Category: Black Sheep in Society.

It’s the day of Micah’s big gig, and Micah sits backstage waiting for his time to perform. He peaks into the audience, where he sees people of all ages hanging out and enjoying the various performances of the night. He spots Dani and Tanner sitting together in the audience; he’s thankful that they always show up. He continues to look around to see if Kalia is in the audience; no luck.

The last act before intermission finishes, which means he’s the next act when intermission finishes. He takes in a deep breath to let out all the nerves in his body. He continues to look at his phone for any messages from Kalia; nothing.

Before he puts his phone back into his pocket, it vibrates in his hand. He reads the notification and sees that it’s Rosie.

Roe: They got you performing in a fancy-ass place! Okay, rockstar! 

Micah peaks out of the curtain and searches the audience one last time. He sees Rosie sitting in the back row, looking around the venue. He looks down at his phone and sends her a text message back.

Micah: Thanks for coming out, Roe. See you after the show~

Micah puts his phone away when the intermission is over and the backstage crew call for him to get ready.

Announcer: Alright, alright! Welcome back to the Oxygen Lounge’s Amateur Night! We’re hope you’re having a great time tonight. Next in our lineup is Brooklyn native, Micah Kamalani! He’s an aspiring DJ and producer under the name Salem, so watch him mix your beats and create his own! Give it up for Salem, y’all!

The audience cheers and claps their hands as Micah walks out towards the stage.

Micah: How’s everyone doing tonight!

The audience cheers in response.

Micah: That’s what I like to hear! Tonight, I’m gonna give you guys something unreleased, y’know, a little something I’ve been working on. This song right here is called “Knock Me Out”. Enjoy!

The music begins to play and Micah immediately gets lost in the music. He dances and vibes to the beat before singing a song about a woman that he wants to get to know better romantically. The song is sexy, and Micah sways to the beat as he sings the lyrics. Dani and Tanner are bumping their heads to the beat, as well as everyone else in the audience. Rosie watches Micah in surprise; she’s never seen him in his element like this before. She also begins to vibe to the song.

Towards the climax of the song, a woman walks in with sunglasses and her hair tied up in a clean-looking bun. She sits towards the back of the venue, in which Rosie notices. She looks towards the girl as she takes off her sunglasses. Rosie’s eyes widen as she knows exactly who that is: Micah’s girlfriend. She shakes her head, dumbfounded that his girlfriend would literally get to the show moments before Micah’s set is over.

Micah looks into the audience and finally sees Kalia sitting there. Inside he’s disappointed she arrived so late, but he tries his best to hide it from the audience, and hide it within his performance.

Rosie begins to feel uncomfortable sitting so close to Micah’s girlfriend. Once Micah finshies his song and the crowd applauds Micah’s performance, Rosie gets up from her chair and walks out of the venue.

…

The night’s performances come to an end, and the venue now opens up to its regular hangout spot. Micah comes from the backstage area and meets up with his friends.

Tanner: That was so fire, bro!

Tanner greets Micah with a handshake into a hug; Micah smiles.

Micah: Thanks, man.

Dani: This was so much better than the last performance. Like, your last performance was great, but this was just different!

Dani pounds Micah with her fist, in which he returns it to her. Moments later, he looks around the venue for Rosie. He doesn’t see her anywhere. He stops searching once he sees Kalia walking towards him.

Kalia: Hey, babe!

Kalia kisses Micah and gives him a hug. Micah smiles at his girlfriend. His friends stand there, watching the couple.

Kalia: You were so good.

Tanner: Good?! That song was amazing, like that needs to be on Spotify like right now!

Micah laughs and Kalia doesn’t say anything back. Dani takes Tanner and gives Micah and Kalia some alone time.

Micah: Glad you were able to make it.

Kalia kisses Micah on the cheek.

Kalia: I wouldn’t have been anywhere else.

Micah smiles at Kalia. Her phone begins to ring, and picks up the phone. It’s her agent. Micah’s smile fades away. Kalia ends the phone conversation and looks at Micah.

Kalia: I have a table reading in a few for a movie, so I can’t stay for long.

Micah: *confused* Movie?

Kalia: Oh, yeah! My father got me a table reading for this movie with a director he’s close with. If everything goes well, I might actually get the role!

Micah doesn’t react right away, in which Kalia’s excitement fades away as well.

Kalia: Are you not happy for me, babe? You know I’ve been working hard for this—

Micah: No, no, I’m… happy for you. I just wish I knew about this sooner.

Kalia: I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I’ve just been so busy with auditions and preparations…

Micah: *annoyed* Yeah, but I’m your boyfriend, Kal. You didn’t think to tell me when you first got the movie deal?

Kalia: I didn’t get it, Micah.

Micah: You know what I mean. I just feel like I’m one of the last people to know what’s going on with my own girlfriend.

Kalia: You’re making a big deal out of nothing…

Micah: Am I? Kal, I’m just saying: I feel like I’m never in the loop about your career and auditions and stuff.

Kalia sighs loudly. She anxiously keeps looking at her phone. Micah rolls his eyes.

Micah: Just go, Kal. I’ll talk to you later. Again, thanks for coming…

Micah kisses Kalia on the forehead half-assed, he simply just walks away from Kalia, towards the exit of the venue.

He takes out his phone and checks it to see if there are any notifications. Nothing. He opens his messages with Rosie and begins to text her.

Micah: Hey, everything’s okay? Didn’t see you after the show.

He puts his phone back into his bag and begins to walk away from the venue. What a day to end his important night.

