A New Project

I have a story about a popstar who's also a vampire. I originally wrote it as a series of short stories posted on social media, and at the time, I got a pretty good response to it. A while back, I decided to start trying to rework it into a novel called Scout's Arrival. The main character is Scout Compton.

Anyway, I bring it up because I just opened my Word document for that story, and reread the last thing I wrote, which was these pages. I really wanted to share them because I think the story has the potential to be really good.

10:28 AM

Scout sat in the back of the Escalade. Peter, her makeup artist, was riding with them and quickly applying her standard daytime face for public appearances. Scout sat with her eyes closed as Peter dusted her cheeks and eyelids with makeup. Scout spoke without opening her eyes.

It’s really uncool and not at all awesome that he’s being this way. I don’t know what his fucking problem is.

Jay spoke without looking up from her laptop.

What do you want him to say? He’s right. It’s a bad decision. I agree with him.

Scout opened her eyes and looked at Jay.

And that’s why you’re a fucking Judas.

Jay scoffed.

Bitch, I am NOT a Judas. I’m protecting you. I’m looking out for your best interests.

Scout shook her head, and Peter stopped short of putting on her lipstick so she could speak.

My best interests. My best interests are having you in my corner, not ganging up with Rick to undermine my choices.

Jay scoffed. Peter leaned in to apply lipstick with a makeup brush.

May I interject?

Scout and Jay both looked at Peter.

Please. I need SOMEONE on my side.

Scout said, as Peter dabbed under her bottom lip with a cloth, cleaning up an accidental lipstick mark.

While I agree that it’s a bad idea —

Scout rolled her eyes, and Peter stopped talking for a beat before continuing.

However, I also believe that it’s important for an artist to feel heard when creating their art. If doing that song is what you need to do to express yourself, I think you should do it, even though it’s a terrible idea.

Scout sighed.

I don’t think you’re helping, Peter. I appreciate the effort, though.

Peter nodded and held up a small mirror for Scout, who peered at her own face. It was a dramatic but not unexpected look. Scout’s signature look. The red lip, the dark brow, the little beauty mark drawn at the corner of her mouth. It was how people had come to expect her to look, and Scout was already becoming bored with it. After a long moment, she nodded and handed the mirror back to Peter, who put it into its spot in his attaché case, along with the rest of her travel makeup. 

What should I tell Rick?

Scout let out an annoyed huff and looked at Peter, who shrugged.

Useless!

She said with a laugh. Peter laughed along with her, but Jay did not.

Well?

Scout shook her head, already done with the entire conversation.

Tell him I’ll decide on stage. How about that?

Jay put her hands up, exasperated, and started composing a text.

Very fucking grown up. Expect pushback when you arrive tonight, I can tell you that much.

Scout took out her phone, then looked at Peter.

Let him push back. I don’t care. Do you care, Peter?

Peter sighed.

I care so much. You know that, honey.

I do know, baby. You’re the best.

The disarming voice of her driver came from the front seat.

Miss Compton, we’re about two minutes out.

Scout nodded at Jay as she spoke.

Thank you, Leroy.

Then to Jay.

I’m sure we’ll have more of this conversation with Rick tonight. Right now, I need to center up, and you’re stressing me the fuck out with this cover song fuckery.

Jay held her hands up again.

Okay, sure. Let’s center up. You too, Peter.

Scout and Peter closed their eyes. Jay opened her music app on her laptop, and peaceful new age music began playing through the Escalade’s stereo system.

Ooh, that’s pretty.

Be quiet, Peter. We’re centering up.

Oh, right, sorry.

Peter mimed zipping his lip, and Jay cut him a look. He closed his eyes again and took Scout’s hands in his own.

Focus on my voice. Picture a ball of white light spinning in the air between us. As you focus on it, your —

Scout interjected.

Do we need to white-light just to center up in a moving car?

Yes. Shush.

Okay, go on.

Jay took a long breath in through her nose.

Breathe in. Hold. Breathe out through your mouth.

So, yeah, that's the part I wrote last time I worked on this, and I really want to tell the rest of the story, so I think that's what I'll be working on next.

I wanted to share because I enjoy this kind of thing, and I think it could make for a really fun story.