From the Streets - Chapter 19

“Okay girls these are prototype suits.” Jenna said, “Back down to your undies.” 

Each of the makeup artists helped their girl into their suit, which made them look practically naked, except they looked literally like living Barbie dolls with nothing ‘there’. “At first Sophie, you’ll wear a full suit like this one, and eventually throughout the movie, we’ll remove parts to expose your tattoos.”

Jane nodded, “All those lines and bumps on the suits will also be painted, and the suits themselves will be a metallic color, a flesh tone metallic.”

Angela said in the most gruff Batman-like voice she could manage, “I’m the hero this city deserves,” and started giggling.

Sophie grinned, “I am Batgirl.”

“Just call me Hah-ley,” Destiny said in her best Harley Quinn voice, which was frighteningly spot-on to the original 90s animated series character.

“Damn.” Jeanna laughed. “Okay so how many of you three are going to be doing their own stunts?”

“I’d like to,” Sophie said, “But I’m told I’ll have to do a lot of training.”

“You’ll have to take some classes before we start shooting, yes, and if you do, you’ll be doing them in that suit.” Jane said.

Angela and Destiny looked at each other.  Both girls nodded.  “We’re going to try to do our own stunts,” Destiny said.

“As many as we can legally anyway.” Angela added.

“That saves casting time trying to hunt down a stunt double.” Jeanna said, “And us having to make different suits for them as well.  Okay, they look good, but do they feel alright?  Too tight or too loose?”

“Mine’s just right.” Sophie said.

“Okay Sophie I want you to take a walk around the building a couple times, and then come back and tell me how it feels.” Jeanna said, “Same goes for you two if yours are fine.”

“Yeah, I’ve got a bit of a wedgie,” Angela giggled, “But I don’t think that’s my suit’s fault.  I just wore the wrong underwear for skin tight.”

“Gah this is embarrassing.” Sophie whined as they got out by the main hangar doors in their walk.

“Humans,” Destiny said in a robotic voice.  “We are the Angels.  Resistance is futile.”

“Protocol 16 Sister.” Sophie said in her best Cortana like voice.

“Unable to comply,” Angela stated.  “Weapons malfunction.  Engaging unarmed subroutines.”

Sophie giggled, and someone from the lot outside yelled, “Looking good girls!” and then yelled, “Sorry!” after someone told him they were minors. “Still looks cute.”

“Good lord,” Krissy laughed.  “You three look fantastic.  I can’t wait to see those suits with the metallics applied.”

“I’ve got the green screen suits ready for the build scenes.” Jeanna said, pulling one out, that had a ton of wires on the elbow area, and the rest of the arm was painted green.

“Oh my God that’s so perfect,” Krissy practically squealed.  “This is exactly what I envisioned.  You guys are true artists.”

“You hired the best.” Jeanna laughed. “Day is going to be doing some light effects on the girls body, we don't have to use them, it's just a test.” she waved the girls back, “Lets get you changed into the suits that Day is working on.”

When they walked back into the robotics area, they were expecting a woman, but there was a male, or was he male, it was hard to tell. “Hey, here for the suits?”

“Yes, um,” Sophie said.

“Call me Day,” Day laughed.  “I don’t do labels like sir or ma’am.  Just Day.”  Day winked.

“Cool.” Sophie said. “Okay Day, we’re here for our new suits.” their makeup artists helped them out of their current suits.

“Fantastic.  Now, these have some lighting effects +embedded just underneath the “skin”.  They’re not flashy, but will lend to some pretty freaky sci-fi effects.  Like you were probably told, these are just prototypes, messing with ideas to see what works. Also a word of warning, they might get a little warm.”

The primary effect of the lighting seemed to be to provide a dull red ‘pulsing’ glow at the heart and a couple of other major points like at the biceps, that definitely lent to a creepy sci-fi feeling Day was talking about.

“I’m not sure about these ones.” Krissy said. “I like them, but they’re a bit over the top don’t you think?” she looked at Ann.