Micah walks into the college library, looking around to see if there are any available seats left. He spots a table near the corner of the first floor in which he rushes towards. He grabs the seat from the table and sits down, seeing that a group of students were going to take the spot first. Micah laughs to himself as he takes out his lyrics notebook. He focuses hard on what he wants to write, but his phone is constantly vibrating in his bag.

He takes out his phone and sees that Kalia is messaging him back-to-back. He opts to call her back.

Micah: Babe?

Kalia: I didn’t mean to disturb you! I know you’re in class right now.

Micah: Nah, I’m in the library waiting for my last class at 2.

Kalia: Ugh, my days are all mixed up. What are you up to?

Micah: I’m writing up some lyrics for the gig I have this weekend.

Kalia: Ooo! Are you excited?

While Micah is on the phone, he looks out the window, which is facing a parking lot closest to the library. He notices a Porsche sports car, which is extremely rare to see in a public college parking lot. He looks at the person coming out of the car; to his surprise, it’s Prescott Jones, the heir millionaire.

Kalia: Babe? Hello?

Micah: Huh? What?

Kalia: I asked if you’re excited about your gig.

Micah: Oh! Yeah! I am, and I hope that my number one supporter is there cheering me on…

He continues to look out the window at the fancy car and celebrity. The passenger door opens and someone comes out; a girl. The girl walks towards Prescott and crosses her arms as he looks at the girl. Micah widens his eyes.

Micah: *to himself* Rosie?!

Kalia: *confused* What?

Micah: *snaps back to reality* I mean, “my baby”! You’re going to be there Saturday, right?

Kalia: I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

Micah isn’t paying attention to Kalia on the phone. He continues to look out the window where Rosie and Prescott are in the parking lot. Prescott goes back into the car as Rosie walks away from the car.

Micah: I’ll talk to you later, I got some work I gotta finish before my class. Love you.

Kalia: Love you too.

Micah hangs up the phone and focuses on the window. He doesn’t see Rosie there anymore. He looks back down at his notebook, trying to put together lyrics for this gig. He draws a blank; his mind wanders to Rosie and Prescott. Micah’s thoughts run in circles, trying to figure out what the hell he just saw. Moments later, someone slams their hand onto the table. Micah looks up to see Dani. Behind her is her boyfriend, Tanner.

Dani: Ew, what are you doing hanging out in the library?

Micah: I was trying to write this damn chorus for my gig…

Micah slams the notebook shut, which catches the couple off-guard.

Dani: You okay? That was pretty aggressive.

Micah: *dismissive* I’m fine, just– *sighs* I gotta get this done before class.

Micah gathers his things from the table.

Dani: Damn! We just got here.

Micah: Sorry guys, I- I really need to get this done. I see you guys after my class!

Micah rushes out of the library, leaving his two friends behind.

…

Micah rushes out of the library and goes to work in the performing arts building, prior to where his next class is held. He hits on the floor on the balcony, trying to concentrate on his work. It’s no use. He slams the notebook shut and places it on the floor.

Rosie: You’re okay?

Micah looks up and sees Rosie standing there. She proceeds to sit next to him on the ground.

Micah: Yeah, just can’t focus for this damn gig…

Rosie nods her head, understanding Micah.

Rosie: You’ll get something down soon, don’t worry.

Micah looks at Rosie and smiles. He puts his notebook back into his bag and takes in a deep sigh.

Micah: So, how has your day been so far?

Rosie: Same ole shit. Worked at the bookstore.

Micah nods his head, knowing that’s not the truth. He lets it go.

Micah: Are you doing anything this weekend?

Rosie: *confused* Not that I know of; why?

Micah: Wanna come to my gig? It’s cool if you can’t.

Rosie cocks an eyebrow at Micah.

Micah: What?

Rosie: Nothing, I’m just surprised you want me to be at this important gig of yours.

Micah: Only the coolest of people get invited to the gigs.

Rosie: Well I’m honored to be *air quotes* the coolest of cool.

Micah nudges Rosie on her arm as Rosie laughs. The class before theirs finally is let out, which makes Micah and Rosie get up from the floor and get ready for their last class of the day: Art History.

Micah bumps to the music in his headphones as he presses various buttons on a device connected to his computer; he is making music for the first time in awhile. It takes awhile for him to hear someone knocking on his door; in fact, the banging on this bedroom door gets him out of his zone, and back to his surroundings. He gets up from his seat and swings open his door, frustrated. His younger sister, Dylan, stands in the doorway.

Micah: Can I help you?

Dylan: Can we talk?

Micah sighs in annoyance.

Micah: Dyl, I’m in the middle of preparing for this gig–

Dylan: Please?

Micah looks at Dylan and sees that she’s being serious. Micah opens his door for his sister to walk in. She sits at the edge of Micah’s bed as he closes the door behind him.

Micah: What’s up?

Dylan: *sighs* It’s about Nathan.

Micah: *protective* What did that son of bitch do?

Dylan: No, no! He didn’t do anything—

Micah: Are you lying? Because if I found out that small dick boy did anything to you—

Dylan: *louder* Micah!

Micah stops talking. He looks at Dylan, who takes in a deep breath before saying anything.

Dylan: I feel like he cares about his music more than me.

Micah: Why do you think that?

Dylan grabs one of Micah’s pillows from his bed and wraps her arms around it, placing her head on top of it.

Dylan: He’s always doing band stuff, which is cool, but…

Micah: You wish he spent more time with you?

Dylan: Exactly! It’s like he doesn’t know what’s right in his face!

Micah looks visibly confused.

Micah: Wait, aren’t you guys dating?

