Page 7 of The Spotlight Effect

“Hey,” I answer dryly.

“Still on the waitlist?” she asks, seeing me frown at my phone.

“Unfortunately,” I reply and close my MacBook, which was playing the vlog.

“Well, I got you something.” Faith pulls out a bag from behind her. I take it and open it revealing two of theRomanticismalbums by The MorningStars. “So you can get them signed for us.”

“Faith, these are theoriginalcovers.” I look shocked. The original cover was only in the shop for one month before Golden Star changed it from a dancing girl holding a bloody heart to a glass red heart. I have the red heart one but not this one. It’s one of the biggest collectors’ items.

“I know it took me three checks saved up to buy those off eBay.” Faith sighs, sitting on my bed. “It was supposed to be your birthday gift, but I figured if they get to sign it then it wouldbe more special.” I jump and hug Faith, tears swelling in my eyes.

“Thank you,” I whisper to her.

I’m so lucky to have a friend like her.

Our flight is scheduledfor noon, so we should arrive around four in California. Then we’re meeting the organizer at our house for the sweepstakes around five p.m. A jam-packed schedule I’m not looking forward to.

Since we are flying in first class, lucky for me, I got a window seat. I have this whole flight planned: I will take a nap, watch a movie or two, maybe write a little of a song. And that’s exactly what I did.

When the flight is almost over, Astrid taps my shoulder, and I take out my AirPods so I can hear her. “Yeah?” I reply to her.

“What are you most excited for?” she asks me.

“Nothing,” I answer, trying to put my AirPod back in, but I’m stopped.

“Come on, there has to be something you're excited for,” Aaliyah says.

“The concert,” I answer.

“I’m most excited for the shopping spree,” Aaliyah beams.

“I don’t want to go shopping,” I insert.

“Of course you don’t,” Astrid says, flipping her blonde hair. “But you should, the grudge look is so early 2000s.”

Jesus, this girl irritates me. I choose not to start anything after that comment.

“At least get something…for me,” Lia pleads.

“Maybe,” I tell her and put my AirPods back in.

I know my mom wouldn’t want me to ruin Lia’s big win and that’s the only reason I give in. For my mom. To help myself hold my tongue I go change into my shorts.

I’m still bitter I lost. I want to know how Lia even won; she doesn’t have a musical bone in her body. I’m the musical one in our family, not her. She can’t even play an instrument, for God’s sake. This is so fucking weird; it may sound crazy, but I think she cheated somehow.

As soon as we land, Lia and Astrid go to change while me and Mom wait. We changed on the plane, which thankfully we did, because the line for the restroom is so long. While waiting, I text Faith that I’ve landed.

Me

I landed

Faith

OMG HOW WAS IT????

Me

Fucking boring but I had a good ride

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