The End? Maybe…
Okay you guys, here we go. The final part of the entire 'The Jr. Pop Diaries' series. So… it's been a great ride. I hope you all enjoy this. And what's next? Well, I bet you know. If you don't, after this post, stay tuned!
1. Man!
Okay, I can’t believe it. I mean, I’m writing this diary five years after our retirement of Jr. Pop, I know, but to say that this was the last leg of our three-year journey is hard. But what did happen was our craziest, most heartbreaking, most horrifying, most everything adventure yet. And what was that adventure? Let’s dive in and see!
2. Battle of the Century… But It’s Yet To Be Scheduled
When we entered Mr. Bowers’ office earlier that morning, there was no booming ‘Kids!’ from him. And I think it’s because it was starting to settle into him that we knew the fact that Tana, Wylie, Elijah and I were leaving. And I could see it in the resigned smile of his, that he keenly felt an end nearing. Oh, boy, I probably sound like Elijah now. But you get what I mean. It wasn’t easy.
As we took our places, he said, “The year’s ending, isn’t it? Only three months to go now.”
We nodded.
“Now, the reason I called you all here is for two things. One: Sierra received a message from the whole pop criminal lot.”
“What did it say?” Wylie asked.
He grimaced. “Well, basically, they want to take Tana, Trevor, and Angela and end this battle. They need the said children for crimes.”
“Like what?” Elijah pressed.
“Like…” He sighed. “I want to avoid upsetting you. You can already tell.”
We nodded again. We have pretty good imaginations, and it isn’t so great at times.
“Number two: we will have a ceremony,” Mr. B continued.
This was much better news.
“What kind of a ceremony?” Julianna asked, excited.
Mr. B grinned. “Like a handing-over one. Basically, we have these badges Mrs. B had gotten printed a week back, and the designs were made by Tana—“
A round of applause commenced and I gave Tana a quick side hug, who was blushing, proud and shy all at once.
“—and now we want you older JPKs to wear them around till December, and on New Year’s we’ll have a small event where you’ll pin the badges on the younger ones.” He smiled. “I bet it’ll be nice. Now, run along, you have rehearsal.” He raised his eyebrows for emphasis. “Chop, chop!”
As we went outside his office, Tana bumped my shoulder with hers.
“Are you okay?” she asked me.
I rolled my eyes in mock exasperation. “God, why is everyone asking me that all the time? I’m okay!”
Tana caught my arm. “Because you might flip out and get into bad things. Seriously, we’re just looking out for you.”
I slowed down to a stop. “Alright, fine.”
Tana started walking again, and I fell in step with her. “So, are you worried about what Dad said?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I’m just thinking about why Richard wants me. As a bait dummy? ‘Cause I don’t think I wanna do it.”
“Isn’t that why we’re fighting in the first place?” Tana asked. “To protect us?”
I sighed. “Yeah, whatever.”
Tana sighed too and dropped the subject. “So, how’s your album coming along?”
"Honestly? It’s great! We’re gonna finish ‘Call My Friends’ today. It’ll be fun.” I smiled nostalgically. “It’s one of my favourite songs.”
“Yeah, I heard that one. It’s really good.” Tana nodded. “I like the lyrics a lot. It’s about friends, and friendship. And how important they are.”
I don’t know why, but when she said that, I got a lump in my throat. Just then, we reached Ms. Tempi’s vocals room.
“Well, c’mon.” Tana went in and gestured for me to follow. I swallowed through the lump and walked inside. Maybe I’d think about this all later.
It was close, but that didn’t mean it couldn’t wait.
3. Becoming Team Avatar
When we were eating lunch in YouTube Studios’ cafeteria, Wylie slammed her tray down on the table and said, “We have a problem.”
“What is it?” Angie asked.
Wylie sat down. “Listen, Tom and Tam just told me that a Halloween party is going to take place in Cityscape. He invited us to come to it. It’s like a dance, basically. I was thinking we should go.”
“Then let’s do it!” I said. Everyone was in agreement.
Wylie grinned. “I knew you guys would say yes. Oh, here they are!”
Tom and Tam joined us at our table. Tam spoke first. “We need costumes, and frankly, I don’t wanna dress up as mummies or ghosts. Let’s go with something totally original.”
“The most original I thought of was Avatar. We can wear Avatar costumes!” Wylie was practically squealing, which rather shocked us. Her tomboyish nature always made us think she wasn’t into dressing up, but then we realised she wanted to do it Avatar-style. She was still our Wylie.
“Great! So, what’s wrong?” Tana asked her.
Wylie slumped down, and Tom explained the situation. “We don’t have any.”
Ahnya waved her phone. “Maybe we can order ‘em.”
“And if we need to, I can sew them up,” Tam offered. “No clients need any costumes as of now, so I have plenty of time.”
“Let’s start assigning and looking.” Tana pushed her tray aside, and propped open her sketchbook. “Who wants to be Aang?”
Elijah immediately raised his hand, but then added, “I will not shave my head.”
“No one’s asking you to,” Tana said as she noted it down. Since I was sitting next to her, I saw her add a small Aang face next to Elijah’s name.
“Okay, who’s gonna be Katara?” She asked next.
Wylie raised her hand. “Sorry, I need to be. One, I’m Elijah’s girlfriend, it totally counts. Two, I’m a die-hard Katara fan and I love waterbending. Like, I own a waterbending university t-shirt.”
“Whoa, slow down. You and Elijah are dating?” Tom asked them. When they both nodded enthusiastically, Tom clapped. “Congrats!”
“Katara is Wylie,” Tana murmured. “Who’s Sokka?”
No one volunteered. Then, Tana turned to me. “I bet you should be Sokka.”
“Hold it! First, Sokka’s costume isn’t so flattering. Both Season 1 and 2 costumes aren’t exactly knockouts. I don’t want my brother to look ridiculous.” Angie held up a finger. “He needs to put on the warrior costume.”
Tam’s fingers moved across her phone. “That’s there online, I think you can buy it. It doesn’t look too bad. I can probably source the sword and the boomerang.”
I nodded. “Send me the link, and I’ll place an order.”
“Sweet. Suki?” Tana prompted. But Tana’s question was met by blank faces. “Oh. Should we leave her out, then?”
“No!” Wylie shook her hands. “Suki is a vital part of Team Avatar. Why don't you be Suki, Tana? I mean, you and Trevor are together, and if he’s going as Sokka, well…”
Tana sighed, but she didn’t seem too bad. “Fine.”