“Yeah, for everyday use they’re a bit... hmm... conspicuous.  I think we can write them in for a special scene though, maybe when the girls are injured?”

“Sounds good, that way you guys don’t have to wear them for too long, they look like they might get a little warm.” Krissy said.

“Okay, back to the regular suits,” Jeanna said.  “Next we’ll start working on your regular clothing changes.”

“We’re almost done.” Jane said.  “We only need to check the fit on one set of clothing each, and then we’ll modify the copies appropriately, no need to make you stand around modeling all day,” she teased.

“Been there done that.” Sophie giggled.  

“In a few weeks we’ll probably call you guys back in for more outfit fittings.” Jeanna stated.

~oOo~

“Ugh what work, It’s easier to pose for a camera.” Sophie groaned as they all met in the parking lot.

“Got to admit though,” Destiny giggled, “You looked super cute in that powder pink sweater and plaid skirt they have for Trinity.”

“Well that Navy blue sailor suit they had for you wasn't bad either.” Sophie grinned.

“God that scene is going to be a blast,” Destiny said, “But I’m nervous.  I’ve never done an action scene before, and that’s got me literally bouncing off walls.”

“It’ll be fun.” Angela said.  “I’m kinda excited to do my own stunts in this one.  I’m kind of hoping to face one of my fears and conquer it.”

“Heights or Claustrophobia?” Destiny asked.

“Heights,” Angela laughed.  “Well, falling really.  Heights I’m alright with as long as I’m secure.  Like put me on a rickety ladder and you gotta call the fire department to get me back down.”

“Uh oh,” Destiny said, spotting a woman wearing a press badge.  “Here comes trouble.”

“Hey, I saw her earlier at Doctor Wilson's, she was going into a room when they were getting ready to wheel me out.” Sophie stated

Regina smiled at the girls as she walked by, heading inside.

“Holy cow,” Angela said as another woman carrying a TV news camera with the ‘Channel 3 News’ logo on the side came along next, along with some cables slung over her shoulder.  

Regina came back out a few seconds later.  “Okay, let’s set up right here.  Are you sure you don’t need help?” she asked the camera woman.

“Nah, I’m used to it,” the woman laughed.  “Okay I just need to pull the van closer, if you’ve got my clearance?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’ll watch your equipment,” Regina said.  The woman set down the gear she was carrying and then stepped away.  A few seconds later, she pulled the van a little bit closer, and then began setting up the camera, connecting it and the microphone to some equipment back in the van.

“So,” Krissy said as she stepped out, “Just a little hint about what the show’s about huh?”

“Yeah, anything you can tell us about the project or what it’s like working with Amazon.  This is the first time they’ve contracted an indie director, so the producers think it would be a great news piece.  I’ll ask you a couple of questions, I’ll record some voiceover back at the station, that sort of thing.”

Sophie snuck back in and into the dressing room, “Can I get the painted suit?” she asked, as Tracy helped her in, she walked over to the makup counter and applied her own makeup, not anything like what Jeanna did, and then grabbed one of the prop laser weapons.

Sophie in rough movements walked out as Krissy was talking, “Halt, I am Trinity, Serial number 20-A1-Z, I am programmed for Security, please present papers.” 

“Oh, well speak of the devil and she appears,” Krissy laughed.  “This is the Trinity unit, leader of the Angels.  As you can see she’s still in prototyping stages.  When she and her sisters are finished they’ll blow you away.”

“Please present proper identification.” Sophie repeated, keeping a straight face.

“Well, let me see,” Regina said, holding out her press pass.

Sophie scanned the badge with her eyes, “Regina Maxwell You are now cleared for security access 3 have a wonderful day.”  She turned and walked away.

“The Angels were designed for security, and police work in areas that regular people just don’t want to work.” Krissy stated.  “I know what you’re thinking, and yes those kind of rough, jerky movements are intentional.  The idea is that as their design evolves, they become more and more human, more like us, able to feel and think, and cross over the uncanny valley.”

