Chapter One

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The young man stared intently at the water, daring it to take life. Daring it to explain why his life had suddenly taken such a violent turn. His longish blonde hair curled then straightened in the wind. His blue-green eyes shone with unshed tears. He kept his hands tucked away into the pockets of his torn jeans, fists tightening in frustration and anger.

The lake, in response, glimmered mutely in the afternoon sunlight. If it had answers, they were well hidden within its murky waters.

Kiara stood by, watching over him, as was her duty. Her wings spread out behind her in silent resignation. If there was anything she could do to help him, she didn't know it.
The boy took one last look at the water and then walked away, passing by Kiara without seeing her.

The angel sighed to herself, casting ice green eyes downward in regret and sadness.

"Sometimes it sucks to be a guardian," she whispered.

"And cut!" the director yelled. "Great job, Lauren . That's a wrap everyone."

The set of Guardian suddenly came to life as a parade of anxious crewmembers began the daily routine of dismantling and assembling scenery. The once peaceful lake scene became a maelstrom of noise and activity.

Lauren Jauregui stormed off the set, shedding the angel wings from her back in one fluid motion. She tossed them to the nearest person in her path.

"Get the straps fixed," she commanded.

"They were digging into my shoulder the whole time."

"Right away, Ms. Jauregui," the lady replied, hurrying off to carry out the order.
Once inside her trailer, Lauren sighed loudly.

"Another day of no end," she muttered to the empty room.

A knock at the door interrupted her two seconds of peace. "Come in!" she yelled impatiently.

Lauren's assistant, Allyson Brooke, stood nervously in the doorway. In her hand she carried a stack of envelopes.

"Your mail, Ms. Jauregui."
Lauren glanced wearily at the bundle of correspondence.

"Send them all a picture and a letter of appreciation," she replied dismissively.

"Don't you want to read any of them?" Ally asked.

Impatiently, Lauren glared at her assistant. "When do I ever?" Ally nodded and made a note on her clipboard. "Don't forget you have that interview in New York this weekend. And MTV called again. Twice. They want you to make a guest appearance as co-host to an episode of—" she checked her notes "—TRL?" She looked over at Lauren. "What should I tell them?"

"I'll be in New York anyway," Lauren considered. "I can fit it in. Tell them I'll do it. But I'm not signing autographs afterwards."

"Very well," Ally said, writing something down.

"Is that all?" Lauren asked, her tone unmasking her impatience.
If it wasn't, it now was. "Yes, that's all." Ally shut the door behind her as she left.

Lauren shook her head and turned her attention to the mirror before her. Her eyes reflected the lassitude she felt. Her long, dark brown hair ran down her back in a single braid, which she proceeded to loosen.

"Knock, knock," a male voice called from the now open door.

Lauren turned around, a smile parting her lips. "Adrian," she greeted. "I'm glad it's you."

"Terrorizing the little people again?" he guessed, shutting the door. He leaned his muscular frame against the table where the mirror rested.

"It's a give and take situation," Lauren replied easily, shaking her head to free the remaining strands of hair from their restraints. Now that Adrian was there, she felt ten times better.

"They give, you take?"

Lauren smiled. "Something like that."
She began removing her make-up.

"Hey, what are you doing this weekend?"
Adrian considered long and hard. "Doing something with you?" he asked.
"New York City, baby," she announced. "I have some publicity stuff to take care of, but afterwards I'll done a wig and some sunglasses and we can escape into the great unknown."

"I love it when you're spontaneous," he said with a smile. "So what was Ally mumbling about? Something about fan mail and you not signing autographs?"

The actress rolled her eyes. "She wants me to sit here and read all the mail I get. She probably wants me to reply to them too. Please. I don't have time for that."
Adrian studied Lauren silently for a moment. His blue eyes searched Lauren's green ones for a reason behind the words. "Your fans love you," he said finally.

"They don't know me," Lauren replied, staring at her reflection. "They love Kiara. They'd love her regardless of the actress behind the role."
"Do you really believe that?"
Lauren finished removing the last traces of Kiara from her face. Now only herself remained. "It's just the simple truth, my dear Adrian," she explained, fastening her silver anklet in place. It was the one possession she was never without. She glanced up at her best friend.

"One of these days, the show will end. My moment in the sun will pass. And I'll walk around with the rest of you mere mortals, wondering what on earth ever happened to Lauren Jauregui . And I'll be the only one who cares."

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