Fanfic #2: "The Same Old Thing"- Finished!!

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

I've also started a Ricky Ullman fanfic if you read it'll start to make sense. They're arent too many of these so here it is.

The Same Old Thing

Chapter 1- The Beginning

I was walking to my set when two hands covered my eyes.
“Guess who?” A voice said.
“Well I don’t have to guess, because only one person I know has such rough hands as yours, Rickster.”
He removed his hands and I spun around and smiled.
“You really need to use lotion.” I said.
“ I know, I know you always tell me that.” He said.
“Well I’m right, ouch.” I said rubbing my eyes.
Ricky laughed. Raviv (Ricky) Ullman my best guy friend in the entire world. He’s an actor as well, he’s in Disney Channel’s show Phil of the Future. He’s the main character as you might have caught on. The show’s got a buzz on it, and he gets chased by pre-teens and it’s really funny. You have to make sure you run fast though which is not one of my best qualities. Anyway I should have introduced myself, I’m Jessica and that’s all you need to know for now. So anyway where was I oh yes, Ricky’s disturbingly rough hands, ha ha! I think I’m gonna back track a little. May 31, my 16th birthday, which should have been really cool but when I woke up, there was no “Happy Birthday, Jess!” but whatever I’m sure my mom just had an early call to go to work and John (my step dad who is like evil) always leaves at like 5:00 AM. I’m sure I’ll get one later on, I thought. At 7:00 my friend Cassie and her sister Ali pulled into my driveway to take me to my set for this short film I’m doing for this school. As you’ve probably noticed I’m an actress, I’ve been in a few things but nothing huge like Titanic (my favorite movie of all time). Of course I got my “Happy Birthday!” song from Cassie and Ali, they’re so nice. As we were driving my cell rang, it was Regan, another member of my posse (ha ha!) she of course wished me a “Happy Birthday!” and good luck on set today. She had to get ready for a basketball game so she had to go.
Once we got to my set, I got a big “Happy Birthday!” from the crew, which made me feel welcomed since I had only been there for 2 days. Cut to 1:00 when I had to get back to set because the lunch break was over and guess who stopped by—The Rickster. Now we’re up to speed:
“Rickster, you’re still wearing that shirt! (the red one I had gotten him for his birthday) I still can’t believe you wore in it that POTF episode. You’re so dorky, you wear that thing like everyday.” I snickered.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

“Hey now,” Ricky said putting his hands up, “I came here to going to wish you a Happy Birthday but now I don’t think so.”
“Oh, I am so sorry for making fun of your shirt and your rough hands, wimp!” I laughed. He walked off stupidly then came back.
“That wasn’t nice.” He said pointing his finger at me. I pushed it out of the way. “Oh deal with it. If you get any girlier I’m gonna have to sign you up for an opening role on “Queer Eye”.”
“Girlier? Is that even a word?”
“I don’t care, shut up nobody likes you! AHHH! You made me loose my train of thought! You twizzler!” (If you watch “That 70’s Show” you might get this.) “ Twizzler! Twizzler! I am not a twizzler! If I am a twizzler then you’re a- a-’’ Then we both burst out laughing. It was pretty funny.
“Well, anyway, I gotta get to set so see ya later, Rickster.”Knowing, I’m gonna have to run fast because the director already called me twice. But for some reason, I looked back once more to see Ricky walking away. After finally finishing the school film, I walked to the parking lot expecting my mom but Ricky pulled up.
“Hey, Jessica, Messica, Less-”
“OK, I get it.” I said getting into his car.
“You know, I still haven’t gotten a happy birthday from you. I should think my friend of 8 years would have--"
"Hey, you had to, you just had to call me a twizzler.”
I gave him the puppy eyes and he gave in.
“OK, OK Jess, Happy Birthday.” He smiled.
He looked at me, locking eyes, for a second but then looked back onto the road.
I wondered what that was about. Whatever, it was probably nothing. When he pulled into my driveway, all the lights in my house were off. Ricky opened the door for me, like he always did then grabbed my stuff for me. I walked in and: SURPRISE!! Everyone was there, my mom, John, my friends, family, even my dad along with my two twin half-brothers--- Dylan and Cole.
“Oh thanks guys this is really sweet.”
“Don’t get all mushy on us now.” Cassie warned shoving a present in my face.
I opened it, it was keys, but not just any keys- CAR KEYS! I ran out to the garage and in front of it was a red convertible – I screamed, then ran to my mom, dad, and John.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
After the big shock of the car, the party seemed to fly by.
Before I knew it, everyone but Ricky had left.
“Why still hanging around, slim?”
“Oh nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me, c’mon it’s gonna be something.”
“Alright, Danielle broke up with me after I left your set.”
Danielle Faurot, Ricky’s girlfriend for a while now.
“Why did she say anything? Did she give a reason?”
“Yea, she did, but I don’t know-“
“What, you can tell me anything.”
“She said I spend too much time with you.”
“What?! Well, we are best friends!”
“She said that I seemed more in love with you then with her.”
“That’s ridiculous! She sure does give you detail. Do you want me to talk to her?”
“No it’s OK. It was bound to happen sometime soon.”
I never really liked her anyway, she was way too clingy, calling Ricky everyday, and she was like a stalker.
“Yea, your better off anyway. But I’m still sorry.”
I gave him a hug then pulled away.
“Um, your not gonna cry are you?”
He laughed, “No.”
“Good, cause I don’t deal with men who cry.”He laughed harder, then picked me up and threw me in my pool.
Furious, I swam up and while he was laughing, knocked him into the water. I splashed him, he splashed me back, and then I said,
“You evil, evil twizzler!” At that he pushed my head underwater.
I broke free then swam up and did the same to him.
We laughed, and then my mom came out.
“What are you guys doing?”
“Nothing.” Ricky and I said in unison then scurrying out of the pool.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