“I think therefore I am.” Regina nodded. “Do they have any protocols against harming humans?”

“Yeah, it’s called Protocol 16, or the Asimov Protocol.” Krissy stated.  “They have to reconcile their instructions as peacekeepers with their protocol of non-violence, and it ultimately leads to some interesting branches in the plot.”

Ann nodded, “As in you’ll see Angel bots killing humans.”

“Mostly bad guys, at first anyway,” Krissy said with an enigmatic grin.

“Well I for one can’t wait to see it,” Regina said.

“Look for it on Amazon when it’s finished.” Krissy said as Sophie came back out but as herself.  “We’re aiming for a Spring 2019 release.”

“Sounds wonderful can’t wait!” Regina said. “Cut, thank you guys for the preview and interview.  This is my last story as a journalist, so I’m really excited to make it a special one.”

“Cool, what are you going to be doing now?” Sophie asked.

“It’s the craziest thing,” Regina said.  “I was at a local clinic to check on my neice, and I ran into Amanda Price from WP Modeling.  She had seen my photography portfolio, and right on the spot she offered me a job.  I talked to the bosses, and they agreed to let me go if I did one more story for them, no two weeks notice required.”

“Well congratulations.” Sophie said. “My mom’s pretty cool like that.”

“She’s great to work with,” Krissy said, nodding.  “All three of our main leads are managed by Amanda, but I’ve worked with her girlfriend and mentor, Katelyn before too.  You can expect a lot of choice jobs coming your way.”

“Heh,” the camera woman said as she broke down the equipment, “Maybe I should apply.  Everyone needs another videographer on staff.”

“I’d hire you right now, if I knew the exact date we were going to start shooting.” Krissy said.

“I can certainly vouch for Suzanne’s talent,” Regina said.  “We’ve been a pair since college, always stuck with the same soft news gigs nobody else wanted.  This is the first one I’ve actually enjoyed,” she laughed.  “Trinity sneaking up on us was just delightful.”

“Yeah,” Suzanne agreed, “I’m going to have fun editing this.  I’m going to press the producers to let us run it as a full news story instead of just a 30 second bit.”

“I’d hire you both just for being good sports,” Sophie giggled, “If I didn’t have an exclusivity contract with my photographer.  But I can vouch for WP Modeling.”

“Me too,” Angela said.  “Destiny and I have been with them for over a year.  They recently renegotiated our contract so that my aunt, Destiny’s mom, not only no longer has to work two jobs to support us, but between the three of us we could afford to get out of that bad neighborhood we were in, and she works for the company as a talent scout now.”

“That’s not even counting the bonuses Karen paid us for our last shoot,” Sophie giggled.  “Even with what I’m giving to my charity out of my paycheck, plus whatever goes to US and UK taxes, I could retire right now.  It’s bloody bonkers.  I know we’re the exception to the rule because everyone’s obsessed with my eyes.”

“That’s kind of why I wanted you in the role of Trinity, yes,” Krissy nodded at that.  “Your eyes are normally something we’d have to do in post with CGI.  They’re just perfect for Trinity’s character.  The Celtic tattoos were just a nice bonus,” she said as the girls’ limo pulled up.

“That’s us,” Sophie said.  “Good luck with the report and the new job,” she said as she waved, waiting for Angela and Destiny to climb in first, and then following after.

“So am I the only one who checks for Deadpool before entering a limo now?” Destiny giggled.

“No I do too.” Sophie giggled.

“I’m innocent.” Elizabeth giggled.

“Elizabeth!” Sophie said happily.  “I know I told you to take a paid vacation, but Nicole’s been driving me everywhere lately.  It’s great to see you again.”

“Thanks,” Elizabeth laughed.  “You too.  Actually Angela and Destiny have been picking up the slack.  I still see the kidlet a lot more though, and that and you haven't really went anywhere lately as well.” she winked.

