Rayne: Oh gosh guys come on…do we really have to have a debate now?
Lela: *shrugs shoulders* Why not?
Alexander: Look, if we’re all meeting up for one main objective which in this case is to support Rayne, then obviously there will be times when you girls will be having your conversations and we boys will be having ours, but at the end of the day we will all come together and support and cheer on our girl!
Kerry: Sounds fair. It just depends on the situation.
Alexander: Exactly!
Valerie: Hi! Saved by the bell Rayne thought, cause this could’ve went on and on.
Rayne: *standing up to hug Valerie* Hey Valerie…guys this is Valerie, and Valerie this is Alex, Zoe, Lela, Kerry and her little girl Tami! They each gave Valerie a little wave.
Valerie: It’s nice to meet you all!
Zoe: Same here; come, take a seat! Valerie found a spot and sat down with the group.
Proprietor: WELCOME TO SIMFEST! A COMPETITION WHERE… The Proprietor continued to talk until she welcomed the first contestant to the stage.
Rayne had the second to last slot so they had quite a wait as these SimFest’s last for quite a few hours. However, the entertainment was quite good which helped the time to fly by, and before she knew it the host of the SimFest was welcoming her to the stage.
As her song began to play the audience began to bop their heads, which led to moving their arms to eventually moving their whole bodies. Rayne was pleased because this showed that she has a good chance in becoming successful in this town. Everyone applauded as she thanked the audience whilst making her way to her friends; she was eager to find out the results, but there was one more act left.
Host: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I’D LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THE CONTESTANTS FOR TAKING PART AND I’D LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL ONCE AGAIN FOR COMING. AND NOW, THE MOMENT YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR, THE WINNER OF TODAY’S SIMFEST IS…*long pause* RAYNE!
Rayne jumped for joy as she received pats on her back and a kiss on her cheek from her boyfriend and friends. She walked up on stage with a huge smile on her face as she collected her trophy and thanked everyone once again.
Alexander: Well done babe! He kisses her cheek.
Rayne: Thanks bae.
Kerry: So…*rubs hands together* are we ready to celebrate? Drinks on me!
Lela: Err…are you forgetting something?
Kerry: Obviously I’ll be dropping Tami home; the baby sitter’s meeting me there…plus we gotta change into something…that suits the occasion!
Rayne: Yeah and hopefully Mr man will make it for this evening’s festivities!
Kerry: He’ll be there don’t worry. Are you coming with us Valerie?
Valerie: Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose.
Rayne: Oh, don’t be silly, you’re more than welcome to join us!
Valerie: Aww thanks…so err text me the details and, I’ll see you there! Congrats again Rayne and we’ll talk later.
Rayne: Cool! Valerie waved everyone goodbye as they began to pack up their stuff and make their way home to change.
Red Velvet Lounge (11PM)
You know how girls are already when they’re getting ready; they take at least 45minutes to an hour to do their hair and makeup, then another half an hour or so deciding on an outfit with a selfie here or there once they’re feeling themselves. In this case there were five ladies who had to return to their neck of the woods and prepare themselves, so they didn’t meet up at the place until about 11pm.
Whilst the group made their way to their reserved area Kerry and Valerie went to order some drinks. Alex and Martin got to talking already, so the girls left them to chat and had their own conversation.
Lela: So now that you’ve seen that the people of Pearsonville loves you, what’s the next step?
Rayne: Valerie’s gonna set up some auditions and stuff…
Zoe: And what about the business? Since you have extra help now are you gonna start working on it earlier than planned?
Rayne: If I have the time between auditions, my show here and driving down to Starlight Shores for my other show…I dunno, I think I want to see how it goes with my career first and then take it from there.
For some time now, I’ve been wanting to open my own bar…a place where people can come to unwind and embrace the cool vibes of the setting whilst forgetting all their troubles. Almost everyday I think about it; what it’s gonna look like, where the bar will be, where the stage will be…but I think I should do one thing at a time and focus on this a little later, most likely when my current goal has been achieved.