My mom left and went back inside the house, laughing.
“So, I think we should get changed.” I said.
“Yea, but what do I wear?” Ricky laughed weakly.
“Ding-dong, anybody home. You leave clothes over here all the time. I’m sure your bound to find something.”
So Ricky found some of his clothes, and I took a shower because I can’t stand the chlorine smell. I made Ricky take a shower too.
The Rickster decided to sleepover. We spent the whole night basically talking, reliving memories, like about how we met.
I was staring at the carpet until a thought popped into my head.
“Hey, Rickster, 'member when we met?” I asked.
“Of course I do.” He said, “You were 8 and I was 10. You had just moved to California from Illinois and our mom’s had met at one of those parent things.”
"Yea, and when they set up the play-date I spilled juice over you because boys are icky!” I laughed.
“Oh yea! I never wore that shirt again it was so stained with grape juice.”
“Ha ha! Then we went to school together, hung out all the time until you met Danielle.”
Ricky sighed heavily,
“Yea, knew that was comin’.”
“Hey, hey, hey! You can’t blame me. I just needed to clarify a few things. Like, oh I know why you never, never called me after you guys went on your first date!”
“I called you! It’s just at that point, she really didn’t want me to talk about our relationship to our friends.”
“A likely excuse!”
“Hey-”
“Don’t! Do the!-”
“Now-”
“Ugh! I hate that hey now! You and Sarah (my friend in Texas) always do the “hey now!”.”

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

Ricky laughed.
Just then my cell rang.
“Hello?” I said.
Ricky made a face, he always hated it when I was on the phone.
“Sorry.” I mouthed.
"Fo shizzle, Jessizle!" said the two voices on the other line.
"Dylan and Cole." I said.
Ricky laughed. My brothers, as I mentioned earlier. My dad remarried this girl, Marci, and they had twins-- Dylan and Cole. They starred in "Big Daddy" with Adam Sandler. Acting is like a disease in this family. Anyway, after that they got into this soccer movie "Just for Kicks'' and then were voices in Adam's "Eight Crazy Nights". Adam is really great by the way and is always bugging me to be in one of his movies. I'll accept sooner or later but I wanna get a start on my own. And I'm not jealous at all of my lil' bros cause they are awesome even if they are evil sometimes. They're now going to be in a show on Disney "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody". Anyway back to the convo.
"You guessed right,sista!" Dylan said.
"Did you like your party?'' Cole asked.
"Yes, I did, you guys were great. Anyway, I've gotta go because Ricky's over." I said.
"Oh, boo-whoo! We're better!" Dylan said.
"Shhhh! I gotta go! Bye." I said.
"Bye." They said.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

Chapter 2- Strange Happenings
So a couple weeks passed and I was at school Ricky, Regan, Cassie, and our new friend Kiki, who was a year younger and Ricky's cousin. Anyway, Kiki was a really pretty, nice, blonde so lots of guys would ask her out. She was telling me about one of them.
"Ok, so I was in the library and this guy comes up to me and asks me out." She said.
"Ok, go on." I said.
"So he wasn't that bad looking but I didn't wanna go out with him. So I turned him down and he looked all sad, oh well." She said.
"What was his name?" I asked.
"Some hillbilly name, it was really weird." She said.
"Well I gotta go to class see ya later!" I said.
On the way to class, I wasn't watching where I was going so I bumped into this guy.
"Oh! Crap!" I said as my books went everywhere.
"It's ok." He said helping me.
My eyes met his as he helped me up, he looked really really familiar.
"Hi, I'm Billie Joe." He said taking his hand.
My eyes went wide, and I almost screamed.
"Billie Joe? Billie Joe Armstrong? It's me, Jess, Jess Knackstedt!"I said.
"Jess?? oh my gosh-- it really is you!" He said hugging me.
"Wow, how long has it been?'' I asked.
"About 8 years." He said.
"Wow." I said.
Ok, so you don't get confused Billie was my best friend from like age 2 to 8 when I had to leave to go to Connecticut (where I met Ricky). He was the best friend I'd ever had. I cried and cried when I had to leave him.
"So how old are you now?" I asked.
"17." He said.
"Oh, yea and in February you're gonna be 18.'' I said.
"You still remember my birthday?" He asked.
"Yea, Feburary 17. Do you remember mine?" I asked.
"Yea May 31, it was a couple weeks ago right?'' He said.
"Yea, my sweet sixteen, oh I'd love to catch up but I really need to go to class, meet me at lunch, ok?" I said.
"Sure." He said.
At lunch Ricky, Cassie, Regan, and Kiki were at a table and I walked up looking around for Billie.
"What are you doing?" Cassie asked.
"Ok you won't believe this but--"
Someone tapped me on the shoulder.
I turned around and there he was.
"Guys, this is Billie, remember Billie Joe?"
"Holy Crap!" Cassie said getting up and hugging him.
"oh my gosh!" Regan said hugging him as well.
"Hey, Reg, Cass." He said.
Ricky looked really confused.
"Oh, this is Ricky Ullman, Ricky- Billie Joe Armstrong and this is Kiki Ullman." I said.
"Hi." Billie said.
"Hi." Kiki said a little awkwardly.
"Hey." Ricky said.
Kiki took me aside.
"That's the hillbilly." She said.
"Ohh." I said laughing then went back to the table.
"Billie was my best friend when I was really little." I said.
"Oh." Ricky said.
"How's Mike (Pritchard, our other friend)?" I asked.
"He's over there." Billie said pointing to him.
Mike walked over.
"Hi Mike, it's her!" Billie said.
"oh my gosh, Jess." Mike said hugging me.
"Hey Cassie and Regan." He said putting out his hand but Reg pushed it away and hugged him. Cassie did the same.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