Dylan doesn’t say anything, but she doesn’t need to say anything for Micah to assume.

Micah: I’m not gonna rip his throat out if you guys are.

Dylan: No, it’s not that. It’s… well, we aren’t.

Micah: *understands* Ahh, you’re trying to get his attention. *protective* For what? Fuck that guy!

Dylan: C’mon, Micah! Can you actually talk to me like a person I can come to?

Micah crosses his legs and folds his hands in his lap.

Micah: Sorry. I’ll listen. So, you’re not dating, but you want to?

Dylan: He acts like he likes me back when we’re in school, but then his band members pull him away to practice and stuff and he just follows along and—

Micah: Hold on, lemme stop you there. Has he had this band for mad long?

Dylan: He’s the one that started it.

Micah: *understands* Now I get it. Dyl, as much as you want me to say that he’s just shy or some shit around you, I—

Dylan: No. I want to know what would you do if you were me.

The request takes Micah off-guard and is confused once again.

Micah: What?

Dylan: You’re in a relationship with someone that puts their career first.

Micah scrunches his eyebrows; he’s annoyed his sister phrased it out like that.

Micah: Kalia doesn’t do that.

Dylan: The number of times she’s missed important things in your life can’t be counted on your fingers anymore, Micah.

Micah: That’s different. Kalia has a career. She does this as her job. Your little crush is just a wannabe musician.

Dylan: *mad* Like you?

Micah: *angry* I’m nothing like him; set that straight.

Micah gets up from his seat and walks towards the door to open it.

Dylan: Wait! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. But I’m serious about Kalia. Every time Nate ditches me to do his music thing, I can’t help but think if you feel this way whenever she cancels or ditches on you.

Micah stands there; he doesn’t say anything back. He closes his bedroom door and walks back to the seat he was sitting in. He sits down.

Micah: Kalia and I are in a relationship. Technically, I signed up to be with someone of her status. You don’t have to deal with Nate’s shit if you don’t want to.

Dylan: But doesn’t it bother you when she just decides that her job is more important than you?

Micah: *stoic* No.

Dylan: It should, considering you’re dating her.

Micah: Like I said, I signed up to be with her, and it sucks to say this, but you’ll have to sign up for all of Nate’s shit if you want to date him. You have to talk to him about it.

Before Micah turns his chair around to face his desk, Dylan speaks.

Dylan: If you two weren’t dating though, would you stay trying to get her attention?

Micah doesn’t say anything. He ponders in thought and doesn’t answer Dylan back. He changes the subject.

Micah: Like I said, you gotta talk to him.

Dylan: But–

Micah: I really have to get this shit together before my gig on Saturday.

Dylan rolls her eyes and gets up from Micah’s bed. She begins to walk towards his bedroom door to leave. Micah feels bad.

Micah: *sighs* Dyl.

She turns around and looks at her brother.

Micah: You just have to do what feels right. If you like him, talk to him. He might not even know you like him or what to go out with him. Sometimes, you have to be the one to make the effort.

Dylan doesn’t say anything, so Micah goes back to preparing for his gig.

Dylan: Is Kalia going to your gig?

Micah: She is. She knows how important this is to me.

Dylan: *doubtful* Hopefully she’ll actually go.

Micah turns and faces Dylan one more time.

Micah: Nice talk. Now get out.

Dylan rolls her eyes and walks out of Micah’s room. He turns back towards his computer, trying to focus. It’s no use, his mind is too distracted to work on anything. He sighs in frustration, turning away from his music equipment.

The day turns into the night in Brooklyn and Micah and Rosie are walking the streets after hanging out at the music spot. Cars pass by and people are walking home for the night. Micah looks over at Rosie, who is taking in the atmosphere.

Rosie: This is a cool little neightborhood.

Micah: *smiles* Yeah, I spend most of my free time hanging out here *to Rosie* where do you usually hang out at?

Rosie: *hesitates* Oh, I’m more of a Manhattan type of person.

Micah: Really? I wouldn’t take you to be one of those girls that hangs out in the city. It’s just so expensive and, ehh.

Rosie: *teases* You have to have a certain taste to like being in the city.

Micah: *plays along* Is that right, Ms. “I’ve only been here for a couple of months”.

Rosie playfully nudges Micah as he laughs at his own jokes. Nothing is said between them for a moment, until Micah looks at Rosie, thinking about what he should say next.

Micah: Do you want me to drop you off at campus?

Rosie: *confused* Campus?

Micah: Yeah, don’t you live in the dorms?

A lightbulb turns on Rosie’s head, and she quickly nods her head.

Rosie: Oh yeah! Dorms. The college, yeah. But you don’t have to, I should be fine.

Micah: Are you sure? It’s really not a hassle for me to–

Rosie: *stern* I’m fine.

Micah drops the conversation right there and continues to walk down the street with Rosie. Nothing is said for a moment until Micah begins the conversation again.

Micah: Thanks for hanging out after class, by the way. You know you didn’t need to but–

Rosie: It’s nothing. Really.

Micah: *teasingly* I’m just saying that this deems us as friends now.

Rosie: *amused* Oh really?

Micah: Only the coolest, most chill people come to the lounge with me and that’s all you really need to be in order to be my friend.

Rosie laughs out loud; Micah doesn’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.

Rosie: I still don’t get why you’d want to be friends with someone like me? No one ever talks to me.

Micah: Because you’re cool, and other people are just afraid of… people like you.

Rosie raises her eyebrows.

Rosie: People like me?

Micah: Yeah. People who just go on their day doing their own thing, and people are afraid to approach people who don’t want to be bothered.

Rosie: But not you.