“I’ll look for the fans.” Tam paused. “Actually, I’ll look for all the props. And I’ll do the necessary makeup.”
“That’s settled. Zuko and Toph are left.” Tana’s hand hovered over her sketchbook.
In the end, Tom and Tam settled for doing them. We had the Last Airbender lineup ready. Now, for the youngsters of Jr. Pop.
“Right.” Isaiah shot us pointed looks. “What about us?”
After a brief discussion, it was decided that Angie would be Asami, Ahnya would be Bolin, Isaiah would be Mako, and Julianna would lead as Korra. They would be the Korra version of Team Avatar.
“Great!” Tam said, rubbing her hands together. “If there are any problems, I’ll alter the costumes to fit you. I’ll arrange for the props, and prepare your makeup.” She smiled.
“This will be the best Halloween ever.”
4. Sunshine
Narrative Continued by Wylie
I was lying in the grass in my courtyard, staring up at the clouds above me. I was smiling big-time, probably because the fresh air and autumn mood was lifting my spirits. And just who I needed had arrived.
“Good afternoon.” Elijah bent down over me.
“Well, what’s up?” I asked.
He tilted his head to one side. “Ah. How do I answer that? I just came by to see if you wanted to spend time with me.”
I shook my head. “What a gentleman.”
Elijah kneeled at my head. “I suppose you are breathing in the fresh autumn air, enjoying the cool wind ruffling your blond hair, and you look up to the sky to find clouds shaped like hearts.”
I snorted at his description. “All of it is true, but how about you get down here? I’ll have company.”
Elijah turned and laid down next to me. His legs were in the opposite direction from mine, so basically, he looked a little upside-down to me. We stayed like that for a few moments, until he turned his face to look at me.
“What will life be like after Jr. Pop?” he asked softly.
My breathing slowed down. He had asked something I wasn’t ready to think about. I looked at him, the turned back to the sky, trying to hide my tears.
“Wylie?”
I looked at him again. He really needed an answer, I guess.
“I… I’m not sure.” I swallowed. “J-Pop… leaving it is not gonna be easy. But what happens next?” I sighed. “I don’t know if I’m ready to face it.”
Elijah scooted closer, his cheek brushing mine. “I know we have a plan. Didn’t Tana map out part of our future in her sketchbook? And Trevor wanted to keep going for Alumni. Ahead of us, it could be easy, or it could be hard. But what about the real deal?” He chewed his lower lip. “I’m uncertain whether I’m ready to face it, either.”
His words helped me a little. I calmed down, then tried finding some clouds, like Elijah had assumed.
“Hey, look.” I pointed to a puff of white a few yards away from us. “Doesn’t that cloud look like Appa?”
Elijah tilted his head a little. “I suppose so.” He paused for a few seconds, then said, “I think that does. But I am also thinking of a good song presently.”
“Really?” It was hard to believe his mind worked faster than the wind, even during a minute of calm. “Which one?”
Elijah smiled, then sang:
“I hear a lot about sinners
Don't think that I'll be a saint
But I might go down to the river, uh
'Cause the way that the sky opens up when we touch
Yeah, it's makin' me say
That the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
On God
Runnin' to the altar like a track star
Can't wait another second
'Cause the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so ho-o-o-oly…”
I felt good hearing him sing, the way his words rose to the sky and sending word to God Himself.
“What about you?” Elijah asked me. “What song runs through your head?”
I thought, and thought, trying to pull a song into focus. At last, I got one. I wonder if it matched the mood.
“I can hear the thunder
Comin' from your mouth and I know my number's up
Give me some Stevie Wonder
Quick, put it on before we go under
I can see the lightning
Coming from your ears, yeah, I see you're frightened
I can see the lion sleeps tonight in the tears you're crying
Ooh
Can't love me unless you love you too
Treat yourself like nothin' but a fool
Can't love me unless you love you too
Love you too
Come now, set the past on fire
Stand up, raise your face to the sky, my love
Together, we can take it higher
Ooh, together, we can take it higher
Come now, set the past on fire
Stand up, raise your face to the sky, my love
Together, we can take it higher
Ooh, together, we can take it higher…”
I sighed, thinking of exploding rainbows. I really liked this song a lot. It was uplifting and positive. But a couple lines didn’t always heal everything. I sat up, feeling the sadness press down on me.
Elijah sat up too, and put a hand on my shoulder. “Wylie…”
My lip trembled. I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly. I silently cried for so many things: leaving Jr. Pop; confronting the Monites, the Wells, and Richard; and for Mom, most of all. I always cried for her every time. I wish she was alive to see who I am today. I still do.
“Hey…” Elijah whispered, stroking my hair. “You know I’m here for you, right? Whatever happens, we face it together.”
I pulled back from him and held on to his shoulders. “I know.”
Elijah nodded. “That’s my girl.”
I turned away from him to stare in the direction of YouTube Studios. “I hope life can go on after J-Pop. It has to.”
“It will, Wylie. It will.”
5. Your Name Matters
Narrative Resumed by Trevor
“I can't write one song that's not about you
Can't think without thinking about you
Is it too late to tell you that
Everything means nothing if I can't have you?
I can't write one song that's not about you
Can't think without thinking about you
Is it too late to tell you that
Everything means nothing if I can't have you…”
And end recording! That was the penultimate (next-to-last) track of my album. I slipped off the headphones and went outside.
Sean clapped me on the back. “Dude, you’re killing this! There’s one last song to do, though. ‘305’, right?”
“Actually, I switched that out with another song,” I said.
Sean paused. “Wait, what?”
“Yeah. I’m not joking.”
Sean blinked, then shrugged. “You’re the man of this track list. I’ll go with production.” And we continued walking. Eventually, we settled into a couch in Future Music’s lounge.
Sean leaned back and brought his hands under his head. “So, what are you going to name your album?”
I shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
He drew up short. “Not sure? Hate to put the pressure on ya, but you have to figure something out.”
I pursed my lips. “Hmm… I’m thinking something cool, but I’m not coming up with anything. I wanna take after what Shawn Mendes does… but what is that golden name, really?” I turned to him. “You got any ideas?”
Sean also began to think. We both sat silently, pondering the title for my album. And let me tell you: it wasn’t simple. I think we did what felt like twenty minutes (but it was actually five) of brainstorming, but we came up with nothing.