OK PEOPLE LISTEN UP!!
Lol, I've always wanted to do that.
Anyway, I'm doing some serious editing in the storyline and it should be up soon! - Jess

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

the changes I have made are:
Chapter 1 second post: a lil change
chapter 1 fourth post: a bit of a big change
chapter 2: BIG CHANGE
sorry to make the people who like this story re-read it but that's kinda what u have to do

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

So school was over and I wanted to talk to Billie more but I felt bad if I didn’t go with Ricky like I usually do. Ricky walked up to me after my final class.
“Hey.” He said.
“Hi.” I said.
“So you wanna go?” He asked.
“Ummm…’’ I said.
“What?” He asked.
“I think I’m gonna go with Billie.” I said.
“Oh.” He said.
I could tell he was hurt, I felt bad.
“But I’ll go with you tomorrow, ok?” I said to reassure him.
He smiled and said, “Ok.”
Billie came up to me, he looked really happy.
“Whatcha so happy about, Billie-goat?” I said.
He laughed.
“ I remember that nickname. You were Messy Jessi, right?” He said.
I smiled, “Yea.”
I didn’t realize how much I had missed him till now. I in the spur of the moment just hugged him.
He was a little taken aback at first but then hugged me back.
“I really missed you.” I said.
“Yea, it was really hard without you when my dad died.” He said.
“That’s right, I’m so sorry, my mom told me when it happened but we didn’t have the money for me to go and see you. I’m so sorry, Billie.”
He shrugged.
“It’s ok, I’m over it.”
I knew he wasn’t but I didn’t want to press the matter any further.
“Anyway, you’re my ride home.” I said.
“Am I?” He said.
“Yea, I’m so cheap.” I said.
“Oh, I know.” He said rolling his eyes.
“Oh! Oh! Unfair!” I said hitting him in the arm.
“Ok, then.” He said.
He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder.
“What the --”
He dropped me when we got to his car. It was just as I thought it would be, it was a piece of crap but Billie didn’t have the money for a car like mine. I held my tongue.
Anyway, my mom was thrilled to see Billie. Billie met John and later on in the week I met, Brad his step dad. That was something we shared we had step dads we detested. I thought it was so totally cool that Billie had a band with Mike and this other guy –Tre’ Cool (which means very cool in French). I sat in on one of their practices—they rocked!!! Billie had played the piano as did I when we were little and he recorded a song when he was 5 called “Look For Love” but it didn’t get popular or anything. Now, he was a lead singer and guitarist. Mike was an awesome bassist! And the Tre’ guy was a really wacky but funny and a great drummer. The trio called themselves Green Day and they were on the making of the greatest punk band ever--- I could tell.
I now sit in on every practice and see every show. One day I was early and no one was around so picked up Billie’s guitar “Blue” and strummed a song I had written.

There's not much going on today.
I'm really bored, it's getting late.
What happened to my Saturday?
Monday's coming, the day I hate.

Sit on the bed alone, staring at the phone.
He wasn't what I wanted, what I thought, no.
He wouldn't even open up the door.
He never made me feel like I was special.
He isn't really what I'm looking for.

This is where I start to bite my nails.
And clean my room when all else fails.
I think it's time for me to bail.
This point of view is getting stale.

Sit on the bed alone, staring at the phone.
He wasn't what I wanted, what I thought, no.
He wouldn't even open up the door.
He never made me feel like I was special.
He isn't really what I'm looking for.

Na na na na na, we've all got choices.
Na na na na, we've all got voices.
Na na na na na, stand up make some noise.
Na na na na, stand up make some noise.

Sit on the bed alone, staring at the phone.
He wasn't what I wanted, what I thought, no.
He wouldn't even open up the door.
He never made me feel like I was special.
He isn't really what I'm looking for.
He wasn't what I wanted, what I thought, no.
He wouldn't even open up the door.
He never made me feel like I was special.
Like I was special, cause I was special.

Na na na na na

I didn’t know that Billie, Mike, and Tre’ were behind me. I found out when I heard the clapping and cheering. A wave of an embarrassment fell over me. I smiled. Billie went up to me and took his guitar.
“That would be mine.” He said.
I felt kinda guilty and he could tell. He smiled.
“You were good though.” He said.
Mike gave me a “round” of applause. (when you clap in a circle)
Tre’ tried to “french” me like he usually does. I did my normal response—laugh it off.
Anyway after their set, Ricky came in the gym.
Tre’ hid behind his drums. He was afraid of Ricky, I don’t know why.
Mike pretended not to notice and looked at bass. Billie raised his eyebrows and kept tuning his guitar.
“Jess!” He said excitedly coming up to me.
“Ricky!” I said just as excited as him.
“There’s a dance on Friday!” He said.
I loved dances, they’re so much fun.
“Awesome!” I said.
At lunch we all talked about it.
“So who are you going with?” I asked Reg.
“Oh this really hot guy Ryan, he asked me.” She said.
“What about you Kiki?”
“Oh my new boyfriend, Derek, total hottie! Oh and he’s really nice!” She said.
“Cool.” I replied.
“What ‘bout you, Cass?”
“This I guy I met in this class, Chad, he’s really hot and nice.”
She smiled.
I laughed.
“In this class?” I said.
“Yea, I don’t know, English, I don’t pay attention!” She said.
“Hey, I’m going with that chick, Roxy.” Tre’ said.
“Yea, and I’m going with some person.” Mike said.
”I could set you up with our—me and Ricky’s friend, Alyson, Alyson Michalka.” I said.
“Yea, you’ll like her she’s really sweet.” Ricky said.
“Oh is she Keely on POTF?” Mike asked.
“Yea.” I said.
“Oh she’s hot. Yea set me up with her!”
“What about you Jess?” Billie asked.
“Well, I think I’ll go with my best men, you and Ricky.” I said.
Just then Lexus Peters walked up to us, she was a total snob and really hated Billie for one reason—he was poor.
“What you need two dates to cancel out the poor one?” She said.
“Oh step off, you snob.” Billie said.
“Whatcha gonna do throw dirt at me from your house?” She said.
I was gonna smack her.
“Shut up Lexus! You’re just jealous Billie’s in a band and you have nothing—except your money and you know, you can’t take that with you when you die.” I said.
“And which should be really soon because snobs don’t live that long.” Regan said.
“Yea, ‘cause everyone wants to kill them.” Cassie said.
With that she walked away.
“Thanks guys.” Billie said.
“Well, we got your back.” I said smiling.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