Micah: *confidently* I’m not afraid, and I’m glad I’m not because I didn’t realize how cool you were, Roe.

Rosie: We’re going back to the whole Roe thing, huh?

Micah: Only the coolest of my friends get a nickname.

Rosie rolls her eyes and shakes her head. She doesn’t protest to the nickname, which Micah smiles about. The two reach the train station, in which Rosie begins to head on downstairs. Micah is confused.

Micah: Wait, aren’t you going back to campus? Why are you getting on the train?

Rosie: Oh, uhm… my roommate has a guy over tonight, so I was just going to stay with a friend…

Micah: Oh, alright. I’m getting on the uptown side–

Rosie: Oh bummer! I’m getting on the downtown side!

Micah nods his head as Rosie smiles through the interaction.

Micah: Well, I hope you get to your friend’s house safe.

Rosie: Thanks… I’ll see you on campus.

Rosie runs down the stairs to catch the train that is coming into the station. Micah watches on, realizing Rosie went down the uptown side of the train as well.

…

Micah walks into his house and walks towards his room. His mother, Jennifer, is in the kitchen washing dishes.

Jennifer: Micah! Where were you tonight?

Micah: I was at the lounge with my friends; why?

Jennifer: Your girlfriend stopped by earlier and asked where you were. She said you guys had plans.

Micah: *confused* What? She told me she had some audition stuff to do today.

Jennifer: *shrugs* She came here looking for you.

Micah is confused and walks to his room. He drops his bag on the floor and looks at his phone, in which he sees missed calls and messages from Kalia.

Micah: Fuck my life…

…

A door is opened and the nightlife is heard from the outside. Someone walks into the room and closes the door behind them. The lights turn on and Rosie is seen standing in a torn-down apartment in the busiest part of Brooklyn. She drops her bag near the front door and walks straight to the twin-size bed in the corner of the very empty room. She looks up at the ceiling and then immediately looks at the nightstand next to her bed. She pulls out an envelope with money in it, noticing there’s not much in the envelope, to begin with. She reaches into the drawer a little more until she pulls out a cellphone. She leans back into bed and dials a number on the phone. Rosie smiles when she hears the line pick up.

Rosie: Hey, you busy tonight?

Rosie rolls on her stomach in bed, kicking her legs up.

Rosie: Yeah, I’ll be ready by 10.

Rosie hangs up the phone and places it back into the nightstand. She gets up from her bed; her smile fades away as she walks towards her dresser, looking for something to wear.

Micah and Rosie enter a small lounge in the trendy part of Brooklyn. Live music is being played in the background and people sit around eating food and sipping on drinks while socializing. Rosie looks around the place, taking in the atmosphere. Micah guides the two towards a table, where he pulls out a seat for Rosie. She looks at him weirdly, but accepts the offer and takes the seat.

Rosie: This is a cool spot.

Micah: I typically come down here just to chill and vibe.

They both look around the venue until a waitress comes up to their table and asks what they would like to order. Rosie, not knowing anything about the place, looks at Micah to answer for them.

Micah: I’ll take a swirl cherry milkshake, and the lady will have… *to Rosie* are you allergic to anything?

Rosie shakes her head, which Micah thumbs up about.

Micah: She’ll take the peanut butter cup swirl milkshake.

The waitress writes down their order and walks away from the table. Micah looks back at Rosie.

Micah: I hope you like milkshakes, because theirs are to die for.

Rosie: I mean, it’s been forever since I had once, but I don’t knock a free milkshake.

Micah laughs and shakes his head; Rosie is amused by Micah’s reaction. The two stay silent for a moment until Micah finally speaks up.

Micah: So, what made you want to come to New York? Isn’t Philly like the New York of PA?

Rosie: I needed a change of scenery. Philly was just becoming too much for me so I left after I graduated high school.

Micah nods his head in agreement.

Rosie: How about you? You lived in New York your whole life?

Micah: Born and raised. I would want to do some traveling in the future, but I honestly know that this is home for me.

Rosie: Even if a place, like LA, is more suitable for your career path?

Micah: I’ll find a way to do what I wanna do in New York.

Rosie nods to the statement. The waitress comes back with the drinks ready for the two young adults. They both thank the waitress. Micah digs into his milkshake and Rosie does the same. He looks up at Rosie, who is enjoying the milkshake a lot more than he realized.

Rosie: *wipes her mouth* This is the best thing ever; holy shit.

Micah: *laughs* I told you! These milkshakes don’t play any games with us!

Rosie puts her spoon back into the glass and crosses her arms on the table, leaning in on Micah.

Rosie: So why bring me here? This very much feels like a place you’d bring your supermodel girlfriend.

Micah: She doesn’t do milkshakes, or anything with too many calories.

Rosie: Wow, you didn’t correct me when I called her a supermodel for once.

Micah: Because no matter how much I correct you, you’re gonna say what you wanna say.

Rosie: Ahh, now you are learning the ways of Rosology.

Micah: *laughs* Wait, “Rosology?”

Rosie: Yeah, the methods and ways of Rosie.

Micah: Well, I’m glad to have gotten a lesson or two already if Rosology.

Rosie cocks her eyebrows up, which gets Micah a little nervous. He pulls back a bit, going in for more of his milkshake.

Rosie: So, is this your music taste?

Micah: Whatcha mean?

Rosie: Like, do you like the alternative, indie band folkish type of music?

Micah: *confused* You think I like that type of music?

Rosie: I don’t know, that’s the only vibe I’m getting from this place.

Micah: So what kind of music do you like then?