Sean gave up and changed the topic. “Anyway, how’s Jr. Pop? I heard you guys will retire next year.”
I nodded, sadness welling up inside me. “Yeah. I mean… I’m gonna miss it all, you know? Sure, we had a tough time, but all those kids… they always waited for every single, every MV, every concert… waited for us… cheered for us…”
“Yeah.” Sean put a hand on my shoulder. “You do know that despite everything, Jr. Pop’s had their best three years of business because of your talent. Like, your names are known everywhere, even to people who don’t know what in the world Jr. Pop is. They know who you are, Trevor. You are probably one of the best JPKs ever. Your name matters to so many kids, so many people.”
“Yeah, I guess it does.” I shrugged again. Suddenly, I had it. I couldn’t believe why I didn’t think of it before. “Sean!”
He jumped. “Whoa, you in a rush or something?”
“No! But I just got the name for my album!”
He grinned. “Really?”
“Yep! It’s like how you said—my name matters. And the name of my album is gonna be: ‘Trevor Sanders’.”
Sean looked confused. “But that’s your name.”
“I know, dude. But people do name their albums after themselves! They’re called self-titled albums. Elijah told me about them.”
It was my turn to clap him on the back. “I think we just got ourselves a debut album! Future, here I come!”
6. Filling Some Big Shoes
Narrative Continued by Angela
A few days after Mr. Bowers’ announcement, Isaiah, Julianna, Ahnya and I were sitting outside my house on the snow-covered grass, doing homework. But something was on our mind the whole time. It was so pressing that we usually ended up writing the wrong words and numbers on our worksheets. After ten math problems, I threw my pencil down and propped my head on my hands.
“Guys, I know you’re thinking about it too. Don’t just wait for me to talk about it,” I said.
Isaiah looked up from his English essay. “What are you—oh. I guess you guessed, huh?”
I nodded.
Julianna sighed. “For one, is taking over gonna even be easy? I know it might without criminals chasing us all the time, but did you even see the music video of ‘Ocean Eyes’? The very first one Trevor, Tana, Wylie, and Elijah shot. It’s so good, and I don’t know how we’ll be able to match up to them. What they did really changed what Jr. Pop was about.”
“Wait a sec, we’re getting ahead of ourselves with no criminals chasing us. We haven’t even caught them yet!” Ahnya raised her eyebrows for emphasis.
“And we will,” Isaiah murmured, but Ahnya didn’t hear him.
“Look, I’m sick and tired of being hunted down by crazy adults, even if I’m not the target. Tana and Trevor have painted a humongous bulls-eye on our backs, ones which we can never erase. It’s putting us all in danger!” She exclaimed.
All of a sudden, I was so mad at Ahnya. How dare she blamed my brother and Tana! It wasn’t even their fault in the first place. The Wells, the Monites, and Richard were doing all the bad work. I jumped up and stomped over to her.
“Leave. Them. Out. Of. This.” I clenched my fists and spoke through gritted teeth.
Ahnya stood up and glared at me. “It’s true, anyway. You can’t deny that.”
“Guys!” Julianna cried, pulling us apart. “The last thing we need is a fight.”
“Julianna’s right.” Isaiah touched my shoulder. “Angela, Ahnya didn’t mean anything she said. We’re all just frustrated and under pressure. She wouldn’t blame our own bandmates so quickly, not without any proof.”
I stepped back. “I—I’m sorry, Ahnya. I know we have a duty to take over. And I agree with Julianna and Isaiah. Filling in such big shoes isn’t easy.”
“I’m sorry too,” Ahnya whispered. “I know it isn’t easy to be on the run all the time.”
We hugged each other, and Isaiah and Julianna joined in. We held on for a while, until I released.
“Whatever happens,” I firmly said, “we stick together.”
Isaiah, Julianna, and Ahnya nodded.
Yes, we will.
7. Because You’re Tana
Narrative Continued by Tana
“Augh,” I murmured, chewing on a nail as I ran into Tam on my way to the photo shoot room.
Tam raised an eyebrow. “Hello, I guess?”
I sighed. “Sorry, I’m just under so much stress. I had to redo the artwork ten times already. I hope this one makes the cut.”
“It will.” Tam smiled reassuringly. “And believe me, adding the real photo is going to make it so good, plus the banner and the dotted background—it gives the whole album some comic-y, retro feeling. And not to mention the red-and-green accent, plus the blue from Trevor’s denim jacket…”
She could’ve gone on even longer, but I squeezed her shoulder to get her attention back. “I know, Tam. I love it too. And I gotta go now. Trevor’s coming in a while for the photo shoot, and then Elijah and I have to edit stuff, and I got an entire to-do list just for the album. Not to mention my homework! I’ll see you later.”
I headed into the shoot room just as Trevor and Elijah entered. I smiled as I registered what Trevor was wearing: jeans, a red T-shirt, and his signature denim jacket. He was having it with him more often, and it made me smile to see him in it. Not to mention, he also looked handsome.
“There you are,” I said. I gave a signal for the camera guys to set up. Trevor was briefed about the photo shoot, but he didn’t know anything about me doing the album art. It was a half-secret for then.
Trevor shot some poses, and by poses, I meant simple stuff. I wanted him to be himself. That was what his album was all about. Trevor.
After two or three shots, we were done. I saw Elijah at his computer, no doubt sending the photos to me. Trevor stepped away from the green background and walked over to me.
“Okay, why did we have to do the shoot against the green screen?” He asked me.
I nodded. “About that.” I pulled up my iPad and showed him the half-finished final artwork for his album. “I’m gonna put one of the shots here, and then edit the rest. Like an extra-stuff-behind-the-scenes collection. But this is the first thing people are gonna see when they listen to your album. And… I hope it’s alright, y’know.” I tapped my finger against the picture.
He grinned. “It’s great. Who made it?”
It was my turn to smile. “I did.”
His grin faded, but it didn’t look like he was angry. “Wait, what?”
We were alone in the room. Everyone had left.
“It’s true,” I said slowly, showing him the previous drafts. “I’ve been drawing and drawing, trying to find something to fit your work. And… well… nothing worked, until now. This photo shoot was for the final touch.”
“How…” His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat. “How long have you been doing this?”
I closed my iPad. “Ever since… you know.”
Tears formed in his eyes.