“Yeah,” Sophie nodded.  “Literally just Walmart the other day to get a card for Lia, and that turned out super swell,” she sighed.  “Apparently I have to have DD tits to look enough like a woman to use the women’s lou according to some dumbasses.”

“I heard about that.” Destiny sighed. “What a fucktard.”

“That literally happened to a friend of ours too,” Angela said.  “She has a pixie cut and some jackass accused her of being a dude because zomg women aren’t allowed to have short hair?”

Sophie laughed.  “Evie told me the same thing.  I wonder if it’s the same friend.”

“Yeah, could be,” Angela said.  “We’ll ask her if she knows Gwen when we see her, or vice versa, but we only usually run into Gwen at the beach.”

“Ahh,” Sophie said, nodding.  “You know I just realized, it’s only been like two weeks since this all began, and I’ve gone from the streets to being a bloody well known model, actress, activist, and I haven’t even seen a quarter of Los Angeles yet, let alone anywhere else in America.  But it makes me want to do more, you know?”

“You mean like, do more fun stuff, or do more outreach, or...” Angela asked.

“Both,” Sophie laughed.  “I want to go out incognito more.  I mean sure my first experience in Walmart was pretty shite, but I met my cousin Evie because of it.  I also want to like help people less fortunate and with bloody well more talent than I have to get discovered.  Just seems unfair that all this came about coz I have pretty eyes.”

“Life isn’t always fair, aye,” Destiny said.  “It’s not fair that I had to become Ashleigh Brown and hide my Boston roots, and literally claw my way up doing piddly Walmart ads, living in a bad neighborhood in LA with a very real risk of getting shot, until Ang and me started to finally get good paying gigs.”  She hugged Sophie at that.  “But you worked your ass off too.  You paid your dues to the street, same as me, same as Ang.”

“Yeah,” Angela said.  “I uh... I got nothing else motivational to add, so I’ll just say I agree with everything Dest just said.”  She giggled.  “But you got a lot of people’s attention coz of your charity work too hon.  If you hadn’t done that you’d be just another pretty face.  It’s how you chose to USE your position that makes you a popular model and actress, and we are damn proud to be your friend.”

“Exactly.” Destiny said.

“I have a silly question,” Sophie looked at them thoughtfully, asking rather out of the blue.  “I’ve seen on American movies and TV shows set in LA or California in general, there’s always this place where like entertainers busk for money or just to show off, and there’s always wildly different things like street magic, or a steel drum band, or whatever.  Is there any truth to that, or is that Hollywood BS?”

“Yeah there's such a place.” Elizabeth, “Want me to take you there?”

“Oh, I know where you’re talking about,” Destiny grinned.

“We got time?” Sophie looked at her friends.

“Sure,” Angela nodded.  “I’ll just text mom and Amanda and let them know where we’re going.  David’s with us, and it’s a famous tourist spot, so we’ll be totally fine.”

“Venice Beach Boardwalk it is,” Elizabeth said cheerfully.

Sophie giggled, “David just texted me, asking if we were trying to ditch him.” she texted David back no, and where they were headed. 

‘Sounds great.  I could go for some cotton candy,’ David texted back.  Sophie burst out laughing.

~oOo~

“You’re going to love this,” Destiny said.  “This is one of the few places in LA where a celebrity or a supermodel can walk without getting ambushed because there’s just so much distraction.”

“No kidding,” Sophie said as she looked around.  A pair of twin blonde haired girls in Barbie Pink pads, helmets, and rollerblades skated by without giving the trio a second glance.  A couple of big, black guys in flowered shirts were playing steel drums nearby for a small crowd, and further down the boardwalk strains of an electric guitar could be heard.

They stopped at a small cotton candy stand, where a big guy sporting a big smile and a man bun, also wearing a red flowery shirt, and a distinctly Island accent, though Sophie wasn’t sure which islands, was hand-spinning some candy special-order, pink-and-blue swirl for someone.

“Dere ya go little brudda,” he said as he handed the cotton candy stick to a little boy.  “Now what can I do for you ladies?” he said with a big, friendly smile.

