PRT 402- “Life After Mia”

It was such a relief to not have to worry about Nemesis anymore. I was still slightly upset Mia was alive, but the fact she had no powers made her no threat and that was enough for now.

I found out later that Prince Diamond fed Mina the idea about stripping Mia’s powers over killing her. Evidently he really did care about Mia for some unknown reason and wanted to save her. Mia had woken up a couple of days ago and spoken with police. She claimed she was kidnapped by one of Sailor Nemesis’s goons and that Nemesis caused the explosion. She said she didn’t remember much else. Her lies worked and the police cleared her of any involvement. Sailor Moon had assured the LAPD that Nemesis was no longer a threat and the case was closed. Everyone had accepted that Mia and Mindy were random choices and that Nemesis was running from the other Soldiers and not looking for a specific target. Since Mia had woken up the press had been in a frenzy over her and had kind of backed off me…which I’ll admit, was nice.

From what I understood Mia was still in the hospital and Diamond was by her side (as was Kaya…of course rock stars get to have their pets in the hospital…duh). I assumed Mia and Kaya were still pretty mad about the loss of the Sailor Nemesis power, but it was done.

Meanwhile, I had work to do. I had sold ½ the record label back to Mina, which was nice because it decreased my workload. I had officially announced Serena’s new release date of February 16^th as well as her new single. Serena was in the process of talking to directors so she could film her new view. She was so excited. Raye wanted to hold off on picking a date. She felt like she needed to strengthen her relationship with Chad before she focused on the album. I couldn’t deny her that.

As for me? Well, let’s just say I knew that life was about to get very, very crazy. Jon had already released his book and today his album was coming out…the album that included a bonus DVD of his documentary in which he made those infamous comments about our relationship that started this whole press mess. I knew I was going to be questioned about it again very soon and I was dreading that.

I sat back in my chair and looked at my computer screen. I’d been working with Holly to get my own single out. I had chosen a single so that wasn’t an issue. The issue was that my record label wasn’t sure about releasing new music from me. They were not happy about all the bad press I’d been getting lately. I think the phrase ‘next Lindsay Lohan’ was mentioned by someone. Either way, they were wanting to hold out until the media storm died down. Yeah, it may help record sales, but they were equally as worried the bad press would hurt record sales. All of it made me very angry because I really wanted to get some new music out there. Holly was on my side and doing everything she could to make it happen. I looked at my email box. Messages were flying back and forth on all sides. Personally, I was sick of it for the day. It was time to go home and relax. I turned my monitor off and grabbed my purse. When I walked out of my office, into the lobby of the office building (Starlight Records was three offices and a lobby) I saw Jonny sitting there, flipping through a magazine.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Nice greeting.” He said.

“I told you not to see me.”

“Because of Nemesis but Sailor Moon told the LAPD that Nemesis is gone…that means we’re in the clear.”

“Mia is still out there and could hurt us personally…besides…the damage she did is done.”

“You mean the video…”

“I mean what you did with her on the video.”

“I explained that.”

“And I still don’t forgive you.”

“Mich, please, just hear me out.”

“Fine, what?”

Jon held up a copy of his CD.

“What about it?” I asked.

“Listen to it…or at least one song.”

I made a face, “Fine. Come in.”

We went into my office and I sat back at my desk. I took the CD from Jon and put it in my computer.

“Track 4.” Jon said as he sat down in the chair across from my desk.

I nodded and listened to the lyrics. This song was clearly about me. He knew how to get to me…he’s done it with songs before, ‘Always’, ‘Stay’, ‘All About Lovin’ You’…and this was no exception. This song was a statement and I knew what it meant. It was an apology, a confession of love, and a sentiment of understanding. He wanted to be my hero and let me know he understood that even though I did have superpowers, sometimes I did need to be saved.

“Did you mean it?” I asked as the song ended. I had tears in my eyes.

“Every word.” He said, “You know I love you Michelle…I have always and will always love you. I want to be your Superman. I never meant to hurt you…that’s the last thing I ever want.”

I took a deep breath as I felt a tear slide down my cheek, “I love you too…just…seeing you with her…it drove me crazy.”

“I know…and you have no idea how sorry I am…you have no idea how much I didn’t want to be with her.”

I nodded, “I think I knew that, I was just too hurt to accept it.”

“Can I have another chance?”

“Well…it means sneaking around and being very careful.”

“What if there was a reason for us to be together every night?”

“I would love that, but how?”

“My tour. We’re going on tour next year starting on February 19^th. Come with us.”

“What? You want me to go on tour with you?”

“Yes…just like the old days. Come with me.”

“What about Dot. It’s not the old days anymore Jonny, she knows about us now.”

“Go as Rich’s girl and whenever Dot shows up you can stay with him. I talked to Rich and he’s cool with it.”

“So…you want me to go with you on tour…but…I have an album that I’ll need to promote…I’m shooting for a spring release so the single…”

“We’ll fit you into our show. Whenever you want you can be a special guest…sing one song, do a short set…whatever you want.”

“Really? You’ll let me perform?”

“Of course. You’re a more amazing singer now than you were then…and you were amazing then. I’d be honored to have your talent as a part of our show.”

