Fallen Star Chap 1

Chapter One  1

*I spelled checked and it added extra t's to some of the words like couldn't seems APs speel check doesnt like my word perfect spell checker lol*2

After finally calming Tate down enough to where she could drive the girls headed towards home.  Claysville is a small town built around the town square, which included the public library, courthouse and two small bars.  Well it really  wasn't a square it was more like a lopsided triangle but still called the town square.  The town still had its original tree covered , winding, country roads and it s rolling farmlands.  It was a quiet town except for the Friday night football games between the cross-town rivals of the only two high schools  in town, Clay High School and Rimes Independent High School.  In Claysville the only way to succeed is to own your own business or be a sports  star.  Something neither of the girls were.  So when  Tate decided to pursue her dream of becoming a singer,  it was big news for the small town.  Tate got mixed felling  towards her ambitions.  Some supported her, like Brandi, her dad and Momma G.  As well as many other people in town, but others thought it foolish to get her hopes up so high.  In Tate’s  mother’s  opinion, she had never seen a plus size prom dress, no less a plus size pop singer now a days.  Well, now Tate had proof  that both did exist.  She attended her prom in a beautiful ruby prom dress, train and all and now she was getting ready to go to California to meet with the CEO of Grace Music Inc.  Things couldn't  be better.  She would show her mother what she was worth.3

On the way home during the spring and the summer the girls usually stopped once a week for there favorite fountain drink, the slushy, and a full tank of gas.  It was now mid-spring going on summer and the weather was just right.  Not  to hot, not to humid, with a sent of  fresh cut hay.  With the windows down, the girls headed to the gas station for their slushy’s.  Something both girls thought they had to have once a week or their  week just wouldn't turn out right.  4

Pulling up to the pump, Brandi fixed  her  wind blown hair in the rear view mirror then continued to get out and walk around to Tate s window.5

Placing  her had over her eyes to shield the sun Brandi asked.   “The usual?” 6

“Yeah, I guess.”   Tate said as she reached into the back seat of her Chevy Blazer for her large hand bag.7

“You know, your gonna  hit yourself in the head with that thing one of these days and kill yourself with it!”   Brandi joked.8

Looking up from her purse she shrugged and placed a pen between her teeth.  “So, at least it won’t be a mystery.”  Tate mumbled.  Scoffing, Tate went back to searching her purse for her wallet.  Removing the pen from between her teeth.  “ I think I'm gonna get my oil changed while I'm here.  It s about that time.”  .  9

“Well while you re at it, tell Mr. Liam Young, I said hello.”  Brandi smiled.  Tilting her head to the left she winked.  “ And since you’re on a spending spree you need to get a smaller purse.  I don t need you dying from the attack of the fifty-foot purse.” 10

“Ha ha you re so funny, I almost forgot to laugh.”   Tate replied dully.   “Just pump the gas Blondie.”11

“Hateful aren't we?” 12

“No.”  Tate quickly replied. 13

“Well, whatever.  Just tell Liam I said hi and go droll on him.”   Brandi waved her out of the truck and towards the shop.14

“What do you mean?  You  think I have a thing for Liam?”   Looking appalled Tate got out of her truck and placed her hands on her hips.   “We have known them for how many years?  Hundreds and you think I have a thing  for Liam?”   Shaking her head Tate looked at Brandi.15

Brandi nodded as she removed the nozzle and placed it in the gas tank.  “Well, I don t.  He is more your type, not mine.  Besides I have my eye on his brother.”   Tate huffed.    ‘So hush.”   She began walking away towards the shop.   “Besides Liam always liked you.” 16

“Then ask him out.”   Brandi yelled.17

Stopping long enough to speak Tate turned back to Brandi.   “Who Liam?” 18

“No!  Josh.”   19

Without breaking stride Tate turned to Brandi and mouthed.   Fuck you. 20

“Oh shove it!”    Brandi shook her head and watched Tate turn to wave at Liam, who was laughing.21

Liam Young stood in the doorway to his father’s  shop and laughed at the conversation he was overhearing.  Obliviously the girls had no idea he was listening and  waved back at Tate who was walking towards him.22

“Good afternoon Tate, how  was school? ‘   Liam joked.23

Poking Liam in the ribs Tate made the point that he and Josh had graduated only two years ago and they had no room to talk.  Also reminding Liam he wasn't’t t her daddy.24

“Are you coming to graduation?”   Tate asked placing her hand over her eyes to shield them from the sun.   “Remember me and Brandi came to yours.”   Tate smiled.25

“Well let s see  what s going on that night?”   Placing his black oily hand under his chin and resting his head there looked up at the sky.   “Hmm.  Not really sure... “26

Pushing his hand out from under his chin Tate glared at him.27

Rolling his eyes at the ceiling.   “OK, OK.  Yes, Josh and me are coming.” 28

“And you re coming with us to the barn fire after that right?”   Tate lifted her eyebrows.  After a pause Tate placed her hands on her hips and stared into Liam’s green eyes.29