“Three Bubblegum and one Blueberry?” Destiny said her Irish accent was definitely there.

“Sure thing!” he said, handing her a pre-made blueberry and two bubblegum.  “Gonna mix up dat third one right now, won’t take a minute,” he said cheerfully.

“Now I know that accent.” Sophie said, “Your from Jamaica right?”

“Ya, and you be from Eire I believe.” He nodded.  “I’d say... Belfast, bit of Galway ya?”

“Been there?” Sophie asked.

“Been a lon time, but ya .” The man said.  “I spent some time backpackin’ across da island in my younger years.”

“You ever run into a group called the Bail Sidhe?” Sophie asked.

“Literally but accidentally,” he laughed.  “Spooked the devil outta me let me tell you.  One minute I’m snoozin’ unda a tree, next these crazy tattooed women surroundin’ me, heh.  Good people though.  They didn’t take it personal, gave me a good meal in exchange for my story.”

“They’re my family.” Sophie said, she used their full name here, because it was hard to tell if people knew them are not. In Ireland all you ever had to do was ask if you had seen a sidhe.

“Yeah?” he laughed.  “Well in that case,” he handed her the last bubblegum, “This one’s a meal on me,” he said.  “No charge.”

“Aww thank you.” Sophie said “I’ll make sure the others know how good of a person you are.” she winked. “Maybe they’ll grant you a boon.” she teased.

“You know,” he said, “I don’t know if she’s sidhe, but I know we gotta Irish gal relatively new on da boardwalk just up da way, seen?  She’s a righteous fiddle player, that one.”

“She’s their Princess.” Destiny said as she gave the man a decent tip. “Oh you mean there’s a bail sidhe here, maybe we’ll run into her, that would be so neat.”

“I never saw the mark, but if she’s not, she can pass for one,” he laughed, waving as they walked away, and turning to the next customers in line.

“I like him.” Sophie said, “You can definitely tell he's a friend of the sidhe.”

“Plus free cotton candy,” Angela giggled, taking a bite.  “Oh God, this was worth the trip already.”

“Yeah.” Destiny nodded as both Sophie and her swapped bites from each others cotton candy.

“It’s soo cool there might be another Bail sidhe here.” Sophie said brightly as they passed two people juggling flaming torches over the head of a girl doing a fire dance with a flaming baton.  Sophie took a $10 bill from her handbag and dropped it into the hat nearby the fire dancers.

“Thank you so much!” the girl said brightly and threw her baton, spinning, into the air.  It barely missed the torches flying over her head, and she spun around and caught it behind her, and continued to spin it without missing a beat.

“Fire dancing is a awesome art.” Sophie said as she watched them for abit, “I’ve done some.”

“She’s done some of everything.” Destiny giggled.

The fire dancer laughed.  “I know I don’t look it,” she said, and she didn’t, with her dirty blonde hair, “But I’m actually Polynesian on my Mom’s side - distantly,” she giggled.  “But I learned to fire dance at my high school.”

“Cool, I’m Irish Pict.” Sophie said. “100%.  Born and Raised on the island of mists.” she teased.

“God that accent,” the girl giggled, throwing the baton and catching it again.

“Hey Mel, is the spot over near you taken?” Sophie heard a girl with an Irish accent ask the fire girl.

“Oh hi Erin!  No, it’s all yours.  We’re almost done with this set if you need a drummer.”

“Oh no, it’s fine take your time.” Erin said as she sat a bucket down on the ground and sat down on it pulling out her fiddle. That’s when Sophie seen the tattoo, right over the girls belly button.  She was wearing a midriff-bare brown top and a black vest, and striped bottoms that gave a very Steampunk vibe.

She switched to speaking in Gaelic when she approached the girl, “You’re Bail sidhe?”

Erin looked up at her and grinned.  Her face lit up, responding in Gaelic herself.  “Yes I am, Your Highness.”  She winked and kneeled quickly before Sophie before sitting back down. “It’s good to see you here.”