Chapter 3 – The Dance

It was two hours before the dance and I was getting ready. I curled my hair with a curling iron. I did my eyes and my lips and then opened my closet and took out my dress. It was strapless, black, short but not too short, with very faint spots and ribbon around the middle. I put on my heels and went downstairs. I sat at the table waiting for my dates. My mom came in the kitchen.
“Ooh, don’t you look pretty!” She said.
“Let me take a picture.”
“Mom!” I said.
“C’mon just one…or two.” She said.
“Ok fine.” I said.
So I stood up and let her take a picture.
Then the doorbell rang.
I opened it to see Ricky standing there with some yellow tulips.
“Aww!” I said.
“You’re welcome.” He said.
“Wow, you look really…good.” I said.
Truth be told Ricky looked hot, he’s my friend but he’s still hot.
“So do you.” He said.
After Ricky had sat down the doorbell rang again.
I opened it and Billie was standing there with one knee bended handing me a flower.
“For you m’lady.” He said.
He got up and I laughed.
He was wow, he looked really, really hot. I had never seen him in a suit and it did wonders for him. His hair was all spiky and black. Wait, ok, Jess stop drooling, it’s Billie, Billie best bud Billie, well not right now.
“Yeow!” He said.
I laughed.
“You look fine, girl!” He said.
“Thanks, you look—wow.” I said.
“Thanks, I do try.” He said laughing.
“Anyway can we go?” Ricky said.
“Sure.” I said.
“Whose car do we take, mine, his, yours?” Billie said.
“Mine, I haven’t driven it yet it’s totally awesome!” I said.
“But I drive.” Billie said.
“Oh right.” I said.
Billie did end up driving and got us there in wicked timing.
We went in and I saw Regan with Ryan. She looked beautiful; she had a black dress with pink on the edges. She was right, Ryan was hot. Cassie came up to me with Chad, she had on a white dress and looked gorgeous and so was Chad. Tre’ looked ridiculous as usual but so did his date (she was just like him), and Mike looked very nice next to Alyson who had on a stellar blue dress. Everyone was surprised how good Billie looked even Lexus.
“Wait, is that the trailer trash, wow, he cleans up good.” She said.
“Don’t worry she’ll get hers later.” Cassie said.
I would have responded but I saw who she came in with. Justin, my ex. “He Wasn’t” the best boyfriend, he cheated on me with none other than Lexus. I was over it but it still hurt. He came up to me.
“Whoa, baby, why did we ever break up?” He said putting his arm around me.
“Because you’re a jerk.” I said pulling his arm off me.
“Back off, buddy.” Billie said.
“I’m not gonna back off and I’m not your “buddy”. We’re talking.” Justin said.
“Oh, no we’re not.” I said.
“C’mon baby don’t fight, not good for the rep.” He said.
He tried putting his arm on me again.
“Stop touching me you creep!” I said.
“For the love of—“ Billie said.
Then he went over to Justin and really did something that surprised me. HE PUNCHED HIM. Justin’s posse quickly went to aid him but Mike, Tre’ and Ricky stepped in. They backed off and took Justin away to a worried Lexus. Billie went outside. I followed.
“Hey.” I said.
“Hey.”
“You ok?”
“Yea, thanks.”
“No, problem.”
“You wanna get outta here?”
“What? We can’t.”
“Why? The girl I used to know was fearless.”
“Yea well people change and anyway I can’t leave Ricky.”
“Oh he won’t care, c’mon.”
“No. Why?”
Billie went really close to me, my heart started to race, I didn’t know why.
“You scared?”
“No, it’s just rude.”
“Fine, I’m going.”
“Why?”
“I can’t go back in there.”
“Why?”
“Because—I hit someone.”
“Yea for me and for good reason.”
“Whatever, it doesn’t matter. I’m going.”
“But—you can’t leave, you’re my date.”
“So? You have Ricky, who you can’t leave, by the way.”
Tears came to my eyes, I tried blinking them back. Why was he being so mean?
“FINE GO!” I shouted tears falling down my face.
He saw I was crying.
“Jess I-“
“JUST GO!”
I started to run. I didn’t know where I was going to go but away from here. I stopped to take off my heels and left them behind and just kept running. I stopped in a park. I went to a bridge and just started balling. My running mascara was making my face black, my hair was a mess, and my dress ripped. Great. This night was supposed to be great. Instead it was horrible. I hung my feet over the bridge and let them dangle. I threw some rocks in and sighed. I decided to lie down and watched the stars. I started to cry again. After a few minutes I stopped. It started to rain lightly. It cleaned my face a little. I don’t know how long I stood alone.
I’m all alone
No one here beside me
Feeling so lost
I can’t grasp it
Am I crazy?
Nowhere to go
But back there
I could just sit here
And listen to the rain fall
I heard footsteps.
I looked up to see Billie.
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry.”
‘You should be.”
I got up and started to walk away.
‘Where you going?”
“Away from you.”
“C’mon stop…please.”
The please got me.
“What?”
I’m sorry.”
“For?”
“Being a jerk, a big jerk.”
“Hmm.”
“What was that?”
“It’s ok.”
“No it’s not. I wrecked your night. Come here.”
I went back to him.
“What?’’
“Dance with me.”
“We don’t have any music.”
“We don’t need any.”
I took his hand danced with him.
Afterwards he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder.
“Ok we’re going.”
“Hey! Hey!”
“Shut up.”
“Hey!”
"Give up."
“Fine.”
“Ha ha.”
“What?”
“I punched Justin.”
“That you did.”
“He wasn’t what I wanted what I thought no.”
“Shut up.”
“Hey I liked it.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem, it’s a good song.”
“Not that, thank you for fixing the night.”
“Oh that.”
“Yea that.”
“Uh-huh, here’s your shoes.”
Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

