ENCHANTED.

@rosaliecampbell

didn't it all seem new and exciting? i felt your arms twisting around me, it's all fun and games 'til somebody loses their mind. but darling, we found w o n d e r l a n d , you and I got lost in it -- and we pretended it could last forever rosalie campbell / 21

182 posts

madelinesanford:

As Rose’s reply reached her ears, Maddie’s head snapped up and her heart stopped. Both girls wanted it, they both hoped for it. The singer couldn’t just leave it with no progression. All cards were on the table, there was no going back - not that she wanted to. “Do you think…maybe, we could make that ending happen too?” She hopefully asked. To then lighten the mood, Madeline added, “You know I think you’re really pretty girl and would like it if you let me be your world.” A grin made its way across her face. She had brought back some of her lyrics to the song she had written and sang for Rosalie right in this bar. It felt fitting for the occasion.

Rosalie shifted her weight from one foot to the other, looking down at her hands and smiling. This couldn’t be happening, could it? She thought all her chances had been dashed the minute Madeline put her name on that dotted line. At the lyrics of the song she had sung so many months ago, Rosalie couldn’t help but let her small smile grow into a full grin. She laughed and embraced Maddie. “Yes, yes. I would love it if that could be us.” She pulled back for a moment and connected their lips. It was the picture perfect movie ending. Even if Nebula never got made and Rose lived her life in this dirty little bar, it would feel worth it for this moment alone. She could practically see the vintage style script scrawling across the screen saying The End. The happily ever after everyone wanted.

madelinesanford:

Madeline joined in with Rose’s laughter and wiped at her own tears before placing a delicate kiss on the girl’s forehead. “We’re a mess together, it’s alright. I missed you too, every single day.” She gave a loving smile as she followed Rosalie curiously. As she looked at the screenplay now in her hands, Maddie realised it would be the first time reading the other girl’s work and felt giddy at the prospect of turning the page. When Rose explained the premise of it, the singer let out a small gasp and looked up at her. “You wrote a story…about me? That’s…I’m so flattered.” Maddie was speechless. Not wanting to waste another second, she turned over the first page and began reading. She was hooked from get go and knew that when this became a movie, it would be her all time favourite. It looked like Madeline wasn’t wrong when she told Rosalie she had immense talent. The proof was right there. After some quiet reading time, the brunette was most struck by the ending. Nina and Lucy had gotten together. If Nina and Lucy were supposed to represent Rose and Madeline, did that mean the former wanted them to get together too? Oh Maddie hoped so. It’s what she has wanted for forever. “That was really absolutely amazing, Rosie. I told you that you were a great writer. I’m blown away.” She spoke with nothing but sincerity in her voice. Then, she quietly added, “Is our ending just like that too?”

Rosalie bounced on the soles of her feet as she waited for Madeline to finish reading the screenplay. She could practically tell what parts she was at just by the expression on the other girl’s face. After all, Rose had spent more than seven months pouring over that story and every single detail and inch. “Oh, you’re biased. It’s about you, of course you think it’s good.” Rosalie’s face was hot and flushed. She had never had anyone read her writing before, and Madeline’s opinion was the one that mattered the most. At the question, Rosie’s head jerked up. In the story, she had decided to make the ending a happy one in the romance side of things. It was obvious that Lucy and Nina were meant to be together, it was the ending she had been planning forever. And yes, maybe it was a reflection of Rosalie’s own hope for her and Maddie. “Well, it’s what I hope it could be,” Rose murmured in reply.

madelinesanford:

Madeline’s smile widened as she saw Rosalie notice her. Tears started to form in her own eyes at the other girl’s emotional state. She welcomed the long overdue embrace and held Rose as tight as possible as she ran her hand gently through her hair. “I came,” Maddie quietly spoke, afraid to break the moment by speaking much louder. “My favourite girl needed me. Nothing comes before you. I lo-” The girl paused and took a deep breath to calm herself as her own tears were now flowing. “I love you, Rosie and I’m so s-sorry I haven’t been around as much but I promise you that I will stand up and demand breaks to see you all the time because it’s been hell not having you around.”

