Rock to the Top Chapter 2

Becky’s life became increasingly busy since she won the Grammy. It seemed everyone wanted
a piece of her. In the month following her win, she did interviews and performances for TV shows, talk
shows, morning shows, night time shows, radio shows. Becky was exhausted and she had no time to
even think about her offer of a duet.

One morning when she finally had some down time, Becky and her mom sat down for a cup of
coffee in a local coffee shop on Milwaukee’s East side. A handful of patrons recognized her and asked for her autograph, but the majority of the place didn’t know who she was. She was the latest teen sensation,
Ashley Beth, who went to the top in just a few years. But she wasn't always like that. When she was 13 she convinced her mom to let her try out for Star Search, a TV show looking for new talent. She won! A producer saw her there and offered to take her on his record company. Her first record was recorded within a year and it was in the top 5 pop charts. She was expected to be the next up and coming star. Her second album, recorded last year, brought her the first number one hit, which also received the Grammy. She was flying high on such success. Now at 17, she was the country’s biggest teen pop princess. It was everything she ever wanted. More importantly, she made something of herself, something her jailbird brother could never do.

“We need to discuss what the next plan of action is.” Becky’s mom took a drink of her black coffee and looked at Becky pointedly.

Becky rolled her eyes. Ever since Becky got into the business and her mother became her manager,
she was all about business. She was a good manager, Becky will give her that. But somehow in the
process her mom lost sight of having fun and enjoying it and became a “stage mother”. Becky started out
in the business at a fairly young age and needed the guidance, but now she’s almost an adult, and she
sometimes got annoyed with her mother’s constant advice on life direction.

Becky listened to her mother absently as she discussed more interviews and performances lined
up in the next few weeks. She stirred her tea and looked around the coffee shop. It was buzzing
with excitement as the early commuters came in to get their caffeine fix. She couldn’t
help but let her mind wander as her mother went on. She thought back to Grammy night and what an
amazing night that was. She still couldn’t believe she was on top, the biggest pop singer of the year.
Everything she worked so hard for has finally paid off. Becky’s heart skipped a beat as she thought about
Michael Lowrance. She was still shocked that he wanted to do a duet with her, much less talked to her.
Becky still didn’t feel like she was anything special really.

“Rebecca! Rebecca are you listening to me?” Her mom's frustrated voice burst through Becky’s
daydream.

“Oh yeah.” Becky shook her head slightly. “I was just thinking, that’s all.” She played with
her long auburn hair, the same color as her mom's. Becky was the spitting image of her mother in the looks
department, but are complete opposites in personality.

“What about sweetie?”

“I received an offer to do a duet a few weeks ago. I was thinking of maybe taking the offer.”

Becky had never really told her mother what she wanted to do as far as her career. It was usually the
other way around, her mom taking over the mother and manager positions. But this time Becky mentioned
it because she really wanted to do this. She wasn't sure if it was because she would be the
first pop star to collaborate with a rock group, or if it had more to do with seeing Michael again. Either
way she was determined to do this.

“Oh?” Her mom leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table. She looked beautiful in the beige
jacket and matching skirt, making her look professional, yet exotic at the same time. “Tell me about this
offer. Who is it from?”

“It’s from Black Ice. They want me to collaborate on a song and sing a duet with them. Wouldn’t
that just be totally rad?” Becky couldn’t help her excitement that bubbled over.

Becky heard her mother gasp. “Black Ice?”

Becky rolled her eyes. “Yes mom! They are a rock group….”

“I know who they are Becky. I just don’t understand why they would want to do a duet with
you.” she interrupted.

Becky sank back in her chair, her mouth turned in a frown. She didn’t realize her own mother,
even acting as manager, would have such little faith in her.

“What I meant, dear, is that they are a rock band. You are a pop star. Two very different genres.
Did they mention at all why they want to do a duet?” Becky could hear the suspicions raise in her mom's voice.

“No he didn’t really state why specifically. Just that they have a specific song in mind for a movie
and want to work on it together. They think with the two worlds brought together it will be a big hit and
get twice the listeners.” Becky held her breath. She really wanted this.

“Well, that does make sense. I don’t know, Becky.” She took a drink of her coffee and thought
it over for a minute. “I don’t like you around those kind of influences. It’s not good for you or for your
image.” She frowned.

“Mom you don’t even know them.” Becky stated. She worked hard to keep her voice from rising, but the frustration was plain.

“Neither do you.” Her mother pointed out.

“Well no, but I’ve heard of them. And it’s only for one song, Mom. It could do wonders for my
career!” Becky fell into the teenage daughter roll, begging for this one chance. She knew the pouty lips and the sad eyes would eventually work. There was a long pause as her mom had this faraway look in her eyes.

“So Mom? What do you think?” Becky tilted her head, making the puppy dog eyes.

“Yes I suppose it would be acceptable. Just be careful.”

Becky could feel the new hope and excitement building in her. She squealed in delight and hugged her

mom. She was looking forward to a new chapter in her career.


*****Editors note: This chapter was a mess!! Unfortunately I had to take out half the chapter because it had a huge POV error in it (half the chapter was in her mom's POV, which didn't work when starting off with Becky's POV). It was important info though so I'll have to figure out where to rework that.