Layla is out

Serena's POV

I can't believe a month just passed like a breeze. Right now, I have to meet with my uncle, Sven to record a song that he wrote. He actually wanted me to sing it, I mean, why would I say no. Singing has been my best talent so far so I am definitely going to do it. I called Ariana before Uncle Sven arrived.

Me: Hey gyal.

Ariana: Hey bitch! Why didn't you call earlier?

Me: I was really busy. Please don't be annoyed.

Ariana: So why are you calling now?

Me: Well, you remember Uncle Sven right?

Ariana: Yeah. What about him?

Me: As you know, your girl is going to be a successful artist soon.

Ariana: What the fuck! Bitch! Why didn't you tell me earlier? Oh my fucking gosh! I'm so proud of you.

Me: I know you are. You've been a very good friend to me. I love you.

Ariana: I love you too bitch. Make me proud, darling.

Me: I will. Bye. Love ya.

Ariana: Yeah girlfriend! Make me proud. Bye.

Me: Mwah!

Ariana: Mwah! *call ends*

Uncle Sven arrived and we were off to his place. Note these down guys; Uncle Sven is a married man with two kids and he loves his family so much. So don't have any thoughts of him sleeping with me, alright?

We arrived at his place, it was actually a hour and a half drive away from my house. I greeted his wife, June and his kids, Emily and Helen, and we entered his studio. Emily and Helen wanted to tag along so we let them in. I spent an hour memorizing the lyrics, the melody and the rhythm of the song. So, WE DID IT!! SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!

Uncle Sven helped me create a Spotify account but he said I would need to have a social presence before he releases it. So that means, I have to engage into social media. He gave me tips. First, I need to engage on other people's post for about a month or two. I know, it's so stressful right. Then, I have to upload videos based on my niche and stuffs like that. Also, I must not lose my engagement. Once I'm popular enough then I can release my single. So I have to make time for engagement and my studies.

Only if I was as beautiful as JJ. I mean, he doesn't need to engage and stuffs to become popular, his beauty alone can earn him a million followers.

When I got home, I went straight to my laptop to create a YouTube channel and a TikTok account. Instagram can wait for all I care. So I spent two hours on those platforms just to engage. After I was done, I went to Instagram on my phone to stalk you know who.

OMGGGGG! A freaking two million followers. Damn! JJ is on a whole new level. I also checked Raye account and she only had eight thousand, seven hundred and thirty-nine followers with a following of about five thousand. Why on earth would I follow five thousand people, 'cause of what? And to think most of these people she's following are not celebrities. I only saw about ten official accounts out of maybe fifty accounts there 'cause I didn't have time to be scrolling. Like girl!! I actually expected better from you.

After stalking a few more people's accounts, I finally logged in my accounts on YouTube and TikTok. I received a few texts from Ariana, JJ, my parents and some other people. I managed to view Ariana and my parents' messages and replied. While the rest, I just turned off my phone and started studying. I had a quiz tomorrow and I needed to be ready.

The next morning, I decided not to jog and went straight into my bathroom to brush my teeth and take a bath. After I was done, I picked a blue baggy shirt, a black cargo pants with my favorite black crocs. I blew dried my hair and packed it into a messy bun. I wore my outfit and my favorite earrings and chain that had my name. I packed my books, airpods, a cute purse where I keep my writing materials and my power bank with a charging cord into my tote bag. I took a few pics of my self and went down stairs.

Mom was already awake, making pancakes and Dad was assisting her.

"Morning Mom and Dad." I greeted.

"Morning dear." Mom responded.

"Morning kiddo. Where are you all dressed up to?" Dad teased.

"To school." I replied.

"C'mon! Not even a tiny bit of sarcasm." Dad said.

"Sorry Dad. Not in the mood today. I have a big quiz." I responded.

"Well, you're obviously going to pass. So, since today is Friday and you're closing early, we're going to the mall to get you more clothes." Mom said.

"Mom!" I exclaimed. "I already have enough clothes."

"Those boring clothes? Darling, you're lucky I didn't burn those clothes. And besides, these new clothes aren't for you to wear regularly. They are for your content." Mom explained.

"I didn't think about that." I said.

"Well, Sven sent me samples of the type of clothes I should get for you. We're also going to change your room too." Mom said enthusiastically.

"Really!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah." Dad responded.

"You know you guys don't have to do this." I said.