Rosalie was still clinging to Maddie when the other girl said those three words that made her heart freeze in her chest. “I love you too,” said Rose without hesitation, meaning every syllable of it. “So much. Oh,” Rosalie laughed at herself and wiped her wet face. “I’m such a mess, I’m sorry. But it’s okay. I just...missed you.” She smiled, eyes still glimmering with tears. “Come in, come in. I have something to show you.” She dashed off to her uncle’s office, grabbing the completed screenplay. “It’s a screenplay I’ve written. It’s called Nebula. So basically it’s about someone’s journey to fame -- a nebula is how a star is created. And the main character, Lucy, she’s supposed to be you.” Rose handed it to Madeline nervously. “I’m going to submit it to a bunch of production companies, but I want you to read it first. Oh, and Nina is me,” she added.

madelinesanford:

Madeline’s alarm woke her up bright and early in the morning. She didn’t waste any time sleeping in and jumped straight out of bed and into the shower to begin her day. The quicker she did everything, the quicker she’d see Rose, that was her thinking. After anxiety reducing shower and a delicious room service breakfast, Maddie spent a good hour sorting out her outfit. She had stopped off at her house on the way to the airport but didn’t have much time to plan her wardrobe so she just had to work with what she had.

Finally after a couple of hours, Madeline was stood in front of The Green Room. Just looking at the exterior flooded her with so many good memories. She’d never forget being on that small stage, or chatting up her favourite bartender afterwards. It was a sanctuary for her and it felt really good to be back again. Maddie was quickly ripped from her thoughts when her phone started buzzing in her hand. It was Rose. The girl had said she would call today. With a small smile on her face, the singer slowly walked through the familiar doors and came face to face with the girl who made her heart stop. “Hey Rosie, you called?”

Rose paced the room as the dial tone rang, rang, rang. Her heart began to sink. It was expected, of course. Maddie was always busy doing something. An interview, a photoshoot, recording, or sleeping. And then something strange happened. For a moment, Rosalie could swear she heard Madeline’s voice. Almost as a reflex, she twisted around, not sure if she was going crazy or if...something truly amazing was happening. Even though she knew it was crazy, her heart started pounding as she looked toward the door. And then, it was everything all at once. Her heart in her throat, tears in her eyes, her body starting to shake with adrenaline and surprise. “Maddie!” In her fragile emotional state, Rosie began to cry ugly tears, not bothering to stop them. This time, they were from happiness. She ran to Madeline and threw her arms around the other girl, sobbing into her shoulders. “You came,” she gasped. “You came for me.”

madelinesanford:

Madeline’s heart ached for Rose and she couldn’t get to her fast enough. After sending her email to her manager, she grabbed her jacket and bag and stood outside ready to get an uber to the airport once the phone call had ended. “Hey, no need to apologise. Talking to you is never a bother to me. You’re much more important to me than anything going on. I’ll talk to you tomorrow and I’ll support you through all of this for as long as you need, okay? You take care of yourself and if you need me before tomorrow, text me. I’ll see ya, Rosie.” I love you, she added in her head, not wanting to say such a personal thing over the phone.

Once the call ended, Maddie got an uber to the airport and managed to get the next flight back home. It felt like she was on the plane for days and all the girl could think about the entire time was Rosalie and how she was doing. Some hours later though, the plane touched down. It was pretty late at night so Madeline decided to get a hotel room for the night. She didn’t want Rose to see her looking gross after her long travel day. As the singer lay in bed that night, she felt like a kid on christmas as all she could think about was seeing her favourite girl again.

Rosalie nodded, even though she knew Madeline couldn’t see her. “Okay. Just call me when you have a chance. Or I’ll call you after the meeting, whatever.” She knew she’d spend the rest of the day waiting for that call, but for now, she had to sleep. The thought of going back to her apartment was not a welcoming one, and in the end she decided to sleep in her uncle’s office. He often crashed there after a busy night, and he had a well kept futon for such occasions. Was this her office now? It was an odd thought.