“I mean, Dad told me, and I got to it as soon as I could.” I looked down at my shoes. “I thought you might like it. In a way, it was an apology, too…”
We stayed quiet for a while, lost in our feelings. I couldn’t look at Trevor. Did he hate what I said?
Then, I heard a sniffle. I glanced at him again. He was crying a little, but he was smiling too. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
I widened my eyes. “You’re… okay.”
“Yeah, I am! I’m so happy.” He turned to face me. “I mean… I’ve seen how you draw. I was hoping that you’d draw something for me… and I can’t believe you already did.”
I smiled, my heart swelling with pride.
He reached out to take my hand. “You can do things no one else can. Because no one else is you. You can do it all because… you’re Tana.”
I was crying too. He stepped closer and gave me a tight hug. I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed back. And I was smiling more. Because I knew he was always gonna be supportive of whatever I wanted to do. And he was gonna stay by my side. Forever.
Releasing, I held on to his shoulders, my forehead pressing his. “Trev, I listened to your album. It’s… excellent. Your future is gonna be so bright with that kind of a start. I know it.”
He touched my cheek. “Yours too. Tana B, coveted album artist.”
We chuckled at that, then sighed. I ran my hand along the collar of his jacket. He tucked my hair behind my ear.
After a moment, Trevor kissed my forehead and stepped back. “I’ll see you later this evening.”
I waved. “You too.”
He walked away, and I smiled a little. Actually, I was smiling the whole time. He was, too. And he’s been through so much—good and bad.
I just hoped we’d get through the last stretch, too.
8. The Halloween Party!
Narrative Resumed by Trevor
I adjusted the huge grey armour pads and smoothened down the blue tunic, then tucked a boomerang into a bag and a sword into its holder. The costume was nothing short of awesome, but the accessories with it were over-the-top. I didn’t put on the wolf helmet that Tam sent, though. I stepped into a pair of boots and came out.
“Hey, Mom, how do I look?” I asked her as I walked downstairs.
Even Mom had dressed up for Halloween, and keeping up with the Avatar practice, her costume was that of Zuko’s mom, Ursa. She even fastened her hair into that classic topknot and pinned it with a Fire Nation ornament. She was setting candies for the little kids who were trick-or-treating, and paused to look at me.
“Well, you look like a true warrior! Now where’s your inventor sister?” She grinned.
I laughed. “You know, Isaiah’s the real inventor, not Angie.”
“I bet she was referring to my costume,” a voice said from upstairs. Two seconds later, Angie was moving down the stairs wearing Asami’s costume, a black dress with a red fur coat (it was getting cold), and she clipped her hair back but let the rest of her blonde locks hang loose. She hooked her arm with mine and smiled at Mom. “Now we look good, don’t we?”
Mom giggled. “That’s right.” She kissed us both on our heads. “Now, I bet Suki will be arriving in a few minutes.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me.
I groaned a little while Angie laughed loudly. Ever since Tana and I told her and Mom we were a thing, they both have been teasing us endlessly. It’s only shortened to wait for the other during a date, which, believe it or not, was true for the Halloween party. It technically was, though. And it was our first dance.
Someone rang the doorbell, and Angie went to get it. She grinned widely when she saw who it was.
“I love your costume! I think it suits you so much,” she said to Tana, who smiled at me from the outside. And I always thought she was pretty, but what she was wearing just made me swoon. She wore a green dress with black armour, and the gold insignia of the Kyoshi Warriors was embroidered in the fabric. White-and-green gloves covered her hands. A pair of gold fans were neatly tucked in her armour. And to top it off, a gold headdress covered her hair to signify that she was the leader, and her face was covered with the typical makeup.
I scratched my head and blushed. “Yeah, you look good.”
Mom smiled and punched my shoulder. “What he means is you look beautiful, Tana. Now, can you do us a favour and click a family photo for us?” She handed her the phone.
“Sure.” Tana held up the phone as we grinned and said cheese for a perfect frame. After two or three shots, Angie and I left.
As we walked to Cityscape for the dance, Tana took my hand. I weaved my fingers in and out of hers. We saw Elijah, Wylie, Tom, Tam, and the rest of the JPKs at the entrance. Wylie, in her Katara costume, waved.
“You took too long!” She said to us. “We were waiting so much my legs turned numb.”
“That is an exaggeration,” Elijah said. He was dressed like Aang, the blue arrow on his forehead somehow glowing in the relative darkness. Glow paint?
“Are we ready?” Tom asked, his Zuko scar tilted towards the door.
A chorus of ‘Yeah!’ went up all around us.
Tam opened the door to a giant entrance filled with carved pumpkins, strung-up ghosts, and vampire decor. Cityscape sure knew how to put up a good costume for itself, too. We were met with cheers, high-fives, and fist bumps as we walked in the direction of the gym, where the actual dance was being held. And when we reached the gym—well, multiply the entrance decorations by ten, then add neon lights, spooky music, a giant hors-de-oeuvres’ platter and a massive bowl of fruit punch.
Suddenly, Elijah gasped. “Holy cow!” he muttered.
“What?” Tam asked, her green Toph headband leaning to look.
“The greatest invention made by man, ever!” He grinned, and pointed to something that was indeed the greatest: the karaoke machine.
“Good gravy,” Tom was flustered.
“O. M. G…” Tam was lost.
“Man…” I whispered.
Wylie was looking at the machine like it was a portal to another universe. Tana’s fingers twitched. The younger kids were jumping on their toes.
“Okay.” Ahnya stepped in front of us. “Let’s do it this way. We’ll all try it, in pairs. There can’t really be ten microphones to use. We’ll need to split up.”
“Wait!” Elijah held up a ceremonious finger. “Trevor and I would like to take the liberty of singing the first song. May we, ladies and gentlemen?”
The rest of our friends agreed, and Elijah winked at me. I knew what he was thinking, and I grinned. We grabbed the nearby mics, hooked them up to the machine, and turned it on.
Instrumental music began playing, and when it reached the starting point, I took a deep breath and sang:
“You put me on a pedestal and tell me I'm the best—“
Everyone cheered and hooted. That’s right, it was the deep hit, ‘Monster’!
“Raise me up into the sky until I'm short of breath, yeah—“
The clapping pounded in my ears and encouraged to give my all.
“Fill me up with confidence, I say what's in my chest
Spill my words and tear me down until there's nothin' left
Rearrange the pieces just to fit me with the rest, yeah…”
Elijah and I made it work here:
“But what if I, what if I trip?