I miss my Rayne…😢 I don’t know why my game keeps crashing, but I’m trying my best to work out what the problem is so I can get back to her and continue with her story which I’m quite ahead with so I have enough time to sort out this problem and continue from where I left off. 🙏🏾
Rayne: Cool. Do you want to go with them ma or are you gonna wait for me?
Susanne: I think I’m gonna go with the girls if that’s alright ladies?
Zoe: Course!
Susanne: Great! (She kissed her daughter on the cheek) I’ll see both of you soon!
Lela: Yeah don’t take too long to get ready now, you know how long the drive is!
Rayne: We won’t don’t worry. As the girls waved goodbye Rayne quickly fixed up her makeup whilst Alex helped to pack away some of her stuff. She then changed into something else before exiting the room.
1hr and 30 Minutes Later
Lela’s Place
A couple of weeks ago Lela offered to host the afterparty at her house; I wasn’t even thinking about having one, but when she said that I don’t have to do anything but attend, I said why not! I know she’s a party animal like Zoe, but I also think part of the reason why she offered to do this was because she recently moved into her new place after living with two girls and a baby!
Alexander: *stepping out of the car* Lela’s place is looking good!
Rayne: It does! I’m glad she’s finally moved in cause I know living with Kerry’s baby and sharing a room with Zoe was not easy! I’m not saying they’re hard to live with, but with that much personality…
Alexander: Yeah I remember the stories. She lasted a long time though!
Rayne: She did! (Walking towards the house they stopped in front of the door). Are you ready?
Alexander: Am I ready? Are you ready?
Rayne: I was born ready! He kissed her on the cheek and opened the door to let her go in first.
People all over the house were greeting and congratulating me as I searched for Lela, my mum and the girls; thankfully someone knew where they were so, I made my way to the top floor with Alex following behind me.
Lela: Here she is! The lady of the hour! Everyone cheered as she walked through the crowd towards the bar.
Kerry: Let’s take a selfie! Susanne and Alex moved to one side while the girls prepped themselves for the selfie.
Susanne: *handing Alex a drink* Here you go love.
Alexander: Thank you.
Susanne: Join me for some fresh air?
It would be impolite to say no, so whilst they took their selfie Alex followed Susanne outside.
Susanne: So dear tell me… (Alex waited patiently for her to continue) You seem like a nice young man who’s got his head screwed on and loves my daughter…how comes you haven’t proposed to her yet? Alex was quite taken aback by this; he never thought she would jump straight into something like that.
Alexander: *clears throat* Well…to be honest I’m a…well I wanted to meet you first!
Susanne: And why is that may I ask?
Alexander: Well I wanted to meet the woman who raised Rayne into the beautiful and amazing woman that I have loved from the first day I met her.
Susanne: So why haven’t you proposed to her? Am I really the one who’s holding you back?
Alexander: Okay, if I tell you something you must promise not to tell anyone.
Susanne: *putting drink down* I’m listening.
About 5 minutes after Susanne and Alex went outside to get some ‘fresh air’ Rayne noticed that they were nowhere to be seen. That was until Lela pointed them out to her.
Rayne: I wonder what they’re talking about. *pauses* Do you think I should go and…make sure everything’s alright?
Lela: Rayne stop worrying they’re fine; they’re getting to know each other, isn’t that what you wanted? (It was what I wanted, but you know that feeling when you just want to be there for every conversation that your boyfriend has with your mother? Well that’s me right now).
Rayne: Yeah I guess…
Lela: Alright then, so drink one of these and enjoy! It’s your party after all! As Rayne began to unwind and be more involved in the celebration, Alex and Susanne came to join the rest of the crowd.
Alexander: *kisses Rayne* Hey babe.
Rayne: Hey. Everything’s alright? You and my mum seemed to of had a nice chat! *raises eyebrows*
Alexander: Actually yeah we did! She’s amazing! She told me about her career, I told her about mines…
Rayne: Oh, nice…
Alexander: What? You don’t want me to hang out with your mother?
