"You know, youngest, it's not really good for you if you force yourself to do whatever this pop singer thingy is about." Rachel's older sister, Sophia Lee, is having a conversation with her younger sister as she prepares her bag for her upcoming trip to Los Angeles.
"I, too, have a dream. I want to become a singer." Rachel replied to her sister's words.
"Rachel! It's time to put an end to all of this! Pay attention to your older sister's advice!" Jonathan Lee, the soon-to-be medical student at Cornell University, is attempting to have a conversation with his youngest sister. "Mom and Dad won't provide any financial support for you, and you're only thirteen!"
"You need our consent! Even if you've successfully passed the audition, it's still necessary to obtain consent from an adult. I can see that you possess the looks, the vocal talent, and all the necessary qualities to become a successful pop idol or something of the sort. But how far will that career go?" Sophia repeated.
"But at least I died trying." Rachel responded without any hesitation.
"Rachel!"
Sophia took a deep breath. As she watched her younger sister's strong determination, her heart was filled with both fear and awe. At that very important moment, she knew how important it was to be honest, carefully preparing Rachel for all the problems that were to come.
She began to speak, her voice softly mixed with concern and reservation: "Okay, Rachel. Despite this, it's important to understand that these attempts won't be easy. Mom and dad probably will never agree with you, and they won't help you financially or emotionally. Some help is possible from me, but only up to a point. If you keep going in this direction, I promise to be there for you as your sister."
Rachel's eyes sparkled with an unusual mix of determination and gratitude, her smile growing across her face. At that time, she looked straight into the eyes of her two older siblings, Jonathan and Sophia. She was so sure of herself, even though she was only thirteen years old. They were both surprised by how firm her answer was, and it took them a while to realize that Rachel had a lot of faith for her age. And she was ready to face any problem that came her way because she was determined to reach her long-held goal.
Rachel answered with a firm "Yes, unnie," her voice full of confidence. Everyone in the room felt the weight of her words, leaving a lasting impact. "Your support is more than I could ask for and all that I truly need." Her resolve was clear in just a few words, and she knew how important any help was, no matter how small. Because Rachel was so focused, Jonathan and Sophia were constantly reminded that their youngest would never change her mind, no matter what they said or did. She had a strong will and a strong desire to do everything she could to follow her dreams.
Jonathan and Sophia exchanged glances, their eyes meeting in a silent acknowledgement of the seriousness of their sister's choice. In spite of their own doubts and concerns about her future, they couldn't help but feel fascinated by Rachel's intense determination. Deep down, they felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility, understanding they had a vital role to play in providing any kind of help possible.
The next day, Jonathan and Sophia take her to the airport and promise that they will find out where their parents are and explain what's going on. Their parents are too focused on their jobs to really pay attention to them, even though it doesn't seem to bother them. Quite often, they get home late at night and then have to go back to work very early the next morning. Some of the time, they never even get back home.
Rachel expressed her gratitude to her older sister and brother, embracing them tightly before making her way inside. "She'll be fine, right, noona?" Jonathan asked with a hint of concern.
"Rachel will be just fine," she assured. Both of them remained rooted in their positions, even as Rachel vanished beyond the gate, "hopefully."
Rachel felt a wave of nervousness wash over her as she stepped onto the airplane, taking on her first solo journey. The weight of independence, though thrilling, also brought a hint of unease.
Stepping into uncharted territory, she found herself immersed in a world where self-reliance became her only companion. Despite being under the attentive surveillance of the flight attendant, who was responsible for her well-being as an unaccompanied minor, Rachel couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions—a blend of anticipation and nervousness.
She nervously informed her sister that she had arranged for someone to pick her up in Los Angeles and promised to give her a call as soon as she touched down in L.A.
Harper informed her of her early arrival in Los Angeles, offering to pick her up. They had never met before; their only knowledge of each other was the pictures they had seen on Facebook.
Rachel anxiously scanned the arrival gate, hoping to spot Harper. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the vastness and constant activity of the airport, Rachel's heart raced as she skillfully moved through the bustling crowd.
