ode to life | cameron dallas

Chapter 1 (2014)

Denver, 2014

"I can't believe you're moving in here. In the middle of the city! By yourself. Seriously, Ariel. What am I going to do without you?" Grace sighed, arms on her hips, admiring the empty living room loft.

"Well, for now, you can actually help me by moving my stuff in," Ariel grunted as she dragged her four bags into the doorway.

"Sorry, sorry," Grace said as she walked over to help Ariel. "It's just.. we barely graduated high school a year ago, and you're already moving on with your life while I'm here doing nothing with mine."

"Are you kidding me? Grace, in less than four hours, you're going to be in freaking Los Angeles, touring the streets of Beverly Hills, meeting celebrities left and right. You're the one who's living life here."

"Oh for Christs' sakes, it's for Danny's birthday. Who in which is very hurt that you refuse to celebrate his 19 with us."

"Grace, I love you, and I love Danny. We've all been childhood friends forever, but I just bought my own apartment for crying out loud. I can spend one birthday without you guys. Danny understands," Ariel explained as she began distributing kitchen utensils. Grace scowled.

"Okay...I will admit. I am a little bummed you aren't coming to the trip and you're moving to the city and I won't see you as often even when we come back," Grace said. "But, if that means you're pursuing your career..." Ariel's face lit up as Grace anticipated, "...Then I support you one hundred percent."

Ariel squealed and went out of the kitchen to hug her best friend. "Thanks, Grace."

"It is really nice here. You have the whole view of Denver and everything, too. It must of cost you a fortune."

"Yeah, but the tattoo business really covers everything."

"I wish I was artistic and could co-own a tattoo shop. Shit's paying for your rent and med school? Damn."

"Yeah, and the tattoo parlor is like three minutes away, too, so that's a perk."

Grace sighed. "I envy you, Ariel Vi."

Ariel peeked on her wrist watch and marveled at the time. "Right now, I envy you. Your flight's in an hour. Leave. You're going to miss it."

"Alright," Grace said and the two embraced once more.

"See you in three weeks. Love you," Ariel said as they departed. She walked Grace out to the doorway when suddenly she came to halt.

"Okay, one last thing in hopes you'll change your mind and get on the plane with us," Grace winced as she turned to face Ariel.

"Grace..."

"No, no. Just listen. The last stop in the Magcon tour is in L.A. next week and I may have bought two VIP tickets in case my best friend, I don't know, wanted to come to a last minute trip to California with me?" Grace anticipated, flashing her widest grin.

"You bought two VIP tickets and didn't tell me?!"

"I bought an extra before they sold out in case you wanted to come! Can you blame me for being considerate?"

"I.. I don't know, Grace.."

"Ariel.." Grace whined like an errant child.

"I thought we agreed Magcon was so high school. Come on, we're almost nineteen."

"Oh give me a break, we both know that was just an excuse because we could never get any of them to follow us on Twitter. But VIP tickets? That's basically an invitation to get to know them! Half of the guys are our age anyways."