The next day, the staff congregated in the main area to discuss reopening. “Okay, so if we’re all on board, we’ll reopen next Thursday. Um...I’ll start calling some of the usual acts to see if any of them have an opening.” Rosalie rubbed her forehead. There was so much to remember and take responsibility of. “And your pay! That’s coming, I promise. I just...” she inhaled and gathered her thoughts. A few of the staff smiled sadly at her. “I’ll get this straightened out. Thanks, guys. See you Thursday.” The minute the last person left, Rosalie pressed Madeline’s name from her contact list. “Pick up, please,” she whispered to herself, desperate for someone to talk to.

madelinesanford:

Madeline was really hoping her first instinct was wrong, that everything was fine and the girl was just calling to catch up, but no. The news hit her like a brick to the face. Her and Rose’s uncle weren’t very close but he gave her a start. She would be nothing without that man’s kindness and allowing her to perform almost every night at his bar. What broke her heart even further was hearing how upset Rosalie was. To hear the girl she cared about the most be so broken and not being with her, felt like a punch to the gut. She had to see her. Fuck the studio session. Fuck the album. Right now, none of that was important. “Ro…I’m so so sorry. He was the kindest soul.” Maddie spoke sincerely as she simultaneously sped walked to the room her laptop was in and balanced her phone on her ear as she wrote out an email to management saying she would be leaving for a little bit, no objections. “Listen to me, you can do this. You are the strongest, most responsible person and your uncle wouldn’t have left you the bar if he didn’t think you could do this. I’m going to be here for you, whatever you need.” I’m going to be there for you in person too.

Rosalie inhaled sharply, trying to keep her tears and emotions in check. She began to wander around the bar to help stabilize herself, touching all the chairs and ripped leather seats in splintered wood booths. “Yeah. He really was.” Her uncle had been there for her, and they had many conversations over beers in the bar before it opened. Being in the room without him was strange, because it felt like at any moment he would emerge from the back office and fist bump Rose on his face to check on things in the sound booth. “But I didn’t...we didn’t discuss this. He never sat me down to tell me he wanted me to have it, or what was going to happen once he...” she swallowed hard. “I just like, got tossed into the water. And I know you’re busy, I’m so sorry or bothering you. I heard your song on the radio again today.” She was just bumbling now, her mind racing. “Can you just call me tomorrow? I have to meet with the staff to discuss reopening tomorrow and I’ll probably need some moral support. Whenever you can, of course. I understand you probably have interviews and stuff.”

madelinesanford:

Nothing felt real these days. Madeline was sure it was all one big crazy dream and she’d wake up in her old, tiny apartment again. Everything she had been dreaming of since she was a little girl had all came true. She was touring, doing tv and radio interviews, rubbing shoulders with people she used to have posters of on her bedroom walls. Maddie had done it, her goal was achieved. It felt truly amazing, except…there was something missing. Sure the performing was a rush unlike any other. Sure the thousands of people she could impact filled her with immense gratitude. Sure the celebrity interactions left her starstruck. However, there was one very special girl who wasn’t there. A girl who provide her heart with everything it could ever need. Rosalie. Her favourite person in the whole world wasn’t by her side and it hurt her heart.

The two girls hadn’t physically seen each other in what felt like forever and Madeline was craving it more than anything. She had tried to figure out at least a few days off but her management wouldn’t allow it. Apparently because her career was still climbing it was vital to attend every interview and every performance. Maddie wouldn’t change her position for anything but she just wished she could stop, for just a moment, to catch her breath. She knew being with Rose would be a good recharge for her soul.

Maddie was currently in the studio working on her full length album when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She politely excused herself out into the hallway when she realised who was calling. “Hey Rosie. Well I’m working on some recording but it can wait. What’s up?” Madeline heard something in the other girl’s voice that made her heart still with worry. “Is everything alright babe?”