“Now none of that,” Sophie blushed and giggled.

“The laws the law.” Erin said, and whipped out her fiddles bow.  She took just a moment to tune it by ear.  “What’s your fav’rite song?” she asked Sophie in plain English so the others around could hear.

“Can ya play the last Rose of Summer?” Sophie asked with a sparkle in her eye and a grin.

“Oh aye,” Erin said, and drew her bow across the strings.  The fiddle had a dark, haunting tone to it, and even the high G sang sweetly rather than harshly under the unbleached horse hair. Sophie pulled out her tin whistle and began to join Erin.  In some places Erin played accompanying notes, and in others their two instruments blended in the main melody, but throughout, they drew a crowd.

Sophie grinned and took a small bow putting her whistle away, and leaving the money for Erin with a tip of her own. “May the sidhe watch over you sister.”

“Aye, and you,” Erin said as she began to play the opening riff to ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’, to a loud cheer from the crowd.

“Sorry I made you play an Irish classic first.” Sophie giggled as Destiny put a $100 bill in the violin case.

“Oh no,” Erin laughed, “I switch it up constantly girl.  No apology needed!  I’ll be doin’ Molly Malone next,” she winked and began to dance around the small area.  Mel took a couple of bills from their tip jar and put them in Erin’s as the girls continued down the boardwalk.

“Why’d the violinist bow to you?” some girl their age approached and asked Sophie.

“We’re members of an ancient clan called the sidhe of Melody, or Bail sidhe,” Sophie said.  “Irish gypsies some call us.  They call me their princess.”

“Oh cool.” the girl said. “Named Beth by the way, nice to meet you Sophie Dee.” she winked as she walked with them.  “You really play beautifully.”

“Thanks,” Sophie giggled.  “Some people think the tin whistle’s just a toy, probably because of those damned English recorders, but it’s capable of so much expression in the right hands.”

“Yeah, I’ll say,” Beth said.  “Anyway I just wanted to say hi.  I’ll quit bugging you guys.  It was nice meeting you though.”

“See what I mean,” Destiny laughed.  “You just got recognized, and it wasn’t a big deal here.”

“Cool.” Sophie said. “I was expecting her to ask me at some point for an autograph or something.”

Two teenage girls ran past them, one practically dragging the other.  “Come on!”

“What’s the big hurry?” the other asked.

“Rebecca O’freaking’hara is performing!” the first squealed.

Sophie laughed, “Well I guess we should follow if Becca is here.”  They picked up the pace, following the two girls.

When they got there Rebecca had just started her speech, “Okay for those of you who seen me out on a date with another girl the other day, Yes it was a date, and no I do know her, she’s my best friend first and foremost.  I just wanted to clear the air on that fact because so many people have been asking. I think I can see a bunch of you I recognize out there.”

She was standing on a small stage with a band behind her, which meant that this was some kind of organized concert, Disney-backed.  She wasn’t just out here busking.  “Secondly, because I don’t want to take away from local business, I’d encourage you guys to tip the other performers out here.  This is a free concert, but a lot of the people out here depend on these tips.  I’ll be tipping heavily when I’m done, for sure.”

“Rebecca you rock!” Sophie yelled and grinned.

“Sophie Dee is that you?” Rebecca called out.  “Guys let’s make some noise and get Sophie up here for a song!”  She started chanting, ‘Sophie, Sophie!’ and the crowd soon joined in. Sophie giggled and walked through the crowd of people.

“Got a treat for you.” Sophie said and picked up a guitar and played a few of Rebecca’s rifts on it. “Na.” she put it back down. “Hmmm,” she pulled something out of the side of her skirt, her whistle and began to blow the opening to one of the songs.  Rebecca grinned as her drummer, bassist, and rhythm guitar joined in, and Rebecca started to sing.

Destiny giggled, “I didn’t know she knew how to play the guitar too.’

“I’m telling you,” Angela said, “She’s a real live fae.”  She was careful not to use the word ‘fairy’ due to its negative American connotations.