What if I, what if I fall?
Then am I the monster?
Just let me know
And what if I, what if I sin?
And what if I, what if I break? Yeah
Then am I the monster? Yeah
Just let me know, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah—“
We sang the whole song, no breaks. After it was done, Angie and her friends sang ‘Disturbia’, then Wylie and Elijah duetted on ‘Our Song’. Later, Angie and I sang ‘Ghost’, and Tom and Tam covered ‘Goosebumps’. Tana and I followed with a performance of ‘Wild’, and then, as Alumni, we sang ‘See You Again’.
After some more songs, we were grinning and out of breath. I raised a hand to say something.
“I have one last song to sing,” I said. “And I want you all to sing it with me.”
I turned on another song and took a deep breath. Here we go:
“How do you be yourself?
I don't know where to begin
Should I be dancing on rooftops
Complaining that I don't fit in?”
Tana smiled and joined me:
“I'm afraid that I do
Yeah, I have no clue
How to be different
Tell me, ‘Figure it out’
When all I'm allowed
Is to sit and listen…”
Wylie continued it:
“I guess I'm missing out
They say the time is now—“
Then Elijah:
I've been playing it safe
Oh, how good could it taste to be free?”
Tom, Tam, and Angie and her friends nodded to the beat, and then all ten of us hit the chorus:
“Dancing in the rain, 3 a.m.
Thinking that we might be dreaming
Knowing that it's in this moment
We are infinite
Hanging out the side of fast cars
Wishing someone would break our hearts
Knowing that it's in this moment
We are infinite…”
We danced and jumped a bit in the post-chorus music, then Ahnya started the next verse:
“How do I feel?
I'll incinerate under the sun…”
Julianna:
“Wonder if you can feel
After living for years being numb (so numb)…”
Isaiah:
“I'm afraid I'll give in
Before it begins
Am I that helpless?”
Angie:
“It'd be nice to jump in
To something not knowing
Just to be reckless…”
Tom:
“I guess I'm missing out
They say the time is now—“
Tam:
“I've been playing it safe
Oh, how good could it taste to be free?”
And chorus (all of us):
“Dancing in the rain, 3 a.m.
Thinking that we might be dreaming
Knowing that it's in this moment
We are infinite
Hanging out the side of fast cars
Wishing someone would break our hearts
Knowing that it's in this moment
We are infinite…”
Some more dancing, then Alumni covered the next stanza:
“Will I have the choice to decide?
If I wanna believe like my life is mine
It seems like I'll give it a try
I've been living so vigilantly in time—“
The new JPKs:
“Will I have the choice to decide?
If I wanna believe like my life is mine
It seems like I'll give it a try
I wanna try living my life…”
Then, I sang:
“Dancing in the rain, 3 a.m.—“
Tana continued:
“Thinking that we might be dreaming—“
Then Elijah:
“Knowing that it's in this moment—“
And finally, all of us:
“We are infinite…”
We laughed and hugged each other at the end of the song, definitely feeling infinite. Maybe life is changing, but we have each other. But that’s all that matters to me because having bonds with special people makes your life special.
And what else do I need to ask for?
9. Being Honest To Her
“That was so much fun,” Wylie said as we walked out of the school and headed home.
Elijah was holding his replica airbender staff and nodding. “Indeed.”
Tom grinned. “Told you it was going to be the best. And when we’re in high school, the parties will be even better. We’ll get to perform for everyone!”
Tana smiled back. “That sounds awesome.”
Everyone headed ahead of me, talking and laughing. I tucked my hands in the pockets of my tunic, thinking about our lives ahead. Everything was gonna be okay, but I felt something was incomplete.
Isaiah, Julianna and Ahnya hopped the subway to their homes, while Tam, Tom, Wylie, and Elijah went home. Angie was also going. Then, it was just me and Tana.
“Hey, do you wanna take a walk?” I asked her.
She shrugged. “Sure.”
We walked away from our street, deep in our thoughts. What could we talk about?
Tana decided to roll the ball. “So… what’s up?”
“I’m okay. You?” I looked at her.
She smiled casually. “I’m good.”
“Hey, so uh…” I scratched the back of my head. “I’ve been thinking: we should make a time capsule.”
Tana raised an eyebrow. “A time capsule?”
“Yeah, something to open, like, maybe five or six years later. We could take a lockbox and put stuff in it. Stuff from each of us for memories,” I continued. “I’ve already started it… maybe I’ll keep the lockbox in the JP common room, and you, Wylie and Elijah can come by and drop something in it.”
Tana’s eyes twinkled. “That sounds amazing. We’ll tell Wylie and Elijah tomorrow, and I’ll be sure to add a keepsake.”
I smiled back. “Sure.”
We walked a little more, then I stopped in my tracks. “Tana?”
She was ahead, and turned back to look at me.
“I… need to say something.” I stepped in front of her. “I know it hasn’t been long… but I think I need to be honest about how I feel about you.”
Tana spun to face me.
“Thank you,” I blurted.
She was taken aback. “For what?”
I took both her hands. “For being there when I needed you.”
She laughed softly. “Trevor, I should say thank you. For being there when I needed you. I still feel I need to repay you. You’ve been there for me more than anyone else.”
“So have you,” I whispered.
Tana stared at me solemnly. I stared back, into those beautiful brown eyes, the exact shape and colour of almonds. Those eyes that I looked at first in the cafeteria, two years ago.
“We’re…also doing the same thing. Being a band, doing the…uh… auditions. For the…um…”
“For getting in Jr. Pop?”
“Yeah. That.”
And that one conversation changed my entire life, and it reached this point.
“I love you,” I whispered.
Her eyes shone. “I love you too.”
We kissed each other, making it feel final. Official. It had always been, but I wanted to be sure. We loved each other. There was no taking it back.
Releasing, I held her close. “I’ll be there for you anywhere.”
She smiled. “Me too.”
And it was true.
No matter what, we weren’t going to be left alone.
We were staying together.
10. ‘Hope You’re Okay: Pt 2’ by Eli M
Narrative Continued by Elijah
This chapter is where I take the liberty to write a song expressing my love and gratitude for my three years of Jr. Pop. Furthermore, you may notice a similarity to most lyrics of ‘hope ur ok’ by Olivia Rodrigo, one of my favourite nostalgic songs. And I know this rewritten version is nostalgic for me. Is it for you?