Rosie shrugs her shoulders and goes into her milkshake once again before answering.

Rosie: I listen to a lot of heavy rock. Y’know, something that I can feel in their voice when they sing.

Micah: I respect it. Music is music, no matter what, and people express it in ways that they want or need to.

Rosie: Exactly. People think it’s like devil music but it’s like, yo chill out with all of that, I like the music because the vocalist is singing his heart out about something meaningful to him.

Micah: Kinda like rapping. Like, Rap music isn’t just from the streets and gangs and violence and all of that. These people are spitting bars about things that matter to them the most, and you just gotta respect it.

Rosie nods her head in agreement.

Rosie: So what kind of music are you thinking about making?

Micah: *ponders* Shit, anything really. Like, I just want to make music for everything and everyone, no matter what you are and who you are. Music has no specification for it, it can be enjoyed by everything and everyone living in this earth.

Rosie: Okay Moses, that was philosophical.

Micah: I just spit facts.

Rosie and Micah sit there, enjoying the atmosphere and eating the rest of their shakes. Music plays in the background, and other people are chilling and vibing to the music. One guy, though, sits in a corner and takes pictures of Micah across the room.

It was later in the afternoon, and class for Micah and Rosie has been let out. They walk out of their building together, exhausted from their long lecture.

Micah: Wow, that had to have been some of the worst lecturings I’ve been through since being in college…

Rosie: Tell me about it. Like, how could you spend an hour just talking about primary colors?

Micah: Wait, was that what he was talking about? I just thought he really liked red, blue, and yellow way too much.

Rosie shakes her head and continues walking away from the building towards the sidewalk that leads to the front of the college. Micah follows along.

Micah: Are you done for the day?

Rosie: I am. You?

Micah: I dropped a class for this one because I just didn’t want to stay here until 6.

Rosie: Makes sense.

Micah nods and continues walking with Rosie. She looks to her side where she sees Micah right beside her.

Rosie: So you weren’t joking when you said you don’t drive to and from campus?

Micah: We live in a city where parking is non-existent. Plus, the bus is just cheaper to do.

Rosie: *scoffs* You just don’t seem like you’d be riding the city bus home.

Micah: Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to get my license and a car just so that we don’t have to walk this long walk towards the front anymore.

Rosie laughs and shakes her head. Micah’s phone vibrates in his pocket, to which he takes it out and looks at the notification. It’s Kalia, telling him that their plans for tonight have to be postponed. Micah’s smile fades away, and Rosie notices.

Rosie: Damn, it looks like your girlfriend dumped you or some shit.

Micah: *rolls eyes* She didn’t dump me, she just dumped our plans for this afternoon.

Rosie: Bummer.

Micah: It’s whatever.

The two silently walk along the sidewalk; they don’t say anything to each other until Micah looks back up at Rosie.

Micah: So, what does your day look like after class? Go home to your family? Play with a pet?

Rosie: I don’t live with my family. They… live in Philly.

Micah: Oh? I didn’t know you weren’t from here.

Rosie: I’m just here for school, so I live… with a roommate…

Micah: That’s cool! Do they go to school here too?

Rosie: No… they, uhm, go to another school in the city.

Micah nods his head.

Rosie: How about you? Going to band practice in your mom’s garage or something?

Micah scrunches his eyebrows and laughs.

Micah: No, I don’t do “band practice”. I usually just make something in my room or do some writing.

Rosie: You’re trying to become the next big Soundcloud rapper?

Rosie laughs and Micah just looks at her. He laughs along as well.

Micah: You deadass think you have jokes, Roe.

Rosie: *defensive* Hey, I said don’t call me that.

Micah: But friends give each other nicknames like that.

Rosie rolls her eyes and stops walking. Micah stops with her.

Rosie: Why are you so determined to be friends with me?

Micah: I think you’re pretty cool, and I like having cool friends.

Rosie starts walking and shakes her head.

Rosie: You don’t want to be friends with me.

Micah stops Rosie from walking to look at her.

Micah: Let’s hang out.

Rosie: What? Are you insane?

Micah: What? My plans fell through, you’re not working at the bookstore today, and the day is still young. Let’s go hang out and do something like how friends would.

Rosie ponders the thought. She’s confused and concerned.

Rosie: Me? You actually want to hang out with me?

Micah: I did offer to. plus, it’s not like we have any serious homework to do for this lame Art class anyway.

Rosie: *deep sigh* You’re not going to let this go if I say no, so I guess we’re hanging out.

Micah smiles and continues to walk towards the front gate, to which he sees the bus pulling into the bus stop. Both Rosie and Micah run towards the front, in hopes they don’t miss the bus.

Micah sits on the balcony ground of the performing arts building. He waits for his new class to begin in an hour; he scrolls through his phone until he hears someone call out his name. He looks up to see that it’s Tanner. Tanner walks towards Micah and sits on the ground next to him.

Tanner: You’re here early.

Micah: I needed to get out of the house. My brother and his family are staying over and I couldn’t take the noise.

Tanner nods and understands Micah’s view.

Tanner: Did he ask you about Kalia?

Micah: When doesn’t he? It’s like he purposely brings her up just to piss me off.

Tanner: He probably doesn’t know the dynamic between you two.

Micah deadpans at Tanner.

Micah: What dynamic? As a couple?

Tanner: Well, a couple where one is practically famous.

Micah rolls his eyes and continues to look through his phone.

Tanner: Did she actually show up this time?

Micah: No. She basically had some meeting with her dad that she couldn’t miss…

Tanner: Ouch. That’s embarrassing in front of the fam.

Micah looks at Tanner.