Chapter 4 – The Role of a Lifetime and Some Big Changes
So after school ended, it was summer. And that meant one thing- auditions, auditions, and auditions and a little drama schooling. “You know there’s an opening on POTF.” Ricky said.
“Ooh, really, cool.” I said.
“I’ll put a good word in for you.” He said.
So the role was Angie, Phil’s friend from the future who is sent to bring the Diffys back but her ship breaks down as well. It sounded interesting so I took up the offer. I tried out and I GOT IT! I was really happy. We had about 3 weeks of run throughs and then we were to film.
“Action!” Fred Savage (the director said)
“Keely-are you- what is that?’’
“Oh my gosh!”
“Is that a person!”
“No it- can’t be –it’s—“
“Angie!"
“Oh my—“
And so on. We only had to do two retakes it was nice. Then I had to do an interview for the “Express Yourself” thing since Angie was going to be a recurring character. It was fun because I got to be interviewed with Ricky and Alyson. But afterwards I was really bored. So the episode aired and I was really surprised how many people liked Angie, I got a decent amount of fan mail. It was cool. So not to be to forward but I played Angie again for about three times and by then it was August. That’s when my agent called, Michelle.
“Jess, I have the best news.”
“What?”
“Ok, you know that new show on FOX, “House M.D., it starts in like a month.”
“Yea.”
“Well in the middle of the season, House’s daughter comes in and they saw you on POTF and want you to audition.”
“Oh, this is awesome, it looks like such a good show. When do I audition?”
“Next week.”
“Wow.”
“Yea and after that you have your drama schooling.”
“Oh yay…not.”
“Hey! Well I gotta go bye.”
“Thanks Michelle, bye.”
I hung up and then decided to tell Billie my great news! I ran over to his house and one of his sisters, Holly let me in.
“He’s in his room.”
“Thanks.”
I ran up the stairs and what happened next I did not expect.
I walked in as I usually do but—
“HOLY CRAP!”
He was MAKING OUT WITH SOME GIRL!
I spun around and headed for the door.
He got up and stopped me.
“Holy crap.” I said again.
“Jess, settle down.”
“Um..ok.”
“This is Adrienne, Adrienne Nesser.”
Ok some girl had a name.
“Hi.”
“This is my best girl, Jess.”
“Oh, so this is the girl I’ve heard so much about.”
“I wish I could say the same.”
“Anyway.."
“Well, I can tell Billie’s uncomfortable, so I’ll get going.”
“C’mon you must have had to tell me something.”
“No, it’s ok, call me later, and I’ll tell you, if your lips still work.”
And with that I left.
I decided to go tell Ricky about my news.
His mom said he was at the mall so I went to the food court and guess what I found him doing—yea—kissing, at least I knew her, Melissa. I decided not to bother them, soon found out that everybody, had hooked up with their dates from the dance, Mike and Aly, Tre’ and Roxy, Cassie and Chad, Kiki and Derek, Regan and Ryan and me and no one. I felt really sad. It soon was dark so I went to the bridge where I had gone the night of the dance. I did the same thing, cried.
I saw a figure coming towards me.
“Hey, stranger.” He said.
“Hi.” I said wiping my eyes.
“Anything wrong?”
“Oh, no, just wallowing in self-pity.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be it’s ok. I’m done.”
“Well I better be going.”
“Ok, see you around.”
“Ha, yea even though I didn’t see your face.”
“Oh well.”
So I auditioned for House, and I had to wait a couple weeks for the answer. I actually got to meet the star character, Dr. Greg House—played by Hugh Laurie. He was really nice and really good at hiding his British accent. I met the others too, Omar Epps (Dr. Eric Foreman), Jesse Spencer (Dr. Robert Chase) (hottie), Jennifer Morrison, (Dr. Allison Cameron), Lisa Edelstien, (Dr. Lisa Cuddy) and Robert Sean Leonard (Dr. James Wilson) So the weeks passed and I GOT THE PART!! I was so excited! The only thing was that I started tomorrow because I had to be there for the auditions for Jake Miller, Christine House’s best friend. I got to pick since I was to act with this person like every episode. Also Cassie got the role as my friend, Rachel Fox.
Mr. Hugh Laurie was sitting his chair and I sat (in my own chair how awesome!) next to him.
“Hi, Mr. Laurie.”
“Oh, don’t do that, I’m going to be your dad, call me Hugh.”
“Ok, Hugh. So when do the auddies, get here?”
“In a few minutes.”
So there were about 3, who I didn’t like and kinda dismissed right away. Surprisingly Ricky tried out but Hugh and the director didn’t think we had the right chemistry but that he would be better in a smaller role. Then a guy came in that caught my eye.
He was tall, dark, and handsome, ha, no he had dark blonde hair and blue eyes, very attractive. I got up for this one.
“Hi, I’m Jessica Knackstedt.”
“Hey, stranger. I’m Hayden Christensen.” He said.
It was him, the stranger in the dark. Wow, I wished I had seen his face.
“Have you met before?” Hugh asked.
“Oh, on one occasion you could say.” Hayden said.
“Yea you could say that.” I said.
Ok so we went through the scene and it was amazing. After he left I voiced my opinion.
“He was great, he was born to play Jake. He’s our man.” I said.
“You just think he’s hot, no, he was good, I think he’s our man as well.” Hugh said.
So it was settled, I was so happy.
Soon it was time to shoot the first episode, that Christine came in.
“Action!”
“I’m looking for Dr. Greg House.” Christine (me) said.
“I’m sorry he’s in a meeting.” Foreman said.
“I’m sorry, did you hear me, Greg House, NOW!” Christine said.
“What is happening out here?” House said.
Christine smiled.
“Oh, my God, Christine?” He said.
“Hi Dad.” Christine smirked.
“What?” Foreman said.
“This is my 16 year old daughter, Christine Alexandra House.”
“I prefer, Chris.” She said.
Christine was introduced to the staff and House took her to lunch.
“So Christine what are you doing here? I thought your grandparents are taking care of you?” He asked.
“They died. I guess you didn’t get the note. I’m living with you now.” She said.
“What?” He said.
“I, Christine, am living with you, House.”
The rest of the episode went on and after filming a lot and I mean a lot. I finally got some rest, well work wise. In the areas of my friends things got worse. I got along with everyone’s “significant others” but Billie’s. Adrienne was always around, at least the others let us be friends. She didn’t seem to understand that Billie was a friend and that you spend time with a friend. What am I saying? I mean that she consumed him, his time, his songs, his…love. Why, would I mention that, I don’t know, I’m so confused. The only good thing was Hayden. No one my friends knew of him. He was my secret well I mean Cassie knew because we filmed together but she never brought it up. It was better that way. I don’t know how that makes it better but it does. Like I said I’m confused. I was really bored, hanging around the house and then decided to see a Green Day sound check. I walked in and was greeted by Mike and Tre’. Billie wasn’t around, so I decided to probe the guys about Adrienne.
“So what do you think of her?” I said.
“Ah, she’s ok.” Tre’ lied.
“She bugs me.” Mike spat, “She’s always around, and she’s like a Yoko!”
“Yea,” I laughed, “if you guys were the Beatles.”
“Hey one day we’ll be bigger then the Beatles.” Tre’ said.
“Shh,” I said putting my finger to his lips, “that’s sacrilegious.”
Before anyone could say anymore Billie walked in with “Yoko”.
“Speak of the devil.” I muttered.
Mike and Tre’ sblack personed.
“What?” Billie said.
I went silent. I suddenly felt really sickened. Adrienne smiled wickedly at me putting her arm around Billie. I gritted my teeth but kept silent.
I knew exactly what to do. I held my breath for the exact moments, then rolled my eyes into the back of my head and passed out. I woke up to see Billie, very worried, standing over me.
“Are you ok?” He asked, the tone of his voice was shaky.
At least I had gotten an emotion out of him.
Mike and Tre’ understood what I had done but pretended to be worried. I smiled when I saw Adrienne standing, alone, crossly.
“Jess? Are you ok?” Billie asked again even more concerned.
“Oh yea,” I said putting my hand to my forehead, “just a little I don’t know, dizzy, I guess.”
“Well let me help you up.” Billie said, propping me up.
I don’t think I had physical contact with him in months. It was different but a refreshing different. Adrienne looked as if she was about to turn dark green. Mike and Tre’ were dying from keeping in their laughter. Billie was holding my hand, I looked down, and he pulled away. But he kept his green eyes locked on my brown ones. There was an amazing amount of fear, it scared me, why was he so frightened if I passed out? That question was never answered because something happened that I’ll never can forget.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