I knew a girl once when I was small
A pretty blond with eyes that talked
We sang along to our favourite band
Her parents cared like they were mine
And they taught us both how to be kind
We knew right then that we had love
And somehow, we lost one of them
Didn’t know it was so soon we’d see the grave
We both know that we’ll never see her again
But I miss her
And I hope that she’s okay
We met two of our best friends
A few days after summer’s end
We all shared the same big dreams
Later, fortune let us in
And pushed us all to always win
Despite all the problems, we lived
Do they know how proud I am we were created?
We had the courage to face and fight the hatred
I know we are all growing up so fast
But I love you
And I hope we’ll be okay
I address these letters
To the holes in the fabric of us
Nothing’s forever
But nothing’s as bad as it seems
And when the sun will shine on down
I will look up and reach high out
And thank the earth for giving me my life
Well, I hope you know how proud I am this was created
With a journey of hope and joy to keep it
And God, I hope you’re happier today
'Cause I thank you
And I hope that you’re okay
11. Here We Go
Narrative Resumed by Trevor
That fateful day, I was wearing my denim jacket, buttoned all the way to the top because I was shivering from two things: the freezing cold and the fact that that was it. We were gonna meet the criminal group, have them arrested and then thrown into jail, away from our lives forever.
Actually, all of Alumni had changed for the occasion. For one, we all wore denim jackets. And since the third year of Jr. Pop started, I had been growing out my hair and refusing to cut it so that I’d have a ‘curly mop of shoulder-length black tufts’ as Elijah put it. I still have it. And I’m proud of it.
The clock was ticking. Wylie was blowing air into her hands to warm herself up. Elijah paced around impatiently, then finally stopped and scribbled furiously in his songbook. Tana was silently praying. Angie and her friends were squeezed together on the sofa, whispering reassurances. Me? I was just waiting and waiting until Richard, the Wells, and the Monites arrived.
Mr. B suddenly appeared in front of us. We jumped. “Hello, kids. I’m sorry I put you on edge, but I just wanted to give you all a pep talk before they arrive. Whatever happens, do not try anything dangerous to escape or to help each other. But I hope you’re aware Al Capone won’t do our shorts soon after this.” He winked.
We were confused. Al Capone? But then we understood and grinned. Sometimes, these lines never got old.
Our smiles disappeared just as quickly as they had arrived. We were much more worried. All of a sudden, Tana gasped for air and sat down on the floor. We tried to calm her down, but nothing was working. She was having a panic attack and getting paler by the minute.
“I can’t do this,” she whimpered, fearful.
I knelt down beside her. “Tana, don’t worry. You know that they won’t harm us unless we do something risky, which we won't; otherwise we’ll definitely die.”
“Not helping, Trevor,” Wylie whispered through gritted teeth.
I sighed, then moved in front of Tana. “Hey,” I said softly. “We’re not gonna let anything happen to you. I won’t. After you came out of the hospital, I swore to protect you with my life.” I grabbed her shoulders gently. “I’ll be with you the whole time.”
She looked up at me, and her eyes were as scared as a little kid’s. “Promise?”
I nodded firmly. “I promise.”
Tana laid her head on my shoulder and sighed, closing her eyes. I put my arms around her. The rest of the group exhaled, relieved. After a while, I shook her awake, stood up, and pulled her to her feet, clutching her hand tightly.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, followed by a loud curse. We winced. Seconds later, the door was bashed down by Nora Wells, Tana’s biological mother. Her husband Tony and the Monites followed her in.
“Well, hello, honey,” Nora said, her voice so sugary it made me gag. She eyed Tana. “I see you got a new haircut.”
Tana fingered her new curly hair, which she had trimmed the other day. She even cut off her bangs, saying that she was tired of having them shield her face, and she can now see better. It didn’t take us long to get used to it. Maybe Nora and Tony needed time, so, ha, let them notice.
“What do you want?” Wylie said arms and legs set into a defensive stance.
Nora straightened her back. “All right, let’s get this over with. The real work is for Richard, anyway; we’re just here to make sure that you don’t do anything funny.” She narrowed her eyes.
The female Monite, Marge, stepped out of the group and stopped in front of me.
“Trevor, Angela, come with—“ she started, but then we heard the sound of high heels clacking on rubble and marble. As a figure came into view, Angie’s jaw dropped, and I gasped.
“Mom?” I exclaimed, as she walked over to us, brushing past Marge to give Angie and me a hug.
“Sweetie, if Richard is coming, then there’s no telling what he’ll do. And nothing’s stopping me from being with my kids when he is.” This last part, she said to the criminals, shooting them serious looks.
I nodded. “Okay, Mom, but please don’t get yourself hurt.”
She winked. “Don’t worry.”
Marge cleared her throat. “Great family reunion, but we have to go. Follow me.”
I looked at her, then to my friends. They all seemed worried. I nodded to them. My gaze settled on Tana, whose eyes were tearing up fast.
Someone grabbed my arm. Marge. “Now.”
I wrenched myself out of her grip. “Stop. I’m sure that Richard can wait.” Then, I walked over to Tana and gave her a long hug, squeezing tightly. She wrapped her arms around me.
“I’ll come back, I promise,” I whispered into her ear, and felt her nod. “Good. I love you.”
“I love you too,” I heard her murmur as I kissed her cheek and headed back to Mom and Angie.
Marge grumbled. “You finally done?”
“Yeah,” I said.
She sighed. “Come on.”
Mom, Angie and I followed her out a side door into the alley.
Here we go.
12. Meeting Richard
“You got them, Marge?” A man asked from behind some trash cans. “I can’t stay here any longer, it reeks so bad.”
Marge sneered. “I have. And it was the boy who had to keep you waiting. First the mom comes in, then he has to say dramatic goodbyes to his Juliet.”
“Hey, shut it,” Angie snapped. “She’s just as important as everyone else.”
Marge walked backwards into a corner. “I’ll be watching.”
Finally, Richard showed himself to us. He stepped around the trash cans and stood in front of us. He looked like a much older version of me. Black hair, brown eyes, fair skin… but the way he walked showed that he was out to do bad things.
“Hello, Trevor, Angela, Millie,” he said, smiling smugly. “I hope you’ve been okay all this while.”
“We have.” Mom tightened her grip on our shoulders. “Get this over with, Richard. What do you want from us?”
