(Y/N)'s POV:
*The Morning of Rehearsal*
I woke up early around 7. Even though Karen said we'd grab breakfast, I decided it would be better if I got in a cup of coffee and some toast just to calm my nerves. I didn't exactly ask to be a upcoming star. I just wished it was 1978, not knowing this was what I was waking up to.
I went and took a quick shower and blow-dried my hair.
I decided to experiment with my makeup. I did a light brown eyeshadow with winged eyeliner. I found a cute pair of black distressed overalls, a yellow sunflower shirt, and of course my new favorite pair of converse.
It was now about 8:20am and I heard a honk in the distance. Karen was here to pick me up. I grabbed my keys and purse and met her down at the street.
"Well good morning (Y/N)," Karen said as I got into her black Jaguar.
I instantly yawned for some reason, but replied, "Morning KC, it's too early for this haha."
"We are eating at The Market Place Grill Cafe here in Downey (Y/N), hope you like them," KC continued on.
I absolutely had no idea of restaurants in Downey but I was down to try something new. Well, everything I do is new anyhow.
We drove down mainstreet to Downey. I can't believe how beautiful the city is. I always dreamed of Califorina and the water.
KC was jamming to the hits of the day radio station. Ironically, a commercial her and Rich recorded came on as we were listening.
"Hi there this is Karen and Richard Carpenter and you are listening to 101.1 FM, Today's Hits," the radio spoke. The radio DJ played their newest single, "Sweet Sweet Smile."
I wanted to fangirl so badly because they were such important influences in my life in 2021. Their music helped shape me into who I am today. But, I literally work for them now in this universe.
"Oh yeah (Y/N) we are still on top of the world," Karen said.
I looked at her and smiled .
We arrived at the cafe. I looked in my purse for a facemask. Again, I forgot it wasn't 2021.
We decided to dine on the patio. The crisp ocean water filled my senses.
After we ordered, Richard actually met up with me and Karen. Boy, was I starstruck again. He was the musical genius behind the Carpenters. His arranging skills and Karen's voice were match made in heaven.
"Hey (Y/N), long time no see!" Richard exclaimed, reaching out to hug me.
"Aye I know huh! Hope you are well," I replied back.
Over brunch, we mainly discussed how Karen wanted to go back to mainly drumming, which they proposed to me that I could take lead on some of the songs during concerts. My stomach went to the ground. I never had real vocal training. Everything I have done was behind closed doors to the vinyl records I owned. But, obviously they saw something in me that I hadn't.
"So Karen, we want to continue the drum solo segments at the concerts. But, we feel like people can't really enjoy your talent," Richard responded to Karen.
I was upset. Karen always considered herself to be a drummer who sang. I really didn't feel like I had the talent to perform to be top tier as Karen does.
"Look, I feel like I could use this chance to break my shell of shyness even more," I told both KC and Richard.
Karen's smile turned incredibly big. I wholeheartedly believe I was placed here to change fate.
"(Y/N), you don't know how much that means to me," Karen responds, side hugging me.
"Well today at rehearsal (Y/N), we will have you try lead on some of the songs to see which vocal range is strongest for leads," Richard glanced while sipping some hot coffee.
A waiter came to the table with a phone, confusing us 3.
"Uh Miss. (Y/N), a Johnny Martin is on the phone for you," he responded.
"Johnny Martin?" Karen and Richard responded in unison.
I scrunched my nose, "It's Andy. "
Karen smirked while Richard looked confused. I took the phone and answered.
"Ello love," Andy excitedly exclaimed on the other end.
I giggled and smirked, "Well hello Johnny. Hope you are well. I had a lot of fun last night."
"I just had to tell my lady love good morning. I called your apartment but forgot you were going to brunch this morning," Andy replied quitely.
My smile went from ear to ear. "Andy you are too much. I appreciate you calling me. I hate to cut this short but I'm headed to rehearsal with Karen in a few," I replied.
"Ok darling, well good luck and I'll call you later tonight, be safe love, bye" Andy responded.
"Bye Andy," I said quickly so I could finish my breakfast.
We finished eating and me and KC headed to her car and followed to rehearsal.
*In Rehearsal*
I could hardly keep my nerves being jittery.
Maybe I had too much coffee? I had to keep telling myself I was brought to 1978 for a reason.
In rehearsal, I did what I used to do behind closed doors listening to records. I closed my eyes when singing to the familiar tunes. I couldn't hold the note to their new song, "I Believe You." But, I could hold the notes to "Top of the World," "Close to You," etc.
"Hey you know Rich, (Y/N) is getting the hang of it," Karen elbowed Rich.
I was not a professional singer, but I could get use to this lifestyle.
We contiuned rehearsing. My favorite part was singing "Goodbye to Love." Jamming to the guitar solo with THE Tony Peluso in my presence was fascinating. I had the tambourine solo as Karen often did during performances while her and Cubby Obrien jammed on the drums.
This was a new beginning of a new life .
YOU ARE READING
Taken Too Seriously- An Andy Gibb/Karen Carpenter What If Fanfiction
Historical Fiction(Y/N) is feeling blue. Everything she loves revolves around the 1970s. During a thunderstorm, she's basking in her bedroom playing her favorite ABBA album when her emotions push her over the edge. In anger, she sc...
