (in a whisper) Lori.
Lori: Yeah Greg?
Greg: Will you-----?
Narrator: His voice trailed off and the question lingered then he backed away from her and left her standing there all alone, confused. She watched him walk away and she felt like crying all over again. She didn't understand what was going on with her, him, or what was going on between them. She didn't understand at all. She got a nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach, worse than the last one, and she walked away, disappearing down a long corridor that led to the mens room and the ladies room. She went into the ladies room and stood in front of the mirror, looking at her reflection. She felt like shit and she definitely looked it. Her hair was all messed up and her eyes were red because she was crying so hard and her stomach really hurt. She turned on the faucet and splashed her face with water. Then she patted her face dry with paper towels, gently, and stared at her reflection one more time. She still looked like shit and she still felt like shit. Outside, Greg was waiting for her to come out. (He watched her disappear down the long corridor and figured she went to the ladies room.) Finally, the door opened. Lori was surprised to see Greg standing there and he didn't look any better than she did. He looked like a nervous wreck. They both looked and felt like shit. Neither one of them knew what was going on. He just knew that he couldn't let this one get away.
Greg: H- Hi Lorr.
Lori: H- Hi Greg.
Greg: How are you?
Lori: I feel like shit.
Greg: Yeah. So do I. I might skip the meet and greet altogether.
Lori: What about those fans who showed up to see you and the other guys?
Greg: I know. Believe me, but sometimes you just need a day to yourself to relax. And right now I'm so messed up I can't even focus.
Lori: Yeah, I know what you mean.
Greg: I should just blow off the meet and greet.
Lori: What would you do if you blew off the meet and greet?
Narrator: Greg just stared at her, knowing exactly what he'd do.
Greg: I'd spend time with you.
Lori: You'd spend time with me if you blew off the meet and greet? Are you serious?
Greg: I've never been more serious in my whole entire life.
Lori: But Greg- what about-------?
Greg: I know, but I don't care. I have a lot of stuff on my mind.
Lori: Like what?
Greg: Like you.
Lori: Are you kidding me?
Greg: No.
Lori: But--------
Greg: I know. I know we just met, but hey, shit happens.
Lori: And what happened?
Greg: You did. You happened.
Narrator: Lori just looked at him in complete shock, speechless. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, but deep down she knew that he was probably just messin' with her mind. It was probably too good to be true. He took his hands out of his pockets and started walking towards her. Her heart started racing and so did his. She wondered what he was going to do. He put his arms around her and started kissing her. She couldn't believe what was happening. He continued to kiss her and reached up underneath her shirt. Her skin felt so soft. Her heart started pounding and before she knew it, she was kissing him back. He slowly moved to her neck and started to kiss it then he went back to kissing her on the lips, with so much passion and heat. She soon backed away. Greg was left breathless.
Greg: I'm- I'm sorry.
Lori: D- Don't be.
Greg: That was- amazing.
Lori: Intense. I've never been kissed like that. I've never been kissed period.
Greg: I was your first kiss?
Lori: Yeah and it's definitely going to be memorable.
Narrator: He took her hands in his and kissed her softly on the lips again then he backed away.
Greg: Go out with me.
Lori: Are you asking or -----?
Greg: I'm asking. Will you go out with me?
Lori: As in boyfriend girlfriend or on a date?
Greg: What do you think?
Lori: I don't know. That's why I was askin'.
Greg: I'm asking you to be my girlfriend.
Lori: But- but we barely know each other.
Greg: I- I know. I just.....just think....if we're boyfriend-girlfriend we'd learn something new about each other every day....that'd make the relationship even better....we wouldn't turn into some boring couple. (pause) Please...will you be my girlfriend?
Lori: And I don't wanna be part of a boring couple.
Greg: You won't be.
Lori: I just have to- do you have a girlfriend before I say yes or no?
Greg: No. I don't.
Lori: You being honest?
Greg: Yeah. I'm being honest. I don't have a girlfriend. I haven't had one for a while.
Lori: And I have to ask you something else too.....
Greg: What's that?
Lori: I hope you don't think I'm an easy lay 'cuz I'm not.
Greg: Good because I don't want an easy lay.
Lori: Well, what do you want?
Greg: A girl I can trust. A girl I can have fun with. A girl I can talk to. A girl who isn't after her 15 minutes of fame. A girl who I can count on to be there for me no matter what. A girl I can show affection to. A girl who treats me really well. A girl I can laugh with. (pause) What do you want?
Lori: A guy who likes me for me. A guy who can make me laugh. A guy who treats me like a princess. A guy who I can talk to about anything. A guy who won't try to change me. A guy who I can have fun with. A guy who I can trust. A guy who won't cheat on me. A guy who I can hold. A guy who doesn't take himself too seriously. A guy who I can count on. A guy who won't play me. A guy who I can feel safe with. A guy who won't try to get in my pants, but still shows me affection. A guy who will respect me and love me for me..unconditionally...
Greg: Let me be that guy.
Lori: I'll let you be that guy only if-----
Narrator: She stopped mid- sentence.
Greg: Only if what?
Lori: Only if you let me be that girl.
Greg: I'll not only let you be that girl, but I want you to be that girl. (long pause) Will you be my girlfriend?
Lori: Yeah.
Greg: YES!!!!
Narrator: He picked her up in his arms and kissed her; she kissed him back. Then he put her down and gave her the biggest hug ever. She hugged him back and giggled. She couldn't be happier. Her dream finally came true. She was with the man of her dreams. About fuckin' time!!!
* Click here for Chapter 2 *