His face morphed into a frown. “Mil, what I’m trying to do is save the kids here. I know they’re Jr. Pop Kids, not to mention Trev’s new album. Fame will destroy them.” He stepped forward. “It’s best if they stay with me.”
“Where you turn them into criminals?” Mom’s vice was of defiance and disgust. “I will not allow it.”
“What about all that pressure? They will never have to face ugly monsters inside their heads again! They can live a life where nothing is expected of them. It’s heaven,” Richard argued.
Wait. Monsters. Richard had had monsters in his head before. And so did I. But what if he was going the wrong way about it? Okay, he was. That’s clear as day. But I could help him. I could tell him that it wasn’t as clear as he expected.
And I did.
“Richard,” I said, releasing myself from Mom’s grip.
“Sweetie, don’t,” Mom warned. Angie was shaking her head.
“Richard,” I said again. “You’re going about this all wrong.”
He looked at me. “I know what I’m doing.”
“You don’t.” I stopped walking. “Because I know what you’re going through.”
“No, you don’t!” He shouted.
“I do.” I kept talking. “Those monsters you keep talking about? I’ve had those too. I had them for a really long time. But you know why I feel okay now? It’s because I had my friends and family to help me out. The people I love. They always had my back, right from the start. And even though I was afraid to tell them I felt weak, they understood. That’s the best part about love, Richard. You love a person enough, they stick with you, no matter what.”
I saw Richard’s eyes flicker. Then, I put my peer counselling skills to use. To tell him that it was okay.
“You had a loving family, Richard. Many friends. They all cared for you. I get it: you had to turn to crime because you couldn’t tell them that it was killing you inside. But imagine what would’ve happened if you had. We’d have helped. Mom would’ve helped. Angie and I would’ve helped. Your friends and colleagues would’ve helped, too. And you still have a chance now, Richard.”
I forged ahead. “You can leave it all behind. You can start a new life with me and my family. You could be a dad again. We could have movie nights. Go to concerts. You and Mom could have dates. Angie can take you to father-daughter dances. You could make music with me. With all of us.”
In my head, I saw visions of my future with Richard was in it, as a dad. In one, he was shaking hands with Elijah, happy to work on a new song with him. In another, he was talking to Tana about her life. A family game night. A visit to the new JPKs at YT Studios. And posing for a new family photo, one that wasn’t severed by bad memories. Everything was right at our fingertips, only if Richard made the right choice.
“Richard—Dad,” I said, surprised to even hear myself say the word, “please think carefully. Choose what’s right,” I pleaded. “One wrong option and you could throw everything away.”
Richard was quiet. Mom and Angie were looking at us like a bomb could explode any moment. Even Marge was suddenly interested.
And we waited. For a long, agonising time, we waited.
13. No…
At last, Richard spoke.
“I can’t.”
My hopes came crashing down.
“Why?” I asked shakily.
He closed his eyes. “I can’t do it. But I’m not doing this because I don’t want to—I really do.” I saw his small smile. “I wanted to have you all in my life again. But once a criminal, always a criminal. If I come with you, the outlaw community that I joined—they’d hunt you down to hunt me. I don’t want that to happen.” He sighed. “If I had the choice, I would choose you. But now… I can’t. I’m so sorry, son. Angie, Millie… everyone. I’m sorry.”
I didn’t expect it to happen, but my eyes welled with tears. Angie reached for my hand and pulled me back. She looked up at me with glassy eyes, and nodded. A do it nod. Mom squeezed my shoulder sadly.
I looked at Richard. “Dad… I’m sorry too.” Quickly, I called Wylie on my phone. When she picked up, I said, “Code Fire Nation. Black Sun.”
She gasped. “I’ll tell Mr. B. Oh, hold up, they’re actually coming!” She hung up, and I turned around, looking for a sign of them. Mom and Angie jumped, Marge grabbed her gun, and Richard settled into a defensive stance.
And like Wylie said, they came. Three police officers jumped out of nowhere, handcuffs, and walkie-talkies in hand. Mom, Angie and I flatted ourselves against the wall of the studio, as Marge fired at the officers. But they expertly evaded the attacks, and before we knew it, they had chained up both Marge and Richard. Richard actually didn’t even resist getting caught; he just held his hands out and bowed his head.
Another bang, this one a door opening, sounded. I whirled around in time to see Tana, Wylie, Elijah and the new JPKs come, along with Mr. and Mrs. B. The apprehended Wells and Neil Monite followed them, surrounded by a horde of police officers, including Superintendent Sierra.
Tana broke into a run when she saw me, and slammed into me with the tightest hug ever possible. I squeezed even harder when I saw she was okay, and both of us started crying a bit. Sure, we didn’t get the family we had to have all these years, but at least we had each other. That’s all that mattered.
Wylie and Elijah joined us, and it became one big group hug, all of us.
“Guys, we did it,” Tana said. “We finally did it!”
And as the cheers dissolved, I could feel it.
Freedom.
14. ‘When You’re Gone’
As we headed back to Jr. Pop, sighing with relief, I stopped everyone for a minute.
“There’s something I need to say,” I said, taking a breath. “I’m nearly done with my album. But I just have one last song to record. And this time…” I smiled. “I want you guys to listen to it too. Because this is about something that started it all in the first place.”
Everyone followed me to Future Studios, where I went inside the recording room and slipped my headphones on. Sean and Mr. Callahan adjusted a few things, and then Sean gave me a thumbs-up. Good to go, buddy.
I smiled, and nodded back. As the electric guitar started playing in my ears, I said, “Jr. Pop, this one’s for you.”
Then, I started singing:
“You never know how good you have it, oh-oh
Until you're starin' at a picture of the only girl that matters, ah-ah
I know what we're supposed to do
It's hard for me to let go of you
So I'm just tryna hold on—“
Through the glass, I could see my friends and family smile and nod to the beat. I continued, as the drums came in:
“Hold on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone
I don't wanna move on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone for good
You're slipping through my fingertips
A little bit by a little bit
I didn't know that loving you was the happiest I've ever been
So I'm just tryna hold on…”
And I launched into the next stanza:
“I need to learn how to cope without you
I'm tryna protect myself but only you know how to, yeah
Oh, I know what we're supposed to do
Oh, but I hate the thought of losing you
So I'm just tryna hold on
Hold on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you'rе gone
I don't wanna move on
I don't wanna know what it's like whеn you're gone for good
You're slipping through my fingertips
A little bit by a little bit
I didn't know that loving you was the happiest I've ever been
So I'm just tryna hold on—“
I met everyone’s eyes in this next part. First, Mom and Angie. They had always stuck by my side everywhere, and picked me up when I fell. Mom, Angie—I love you both so much. You are the best family I could’ve ever asked for.