Rayne: I don’t mind, I’m glad you two are getting along!
Alexander: Cool. I’m gonna get another drink…want one?
Rayne: *raising her half full glass* I’m good thanks. Alex kissed her on the cheek then headed towards the bar.
The party went on until the wee hours of the morning. Susanne headed back to Rayne’s place a couple hours before the rest, which is when Rayne eventually let down her hair and enjoyed the rest of the night. So much so that Rayne and Alex could barely wake up in the afternoon to get ready for their lunch date with her mum.
Rayne: As hungover as I am I could probably eat all this but…this is a lot of food ma!
Susanne: I wanted there to be options…and I’m sure you two are starving after all that partying! I don’t know how you young ones do it.
Rayne: *taking a seat* With years and years of practice…I hope you had a good time though…
Susanne: I did! It was lovely. Even the show; it was…amazing sweetie I’m so proud of you.
Rayne: Thanks ma.
Susanne: So, since you’ve completed two of your lifetime wishes…what’s your next goal?
It’s been a couple of weeks since I performed at the ‘Brotherhood of Fine Fellows Hall’ and since then my mother returned to Appaloosa Plains to be with her beloved pets, *sad face* I’ve fixed up my house a little (thanks to my mum from the comment she made regarding the darkness of my home and the huge pay check I received from the show), I also treated myself to a brand new car!
But this isn’t even the greatest thing of all…’Brotherhood of Fine Fellows Hall’ has asked me to be a regular which is so exciting, because since they have a second building here in Pearsonville I’ll be performing there instead which is great in helping me to achieve my goal in conquering this town.
There’s also something else new in my life… *cheeky grin* after weeks of searching and conducting interviews, I’ve finally found the perfect agent! Her name is Valerie Fletcher and I’ve been told she’s helped her previous clients achieve some amazing things!
So now that I have a steady show at a quite popular establishment this should boost my popularity here; Valerie thinks I should cut down my shows in Starlight Shores to at least one so that I’m not completely abandoning my fans there. She also got me to think about how I started off in Starlight Shores…
Well…I don’t think I can go back to doing sing-a-grams, but taking part in a SimFest or two is good for publicity. So that’s what I decided to do; Valerie’s gave me the details of the next upcoming SimFest which is in a couple of days, so until then I’ve been taking advantage of my free time by spending some time with my loved ones.
Kerry & Zoe’s Place
Zoe: So, how’s the new agent?
Rayne: So far so good; she seems to know what she’s doing.
Zoe: It’s a start, but do you feel like some weight’s been lifted off your shoulder?
Rayne: I do! I feel like I have more time to do things, especially now that I don’t have to travel to Starlight Shores so often.
Lela: So which gig did you decide to cancel?
Rayne: The coffee shop one…it’s a nice place n’ all, but…how can I say this in a nice way…
Lela: *in a snobby tone* You have higher standards now that you’ve performed at the Brotherhood of Fine Fellows Hall! The girls chuckled.
Rayne: Well, tell me what you would do? Would you cancel your show at a big show venue where you can get paid at least 25K and upwards for a show at a coffeehouse that’s worth what…15K!
Lela: Ok I see your point!
Kerry: So, are we gonna meet this agent of yours one day?
Rayne: Well if you guys come to the SimFest on Tuesday to give me some support, you guys will be able to meet her!
Kerry: Cool! *playing with the toddler* Can I bring Miss Tami along too?
Rayne: Sure! It’s a PG 13 event. You can even bring your new boyfriend who we haven’t met yet hint, hint!
Zoe: OMG have you not seen him? I’m sorry to say this about my girls’ man, but he is fine!
Lela: *sounding disappointed* Oh…how comes I haven’t met him yet?
Rayne: Yeah same here!
Kerry: Zoe hasn’t even met him, she’s seen a picture and that’s it!
Rayne: That’s more than what we’ve seen! The girls kept pestering Kerry about this new guy she’s dating throughout the rest of their meal. This led to good results as she agreed to invite him to the SimFest.
