FRIDAY

	Annabelle and Drew sat backstage making out. They were at 
Pierre Depardieu. Which was a French restaurant that had nightly 
entertainment. The restaurant was named after the owner, Pierre 
Depardieu, who tells anyone who listens that he is related to Gerard 
Depardieu (famous French actor). The guys were scheduled to sing in ten 
minutes. Drew was nervous, so Annabelle tried her best to help him 
out.

	"What if they don’t like our name?", Jeff asked. He was nervous 
as well. All of the guys were. Dee was already in the audience.

	"Dude, our name is cool", Nick said. Their name was 98*. They 
chose this name the other day. It was hot outside and they thought it 
sounded cool. It made them seem hot.

	"Hey Annabelle, you should stand in the audience now", J 
suggested. "The show’ll be starting in two minutes. I want you to see 
it". J smiled genuinely. Annabelle smiled back.

	"Thanks, J". Annabelle kissed Drew one last time. "Good luck", 
she said to all the guys. Then she found her seat.

	Two minutes later Pierre announced in English, "Ladies and 
gentlemen, 98*". The little audience cheered. Then Pierre walked into 
the audience and sat next to a well dressed man.

	The guys came running out on stage. The first song was a cover 
song, "I’ll Make Love To You" by Boyz II Men. The next song was another 
cover song, "She Loves You" by the Beetles. Their third song was an 
original called "Silly Serpent". They walked off stage. The applause 
was deafening. So, they ran back on. They sang "I’ll Never Break Your 
Heart" by the Backstreet Boys. Then they sang another original 
"Reverie".

	After the performance everyone gathered for a party at the 
apartment.

	Annabelle and Drew sat on the couch quietly talking.

	"I’m so proud of you, baby", Annabelle said with a smile. Drew 
smiled.

	"Me, too". Annabelle laughed. "I love your laugh and your 
smile. I love you".

	"I love you. Let’s go hang in my room".

	"Okay". They went into Annabelle’s room and made out. There 
were too many people in the house to go any further.

	"Do you want anything to drink, Dee? I’m gonna get a soda", 
Jeff asked.

	"Yes, please. Thank you". Jeff went into the kitchen. Jess 
walked over to Dee.

	"Hey there, Jess. I haven’t seen you in awhile".

	"I know. Nick and I broke up. Have you seen him?".

	"Last time I saw him he was outside, but he’s probably in the 
kitchen now".

	"Thanks, Dee". Jess walked into the kitchen. No Nick. She 
looked out the window. He wasn’t by the pool. She went to the fire 
escape, and there he was. He sat on the steps drinking a beer.

	"Nick?". He looked up.

	"What’s up?".

	"I saw the show. You guys did great". She walked onto the fire 
escape. "Why are you out here by yourself?".

	"I dunno".

	"I saw your mom".

	"That’s nice".

	"Don’t be this way, Nick".

	"What are you talking about?".

	"You’re being all distant".

	"I’m sorry, Jess. It’s not my fault that the girl I’m in love 
with broke up with me and is now standing behind me acting like 
nothing happened. I’m sorry that I’m coping a fucking attitude, 
Jessica!".

	"Jesus, Nick! I came to be supportive. I thought we could be 
friends. I guess I was wrong". She began to walk inside.

	"Jess, wait. I wanna know why you broke up with me".

	"I’m weak. I lived in the kind of home where no one fought. I 
can’t stand fighting. You always have to fight with me. It’s like I 
have nothing important to say. When I’m with you, I feel useless. You 
did a great job tonight. Congratulations". She walked inside. 

	"Salut, J", Pierre said as he walked towards J.

	"Salut, Pierre. Comment vas-tu?".

	"Tres bien, merci. Et toi?".

	"Tres bien". (the rest of the conversation will be written in 
English. The characters are speaking French unless otherwise 
mentioned)

	"There’s someone who wants to meet you and the guys".

	"Who?". He tapped the man on the shoulder. He turned 
around.

	"Paris D’Jon, meet Justin Jeffre. I gotta go. You guys 
talk".

	"Hi", Paris said in English. (The rest is spoken in English 
now, I promise)

	"Hey. So, you know Pierre?".

	"Kind of. I heard you guys sing. The songs didn’t really fit, 
but you sounded amazing. I’m a manager and I would like to manage you 
guys".

	"Really?".

	"Really".

	"Wow. I gotta tell the guys. Wait here". J found Jeff on the 
couch with Dee, he found Nick on the fire escape, and after a lot of 
searching found Drew in Annabelle’s room.

	"Guys, this is Paris D’Jon. He wants to be our manager". They 
talked with Paris for half an hour before deciding on hiring him as 
their manager.

	"We need to get you guys your own songs. Then we record a demo 
before approaching the record companies. I don’t think we’ll have a 
problem with that. Your kind of sound is hot right now. I believe you 
guys will go far".

	"Thanks", the guys chorused.

	Later that night, Drew sat on Annabelle’s bed. She was in the 
bathroom. She came out wearing her cow pajamas.

	"Tell me you love me", she requested as she approached the 
bed.

	"I love you, Anna".

	"Do you think I’m pretty?".

	"Why?".

	"I’m having a self conscious day. Humor me".

	"I think you’re the most beautiful creature to ever grace this 
world with your presence". Annabelle smiled and kissed Drew softly.

	"I love you. You’re so sweet and considerate. Did I mention 
charming?". Drew smiled.

	"Anna, how do you feel about Paris?". She had met him briefly 
earlier that day.

	"He’s a nice guy. We only talked for a moment".

	"I mean this whole thing".

	"I’m proud. I’m amazed. I’m a little overwhelmed with 
emotions. Why?".

	"If we become a world class act...I’m gonna quit 
college".

	"What?!!".

	"Anna...you gotta understand...".

	"I understand, Drewy. What if this fails?".

	"I go into the family business. What else could I do? Go back 
to college? Nah. Jeff and Nick will have degrees under their belts, no 
worries. J...hmmm...J is the only person I’ve ever known who has no 
problems finding a job. The guy does everything well. But making 
cabinets is what we Lacheys do best". Drew smiled weakly. "I don’t 
have much of a choice. We can barely afford college now, with ma’s 
attack and all".

	"Have you talked to her lately?".

	"Who?".

	"Your mother".

	"Oh. Yeah. Yesterday".

	"How is she?".

	"She needs triple by-pass surgery".

	"Oh god. Drew, we gotta be there".

	"She told me not to worry".

	"Not to worry?! She is gonna hear it from me". Drew laughed. 
"What’s so funny?".

	"I love the way you get along with my mother. Hell, I love 
everything about you. You couldn’t be more perfect, Anna".

	"Oh really? Tell me about it", she said playfully.

	"Maybe some other time". She playfully hit his arm. They were 
quiet for a moment.

	"What about me?".

	"Huh?".

	"If you become Mr. Bigtime pop star...where will I be? Where 
will we stand?".

	"Anna, I couldn’t stand being without you. I...".

	"Uh uh uh! Say no more. No matter how much I love you, crave 
your companionship, and wanna be with you...I can’t...college 
remember?". Drew wanted to cry right then and there. Without Annabelle 
singing meant nothing to him. "Okay, enough serious talk. Talk dirty 
to me". Drew gave her a toothy grin. He happily took her subject 
change.


TO BE CONTINUED...