Page 10 of Ticket to the Stars: Part One

“So, let me get this straight. You can’t tell me who that woman was yesterday, but whoever she was, she made you sign an NDA, and now you’re telling me you can’t room with me at college.”

“It’s not just that. I can’t go.”

It was a good thing Alexa was sitting, because I think she would’ve fallen over at hearing that. “Youwhat? You can’t go at all? What the hell is going on, Mags? You’re the only reason I’m going to CSU.”

I buried my face in my hands, muttering, “I know. I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad. It’s kind of… out of my hands.” When I pulled my hands away from my face, I saw Alexa watching me with suspicion.

She wanted to ask questions. I knew she did. She was dying inside, absolutely dying. She seemed annoyed, morbidly curious, but not totally furious. Thank God. I didn’t know what I’d do if I lost my best friend over this.

“I’m just so confused,” Alexa muttered. “I don’t even know what could make you drop out and sign NDAs. Who the hell was that chick yesterday? Some lawyer of a long-lost, super rich and now dead relative?”

I laughed. “No. I wish, but no. It’s different. It’s crazy. I’m dying to tell you, but I can’t. As soon as I can without risking everything, I will. I promise.”

Alexa was silent for a few seconds, staring at me hard. I could only imagine the thoughts going through her head right now; all the possibilities of why this was happening. I could almost guarantee that every possible scenario in her head was wrong; she didn’t listen to rock. She had no idea who Black Sacrament was.

Eventually, she said, “Fine. I’m not mad. Very annoyed, but not mad. You better just tell me what all this is about as soon as you can, because I’m dying of curiosity. Literally.” And then she gave me a smile, and that’s how I knew we were going to be okay.

I threw my arms around her and hugged her, and she hugged me back. When the hug was done, I told her, “I can’t tell you any of the details, but I can say it’s absolutely insane.” Insane was about the only word I could think of to describe the sharp turn my life had taken thanks to my little sister.

“Insane, huh? My curiosity is officially piqued.”

“I thought it was piqued before?”

“Yes, but now I’m as curious as I can be. I have reached peak-level curiosity.” Alexa spoke that with a serious face, but she couldn’t hold it in. She burst out in a fit of giggles after that, and I joined her.

Thank God she wasn’t mad. I didn’t know what I’d do if she was. Even though she couldn’t be with me in my newfound life, I didn’t want to lose her.

Chapter Five– Maggie

Ramona picked up the contract and NDAs later that night. She told me what time she’d pick me up Monday morning—four in the freaking morning, kill me now. Had to be so early because apparently she wanted to take me a few places before introducing me to the rest of the band.

My life became a whirlwind. The days passed way too quickly. I hung out with Alexa every chance I got, and my mom even took some time off work to spend it with me and Cleo.

I knew my life was going to change, that this was the first step toward a future I’d never even dreamt of, and I was excited. But at the same time, I almost didn’t want to do it. Too late, now that I’d signed the contract, but the nostalgia and sentimentality of everything made me really sit there and think.

I was going to miss everything. I didn’t know if or when I’d be able to come home and visit Mom and Cleo. I didn’t know if I’d be able to see Alexa at all until my stint with Black Sacrament was done. I’d miss so much. It made me sad to think about.

But it was a once in a lifetime opportunity—an opportunity the majority of people would never get. I had to take it. If not for myself, but for my mom. I meant it when I said I’d send money back home so she wouldn’t have to keep working two jobs to keep the house. I wanted to make things easier for her.

Monday morning came, and suddenly it was time to leave.

I’d packed a few bags full of clothes and shoes I wanted to bring—Ramona had already said she’d buy me a new wardrobe, but I had the feeling she and I had very different styles. I’d wear whatever I had to wear for shows and press talks or whatever, but when I was lounging around by myself? I’d stick to my own clothes.

Ramona was waiting in the car. The night air was crisp and cool, a strong breeze blowing around the three of us at the head of the driveway. My mom and Cleo stood before me, the latter of which couldn’t stop yawning.

I’d say I knew what that felt like, but I’d be lying. I hadn’t slept a wink last night, the nerves too strong.

Mom enveloped me in a strong hug. “Be smart, Mags. Use your brain. I don’t know much about where you’re going or who you’ll be with, but rock stars aren’t exactly known for their good decision-making skills.”

It wasn’t the first time she’d told me that. “I know, Mom.”

“I love you,” she crooned into my ear, running a hand down the back of my head. “Text me when you can. And I want at least one call every week.” She was measured in letting me go, and when she did, her hands fell to my upper arms, rubbing up and down them in what was meant to be a comforting gesture.

“I love you too, and I will,” I told her. She’d already made me promise to do so multiple times this past week.

Mom stepped aside, letting Cleo rush to me. She slammed her thin body into mine. What had started out as pure, unadulterated excitement had slowly switched to dread. Now, she didn’t want me to go, even though this was literally all her fault.

She angled her face up at me, blinking away the grogginess that came with waking up at four in the morning at the end of summer vacation. “Don’t let any of those guys push you around, okay? And if they do, tell them to stuff it and—”

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