“Starting to feel like you don't need me
Wanna believe it's all for the better
It's getting real, I'm missing you deeply
So I'm just tryna hold on…”
Elijah and Wylie. You guys are the best friends I could’ve ever asked for. Thanks for making me a better person. And I hope we stay close forever.
“Starting to feel like you don't need me
Wanna believe it's all for the better
It's getting real, I'm missing you deeply
So I'm just tryna hold on…”
Tana. Man, the things we’ve been through together. You changed my life completely when you came into it. And I’m not gonna block this part with sappy stuff right now. But I’ll always love you. And I’ll support you through everything.
And the final chorus, this time for Jr. Pop. You gave me so much. I promise, I won’t dishonour your name. You made me who I am, and that’s never gonna change. This was the last run, and I sang true and confident:
“Hold on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone
I don't wanna move on
I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone for good
You're slipping through my fingertips
A little bit by a little bit
I didn't know that loving you was the happiest I've ever been (Oh, I've ever been)
So I'm just tryna hold on…”
I added the final riffs, maybe the best riffs I would ever give in my whole life. Because I felt this song, and I added the outro with gusto:
“I’m just tryna hold on…”
When I came out, everyone hugged and clapped me on the back, remarking on a job well done. I grinned, feeling a little melancholic. But it’s fine. I was gonna be okay after this.
Then, Mr. B put a hand on my shoulder. “Son… that was… amazing.”
“Thanks, Mr. B,” I said.
He nodded in agreement, then was about to leave when I stopped him.
“Sir?”
He turned around. “Yes, Trevor?”
I swallowed. “I know I have a real father and everything, but I just wanna say: thanks for being the dad I never had.” I looked up at him. “I don’t know what’ll happen to Richard, but I’m glad to have you as a father figure. Thank you so much.”
He smiled big and bright through his bushy grey beard. “I oughta say thanks to you too. For being there for Tana…” I smiled back.
He took a deep breath. “But, buddy, thank you for being the son I never had either. Anybody who gets to know you is a lucky person. I know I am.”
I smiled so much that I reached out and hugged him. He patted my head fondly.
“I won’t leave you standing alone, Mr. B,” I said. “You have my word.”
15. Signing Off!
Now, here’s the part to get emotional about: the farewell. I’ll go first; everyone behind me is weeping their eyes out and can’t write anything without drying their tears.
So, Jr. Pop, I never knew what would happen back then. I still don’t know what will happen after now. But I know, with what you’ve taught me, I’m going to take it one step at a time. Thanks for making me who I am.
Narrative Continued by Tana
Jr. Pop, goodbye. I entered as a shy girl willing to get away from danger, now I’m a confident woman who can forge her path. And I know that the people I got in my life are the ones who are gonna get me through all the troubles I face. Thank you, Jr. Pop, for giving me those people.
Narrative Continued by Elijah
Henceforth, from this novel’s publication, I will forever be indebted to Jr. Pop. It had prepared me for the challenges of a pop star with the contagious spirit of kid power. And it shall always be a part of myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Narrative Continued by Wylie
Jr. Pop, you are so awesome! You have taken me in and given me a whole new identity, and freed me, too. I wish Mom could’ve seen this, but I know that up there, in the Spirit World (perhaps with Princess Yue!), she’s watching me and I know she is proud. Thanks so much for everything!
Narrative Continued by Angela
My brother and his friends have all written goodbye messages. But what’ll I write? Let’s be clear: Jr. Pop, thanks for taking me under your wing. And with you, and my friends and family, plus the music, I am ready for tomorrow, and I will make it worthwhile. I promise!
16. Oh, Hold It, There’s A P. S…
Epilogue, written by… well, we don’t know!
Trevor, Tana, Wylie, and Elijah sat on the floor of Trevor’s garage, fanning through stacks of music, with an electronic keyboard in the centre of their circle.
“Guys, is this chord gonna work?” Trevor was asking.
Elijah was making notes. “Surely, E major must be in this particular progression.”
Tana played the set of chords, then shook her head. “Doesn’t work so well.”
“Maybe G, or A flat, or…” Wylie brainstormed.
Making Elijah’s latest written music into a melody was taking too much time, like usual. But not quite. The four of them, at eighteen years old, were much more experienced and knew how to deal with the challenges. And many things happened too: Mr. and Mrs. Bowers, Tana’s foster parents, had retired from Jr. Pop. Future Music still produced their music, not just as Alumni, but even solo for each of them. Richard Sanders, Trevor’s father, was granted a bail from prison and was coming to live with Trevor and his family in a few weeks. And as far as their musical careers were concerned, they had been doing amazingly for their age. Trevor had two albums out, the second being Healing. Tana, Elijah, and Wylie also released their self-titled albums respectively. Even Alumni had one too: Grad Day.These achievements have set them wonderfully on the right path. But sometimes, even the right paths had their dangers.
And as the four friends spoke and discussed, they didn’t notice the small wormhole forming behind Trevor, growing bigger and brighter every second. It hummed like a machine at first, but then the noise grew louder and louder still, and Alumni’s ears perked up.
“Uh, guys?” Wylie pointed to the portal.
Elijah’s eyes widened. “Are we dreaming?”
Tana shook her head. “No. That’s real.”
The wormhole morphed into a portal now, and it seemed expectant. Trevor stared at it, entranced. Then suddenly, the portal pulled Trevor inside, with a force no one knew of.
“Trev!” Tana grabbed his hand to save him. But she was losing her grip quickly. Elijah and Wylie pinned her feet to the floor. Tana laid down on her stomach to hold Trevor’s hand tightly.
“Guys, I don’t think you can save me!” Trevor cried. “This thing is pulling me, and it’s getting stronger!”
Tana pulled harder, and so did Elijah and Wylie. But it was too less. The portal grabbed a vicious hold of Trevor, and pulled him inside without a warning. Wylie and Elijah gasped, shocked. Tana screamed for Trevor.
And in the swirling portal, all Trevor was able to hear was Tana’s name calling out to him, and then he was out of the portal, and he landed with a thud! on the solid ground beneath him.
And he was definitely nowhere near home.
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