Chapter 5 – The Instant
It was September. It was a Saturday. I was sitting on the couch when the phone rang. It was Billie, his voice was really uneven, he sounded as if he didn’t know what to say, all he wanted was for me to meet him in the park, so I did. Looking back now I kinda wished I didn’t, I wasn’t ready for what happened next.
“Jess?” Billie said, his voice quivering.
“Yes.” I said not knowing what to expect.
“I’m leaving.” He said.
”Ok?” I said not understanding.
“I’m dropping out so I can focus on music, and my mom kicked me out because of it so I’m leaving.” He said quickly trying to avoid the pain.
“W-what?” I didn’t believe what I was hearing.
“Where will you go? You can’t! You’ve—I—“
My eyes felt watery. I tried to blink back the tears but it was useless. I had to l just let them come.
“Oh please don’t cry.” He said.
“Why not, Billie, why not? You don’t seem to feel anything. God, you never feel ANYTHING!” I said stomping my foot on the ground.
That was a lie but I had to say something.
I started to cry even more, harder than I ever had, he tried to come near me but I smacked him.
“Why are you doing this?” I said falling to the ground.
“Because I have to.” He said standing behind me.
“What’s so important that you have to leave everyone behind? Why-why do you…have to leave me? What’s wrong with…me?” I said looking over my shoulder.
“Oh this isn’t about you. It…never is.” He said.
Ouch, that stung, and I didn’t even know what he meant.
“Well where are you going?” I said wiping my eyes.
“I can’t tell you.”
“Wha-why can’t you tell—did you tell Adrienne?” I said getting up.
“What—that—that’s NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!” He shouted.
He never shouted at me. I was hurt deeply. I wanted to call him so many things but I couldn’t.
“WELL I HOPE—I hope you’re happy, Billie Joe Armstrong, I hope you feel fantastic, because you hurt me. You’ve hurt me more than anyone has.” I said quietly.
“I’m going.” He said walking to his car.
“No—I—you can’t.”
“Oh why not?”
“Because—I need you—you’re my greatest friend—I—“
“You need me? What are you desperate? I don—“
“Yes! Yes! I am desperate. Ok, I’m desperate. You can’t stand there, I know you can’t stand there and say in some way you don’t need me too.”
He walked up to me stared deep into my eyes and said,
“I don’t need you.”
Then he walked back, got in his car and drove off. I fell to ground, alone, once again, in the park. I cried out in agony. I had never felt this much pain in one moment. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t stop crying. Why was I in such pain? I know he was my best friend but…then it hit me. I love him. The instant you realize you love someone is like no other but when it’s mixed with the fact that that someone has now left you with no point of return, that’s something entirely different. I laid down on the grass, sobbing in misery, I laid there for I don’t know how long, but everything soon enough went into darkness. When I woke up I was in the back of my car. I scurried up to see who was in the driver’s seat. It was… Hayden.
“Hayden?” I said unbelieving.
“Are you alright?” He asked, his blue eyes filled with worry.
Hayden was like that always thinking of others, not about himself.
“No. I love Billie.” I said.
“Well that’s not news, the way you talk about him, anyone can figure that out.” He smiled.
“Well, I found out I love Billie and he tells me he’s moving away I won’t tell me where he’s going.” I said, hearing the words out loud realizing it’s really true.
“Oh, God, I’m so sorry. That’s horrible.” He said climbing into the backseat and then holding me. He knew I needed that, I don’t know how he knows these things but Hayden seems to always know what others need. It’s like he senses it. He held me for the whole night letting me cry all on his shirt. As time passed things didn’t get any better. Sometimes, I just felt as if it was the end, like I couldn’t go on anymore but my angel was always there to help me. Everyone hated the fact Billie left but it didn’t hurt them like it did me. At that point they had all met my guiding angel. He wasn’t Billie’s replacement at all, he was well accepted and that gave me joy, the only I had felt in a while. I kinda shut off for a while until, the angel stepped in.
I wallowing in gloom and the wound hadn’t gone away. I laid on bed just staring when the door opened. Hayden was there.
“Ok, Jess you have to stop.” He said.
“Stop what?” I asked.
“This! This is not the girl I know.” He said plainly.
“Well what girl do you know?” I asked.
“She’s happy. I know you’re hurting but you have to move on. Get into something, I thought the show would have helped, but no. Now it does well for your character but it needs to end. You’ve shut off all who care about you. We want our Jessica back. Not wannabe almost Goth girl. She’s no fun.” He smiled.
“It just hurts so much.” I said.
“I know it does,” He said taking my hands, “but we’ll get through this.”
”We?” I said looking down at my hands.
“Yes, I’m your guiding angel. Yes, I know what you refer to me as and it’s flattering and very sweet, but I can’t be your angel unless I help you through this.” He said.
“Ok.” I said.
“Ok?” He repeated.
“I- I mean yes. We’ll get through this, together.” I agreed.
And we did, it was hard, and I can’t say it doesn’t hurt every once and a while but I’m no longer “wannabe almost Goth girl” which is nice.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

