Chapter 4

Ximena's POV:

The rest of the girls and I were in the hospital, checking up on Alya and had protocols dictated. We had to tell her the news. Ever since she heard it, she wouldn't stop crying.

"You can't kick me out…" She sobbed. "What will happen to my musical career?" I rolled my eyes, tired of explaining stuffs to her.

"Nothing. Hopefully, you'll get better and another record label might just sign you to their company."

"But I don't want to work for another record label! I only want Beamlights! Please, help me Ximena, I promise I'll do anything…"

"Shh…" I shushed her and went closer to her. "You don't have to say that. I wish I could let you in back but the problem is we don't know for sure if you'll be able to dance properly after you heal up."

"I will dance properly!" She stressed. Okay, she's getting very annoying.

"We've already compensated your parents and done the necessaries. I'm sorry but we can't take you back." I said with a note of finality. She stopped sobbing and hiccupped instead.

"You really have made your decision, haven't you?" She muttered quietly.

"Yes… Sadly I have."

"Okay then… It's no use begging anymore. You can leave." She muttered, cleaning her tears. I smiled to myself before giving her a peck on the cheek.

"Don't worry, we'll always check up on you. Just because you're out of the band doesn't mean you're out of our lives. Take care of yourself." I said and stood up. Alya looked away. Turning to the rest of the girls, I announced.

"Okay, let's go girls, we still have that costume shopping to do.

They all looked at me quizzically.

"Come on… We don't have all day! Oh… And you can tell Alya your final goodbyes before meeting me out there. Have fun." I said and walked out of the room. They grudgingly followed me after telling Alya their final goodbyes. Just perfect.

***

(The next day)

Lila's POV:

I was vacuum cleaning when Tessa rushed to me with my phone in her hands. She seemed shocked by something.

"Lila, did you hear?"

"What is it?" I asked, uninterested.

"Alya, one of the girl members of the Beamers, had an accident. She's been hospitalized and cannot dance, subsequently missing their tour."

"Oh… That's sad." I muttered.

"No it's not sad. It's worrying! Why would she get into an accident? That tour was the most crucial part of their lives!"

"I'm not in the company. How am I supposed to know?" I replied.

"Well there is a bit of good news in all of this story."

"And what is that?"

"Since Alya won't be part of the Beamer anymore, Beamlights Entertainment is looking for another girl that would fill in for her."

My eyes sprang up at that information.

"Really?"

"Yep, they are going to set the day of the audition soon. Problem is, the fee might be on the high side judging by how expensive that company is."

Oh, I really wish I could go. Maybe finally I'll get noticed!

"They haven't set the date yet, have they?" I asked.

"No… Not yet."

Well, there's still time. I hope all the money I've been saving would be enough to get me an audition.

"Lila… Lila!" Tessa called.

"Hmm?" I didn't realize I had trailed off.

"Was calling you for a while now. What were you thinking?"

"Nothing much. Just how I'll get the money for the audition."

"Wait… You want to go for the audition?" She asked, amusement clear in her voice.

"What? Can't I?"

"Where are you going to get the money from?"

"Don't know, maybe a miracle will happen." I muttered. When I noticed Tessa wasn't convinced by my explanation, I added. "I have been saving for a while now. I just hope it'll be enough."

"How did you manage to? I thought mom collects Everything!"

"Sh." I whispered furiously. "Wait, you think I'll give her every single penny I make?"

Tessa widened her eyes till it was as big as saucers, and then started giggling.

"You little liar!" She said while giggling. I chuckled as well. After a while the laughter died down and we became serious once again.

"I really hope you get the chance to." Tessa muttered quietly. "I'm tired of hearing and seeing you dance and sing in the bathroom. You should be entertaining people, not bathroom tiles!" She said and I gasped.

"Wait, you have been spying on me?" I asked bewildered.

"What? It's not like there's anything in that body, anyway." She said nonchalantly, and I glared hard at her. She broke into a run and I chased her.

"Come back here, you little mole!" I yelled as I chased her around the house, the sounds of our laughter filling the air.

***

Chad's POV:

Me and the boys were in the living room in our penthouse, doing nothing in particular. Dean, was in the music room, trying to cook up new music. Always busy.

"I'm bored." Nico muttered while scrolling through his phone.

"How many times have you said that today?" Min ho retorted. He's part Korean, part Italian. When you combine two completely different countries together, what you get is a steamy hot snacc. Nico is also mixed race, but he's black. With is curly hair drooping down his face and his growing stubble, he looked like dynamite. And there's Jayden. He's full American and has this kind of feminine beauty. We call him beautiful boy. He's the one with the most beautiful smile in the group, the rest of us just be smirking to the camera. But even though we comprise really handsome guys, none of them can compare to Dean's. He's been causing trouble since he was four! He is really the ladies' man.