Her gaze swept across each face with cautious attention, trying to align with the mental image she had crafted from Harper's Facebook photos. A blend of anticipation and nervousness tugged at her as she pondered how their initial meeting would play out.
Out of the commotion and clamor, a face that she knew well appeared, as if out of thin air. Harper, with a beautiful smile that reflected the same warmth Rachel had experienced in their virtual conversations, appeared. At that very moment, time stood still, and Rachel's uncertainties and anxieties vanished as she recognized the figure standing in front of her as her dear friend.
There was an immediate recognition, not only of physical features, but of a deep connection formed through shared stories, dreams, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.
Harper's gaze shimmered with profound insight as she extended her arms to embrace Rachel, surrounding her with a soothing presence that defied explanation. In an instant, their hearts formed an unbreakable bond, as if their souls had been intertwined since the beginning of time.
"Little Rachel!" With ease, Harper lifts Rachel's thin body to the air and says, "You're so cute, and I'm so happy to see you!" Harper exclaimed, her voice brimming with genuine excitement.
"Harper!" As Rachel's concerns vanished and a newfound sense of belonging emerged, tears began to glisten in her eyes. In Harper's presence, she felt a warm reassurance that she had made the right choice, taking this courageous step and embracing the path laid out before her.
"Let's go; I already rented a car; let's find something to eat!" Harper put Rachel back on the floor. For an eighteen-year-old, Harper is tall. Her soft stare and beautiful smile are even more bothersome in person than in pictures. "Are you excited?"
"Yes!" Rachel's smile widens, already forgetting about her sister.
"Then, let's go!"
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Harper made a booking at the prestigious Chateau Marmont Hotel, which was perfectly located in the heart of Los Angeles, just a short distance from the audition venue. The hotel was rather pricey, but thanks to her older sister's membership and Dylan's connection with one of the owners, Harper managed to secure an excellent deal. With her savings from two years of part-time work, she was able to afford the luxurious accommodations.
The Chateau Marmont was an iconic landmark on the Sunset Strip, having stood guard for nearly a century. Architects Arnold A. Weitzman and William Douglas Lee completed the hotel's design in 1929, taking inspiration from the Château d'Amboise, a luxurious retreat in the picturesque Loire Valley of France. The local newspapers had raved about the Chateau, calling it the newest, finest, and most exclusive apartment house in Los Angeles, praising its superb location—close enough to bustling businesses for convenience yet far enough away for tranquility and seclusion.
Throughout its storied history, the famous and infamous hotel has played host to numerous Hollywood celebrities, each with their own share of scandals and tragedies. Dylan's position in the oil and gas industry afforded her access to exclusive memberships at luxurious hotels, which offered facilities known for their discreet staff, private entrances, and the assurance of anonymity.
"Why are you booking in here?" Rachel asked, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the lavish Chateau Marmont Hotel. "It must cost a fortune, and I don't want you to burden yourself."
Harper smirked. "They give me a bottle of wine for a welcome drink."
"You're eighteen!" Rachel exclaimed, unable to believe the words that had just come out of her friend's mouth.
"It comes with the room," Harper replied, her tone nonchalant. "One of the perks of having a much older sister is that she doesn't really care about anything as long as her younger siblings are fine."
Rachel's brow furrowed with concern. "It must be expensive, though."
"My sister owns a membership, and it's still within my budget," Harper reassured her. "Don't worry, let's just enjoy it."
They made their way to the hotel's parking lot, where Harper had rented a car to help them get around Los Angeles. As they walked side by side towards the reception, Rachel's phone rang. She quickly answered it, while Harper, ever the thoughtful friend, pulled Rachel's suitcase along.
Harper had entrusted the booking to her sister, Dylan, who had helped her secure an amazing deal. Harper had given Dylan around $1,250 from her savings, which Dylan had assured her covered the room, the rental car, and even their meals.
"It'll be a one-of-a-kind trip for you and your friend," Dylan had told her, and Harper had trusted her sister's judgment.