Tuesday 17th July 2018 (SimFest)
Because I wanted to be at Showtime Park a little early, Alex and the girls decided to come with and make a day out of it! (I’m so glad they were able to get some time off from work so I can have at least a few people cheering me on if all else fails). We found a nice spot by the stage where we set up shop and had a small picnic. The show was yet to begin so for the time being I chilled out on the blanket patiently waiting.
Rayne: So what time is Martin coming?
Alexander: Who’s Martin?
Rayne: Kerry’s new man!
Alexander: Oh nice! Finally some more testosterone in this group! Rayne playfully nudged him. How did you two meet?
Kerry: At some bar…he bought me a drink, we got to talking…
Kerry: Thanks Lela but I wasn’t going to say anything else anyway!
Lela: Just making sure…
Alexander: Well I’m happy for you Kerry, I hope you have better success in this relationship than your previous one.
Kerry: Thanks Alex.
Lela: Oh please, he’s just happy to have a guy to talk to…don’t you have friends anyway? She asked Alex.
Alexander: Yeah, but I’m not gonna bring them around you guys!
Zoe: And why’s that? Lela nodded in agreement.
Alexander: Why would I let my boys hang out with my girls’ friends?
Lela: And why would you not?...So if you and Rayne were living together and threw a party…what, would you not invite your boys?
Alexander: Course I would, but in this circumstance where I’m out supporting my girl or at a similar outing like this I wouldn’t bring my guys along, it would just take me away from the main objective!
Zoe: You want to give your girl you undivided attention.
Alexander: Yeah!
Zoe: Aww that’s sweet!
Lela: Yeah but if me, Kerry and Zoe had significant others and brought them here would you not be giving most of your attention to them rather than Rayne?
So I did it guys; this is the introduction of my story of ‘Rayne On My Parade’. It’s short and sweet which gives you an insight on her journey leading up to where she is now, so I hope you enjoy it.
26 years ago, I (Rayne Knox) was born in Starlight Shores, California; the place where people’s dreams and aspirations come to thrive or crumble. You know when some people talk about how their child learnt to sing before they could even walk? Well I was one of them.
My childhood still involved singing, dancing and musical instruments which led to my involvement in competitions that my mother would always sign me up for…don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t change a thing from my past as it has led me to where I am today, I’m just more appreciative of my accomplishments and the commitment my mother made even when she had a full-time job!
My mother was a musician until she went into retirement, so there were times when she would take me to work with her due to the lack of childcare (and the absence of my father) so I had the opportunity to watch some of the greats perform. Every show I gazed upon the more and more intrigued I became which guided me to my current profession and hobby.
After graduating from university, I went to auditions after auditions where I got rejected so many times; I performed my heart out for tips on those streets, I’ve performed sing-a-grams to so many people and at times I embarrassed myself by either tripping up and falling flat on my face or almost being set on fire…and these led to insults and many complains. However, through those tough times there were quite a few good ones like the first time I performed live on stage at my local coffeehouse and the crowd was shouting my name “Apple Fretless! Apple Fretless”.
I chose that name because even though I was shaking in my boots before every show, I couldn’t bring this bad energy to the stage…so I gave myself this persona who was never afraid and who was always ready to bring down the house with my vocals. It wasn’t easy, but through hard work, a lot of support and dedication from my loved ones, in less than a year I became a ‘Vocal Legend’ in my city.
Now even though my mum moved down south a couple of years ago, she’s still been there for me throughout this whole process as she’s always a phone call away when I need her. My girls who I’ve known for quite some time now have been a tremendous support system through everything that life has thrown at me, whether it involves my career or personal life, and most importantly my biggest supporter, (after my mum of course) the one that I call my best friend, my lover and my soul mate…my boyfriend Alex!
Me and Alex have been partners in crime for almost 2 years now. From the moment I met him I knew it was meant to be. He’s so sweet, kind, loyal, supportive and very goal driven like me. Despite some of his flaws like his stubbornness and the lack of expressing his emotions, at the end of the day we all have flaws and I have learnt to love and respect them just as much as he does with mine. And this is why we have lasted so far!
