Reflection 2:Better Together

•6•

The next day I awoke to the sound of utter chaos.
"DINAH, if you didn't HIT HIM WE WOULDN'T BE IN THIS SITUATION."
Now, Lauren rarely yells in anger. This was definitely an angry scream. I jumped out of the bed and to the room where I heard the screaming coming from. Dinah and Camila were on one side of the room while Ally tried to subdue Lauren. Normani was on the sidelines, staring at her phone in disgust.
"What is going on? Where is Anthony?"
"He's with my mom. She got here this morning among all the fucking drama Dinah caused." Lauren explained.
"What are you... what is going on?" I had just woken up, so of course I was confused.
Normani shoved the phone in my face, "Charlie leaked Lauren's nudes, among with a ton of other rumors. Not to mention Lauren broke up with him this morning, so only more stuff happened."
I stared blankly at the photographs all over some sleazy gossip site, "Management is going to flip." I sighed.
"They already have," Ally said, "they cancelled the adoption under charges that I would be an unsuitable mother."
"I'm so sorry, Ally." I knew this adoption was a big deal for her, she always wanted more kids besides me. I went over to hug her.
"And I'm not allowed to be near Lauren anymore." Camila whispered, "that's not it, though.." the girl looked down wiping tears from her eyes.
"Camila, tell me. You promised."
"I have to date Austin again, and they've added way more dates and shows to the tour."
"They have to stop, they really cannot do this, are they not doing anything to protect you from Charlie?"
Lauren nodded, "He's not allowed within 10 yards from all of us.. except you. The restraining order papers are coming today, and we also have a meeting with the Epic people." She walked over to me sighing in frustration and laying her head on my shoulder. I pulled her into an embrace that was soon joined by Camila, Mani, Dinah, and Ally.
After we pulled away, Dinah spoke up, "Lo, you deserve an apology.. I didn't mean to cause any of this, just trying to protect you."
"I know, I shouldn't have flown off the handle like that on you. We cool?"
Dinah nodded, "Yeah, but this isn't even right. We gotta get out of this somehow."
"The only way I can think of is if we press charges against them."
"For what and with what lawyers?" Normani inquired.
"You can use my lawyers from Syco.. or my personal lawyers and you can sue them for harassment, abuse of power.. there are so many things. You didn't sign up for this just remember that, okay? You need to start telling people, Lauren you can start with Mama Clara."
Lauren sighs, "I guess I can tell her after the meeting. Thank you, babe."
"There's no need to thank me, I'm doing what I'm supposed to. Go get ready and I will call my lawyer."

The girls went their separate ways while I went into the bedroom, to reach my lawyer, Chris. I laid across the bed and dialed his number.
"Hello?" He answered after the first ring, knowing that I was his most paying client.
"Hey Chris, I have a serious predicament that needs immediate attention."
"Does it have anything to do with the incident involving Lauren last night?"
"Yes and no. It seems the 'incident' has been occurring for a while now, and Epic Records has not only failed to protect their own artists, but they're also endorsing this kind of behavior."
"What are you saying?" Chris asked.
"I'm saying that they're forcing the girls to date these boys that could be potentially dangerous. And they refuse to act when things do happen."
"Failure to report is called being an accomplice, are you suing L.A. Reid?"
"The girls and I are. They have stories that literally need to be told, not to mention Epic is tampering with their contracts. They need help, they've been told not to tell anyone about what they've been going through."
Chris sighs, "L.A. is a very dangerous man with lots of connections, I understand you're close with those girls but it's my job to warn you about the dangers your involvement could have."
"It's the right thing to do. And if we win the case, he can be put away, right?"
"Well, yes. But that's I'd the evidence and testimony are substantial enough. I can meet with you all in two days. You will be in Japan, correct?"
"Epic added more dates on so, Yeah. Just, please hurry Chris, this isn't safe for the girls."
"I understand.. alright I will attempt to pull together a team willing enough to counter this man, and see you soon. Stay safe."
"Um... yeah, okay. Thank you."
The phone call was slightly unnerving. I mean, Chris made is seem as if L.A. Reid was potentially dangerous to me.. I was interrupted from my thoughts by Ally coming into the room and sitting next to me.
"Hey," she said quietly, "I'm sorry we dragged you into this mess. I told you earlier a lot happened since you left."
I nod, laying my head on her shoulder, "I can see that now, if you had just called me and let me know you were in some sort of trouble earlier.."
"No," Ally shook her head, "seriously it's bad enough that you know now. Just promise me you will be super safe, I don't think you know what you're dealing with."
"What do you mean?" I was sure she would tell me a simple story, but the horrors she next revealed shocked me, and I knew this was much more than just a record label executive.