As the receptionist handed Harper the key to their room, Harper couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. Room number 86 turns out to be a cozy cottage with a king-size bed, hardwood floors, a full kitchen, and a dining area surrounded by a landscaped courtyard adjacent to the pool.
"This must have cost a fortune," Harper thought to herself, knowing that the Chateau Marmont was a favorite haunt of Hollywood's elite. However, she brushed aside her doubts, reminding herself that her sister had deemed it within their budget.
One of the bellboys is ready to help her bring their suitcases to their room. Harper turns her body around and searches for Rachel. "I'm with Harper! Not a random boy! She's my friend!" Rachel exclaimed into the phone, her voice tinged with annoyance.
"Let's talk to this Harper then!" Jonathan, her older brother, demanded, clearly irritated that Rachel had forgotten to call him or their sister Sophia upon arriving in Los Angeles. "And where are you staying?"
Sensing the tension, Harper approached Rachel, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong? Let's go into our room," she whispered.
"Rachel! You're thirteen! Don't do anything stupid!" Jonathan's yelling voice could be heard from the phone.
"Your brother?" Harper asked, and Rachel nodded, her expression exasperated.
Harper then asked Rachel to hand her the phone, determined to diffuse the situation. "Hello?" she said in a soft, polite tone.
"Ah-" Jonathan stammered, caught off guard by Harper's calm and measured response, not expecting to hear a girl's voice.
"This is Harper Wilson; I'm Rachel's friend. I'm eighteen, and I know Rachel because we play MapleStory together. You can check Rachel's Facebook and find me there, if that will make you feel relieved," Harper explained, her words clear and concise.
"M-MapleStory? You play that game?" Jonathan asked, his tone shifting from one of confrontation to mild curiosity.
"Yeah, I still play it, but Rachel has already quit," Harper replied.
"I didn't know that kid played MapleStory," Jonathan mused, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Wait, don't close the phone; I'm looking at Rachel's Facebook."
Harper waited patiently as the sound of furious keyboard clicking filled her ear. Rachel stood by, her expression a mixture of worry and annoyance.
"Oh, Harper Wilson," Jonathan finally said, his voice tinged with wonder. "You..."
"Yes? As far as I know, I'm the only Harper Wilson on Rachel's list of friends," Harper responded, her tone polite and neutral.
"And how old are you again?" Jonathan asked, his curiosity palpable.
"Eighteen," Harper replied.
"Oh, we're the same age; can I add you to my Facebook?" Jonathan asked, his voice almost eager.
"Sure. Are we okay now?" Harper inquired, eager to move the conversation in a more constructive direction.
"Oh yes, yes, we're okay. Can I trust my little sister to you?" Jonathan asked, his tone now tinged with relief.
"Of course, don't worry; you can count on me," Harper assured him.
"Great, thanks! Please add me as your friend," Jonathan said, his voice practically giddy.
"Sure, I will do," Harper replied, handing the phone back to Rachel.
"Why are you adding her as a friend?" Rachel sounded mad; her annoyance was evident.
"I have to know about the person who's with you, and Rachel, your friend is so pretty. Introduce her to me later," Jonathan said, his tone a mix of excitement and mischief.
"Not in a million years!" Rachel exclaimed, her exasperation palpable.
"Okay, I'll call you every day! Or Sophia Noona. Bye Rachel!" Jonathan quickly hung up, leaving Rachel staring at Harper with disbelief.
"What?" Harper asked, her expression innocent. "Everything went well, right?"
"Too well, my brother likes you!" Rachel groaned, shaking her head in exasperation.
"Oh, and why is that?" Harper asked, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Ahhhh, I hate it!" Rachel yelled, turning on her heel and storming off, her suitcase trailing behind her.
Harper watched her friend's retreating figure, chuckling softly to herself. She knew that Rachel's brother was simply curious and perhaps a bit smitten, but she also understood the younger girl's frustration. With a shrug, Harper followed after Rachel, determined to smooth things over and help her friend focus on her K-pop audition in Los Angeles.
You will get a new one next week.
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