I took a deep breath again, this proposal caught me completely off guard. Being on a large tour with Jon was one of the best times of my life. It was also one of the worst times of my life. It was a big decision but one that I immediately knew the answer to, even if I didn’t want to admit I decided that quickly. “Of course. I would love to go on tour with you.” I said finally.

“Really? You will! Thank you Michi…you won’t regret it.” Jon said as he came around the desk and lifted me into his arms and hugged me.

I hugged him back, “You see to it I don’t.”

Raye

~~~~

I was sitting at the kitchen table eating a bowl of ramen when Chad walked in.

“Hey, how was the interview?” I asked.

“Not bad…ohh ramen…is there more?” Chad asked.

I nodded, “Yeah, on the stove. Help yourself.”

“Love ramen.” Chad said as he got a bowl and sat at the table with me.

“Did they ask questions about us?” I asked.

Chad nodded, “Always do.”

“What did you tell them?”

“That we’re happy and we like keeping our relationship as private as possible. Same as always.”

I nodded, “Are we happy?”

“Why wouldn’t we be?”

“It’s just…everything that happened…the secret identity thing, Hunter…you know…all of it. We never really got to deal with it because of Nemesis’s attacks.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Ok, so how do you feel about it now?”

“Honestly?”

“Yes.”

“I’m still a little hurt you didn’t tell me about Sailor Mars…but I kinda get it a little more now as to why you didn’t. As for Hunter…yeah, it really hurt me that you kissed him…but I also know it could have gone further but you stopped it. I still don’t know how much trust we have in this relationship and I certainly don’t see marriage in our near future, but I do want to work this out and I think we can.”

“Wow, ok…brutal honesty. I understand how you feel and I promise you, you can trust me. You know all my secrets now and I promise I’ll never hide anything from you again. As for marriage…you’re right, I’m still not ready and now neither are you…but maybe someday we will be. I do want this to work though. I love you so much Chad.”

“I love you too Raye…it’ll be work but I think we can make it as long as we’re honest from here on out.”

“I promise.” I said as there was a knock on the door.

“Expecting someone?” Chad asked.

“Um, no…are you?”

“No.”

“Hmm.” I said as I went to answer the door. It was Serena.

“Hey, what’s up?” I asked.

“Can we talk?” she asked.

“Sure, come on in.” I said as I let her in and closed the door.

“Hey Serena.” Chad waved.

“Hey Chad, can I borrow Raye for a bit?” Serena asked.

“Sure. I’ll just be in the bedroom if you need me.” Chad said as he grabbed his bowl and went in the bedroom and shut the door.

Serena and I went over to the sofa and sat down.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“Why didn’t you tell me how you felt about Darien and I?” she asked.

“What?”

“Darien told me your new single is about your feelings for him.”

I sighed, “Yeah, I wrote it when I was like 14. It’s an old song I just released.”

“Ok, I get that. It sounds like a 14 year old wrote it. The point stands. When Darien and I got together I point blank asked if you were ok with it and you said you were fine because you didn’t care that much about him anyway.”

“Like I’d admit it. Yes, it hurt. I was 14 and thought I was in love.”

“Your song kinda bashes me too. I believe the line says something about ‘she messes you up’ clearly referring to me.”

“You were a meatball head teenager that was full of drama and emotion…like we all were. Really Serena, I got over it a long time ago. I just like the song.”

“So you really have no feelings for Darien anymore?”

“Only as a very dear friend. That’s it. I don’t love him or even want him. I have Chad and he’s the man I love. I’m happy you and Darien worked out…truly. I was just a teenager that was sore over losing my boyfriend and felt like I couldn’t tell anyone so I wrote a song. I like the song that came of it and have been waiting to release it. I waited so long because I didn’t want this conversation…and because it never really fit on any of my albums before.”

“For what it’s worth I’m sorry that you were hurt.”

“I know you didn’t do it on purpose.”

Serena nodded then hugged me, “I’d never hurt you on purpose. We may not always get along but you’re one of my best friends.”

“I know. You’re my friend too.”

Serena stood up, “OK, glad that’s settled. I need to head out. Another meeting with another director. So far no one sees my vision for this single.”

“You’ll find someone. Just have to wait for the right fit.”

Serena nodded and headed out.

“Chad! It’s safe!” I called.

Chad came out of the room, “Everything ok?”

“Just fine…so how did Darien know that my song is about him?”

“Um…I…” Chad stammered.

“Did you tell him?”

“Maybe…”

“Does it bother you too?”

“You’re releasing songs about your ex…yeah, a little I guess.”

“You know I wrote it years ago.”

“I know…I know I’m being silly. I told him when I was angry.”

I sighed, “Honey, I love you…it’s just a song…one I wrote as a kid.”

Chad nodded, “I know.”

“You know I don’t have any lingering feelings for Darien right? I love you and only you.”

“I get that now. I told him after I found out about Hunter. I was hurt, jealous, and in secure. I thought maybe if you kissed Hunter you had something going with Darien too.”

“I don’t. I promise. I don’t see Darien like that anymore.”

“I know. I really do.”

“Good.” I kissed Chad, “You’re the only one for me.