I’ve achieved so much in my 26 years; I’ve won countless competitions, I’ve become a successful singer in my City who has been able to perform at private and big show venues like the ‘Hoi Polloi Event Center’, I’ve even had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem in front of our troops! So even though I have achieved my lifetime wish, there are new goals that have been set and I’m taking you all with me through this journey! Are you ready?
This is it. Today’s the day. It’s a day when I’m finally able to sing my heart out and have my mother in the audience. It’s a day that will show and prove how far I have come in my career, and it’s also a day when my dream becomes a reality and I get to share it with the ones I love.
Talking about the ones I love, it’s also a big day for new relationships since later on will be the first time my mother and my boyfriend officially meet! Nerve racking I know, but I have to keep it cool otherwise I’ll have so much problems later on, on stage.
Bae cooked me a nice breakfast which actually tasted good, *claps* he also ran me a nice bath with my favourite bath salts from ‘The Body Shop’ so I could relax and unwind. My shows at 6 but I’ve to be there a couple of hours before for sound check and some other stuff before preparing myself (hair, makeup and clothes wise) for the actual show! *sighs*
After a couple more hours of relaxation on the sun lounger, I had to get myself ready for my drive down to Starlight Shores. Alex, my mum and the girls were going to meet me there a little later before the show.
45 Minutes Before Showtime
Lela, Zoe and Kerry arrived shortly after Alex and it didn’t take them long to chill out and enjoy the free drinks in the seating area. My mum was running a little late, but you know she gotta make a big entrance. *rolls eyes*
Kerry: How you doing over there? She asked Alex.
Alexander: I’m good. You?
Zoe: Ready to meet Rayne’s mum?
Alexander: *breathes deeply* I think I am!
Kerry: Well you have nothing to worry about, Susanne’s lovely!
Zoe: Yeah. If I ever get married I hope my mother in-law is as nice as she is! (The girls nodded her head in agreement).
Alexander: Good to know!
Lela: Right? She winked.
About 20 minutes later with roughly 25 minutes to spare before her show, Rayne’s hair and makeup was complete and was now in the dressing area putting on her dress when her mother finally decided to show up.
Susanne: Well hello ladies!
The girls put their drinks down and went to greet Rayne’s mother. Alex also stood up but let the girls greet her first; Rayne was just about to put on her dress when she heard her voice. She put her dressing gown back on and went to make sure she was there to do the introduction.
Susanne: Oh sweetheart you look beautiful!
Rayne: *hugs mum* Wait until you see me in my dress!
Susanne: Well don’t keep me waiting!
Rayne: Before I do that…I’d like you to meet…Alex! (Alex walked towards them whilst the girls stepped back to get a good view).
Alexander: *stretching his hand out* It is a pleasure to meet you Ms Collins! Susanne returned the gesture by shaking his hand.
Susanne: Oh call me Susanne! It’s nice to finally meet you love! *pauses* You are really a handsome young man!
Rayne: Hands off, he’s mine! She joked before heading back into the dressing area to change.
Susanne: Oh don’t be silly love…he’s too young for me!
Alex chuckled slightly as Susanne linked arms with him as they made their way over to the seating area.
It was a minute before showtime and everyone was by the stage waiting for the show to begin. The lights in the room dimmed whilst the ones on stage came to light and they knew it was time.
Rayne was amazing! She looked amazing too! The audience were engaged, Susanne was feeling mighty proud…it was everything that she dreamt of but much more!
After fulfilling the request of an encore, Rayne met the group back in her dressing room where they graced her with lots of praises, especially from her mother.
Susanne: Sweetheart! You were absolutely amazing! Watching you perform on the same stage that I performed on was mesmerising! *holds hands* I just want you to know that I’ve always been proud of your achievements…but I couldn’t have been prouder! (Rayne leaned in to hug her mum).
Rayne: *tearing up* Oh mum, you’re gonna make me cry!
Lela: It’s a good thing you got on waterproof mascara!