“I’m beginning to see that.” Destiny nodded.

When the song had finished and the crowd was cheering, Rebecca grinned.  “One more?” she asked.  “I’ve got just the song.  I know you know it.”

“Oh fine.” Sophie grinned, and put her whistle away, “I’ll play a string for this one.” she winked and picked the guitar back up.

“With deepest apologies to Dropkick Murphys for the butchering I’m about to do to their lyrics,” Rebecca said, and the crowd exploded as she started to stomp her foot for the drummer to pick up the rhythm.

Sophie joined Rebecca at the mic, when it came to it, and yelled, “I’m shippin off to Boston!”

The backup band chimed in, “Whooooa!” which just didn’t quite have the same effect since they were all female, but added an entirely different dynamic instead.  When they had finished, Sophie put down the guitar, and Rebecca gave her a hug.

“Sophie Dee everyone!” she cheered, and the crowd exploded again.  Sophie took a bow and climbed off the stage to rejoin Destiny and Angela as Rebecca kicked it up a notch, playing an even more energetic and intense version of “Let it Go”.

“I’m sorry,” Angela said.  “But I’m going to go full fangirl for a second.  That was AWESOME.”

Sophie giggled and hugged Angela and said, “It’s been a day or two since I played the guitar.”

“Is there anything you can’t do?” Destiny laughed and hugged Sophie next.  “Holy crap that was great.”

Sophie made a text, and headed back to Erin, and sat down behind her, “Mind if I join you for a few more songs?” she asked.

“Oh hey,” Erin laughed.  “Didn’t expect you so soon, but aye, you’re always welcome!”

“Give me a second.” Sophie said as a young woman came running through the crowd carrying a homemade looking bagpipe.

“Oh, hell,” Erin laughed, “We’re taking this real old school eh?”

“Na, we’re going rocknroll.” Sophie grinned and took the bagpipes from the girl, “Thanks Karen.” she began to fill the pipes and stood up on the flower bed wall behind Erin and she began to play the beginnings of We will Rock you.  

Pretty soon Erin had joined her, along with the drummer that had been keeping the beat for the fire dancers, making for an odd blend of traditional Irish and Hawaiian instruments to the modern rock sound.  Sophie irish foot danced up and down the wall while playing close by.

“God I hope she doesn’t rupture something,” Destiny whispered to Angela as they watched, clapping to the rhythm of the drum.  But Sophie was really in no danger as long as she didn’t fall.  She knew precisely what she was doing, and what her body could handle. When the song was over, she began to play Zombie on the pipes sitting down on the edge for it.

A girl with light brown hair, wearing a light jacket and faded jeans, and carrying an old guitar had stopped to watch.  Erin waved her over.  The girl gave her a ‘Who, me?’ look, pointing at herself.  Erin laughed and nodded, pointing her bow right at her before continuing.

Destiny and Angela gave the girl a gentle nudge forward, and she set her guitar case down, taking out a nice looking 12-string acoustic, and started playing ‘Zombie’, the driving rhythm parts anyway, and started to sing in tune to Sophie’s playing, complementing, rather than competing.  Sophie swayed as she piped it out. 

When they had finished, Sophie gave Erin a hug, “Thanks for letting me play.”

“Yeah, me too,” the blonde haired girl laughed.  “That was fun.”

“Oye,” Erin said, “I’m honored you both agreed.  Not every day I get to sit in with a Princess of the old, and a Princess of Pop.”  She winked at the blonde haired girl.

“Not everyday I get to play with my clan.” Sophie said and handed her pipes back to Karen who took them back to the Limo.  Both she, and the blonde haired girl, took some money to stuff into Erin’s tip jar, neither letting Erin see the exact denomination of the bill.

“Princess of old huh?” The Blonde asked Sophie.

“Aye, I’m supposedly the reincarnation of an ancient Elfin sidhe.” Sophie winked.