Micah: *sarcastically* Wow, what would I do without you as a friend?

Tanner smiles, thinking he did something good. Micah laughs and shakes his head, going through his phone. He stops midway when he sees an article pop up on his timeline.

Micah: What the fuck…

Tanner looks at Micah, then down at Micah’s phone.

Micah: Kalia is being considered for the main role in this big-time upcoming movie…

Tanner: Whoa! That’s amazing!

Micah: She never told me she auditioned for this movie role.

Tanner: Maybe her father helped her get it?

Micah: *shakes his head* Kalia purposely wants to make her own name outside of her dad, she wouldn’t have let him help even if it was the better option…

Micah looks up from his phone, still dumbfounded. Tanner begins to get up

Tanner: Well, I have to get going to my next class; Dani and I are gonna be in the study lounge around 2 if you’re still around.

Micah: Yeah, I’ll see what I’m doing later…

Tanner fist bumps Micah and walks away. Micah leans his head back on the wall and closes his eyes. He opens them when he hears someone walk down the hall. He looks at the person and immediately wakes up. The person walking towards Micah begins to slowly approach him, stopping near his legs.

Micah: *sing-song tone* Gooood morning, Roe.

Rosie: I told you to not call me that.

Micah: But we’re friends, and friends give each other nicknames.

Rosie sits down next to Micah, which surprises him at first.

Rosie: Who said we’re friends?

Micah: I did.

He extends his hand to go in for a proper handshake.

Micah: Nice to meet you, friend.

Rosie rolls her eyes and half-smiles. She’s amused. Micah laughs and looks forward towards the balcony railing.

Micah: So, are you off today?

Rosie: Yeah. Today I have classes so, I just go to them.

Micah: Cool, cool… Shouldn’t you get going to it?

Rosie: *confused* This is my class…

The two students look at each other, realizing the same information at the same time.

Rosie: You? Taking “Introduction to Art”?

Micah: It’s an elective; how about you? Aren’t you, like, majoring in art or something?

Rosie: It’s a part of my coursework, dumbass–

Micah: I’m just asking a simple question!

Rosie gets up from the ground while Micah watches her.

Micah: Where are you going? Class starts in like 20 minutes!

Rosie: *while walking away* I’m going to smoke a cigarette.

She stops midway down the hall and tries to search for the pack of cigarettes in her bag. She struggles, lifting her knee up so that her bag is closer to her as she digs deep in her bag. Micah gets up from the ground and walks towards Rosie. He reaches into his jacket and takes out his pack of cigarettes, lifting the lid open. Rosie looks up from her bag and sees Micah offering a cigarette. She kindly takes one.

Rosie: Thank you.

Micah nods, and they both walk towards the exit of the building.

Rosie walks out of a building in the city in high heels, sunglasses, a short skirt with a small jacket on. She looks around the street and instantly sees a limo pull up towards the building. Before walking towards the limo, she quickly looks at her surroundings. She walks into the limo and drives off.

Back in Brooklyn, Micah lays on his back on the couch, scrolling through his phone. His younger twin sisters sit in the kitchen area.

Reagan: He’s a total hottie though, Dyl! Like he’s a musician and every girl wants a piece of him!

Dylan: He’s not into me, though…

Reagan: He’s into you more than any girl I’ve seen him into! Let him stroke you like an instrument!

Micah gets up and faces the girls.

Micah: Over my dead body!

Reagan: *sucks her teeth* Chill Mic, it’s just a saying…

Micah: Yeah, before that saying becomes a reality and the only thing that tool is stroking is himself on a weekend night!

Reagan and Dylan say “eww” at the same time.

Dylan: You didn’t have to say all of that in front of us…

Micah: Well you didn’t have to say all that you did in front of me either.

The girls and Micah’s mother, Jennifer, walks into the kitchen area with a basket of laundry. She places it on top of the island.

Jennifer: I remember telling you two to start off the laundry an hour ago.

Dylan: We were getting ready to do it!

Jennifer: Really? Then why did I find the basket in your room?

The girls don’t answer; they are clearly busted.

Jennifer: Laundry. Now.

The girls get up from their chairs and grab the laundry to load it in the washer. Jennifer leaves the kitchen area and walks towards Micah in the living room.

Jennifer: Your brother and his family are coming over for dinner, Mic.

Micah: And?

Jennifer steps back and shows Micah the condition of the living room.

Jennifer: This place is a mess!

Micah: It’s only Milo, Ma! He’s lived here before, he knows how this place can be!

Jennifer: *stern* Micah.

Micah rolls off of the couch and stands up. He’s clearly not happy about having to clean up. He stumbles his way towards the broom and dustpan, about to clean up. Jennifer walks away and gets everything else straightened out. Micah’s phone gets to ring in his pocket, in which he takes it out and sees that it’s Kalia.

Micah: *answers the phone* Hey Kal.

Kalia: Hey babe! I was wondering if you wanted to go out today? My auditions got postponed to next Saturday so I have the weekend to myself!

Micah: *worried* That’s great…

He looks towards where his family is.

Kalia: You don’t sound too convincing…

Micah: It’s not that, it’s just… *sighs* My brother and his family are coming over for dinner, so I’m not going to be able to hang out with you.

Kalia: *down* Oh, I see… I really wanted to spend the day with you too…

Micah looks over towards the kitchen where his mother is beginning to prepare to cook dinner.

Micah: Why don’t you come over for dinner with my family?

Kalia: A-are you sure? I don’t want to intrude or anything.

Micah: I’m sure! Come by my place by 7?

Kalia: Yeah, sure.