Chapter 6- The Phantom of the Opera – Part 1
A year had passed. All our agents, what I mean by our – Ricky, Alyson, Hayden and I thought that we needed to get a raw experience. The only thing they could think of was for us to be on stage, in a musical but not just any musical, a heart-breaking, tragic, well-loved, devoted musical –The Phantom of the Opera. We all tried out the parts and we each were cast. The title character went to Hayden because he had a darker side than Ricky who got Raoul, the hopeless lover of the innocently beautiful; Christine Daae, who I accepted gratefully, and Alyson got Carlotta, the stuck-up, untalented diva, which she took as a challenge and with a laugh. Alyson and Ricky seemed calm at the practices, but Hayden and I were a little nervous because we don’t sing or go on stage much, I mean I got some training in grade school while Hayden hardly had any experience. We worked very hard at it endlessly for 3 months. It went well with the show because my and Hayden’s characters weren’t always in each episode. It was harder for Alyson and Ricky who had a lot of things to do with POTF. But after those 3 months we were ready for opening night.
It went splendidly until my first solo came up “Think of Me”; the song kinda reminded me of Billie. I pushed all thoughts of that in the back of my mind and stepped out onto stage. (Bold in parentheses is Jess’s thoughts and will only be for this song.)

Christine:

Think of me
think of me fondly,
when we've said goodbye.
Remember me
once in a while -
please promise me
you'll try.

(So far so good.)

When you find
that, once
again, you long
to take your heart back
and be free -
if you
ever find
a moment,
spare a thought
for me

(Transformation to the Gala. Christine is
revealed in full costume)


We never said
our love
was evergreen,
or as unchanging
as the sea -
but if
you can still
remember
stop and think
of me . . .

Think of all the things
we've shared and seen -
don't think about the things
which might have been . . .

(Ok, keep it up.)

Think of me,
think of me waking,
silent and
resigned.

Imagine me,
trying too hard
to put you
from my mind.


(Oh my, is that Billie in the audience. Just smile. Never mind, focus, finish the song.)

Recall those days
look back
on all those times,
think of the things
we'll never do -
there will
never be
a day, when
I won't think
of you . .

(Applause, bravos. Prominent among the bravos, those
of the young Raoul in the manager’s' box)

Raoul:
Can it be?
Can it be Christine?

Bravo!

She may
not remember
me, but
I remember
her...

Christine:
We never said
our love
was evergreen,
or as unchanging
as the sea -
but please
promise me,
that sometimes
you will think
(Ok, here’s the hard opera part.)
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, of me!

I finished, proud, smiling again I looked into the audience and saw Billie, for some reason I didn’t feel pain, in the song I think I let him go. I sighed and kept composure.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

Before I knew it, it was time for the title song, Hayden and my duet, this was exciting.

Christine:
In sleep he sang to me,In dreams he came,
That voice which calls to me,And speaks my name.
And do I dream again? For now I find.
The Phantom of the Opera is there-Inside my mind.

Phantom:
Sing once again with me, our strange duet,
My power over you, grows stronger yet.
And though you turn from me, to glance behind.
The Phantom of the Opera is there -inside your mind.

Christine:
Those who have seen your face,
Draw back in fear.
I am the mask you wear.