At the sound of Madeline’s voice, Rosie felt a wave of emotion come over her, strong and painful. It only occurred to her how alone she was now that she was sitting there, talking to the one person that made her feel happy on the phone. “Madeline,” Rose said, her voice breaking. “My uncle died yesterday, and he left me the bar....I’m just...” she wiped her eyes furiously, willing herself to make a meaningful sentence. “I don’t know what to do. I have to reopen The Green Room next week, and I’ve never done anything like this without my uncle before. I have to book acts and pay the bills and stock the liquor, and I...” As hard as it was, she had to admit defeat. “I can’t do it.”

madelinesanford:

“I don’t need to read your writing to know of your talent. Sometimes when I’m doing my sets, I can see you writing away and the passion in your eyes is so clear. With a fire like that, it’s hard to deny the talent.” Madeline gave Rose a sweet smile and placed her hand gently on her arm. “A free drink every night? Now that would be quite the spoiling. As long as what I’d owe would be pleasant for me, I don’t think I’d mind that too much.” She winked.

--- time skip ---

Rosalie sat at the empty bar, tracing her fingers across the surface that never seemed to be free of sticky alcohol residue. Even now that it had been closed for two weeks, the counter still felt tacky under her wandering fingers. She had been sitting here every day for the last week, waiting for news on her uncle. He had been admitted into the hospital for cancer just last month, and he had officially closed the bar “temporarily” two weeks ago until he got better. Yesterday, uncle Rob had passed away. Today, Rosalie was visited by the lawyer, explaining that her uncle had left her The Green Room and a sum of money to use as a startup for the first couple of months.

Rose wiped her eyes and sniffled, looking around the bar. It was dark and dingy, but she had always felt so comfortable there. Rob had welcomed her when she had nowhere to go, and he trusted her with his prized possession. Still, she couldn’t help but feel a little ungrateful. She hadn’t asked for this, not at all. The responsibility of running a business was huge, and she was barely legal herself. Her Hollywood dreams would inevitably be put on hold as she figured out how to handle this kind of life. If it had been anyone else, she would have refused. But for uncle Rob, she knew she’d have to open The Green Room again. The rest of the staff had been there a long time, and they’d help her.

There was only one person Rosalie wanted to see. Her favourite person in the world, Madeline -- but Maddie was hard to reach these days. Jetsetting off on a world tour, her music playing on every radio in North America, the once undiscovered talent had finally achieved her dream. Rose was so happy for her, of course. Whenever she heard Maddie’s hit single on the radio, she’d turn it up and send the girl a video of her jamming out. But it did hurt, a little. To be left in this dump while Maddie got to party in high class VIP bars. How could two girls start in the same place and end up in such different ones?

Rosalie thought of her screenplay. Nebula, a movie about Madeline’s rise to the top, had been finished for months now. Still, she hadn’t had the guts to advertise it to any movie companies yet. Knowing that she had written basically a story about a real person and that person had no idea felt almost dirty. She knew she’d have to show it to Maddie before trying to get it to fruition. But when would Maddie find the time? Again tears burned in her eyes. Against her better judgement, Rose pressed the button to call Madeline. “Maddie? Are you busy?”

madelinesanford:

“Well whatever kind of script you write, whatever the plot, it’ll be a huge hit. You have talent running through your veins and it deserves to be recognised.” Madeline knew Rose was destined for more than pouring drinks behind a bar and she hoped to witness it all unfold. “Sometimes I set a little something aside to treat myself, and I think a fancy drink next to you is quite the treat.” She grinned and reached down to her purse but stilled at Rosalie’s kindness. “Are you serious? Rosie that’s so nice of you. I owe you for this. You just name what you want from me and I’ll do it.”