Give him the look of death.  He can t say their not going.30

Liam nodded.   “Were driving...your truck.” 31

“Oh you think so.”  Tate tapped her foot32

“Yeah, we think so.”   Liam stated still nodding.33

Tate threw up her hands.   “FINE, whatever!”  Shaking her head and rolling her eyes she   walked back to the door to see if  Brandi was done pumping the gas.  She was no where to be found   Looking  around to the front of the store she finally spotted  Brandi she was sitting on the bench talking to Josh.  Tate’s head spun as  Brandi winked at her and smiled.34

I m gonna kill her, kill her dead!  Tate thought to herself.35

Turning back towards Liam who was smiling, Tate mumbled something to herself so Liam couldn't’t  hear.   “She s dead.” 36

Liam gave Tate a crooked smile as he tossed the radiator cap he was cleaning and  walked crossed the room  to the service desk.  Appearing to be more business like and a major smart-ass. “Well Miss Livingston, what can I do for you today.  It seems you came by today for more than your usual sugar rush and full tank.”   Liam opened the top draw to his desk and pulled out the work order form.   It seems your supposed to tell me Brandi said hi to me and to ask my little brother out.   Raising his eyebrows he began to chuckle.37

Oh good God, how do I get out of this?  He heard our conversation, how much did he hear? Oh  my God  Why does this always happen to me?  Nothing works out right for me.   Um...  What do I say? Umm.. The smart-ass!  I just can’t agree with him.38

Noticing her race for thoughts Liam assured her he only heard the end of their conversation and that maybe it was a good idea to ask his brother out.39

“You actually think your brother would go out with me?”   Tate looked at Liam puzzled.   You can t be serious. 40

Liam look back at her with his own puzzled look.   “Why not, we have all know each other for more than four years.  Two of which  we went to school together and two from around the shop and your  weekly sugar rush.  Plus my brother always had a thing for you.  I did too at one time, but you know how  that goes with brothers.  Anyways, Brandi on the other hand...”  Looking up at Tate he smiled.    So could you talk to her for me? 41

Tate stood there and stared at Liam amazed.  Not knowing what to say or think she just nodded.42

Is he serious?  He can t be.  No one has ever been interested in me.  No one has ever told me anything about that!  Josh like s me.... HE LIKES ME... I'm gonna die.  I have got to tell Brandi.  Wait did Liam say he liked me too?  Why am I always the last to know about these things?43

“What?  Surprised by my honesty?”  Liam laughed   44

Tate nodded and raised her eyebrows still not able to talk.45

“Don t worry I get that a lot actually.  So what do you say, we make graduation night like a date or something.  You and Josh, Brandi and I, unless you think she won”t go for it?46

Go for it?  She would actually love it, absolutely love it!47

Finding her voice she finally spoke.   “Um...OK if you think Josh will go for it, and believe me Brandi would love the idea.”48

“So I  heard.  Sign  this form for me and tell me what you need and I'll get to it.”   Liam handed her the work order he was filling out.49

“Just an oil change today Liam.”   She signed the paper and handed it back to Liam.   “Look, now  you have the first autograph.” 50

Liam gave her a questioning look.51

“I haven t told you my news yet have I?  How could I forget?”   Tate took a deep breath and looked down at the floor.   “Well Liam let s just say my dream has come true.  I got the deal.”   When she finished she looked up at Liam, who had got up out of his chair and was already by her side.  Liam, who at about a foot taller than her, broad shouldered chiseled body, brown wavy hair and wide green eyes were looking at her with a huge goofy smile on his face.  Tate was amazed at just how much Liam and Josh resembled each other.  Besides the hair and eyes color they could be twins.  But where Liam was dark, Josh was light.  A kind of contrast to each other.  Josh had dirty blond short hair and dark blue eyes.  The kind you can get lost in, the ones Tate gets lost in more often than not.  Josh was a tad shorter than Liam either way she seemed so small yet so large next to both of them.52

Well once again Brandi is right.  This man is Gorgeous!53

Liam looked into her  wide green eyes and curly red hair up in one of this scrunchies things girls like when he suddenly realized what she was talking about.54

“The deal?”  55

Tate nodded56

“The record deal? “  Liam asked again57

But before she could answer, Liam enveloped her in a swaying hug.  Surprised Tate just stared at him.  Not believing what was  happening.  Finally aware of the friendship they have had Tate began to laugh and so did Liam.58

“Yes I got it.”   Tate Smiled59

“Come on we got to go tell Josh.”   60

Taking Tate’s hand Liam lead her out of the shop to the front of the store where Brandi was sitting with Josh holding the slushy’s.61

Well hey Tate how are you today?  We  were beginning to think you both ran away or something.”   Josh said standing.62

Brandi handed the slushy to Tate who gladly took a drink.63

“Hey bro.  Tate s got some news for you.  But first my news.  Tate is getting a free oil change and any little odds and ends that needs done will be done.”   Liam  nodded satisfied.64