Micah smiles through the phone.

Micah: See you then, Kal.

Micah hangs up the phone and turns around to see his mother looking at him from the kitchen. Jennifer sighs, continuing to do what she was doing.

Jennifer: Am I setting another plate on the table?

Micah: Yeah, I invited Kalia over for dinner since she was free.

Jennifer: Well, let’s just hope she actually makes it here this time around.

Micah doesn’t say anything.

…

A couple of hours later, The family is sitting around the large dining room table. On one end, it’s Jennifer and Milo Sr. with Reagan and Dylan, and then there’s Milo Jr, his wife Sophie, and two young children, Summer and Emerson. Micah sits towards the end of the table, next to an empty space.

Sophie: Dinner was delicious, Jennifer.

Jennifer: Thank you, sweetie! I know you’ve been asking for this dish for quite some time.

Sophie: I will definitely have a dish prepared the next time we do this…

Milo Jr: That’s if you don’t throw the ingredients at me again…

Sophie gives her husband a stern look.

Sophie: Carrying another one of your children gives me plenty of reason to do such thing, especially when you tell me how to cook.

Milo Jr playfully smiles at his wife, and kisses her on the forehead. His children say “ew” at the affection. Milo Sr and Jennifer smile at the sight, until Jennifer turns her head towards Micah, who is paying no attention to anything else besides his phone. She’s sad for Micah.

Jennifer: Any word yet, Micah?

Micah lifts his head to face the rest of the table, who is now looking at him. He doesn’t say anything.

Milo Jr: Micah had company coming too?

Reagan: His girlfriend.

Milo Jr: Girlfriend?

Micah rolls his eyes and ignores the conversation to the best of his ability. It’s easier said than done.

Milo Jr: Is it still with that model?

Micah: *annoyed* She’s not a model, she’s an actress and yes, she’s still my girlfriend.

Milo Jr: *nods* Okay, I hope to meet her one day.

Sophie: *stern* Babe.

Milo Jr: What? I’m just expressing my excitement that my little brother has a girlfriend and that I would like to meet her… whenever we get the chance to.

Micah gets up from his seat and grabs his plate from the table.

Jennifer: Micah–

Micah takes the empty plate from the table and walks into the kitchen. He slams the plates into the sink and walks out of the kitchen, towards his bedroom. The family watches on.

Micah walks into his room and takes out his phone from his pocket. He reads one of his unread messages from Kalia.

Kalia: So sorry for the change of plans. Something came up regarding the auditions. Love you ❤

Micah locks his phone and tosses it on the bed. He falls back onto the bed and looks up at the ceiling. He holds his face with his hands, frustrated and mad.

It’s the evening hours on campus. Micah’s last class of the day has officially ended, and he walks out of his class. Walking in the direction towards the front of the campus, he looks towards the building that the bookstore is located in. He votes against it and continues to walk towards the front.

Along the walk, he spots Rosie across the other walkway, walking in the same direction. Without thinking twice, he runs up to Rosie, instantly standing by her side. She looks to see who it is now walking beside her and rolls her eyes when she sees who it is.

Micah: Heyyyyy, Rosie.

Rosie: Hi.

Micah looks around the campus.

Micah: Clocking out for the day?

Rosie: Yep.

Micah: Cool, cool… it’s a nice night to start off the weekend, huh?

Rosie: What do you want, Micah?

Micah: Nothing, I’m just walking to the front of the campus, just like you…

Rosie: You don’t get a limo from your supermodel girlfriend to come to get you from class?

Micah mimics a laugh; it comes out sarcastically.

Micah: She’s not a supermodel, she’s an aspiring actress. But I wouldn’t want that attention to be on me, y’know? You should know, right?

Rosie confusingly looks at Micah; her eyebrows scrunched together.

Rosie: No?

Micah: Ah… alright, sorry about that. *sighs* So, you got any plans for the weekend? Going to any parties, or events…?

Rosie stops in her track and faces Micah, highly annoyed.

Rosie: What are you trying to say?

Micah: I’m just saying, we both know you were at the Placy’s Gala last weekend. You are only invited if you know someone who is a celebrity or has a high profile…

Rosie: Maybe before you get into anyone’s business, you should really know where you get your facts from.

Rosie starts walking again, leaving Micah standing there. Micah runs towards Rosie to catch up with her and stops her from moving anymore.

Micah: You see, you would’ve been right about that, but I remember bumping into a girl at the gala that looked exactly like you. Maybe I was just daydreaming, because, like, who would you know that has such a presence in the public? And also, you always talk about my girlfriend like she’s the most snobby person in the world because she’s an up-and-coming actress…

Rosie: Get out of my way.

Micah: I can admit that I am with her. SHe’s my girlfriend regardless of how famous she can be, and I can’t shit on her lifestyle because dating her means I signed up for the chaos that comes with her life. But for you to constantly shit on that lifestyle while being a part of that lifestyle says a lot about you.

Rosie doesn’t say anything at first until she gathers her thoughts.

Rosie: I don’t know what you’re talking about, Micah.

Micah: How does someone like you know a guy like Prescott Jones?

Rosie: I don’t.

Micah: One of your coworkers thought I was Prescott when I came into the store earlier.

Rosie: They don’t know what they’re talking about.

Micah: Roe–

Rosie: Don’t call me that.

Micah: Rosie, all I’m saying is that if anyone knows how to be in the limelight with a celebrity, it’s you. Maybe that’s why you give me so much shit about Kalia and me. Is there trouble in paradise? Huh? I haven’t heard anything about Prescott Jones having a girlfriend in the magazines lately…

Rosie punches Micah back; he unexpectedly falls to the ground.