"Since morning." Jayden replied, sipping his soft drink.

"Yo, why don't we just all go out? Some place where we can have quality time?" He asked.

"You guys can go somewhere else, Dean and I got plans." I spoke up.

"And we're not invited?" Jayden asked.

"Nope… Some other time maybe."

"Seriously? We're also part of the Sparks," Min ho complained.

"Hey, I never said you weren't. But I've been planning this outing with Dean for a while now." I explained.

"It's okay. Imma solve all our problems now," Nico said. "Clarissa just opened a new seven-star hotel. Maybe we should check it out."

"Who's Clarissa?" Jayden asked.

"You don't know Clarissa? That's the president's daughter." Min replied.

"You've met the president's daughter!? When did that happen?"

"That's old news!" Nico stated.

"Oh, I forgot. You're the 'international playboy,'" Jayden air-quoted and sat back on the chair.

"Whatever. Are you coming or not?"

"We'll go." Min ho mumbled.

"Perfect. I'll call her now to make reservations for us." Nico said and stood up, walking to his room.

"He even has her number!" Jayden muttered. I chuckled.

"Looks like you guys have settled your 'boredom problem.' I'll go check up on Dean. I said and left the room as well.

As expected, Dean was in the studio room curled up behind the equipment with headphones in his ears, bopping to some beat. I pushed the door open and walked in. He glanced at me and removed his earphones, slightly nodding.

"Hey bro." I greeted and sat down beside him. "What are you doing?" I asked, even though I clearly knew what he was doing.

"As you can see… Making up beats."

"Cool… Still up for tonight?" I asked.

"Sure… Ready when you're ready." He answered as he lowered the volume of the beats blaring from the speakers.

"Where do you have in mind?" Dean asked after a while. I picked up my phone and scrolled through the possible places. They came across Sir Patrick's club. Not a fan of clubs, but it promised there'll be no paparazzi coming around and taking pictures of us and since it'll be dimly lit, it would be easier to blend in. The last thing I want is the paparazzi coming around.

"How about this one?" I asked, as I showed him the place. He studied it for a while before replying.

"You want us to go to a strip club?"

"Hey, at least there'll be no paparazzi."

"Whatever… Okay, I'm in."

"Cool. I'll call to make some reservations. Be ready by 7: 30 pm." I said as I stood up.

"Okay. See you later."

"You too." I said and walked out of the studio.

***

Lila's POV:

I just finished my restaurant shift and Ruby and I are busy cleaning up. As always after this, I had to go to Sir Patrick's club. Ruby and I kept discussing as we talked.

"Ruby?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you hear the news about the Beamer girls?" I asked.

"Of course. Who hasn't? That Alya got into an accident and cannot join the girls in the next tour?"

"Yeah, it also said they'll be looking for a new member soon." I added.

"I don't know… But isn't it weird? I mean, she just got wounded and they're already looking for a replacement?"

"It sure is, but then… That's not my business."

"You know, if you ask me… I don't especially fancy the Beamer. Especially their leader, Ximena."

"CG's daughter?"

"Yeah…she's so…different."

"I really don't care about her. I'm just here thinking if I can get a shot in the whole stuff."

"You mean…you want to audition for the spot?"

"Of course. Why not?" I asked, and Ruby burst out laughing.

"You… Where are you going to get the money from?" She asked between gulps. "Don't you know it going to be really expensive?"

"Why are you all so worried about the money? I mean it's important, but why that? I believe a miracle will happen."

"Oh it sure will." Ruby said sarcastically.

"Whatever. Don't know why I even told you." I muttered.

"Hey! Don't be mad. I'm just saying. You know it'll be a good thing if you finally get in. You'll be able to show Mrs. Stella that you're not as useless as she thinks. Who knows? You might even dance alongside Sparks."

I squealed internally. I really hope that's possible. I felt a hand around me and realized that it was Ruby hugging me.

"Don't worry, just have faith. I believe a miracle will happen."

"Aww… Thanks Ruby."

"You're welcome." She replied, and I hugged her back. My eyes wavered to the clock on the wall, and I gasped. I quickly pulled away.

"Thanks for the pep talk, but I have to go. See you tomorrow." And with that, ran out of the restaurant with my bag. I can't afford to be late to Sir Patrick's club. He might choose someone else and Mrs. Stella is going to kill me if I don't bring any money parcel home.