Rayne: *blotting her eyes* I know right! *sniffle*
Lela: So, imma leave ya’ll to gussy up and change and we’ll see you at the after party yeah?
Before heading to the airport to pick up her mum, she did some last-minute packing and cleaning around the house; she had at least 3 hours to do this since the flight’s only a couple of hours. After doing so she had no time to do anything else but leave as time was flying by like no one’s business.
Thankfully Rayne made it there on time as her mother had not yet come out until a few minutes later. After embracing for what felt like decades, I helped put her luggage into my car as we began our hour or so journey back to Pearsonville.
Rayne: Home sweet home!
Susanne: Oh Rayne sweetheart you did good! The outside looks beautiful!
Rayne: Thanks mum!
Susanne: You’re welcome luv….being here brings back so much memories!
Rayne: Well you did live here for quite some time!
Susanne: I did…I did indeed!
Rayne: You know, I never asked why you left Pearsonville! She mentioned whilst making their way to the front door and into the house.
Susanne: I just…oh wow Rayne…I have to say, Facetime did not do your place justice; it’s lovely! A bit dark compared to what I’m used to, but I like it!
Rayne: Thanks ma, I’m glad you like it! So you were saying…
Susanne: Huh? Oh yes; it’s nothing big…I just wanted a change! Of course I was leaving everything behind, but I was retired and finally free to do as I please!…Sometimes though I do feel like I made a mistake.
Rayne: Aww why’s that?
Susanne: Well since I moved to Appaloosa Plains I’ve missed so much! You and your career, your new boyfriend…
Rayne: Aww mum… *moving in to give her mum a hug* I miss you too, but you shouldn’t feel guilty for doing something for yourself…you deserve it!
Susanne: Well I feel better knowing you feel that way… (She squeezed her daughter a few seconds more before she loosened her grip and moved away slightly). So…when am I gonna meet this new guy? You two have been going out for some time now!
Rayne: Yup! Almost two years now!
Susanne: Wow, that’s a long time! *pauses for effect* So where’s the ring?
Rayne: Mum!
Susanne: Oh come on, you’ve been together for two years…something must be right!
Rayne: What can I say? It’s just not the right time!
Susanne: But you two have talked about the future at least…right?
Rayne: Course! We both want marriage and kids someday…
Susanne: I think you might need to start making some hints luv…it’s the only way for him to get a move on things…or maybe he might propose on your anniversary! Has he told you what you’re doing on that day?
Rayne: Nope. Not a thing. Come to think of it maybe he is going to propose on our anniversary, because last years he told me his plans…or maybe he’s forgotten…
Once her mum was finished getting involved in her love life she showed her where things were (even though she could probably find them on her own) before putting luggage into her car. Mum followed behind.
Susanne: Are you sure you don’t want to stay for dinner? I’ll make your favourite cobbler!
Rayne: As tempting as that sounds I have a big day tomorrow and I need my beauty sleep.
Susanne: Okay. She briefly hugged her daughter goodbye and watched her enter the car and drive off before heading back inside.
Alex’s Place
Whilst relaxing in bed messing about with her phone, Alex came in with a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and placed it on the bedside table before sitting beside her.
Alexander: So, mums all settled in?
Rayne: Yeah.
Alexander: Happy to see your mum again after all these years?
Rayne: Of course! And she’s finally gonna see me perform, although…I think she’s looking forward to meeting you more than watching my show!
Alexander: Really? Well we have been going out for quite some time now.
Rayne: Yeah we have haven’t we? Do you remember when our anniversary is?
Alexander: Course! July 20th! *pause* You thought I forgot?
Rayne: You just haven’t mentioned it…
Alexander: I know life’s been kinda hectic lately, *places his palm on Rayne’s cheek* but I’ll never forget the day you came into my life! He kisses her on the lips.
Rayne: You know, sometimes I don’t realise how lucky I am!
Alexander: Well you better recognise! He joked which made Rayne smile a little as she gave him another kiss before snuggling up beside him.