Brandi, Josh and Tate all gave Liam a puzzled look.  Tate finally spoke.  “ Liam you don’t have to do that.  Really just my oil changed that I will be paying for.” 65

“Nonsense.  You gave me the first autograph.”   Looking at Josh he smiled and bowed at Tate.  66

Tate playfully pushed Liam and shook her head.  “Stop that.” 67

Liam gestured toward Tate.   “She got the record deal.” 68

“Josh looked at Tate who was smiling.   “You got it?  You got the deal?”  Josh looked at Brandi who was also smiling.   “Why didn't’t you tell me?” 69

Scoffing Brandi rolled her eyes at Josh.   “Do I have to tell you everything?  Besides it’s not my news to tell.” 70

Tate, trying to hold back her emotions could only nod at Josh.  After the girls had finally calmed down again they began to talk about graduation coming up in four days and when they were leaving to go to California.  When Liam was done with the truck and Josh refilled their slushy’s.  Josh and Liam walked the girls to the truck.  Stopping at the door Tate turned to Josh and Brandi. 71

“I forgot to tell you.  Liam and I decided that after graduation just the four of us were going to go camping.  Sort of like an overnight date.”   Tate smiled.   “Unless  someone has a problem with the arrangement” 72

No one said anything just looked about at one another in their own self contained joy of the occasion.73

“I guess it s settled then.”   Liam said.74

Brandi and Josh nodded.75

“Me and Brandi will meet you guys at my house after graduation, load up my truck and party like its 1999.  Well, party like it s 2002.”  Tate  smiled.   “Graduation  2002.” 76

“Sounds good to me.”   Josh said as the girls got in the truck.   “See you later.  You girls be careful.  See you Friday.”  The guys said as they waved. 77

The girls waved as they pulled out of the gas station.  78

“That  wasn't’t  as hard as I thought it would be.”   Take said  smiling at Brandi.79

“Told you!” 80

When the girls got home they ran into the house to look for their parents.  Tate searched the house but couldn't’t  find them.  Finally Brandi found them on the back porch.  Mom was at the grill and dad was reading the paper.  The normal place for both of them.81

“Hey girls, how  was school today?”   Mrs. Livingston asked.   Your father and I decided on grilled chicken with steamed vegetables.  Its good for you, you know.  Besides you need to diet Tateum honey.” 82

“Mom, right now I m not worried about being on a diet.”   Tate argued.  She could never understand why her mother always seemed to be able to put her down and sound so sweet doing it.83

“What could be more important right now?  You will be leaving for school soon.  Don t you want a boyfriend? “ Mrs. Livingston asked as she turned from the grill.84

Disgusted, Tate threw  the fax she pulled out of her backpack on the table turned and  walked to her room.85

Looking from the fax to the faces of her adopted parents she shook her head.  “I know you’re not my real mother, but in many ways you are my mother, but what you do to her is wrong.”   Angrily Brandi picked up the fax.  “She just got her record deal that you told her she would never get because of her  weight  and she couldn't’t   wait to tell you.  But instead  she’s in her room probably crying her eyes out because before she could tell you, you jumped down her throat about her weight.  That’s sad.   Brandi looked at her adopted father waiting for him to say something.86

“Look I can t say anything.  She yells at me too about my weight.”   Mr. Livingston shrugged.87

“Here you read this fax for yourself.  Suddenly I’m not so hungry.  But if  we do get hungry, we‘ll go to McDonald’s!   Brandi turned and walked into the house.88

Getting up from the table Paul Livingston retrieved a cold beer from the cooler.  Looking up at his  wife Shelly who was  flipping the vegetables.  Giving a long sigh he shook his head.   “You know  she’s  right,  Brandi is.”   Walking back to table to sit down he popped the tab to his beer.   “You are way to hard on both of the girls.  Brandi, because she’s  not your biological daughter and you  wish she were and Tate because she IS you biological daughter and you can't change how she is.  It s not right Shelly, it isn't.”   Taking a sip of his beer he looked over to his wife of  twenty-five years and frowned.89

“What are you frowning at?  You re just as bad as Tateum!  Drinking every night at dinner.  It just isn't supposed to be like this!  Michael and Justin  were your sons.  They look and act like you.  They're better off  than we are.   Tateum thinks that because her brother became and actor she can do it to.  Well I’m sorry she s going to get hurt.   Shelly crossed to the table and threw the food down.90

“Well one beer a day isn't t going to kill anyone but myself.  You should be proud of Tate taking on the world like she will be.  She knows it’s  not going to be easy but she is willing to do it.  You should support  her not bring her down!”   Getting up and looking down on his wife.   “You never  wanted  boys, so who else  were they supposed to look up to, you never gave them the time of day!  Yeah they are better off  than we are, but isn't that what we always wanted for our children.”  Paul started to walk away when he suddenly turned and look back at his wife.   “What ever happened to you?”   Frowning again  he took another sip of  beer.   I'm going to McDonald’s  with the girls.  Goodnight Shelly.91