Rosalie made a face at the praise. “You haven’t even read anything I’ve written! How can you know I’m talented? I could totally stink, and then you’d be encouraging me to go for an unbelievable dream. How rude, Maddie.” She smiled, although she really was only partly joking. “Of course I’m serious! Uncle Rob won’t mind. And seriously, I don’t want anything. Don’t be silly. One drink is not worth payback. Once we get to a free drink every night, then we’ll talk.”

madelinesanford:

“I think it will happen. I think a couple years down the line, the blockbuster hit of the summer is gonna have your name written on the script. Your hard work will be on the screen. If you think some music guy can just waltz in here and sign me up, I think someone will come across your writing and green light it immediately. I believe in you and your skills.” Madeline smiled adoringly at Rose. She was truly the girls biggest fan and wanted her to reach her dreams. “Why yes. Hit me up with your finest cocktail, sweetheart.” She winked with a giggle.

“No! Ew. I don’t want to write summer blockbusters and script long action scenes with dialogue that sounds straight from a children’s cartoon. Never. I’d be here, pouring up whiskey for seniors before I did that.” Rose scrunched up her nose in disgust. She wanted to be unique, groundbreaking, original. Plus, she had never been a fan of CGI. “Cocktail? You make good tips tonight or something? More expensive than your usual.” She raised her eyebrows playfully. “Just kidding. This one is on the house. For a job well done, as always.”

madelinesanford:

“I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed to it at all, but who am I to take you away from your loyal customers?” Madeline grinned cheekily as she lightly poked Rose’s cheek. “Go and show him that you’re the best beer server there is.” She watched the other girl fondly as she tended to her work duties. A question popped into her head as she watched her serve the man his beer. “Where do you want to end up? You say I’m going to be discovered for my musical talents, but what is Rosie’s discovery?” Maddie loved picking the brain of the bartender and learning everything there was to learn about her.

Rosalie quickly swiped a beer over in the man’s general direction, not even bothering to be annoyed that he didn’t tip. She didn’t really deserve it, anyway. She knew she sort of got one track minded when Maddie was at the bar, and her uncle had chastised her for it many times. Still, how could she resist? “What, you don’t think bartending is my endgame?” Rosie joked, collecting change from the counter. “Well, you know, right now I want to be a screenwriter. But I can accept that probably won’t happen. I’m realistic. I’d love to write tv shows and movies, though. Then my writing degree will be worth something!” She joked with a smile. “Another drink, my lady?”

madelinesanford:

Madeline pouted when Rose pulled away right after leaning in. “No, you’ve gotta look closer. Really look.” She gave a closed mouthed smile and playfully narrowed her eyes as she waited for the girl to lean in again. She wasn’t going to do anything without any confirmed knowledge of Rose’s feelings, just wanted to see if she could fluster her. Although Maddie couldn’t deny her craving to have the other girl as close as possible.

Rosalie shrugged, although she was starting to get a little suspicious of Madeline’s intentions. Still, Rose was as cool as a cucumber, as she always was. Again she leaned in, closely examining every tooth, blinking at Madeline’s mouth. “Really beautiful,” she repeated. “Should I just stay here and keep admiring? That man over there might yell at me if I don’t get his beer.”

madelinesanford:

Madeline raised her eyebrows playfully and leaned her elbows on the counter. “Hey, I’ll have you know that all of these men in here would die to have a girl with teeth like this. I mean have you seen them?” Her confidence just kept growing and growing, and a wicked idea to test Rosalie’s reciprocation of feelings popped into her head. “See, look closely at them.” Maddie motioned for the other girl to get closer and ‘look at her teeth’.

Rosalie laughed and poured more drinks for the people waiting, wishing she could just close the bar and spend the rest of the night talking to Maddie. But then, the bar would make no money -- and she wouldn’t make any money, either, so that was a no. Curiously, Rose leaned in to examine Madeline’s teeth, making a face of approval as she pulled away. “Lovely teeth you have there, miss.”

madelinesanford:

“If I get a biographical movie about my life, this is definitely my character building arc, and I don’t know if I’m ready for that section to be over just yet. I can deal with the bar sets for a little bit longer. I get a lot of inspiration from this place.” By this place, Madeline absolutely meant one person, Rose. All she had to do was look at her face or hear her laugh and there were already five song ideas ready to be penned when she got back to her apartment. The girl was her musical muse. “I am a lot better than any of those old men. I mean I have my youth, my own teeth, I smell great and I have a vagina. Wins all round.” Maddie’s confidence had now returned to her and began to sit up straight with a grin on her face.