Rosie: Leave me the fuck alone.

Micah looks at Rosie and then all of a sudden hears his friends’ voices. Rosie keeps walking and Micah quickly gets up from the ground, He doesn’t bother going after Rosie this time, but he’s mad at how Rosie handled the conversation. His friends, Dani and Tanner, go to Micah to help him out.

Dani: What the fuck was her problem?

Micah: Nothing. She’s a nobody.

Micah sits at a table in the student center. His legs are up on one of the chairs at the table, his bookbag on the table. He softly strums the strings on his guitar. He looks around and notices a girl walking into the building and towards the bookstore. It’s Rosie, alone, walking into the bookstore quickly. He keeps looking until his friends, Dani and Tanner, come and take over the seats that Micah occupied.

Dani: I’m surprised you even come to campus today.

Micah: Well, life has to move forward–

Dani: Even if you’re labeled as a bad boyfriend in the tabloids?

Micah rolls his eyes at Dani.

Micah: Jesus, Dani, wanna tell the entire building?

Dani: I’m just saying, you already know Kalia is going to bust your balls about it.

Micah: Don’t remind me.

Tanner: Has she called you yet?

Micah: Surprisingly no…

Dani: Hmm, maybe she finally came to her senses and decided to take the stick out of her ass about the tabloids…

Micah: *annoyed* Listen, Dani, I’m really not in the mood for this today…

Tanner: Alright, alright; let’s calm down now. *to Micah* listen bro, I just hope that Kalia doesn’t blame you for this. Clearly that’s not the case.

Micah doesn’t say anything back, he just grabs his bookbag and puts it on.

Tanner: Where you going?

Micah: My class starts in 20 minutes, I just wanna get there early.

Micah packs up his guitar and lifts the bag up and leaves. Before he exits the student center, he looks towards the bookstore. He walks into the bookstore, not really knowing why he is in the first place.

He walks in and looks towards the counter; to his surprise, it wasn’t Rosie working at the register today. He goes and grabs a drink before walking to the counter. He reads the name on the girl’s lanyard; Natalie.

Natalie: Anything else?

Micah: Nope.

Natalie scans the drink and tells Micah the price. Micah takes out his wallet and paids for the drink.

Micah: Is Rosie working today?

Natalie: *looks up* Rosie?

Micah nods her head; he tries to keep his voice low when asking.

Natalie: Wait, you’re Prescott?

Micah: *confused* What?

Someone from the back of the store calls out for Natalie, in which Micah grabs his drink and leaves the store abruptly.

…

Micah walks down a street in Downtown, arriving to one of the tall apartment buildings. He walks into it , quickly walking towards the stairs. He runs up the stairs until he reaches the floor he needs to be on. He then walks towards an apartment door and knocks o it. Shortly after, a woman opens the door. It’s Kennedy, Kalia’s very artistic and biological mother.

Kennedy: Hi! Come on in, she’s in her room.

Micah: Thank you Miss Larsen–

Kennedy: Boy I already told you to call me Kennedy.

Micah: *nervous* Sorry.

Kennedy yells out for Kalia, who then walks out of her room with a wig and sunglasses on. Micah is visibly confused.

Micah: Kal?

Kalia: You have some nerve showing up here, Micah.

Micah: What?

Kennedy: *intervenes* Well, I have an opening to attend you in the city, I should be back in the morning, dear!

Kennedy leaves the apartment; it’s now only Micah and Kalia in the house.

Micah: I figured I’d come over to check on you, see if you were doing alright, but I can clearly see you read the dumbass tabliods this morning.

Kalia: Micah! This isn’t a joke! Just you being here after what happened at the gala is going to attract so much attention!

Micah: Do you think I give a shiut about what other people think about me? We are a couple, Kal; just like any other 20-somehing-year-olds.

Kalia: But none of them have paparazzi following their every move!

Micah sits on the sofa and holds his head with his hands.

Kalia: Why did you get drunk in front of my father?

Micah: Kal, I already apologized to you for that. I was nervous and I drink when I do.

Kalia: You’re not even legal yet, Micah! You know how that looked like to my dad? That you just illegally drink without any consequences!

Micah: I said I was sorry, okay?! What more do you want from me?

Kalia takes in a deep breath and takes off the wig and sunglasses. She sits next to Micah on the sofa.

Kalia: I’m sorry, Micah. I don’t mean to be harsh on you and I’m not trying to change you. I love you for you Micah, and I don’t want you think that I care about the tabloids more than our relationship.

She kisses Micah gently on the lips. He looks at her; she smiles at him.

Kalia: No matter what, I’m always by your side.

She kisses Micah even harder this time, and they begin to make out on the sofa. Kalia begins to remove Micah’s sweater, and attempts to unbutton his pants. He stops when he feels her unbuttoning them.

Micah: Let’s take this to your room.

Kalia: *nervously* My bedroom faces the street… and there might be…

Micah gets up from the sofa and begins to button his pants up, then he puts his sweater on.

Kalia: Where are you going?

Micah: Home. Coming here was a bad idea.

Kalia: What’s wrong? Why are you leaving?

Micah doesn’t say anything back, he just gathers his things, wich makes Kalia upset.

Kalia: Micah?!

Micah turns around and looks at Kalia, who is visibly upset. He feels bad for her.

Kalia: Please don’t go. I want you to stay; keep me company. I just want to spend time with my boyfriend like a normal girl.

She begins to cry, in which Micah drops his bag and walks over to Kalia, giving her a hug.

Micah: I’ll stay with you.