Phantom:
It's me they hear.

Both:
You're/my spirit and my/you're voice in one combined.
The Phantom of the Opera is there inside my/your mind.

(in the background)
He's there,the Phantom of the Opera . . .
Beware the Phantom of the Opera . . .

Christine:
He's there,
the Phantom of the Opera...


Phantom:
Sing, my Angel of Music!
(repeats)
Christine vocalizes until they reach the end of the lake.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

That was exhilarating, but it wasn’t over soon enough it was Ricky and my number which then lead into the love song, “All I Ask of You”.

Raoul:
Why have you brought me here?

Christine:
Can’t go back there!

Raoul:
We must return!

Christine:
He'll kill you!
His eyes will find us there!

Raoul:
Christine, don't say that . . .

Christine:
Those eyes that burn!

Raoul:
Don't even think it . . .

Christine:
And if he has to kill
a thousand men -

Raoul:
Forget this waking nightmare . . .

Christine:
The Phantom of the Opera will kill . . .

Raoul:
This phantom is a fable . . .
Believe me . . .

Christine:
. . . and kill again!

Raoul:
There is no Phantom of the Opera . . .

Christine:
My God, who is this man . . .

Raoul:
My God, who is this man . . .

Christine:
. . . who hunts to kill . . .?

Raoul:
. . . this mask of death . . .?

Christine:
I can't escape from him . . .

Raoul:
Whose is this voice you hear . . .

Christine:
. . .I never will!

Raoul:
. . . with every breath . . .?

Both:
And in this
labyrinth,
where night is blind
the Phantom of the Opera
is here:
inside your/my mind . . .


Raoul:
There is no Phantom of the Opera . . .

Christine:
Raoul, I've been there -
to his world of
unending night . . .
To a world where
the daylight dissolves
into darkness . . .
darkness . . .

Raoul, I've seen him!
Can I ever
forget that sight?
Can I ever
escape from that face?
So distorted,
deformed, it
was hardly a face,
in that darkness . . .
darkness . . .

But his voice
filled my spirit
with a strange, sweet sound . . .
In that night
there was music
in my mind . . .
And through music
my soul began
to soar!
And I heard
as I'd never
heard before . . .

Raoul:
What you heard
was a dream
and nothing more . . .

Christine:
Yet in his eyes
all the sadness
of the world . . .
Those pleading eyes,
that both threaten
and adore . . .

Raoul:
Christine . . .
Christine. . .

Phantom:
Christine . . .


Raoul:
No more talk
of darkness,
Forget these
wide-eyed fears.
I'm here,
nothing can harm you -
my words will
warm and calm you.

Let me be
your freedom,
let daylight
dry -your tears.
I'm here,
with you, beside you,
to guard you
and to guide you . . .

Christine:
Say you love me
every
waking moment,
turn my head
with talk of summertime . . .

Say you need me
with you,
now and always . . .
promise me that all
you say is true -
that's all I ask
of you . . .

Raoul:
Let me be
your shelter,
let me
be your light.
You're safe:
No-one will find you
your fears are
far behind you . . .

Christine:
All I want
is freedom,
a world with
no more night . . .
and you
always beside me
to hold me
and to hide me . . .

Raoul:
Then say you'll share with
me one
love, one lifetime . . .
Iet me lead you
from your solitude . . .

Say you need me
with you
here, beside you . . .
anywhere you go,
let me go too -
Christine,
that's all I ask
of you . . .

Christine:
Say you'll share with
me one
love, one lifetime . . .
say the word
and I will follow you . . .

Both:
Share each day with
me, each
night, each morning . . .

Christine:
Say you love me . . .

Raoul:
You know I do . . .

Both:
Love me -
that's all I ask
of you . . .

(The kiss)

Anywhere you go
let me go too . . .
Love me -
that's all I ask
of you . .

(when they leave)

Phantom:
I gave you my music . . .
made your song take wing . . .
and now, how you've
repaid me:
denied me
and betrayed me . . .
He was bound to love you
when he heard you sing . . .

Christine ...
Christine ...


The kiss was strange, I mean it was kinda cool kissing your friend but it was a stage kiss nothing more.

[Drama Queen Jessi 5]

The part I really wanted was the big climax (almost) duet, “The Point of No Return” between the Phantom and Christine.

Phantom:
You have come here
in pursuit of
your deepest urge,
in pursuit of
that wish,
which till now
has been silent,
silent . . .

I have brought you,
that our passions
may fuse and merge -
in your mind
you've already
succumbed to me
dropped all defences
completely succumbed to me -
now you are here with me:
no second thoughts,
you've decided,
decided . . .

Past the point
of no return -
no backward glances:
the games we've played
till now are at
an end . . .
Past all thought
of "if" or "when" -
no use resisting:
abandon thought,
and let the dream
descend . . .

What raging fire
shall flood the soul?
What rich desire
unlocks its door?
What sweet seduction
lies before
us . . .?

Past the point
of no return,
the final threshold -
what warm,
unspoken secrets
will we learn?
Beyond the point
of no return . . .

Christine:
You have brought me
to that moment
where words run dry,
to that moment
where speech
disappears
into silence,
silence . . .

I have come here,
hardly knowing
the reason why . . .
In my mind,
I've already
imagined our
bodies entwining
defenceless and silent -
and now I am
here with you:
no second thoughts,


I've decided,
decided . . .

Past the point
of no return -
no going back now:
our passion-play
has now, at last,
begun . . .
Past all thought
of right or wrong -
one final question:
how long should we
two wait, before
we're one . . .?

When will the blood
begin to race
the sleeping bud
burst into bloom?
When will the flames,
at last, consume
us . . .?

Both:
Past the point
of no return
the final threshold -
the bridge
is crossed, so stand
and watch it burn . . .
We've passed the point
of no return . . .