Rosalie glanced at her script laying on the table, just out of view. If only Madeline knew what she was writing about. “I can see that. You meet a lot of characters at bars like this.” Rose herself had spent plenty of her own inspiration modeling characters off bar regulars. “Well those are all the things I look for in a woman,” Rosalie joked, sipping the bottle of water she kept near her. She often wished she could drink on the job, but she wasn’t willing to get fired from her one source of income.

madelinesanford:

“That only happens in the movies, Ro. Plus, even if I did get famous I would for sure still come here, even if paparazzi were after me. I’d sneak in the back and wear a disguise to do a song or two. It’s no sold out stadium, but it’s home.” Madeline smiled as her eyes glanced around the darkened room. She let out a breath of relief at Rosalie’s positive reaction and slowly moved her gaze up until her eyes locked with the girl. “A thanks is more than I could ever ask for. I’m just happy you’re not weirded out by it - the thinking you’re pretty and liking you thing.”

Rosalie rolled her eyes and laughed. “Okay, yes, that’s a movie thing, but clearly it happens in real life, too! All those famous people go discovered somehow. And I’ve seen biographical movies where celebrities got discovered from all kinds of crazy places. It’s not totally crazy.” Rosalie poured a few drinks for the people at the counter. “Weirded out? Girl, no. I get hit on by every creepy old man that comes through this joint. At least this feels like attraction I can be happy about, not scared about.”

madelinesanford:

Madeline sighed and leaned her chin on the palm of her hand. “No offence taken, you’re right. A lot of them probably didn’t even realise I’ve already done my set. But there’s always a few who do notice, those are who I play for, you included.” She smiled at the interaction between Rose and her uncle. There was a strong vibe of family with the bar that really comforted Maddie. Her own family were almost one thousand miles away and she missed them dearly, but being in The Green Room felt like a home away from home now. As the question hit her ears, any ounce of confidence Madeline had immediately walked out the door. She stared down at her glass and ran her finger along the rim as she gave a slight shrug. “I don’t know, maybe…I mean, yeah like…you’re pretty and shit so yeah I uh, you know, may have had you in mind when I wrote and sang it…”

“And one day, a famous music producer is going to stumble in here for a drink after a bad day. And he’s gonna hear you sing, and the rest is history. You won’t be able to come here because you’ll have paparazzi following your every move.” Rosalie poked Maddie’s arm playfully, placing her head in her hands as she listened to the other girl stumble and fumble through her words. “I’m extremely flattered, Maddie. If I could sing, I’d sing you something equally as pretty. But I can’t. So thanks will have to do.”

madelinesanford:

Madeline breathed out a sigh of relief as she sat herself down in one of the bar stools and took her drinks in her hands. “Thanks Ro. I was surprised with the reception for that last one, with it being about a girl and all. Looks like your uncle really runs a progressive bar.” She chuckled slightly and looked at Rosalie with a sweet smile. Part of her was screaming at herself to just tell the girl, to tell her who the song was about. Maddie didn’t even know if she liked girls, let alone her. “I hope you were really listening to that one. It was…really important.” She wasn’t very good at the whole ‘subtly hinting’ thing. If she could just come out and admit her crush, this would all be a whole lot easier.

Rosalie looked around at the aged patrons and shrugged, laughing a little. “Honestly Mads, I’m not sure they even noticed you were singing about a girl. They’re either drunk, dumb, or flat out not listening. No offense, of course. You know these people couldn’t appreciate good music if it smacked them in the face.” Rose leaned out to fist bump her uncle as he walked past, their own little handshake that meant everything was going cool. “Oh?” Rosalie’s head snapped up and looked at Maddie. “I was really listening, I promise.” She paused. Madeline had to mean...that it was for her, right? Rosalie squared her shoulders and decided to just come out with it. “Were you singing that to me?”

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