"We're not struggling, kiddo. You don't have to worry about our finances and think of this as an investment. You're gonna earn a lot of money from content creating, you know." Dad assured.

"Right, I- I don't know why I didn't think about it that way." I said.

"That's because you're so focused on your studies these past few years. Honey, you know studying isn't only the path to a successful life." Mom said.

"You're right. But- " Mom interrupted me.

"No buts!" Mom exclaimed.

"Alright." I said.

I felt defeated. I didn't want them to waste money on me now, I still have college and I was working hard to earn a scholarship to Oxford University in UK.

Obviously, there would be have to be a lot of payments like for my flight, apartment and my allowance. But they just don't see things the way I do.

And now, I have to engage into content creating which is going to be a distraction to my vision. I have cut two hours of my studying time for engagement. My parents are going to spend a lot of money on my wardrobe and my room.

I just went upstairs to arrange my room and took my bag. I was leaving. I told Mom to pick me up after school so we can just go to the mall and get the clothes. I bid my parents good bye and left. And yes, I ate pancakes before I left. Ariana's car was already outside so I just got in. She was with her boyfriend, Ray.

I don't know why but I just don't find Ray attractive. I mean he is well handsome but not attractive. So I was just wondering what she saw in him. I thought Ariana loved attractive guys. I tried asking her one day but she ignored me for the rest of the semester. It was really that bad. She has been dating him for a year and a half now. That's the longest relationship she has ever been into. Her previous relationships didn't even last till six months.

We arrived at school and on my way to the hallway, Raye appeared with the other two members.

"What now, Raye?" I asked

"Yesterday, I saw you enter JJ's car. What is your problem? I warned you to stay away from him after that stupid stunt you pulled last session. And yet, you're entering his car." Raye ranted.

"And so what? JJ's my neighbor." I responded.

"So? You know I like him." She said.

"Actually, everyone knows you like him." Melissa said while taking a selfie.

"Melissa! I didn't ask for your opinion. Now drop that phone of yours and focus." Raye commanded.

"It's not just a phone, It's an iPhone 12 pro max." Melissa boasted.

"An iPhone 12! OMG girl!" Ginny exclaimed.

"My dad just got it for me yesterday. Literally, I love a 'two camera' iPhone. " Melissa bragged.

"You go girl! Love your taste." Ginny complimented.

"Can I go now?" I asked.

"No. I'm not done with you." Raye replied.

"Hey babe, I think you should let her go. I mean, she's not worth your time, besides JJ wouldn't stoop so low to her level And if he does, we'll kick his prick so hard." Melissa threatened.

"Yay! I can leave now." I said as I walked away.

Those girls were so annoying and dumb. Do they really think they can attack JJ. I just went to my locker and took my books. On my way to the class, I stumbled upon JJ.

"Hi." I greeted.

"Hey. How are you doing?" He asked.

"I'm okay. Sorry for not replying to your texts last night. I was really busy." I apologized.

"It's okay. Actually, Ariana told me about your record label. So, you're soon to become a popstar? I'll support you." He said.

"Thanks. Well, in maybe a few months time 'cause I don't have a social presence." I said.

"Well, maybe I can help you boost your social presence. I can tell my followers to support you. I'm sure most of them would." He suggested.

"Thanks. That's really nice of you but I want to earn my own followers." I politely declined.

"That's good too." He commented.

"Yeah." I said and went into the class.

I sat with Ariana in all of our classes before break. The classes didn't really have much activities, it was just from explanations to exercises. During lunch, I sat with Ariana and her boyfriend. I told her about yesterday and she offered to help just as JJ did but I declined. I gave her the same response I gave her brother. She told me afterwards that JJ would be joining us and JJ soon appeared. And of course, everyone's eyes were on our table.

"Hey guys." He said as he sat down beside me and I could hear students murmuring.

"Hey." Ray responded.

"What took you so long?" Ariana asked.

"I had to sort out some issues within the football team." He replied.

"Oh okay." She said.

Then we ate in silence. Break soon ended and it was time for Government class. I went to take my stationaries and entered the class. Mr. Charles, our Government teacher came in after ten minutes.

"I apologize for the delay, I was having an issue with a student. So, we'll go straight to the quiz." As Mr. Charles was saying the last sentence, I could hear whines from the unserious students, one of them was Raye.

"I thought you said next week, Teach." She whined.