Effort (Lola Path)

" I'm a ... friend of Lola. " You couldn't help but start to feel confused and scared. Scarlet knew Lola ?

"You're probably wondering all kind of nonsense. You needn't concern yourself with that. Just know that I met Lola under specific circumstances, and we became friends. And just to be clear, this concert is your merit, not a favour she asked. You have so much potential inside of you, Christy. How fast you become a star is a matter of effort with your new self."

" What kind of effort ? "

" Enhance your voice a bit, get a better wardrobe, and above all improve your music skills. Once that's up to scratch you'll then work on building up a huge following of adoring fans. If that happens we take care of the rest." Scarlet said all this confidently, but you couldn't help but notice that last part was a barely audible whisper. And she continues.

"By the way, you'll need to pick a better name. Chris is sort of gender neutral, but common and not befitting someone destined for stardom. You should pick something that is easy to remember and adds a hint of uniqueness that we can turn into a brand and sell. What would you like to be called?"

You felt like you were being pulled in four directions at once. You had a ton of questions and Scarlet somehow never gave you the chance to compile your thoughts into something coherent. Still you kept finding yourself compelled to obey her instructions for some reason. So you gave it a quick thought, and your mind goes blank.

" Sorry ... I'm out of ideas. "

" Very well, you are now Kelly."

" What ? "

" It's just temporary, you can change it after, or decide that you don't want any of this. This is always your choice. "

" You sound like Lola, Scarlet. "

" We share ... some connections, Kelly. But let us move to the other part of the talk. The reason why I'm talking to your in private. Your band is average ... That's good for beginners, but not good enough for my company."

" They can ... put more effort, Scarlet ... We just need an opportunity. "

" You need all to get a job to pay your rent, Chris. School is ending, none of you have plans for university, and I've seen to many times this. They will pull you in to share the rent, and at first it will be a dream come true. Living with the band member works only on a tour, Chris. "

" They are not like that, Scarlet. "

" Of course not, Chris. Tell me something, who goes to the coffee to buy snacks before your practice ? "

" That's different ... They are making the sound check, and ... "

" And the lead singer that carries the band do not need time to prepare ? Well, my warning is made. Lola being here to help her new ... old ... friend was a surprise, for me. But it can help you. Call her for an advice, ok Kelly ? " She says hugging you, and you both go to where the other members of the band are. When you enter the rest room, you see Lola trying to pull the bottle of beer from Eddie's hand, and the other members of the band are seated on the couch. Several bottles pile up on the table in front of them.

" Christy ... Join us, we are celebrating. Your friend is so hot, can you convince her to join us ? " Says Brian trying to step forward, and falling on the floor.

" I'm sorry Scarlet, this is ... " You say turning your head to Scarlet grabbing her phone.

" I called the security. Please leave. " She says turning her back, and walking away. Several big security guards enter the room, she whispers something to them, and they gently pull all the band members from the room and the building. Lola comes closer.

" I have the keys to the van, follow me. " She says

" What about the others ? "

" I have an arrangement with Eddie, and someone to pick them up. Trust me, you don't want to be near them when they are drunk. " She says and you both enter the van.

" The equipment is very expensive, Christy. So Eddie told me to never let him drive when he is ... like that. But not all is bad, right ? " She says pressing a button, and the music begins to play making you smile. It's your demo.

" I had no change to tell you ... but you were amazing. Can you sing a little or your throat is hurting, Christy ? "

" Kelly." You say beginig to sing along yourself. Lola lowers the music volume.

" Kelly ? Tell me all. "

" Scarlet told me that Christy is not a name for a star, so I had to pick a name, my mind went blank, she said Kelly, I liked the sound of it, and I'm trying to see if it sounds good, and I have no idea why I'm saying this to you. " You say almost without breathing.

" You have great lungs ... Kelly. And you are saying this to me, because you trust me, darling. That's why you didn't end the call when I called you doll. " She says placing her hand on your knee.

" Lola ... I'm not ... " You say looking at her.

" I know darling ... I'm a person that is always touching others ... I saw on a book that is a way to create a connection with someone to help overcome my insecurities ... Seeing Eddie like that ... makes me think about ... stuff. " She says closing her hand a little, while caressing softly your knee.

" Sorry, I didn't meant to ... " She says removing the hand. You smile to her.

" Another secret for the vault. " You say, and she nods.

" Christy, bikini panties, glory hole, Kelly, and touch slut ... Todays vault is getting full, darling. Hahaha. " She says paying attention to the driving.

You return home, hit the books, and think that your new journey is about to start.