“Ooh,” the girl giggled.  “Well I can see why.  You just need some pointed ears and you’d pass for Princess Zelda, with those eyes.”

“Got em.” Sophie giggled and pulled her hair back to show the girl she indeed had elven like ears almost.  “It’s a genetic condition, but it only seems to afflict Irish and Scots, oddly enough.”

“Wow,” the girl laughed.  “Mind if I selfie?”

“Sure, If you don’t mind me taking one too?” Sophie said.

“Not at all,” the girl said.

“No offense, she called you the Princess of Pop, but I’m not updated on the latest pop music.” Sophie giggled, “I just take a Selfie with those who take one of me.”

“Oh, it’s fine.  I’m sort of new to being recognized anyway.  Name’s Sierra Mason.  I just hit the pop top 20 charts last week, so it’s still kind of surreal,” she laughed.

“Same.” Sophie said, “I’m, Sophie Dee, nice to meet you Sierra, whos your agent?”

“Christina Watts she works for WP Modeling.” Sierra laughed. “They’re going to be changing their name to WP something or another I wasn’t paying attention.”

“WP Entertainment Agency I think,” Sophie nodded.  “Since they haven’t just done modeling in a couple of years now. They’ve branched to everything else.”

“Cool, you a musician signed with them too?” Sierra asked.

“Model slash actress,” Sophie giggled.  “I don’t think they knew I had any music background beyond my tin whistle when they signed me.”

“Oh damn.” Sierra laughed. “You’re good.” she took her selfie and then Sophie took one as well and tweeted it.

‘Got to perform with upcoming Pop Legend Sierra Mason @ Venice Beach Boardwalk omg!’

Similarly, Sierra tweeted, ‘Got to hang out w/ Sophie Dee @ Venice Beach Boardwalk!  So cool!’

Sophie giggled and followed Sierra, “I hope you don’t mind that I’m following you now.”

“Same,” Sierra giggled.  “I saw you performing with Rebecca earlier by the way.  You should so consider a recording career if you have the time, but I’d totally understand if you didn’t.  Sometimes it’s hard to find time to just be a teenager just with the music thing.”

“Yeah Becca is our best friend by proxy from Megan and Juliette.” Sophie said. “And she had a date with my cousin.” she giggled. “And yeah I think ill just stick with Modeling and part time acting, because I want to grow up you know, not be forced to grow up.”

“I know what you mean.  Like the only reason I don’t have paparazzi outside my door every day now is because the local gangs scare them off,” she laughed.  “It’s weird as hell, white girl from the projects suddenly being called pop princess,” she said as Angela and Destiny joined them, along with Casidhe and Ellen.

“Look what we found,” Angela giggled.

“Hey stranger,” Casidhe giggled.

Sophie giggled and hugged Casidhe and Ellen, “Hey how long you two been here for?”

“About an hour,” Ellen laughed.  “Our agent Christine calls it organic promotion, getting out and mingling.”

“Yeah, she did that to me too.” Sierra said. “Said go out and see the crowd on the boardwalk. It’s safe if anyone knows you they’ll mostly leave you alone.”

“I got recognized.” Sophie said, “That made my entire day.”

“Sorry, who are you?” Casidhe giggled and ducked from Sophie’s swat.  “Just teasing.  I’m having second thoughts myself, but it’s too late now.  The single’s already been handed over to the producers and engineers.  It goes live tonight, music video and all.”

“You’ll be fine.” Sierra said, “I heard part of the raw recording.  I have to ask though, who was playing the pipes in the pre-recorded bit?  It was gorgeous.”

Casidhe grinned, “That’d be Sophie Dee.”

“I’m a silent partner,” Sophie laughed, “I think I’m credited as “various” or “backup” or something.  That’s what it’s supposed to be anyway.”

“Her names in the list, but it’s under Various others.” Ellen said.

“Well it’s giving me some wicked fun ideas for my next album,” Sierra laughed.  “I wouldn’t be the first to mix bagpipes and dubstep, but maybe I can do something fun with it.”