"But you know what's next on the list, right? The event's preparations are pressing, and we still need to complete that recording session you postponed." Lisa said looking at her tablet.
Bell blinked, her mind still clouded from the intense investor meeting. Her energy was already low, but Lisa's words yanked her back to the reality of the never-ending demands of Vivica's life. She'd almost forgotten about the recording session amidst the chaos of the past week, and the thought of stepping back into the studio so soon felt like a weight she wasn't ready to bear.
Lisa's voice softened, though her eyes remained sharp. "I know you've been under a lot of pressure, but we can't afford to delay anymore. The investors are expecting results, and that recording session is critical for the album's release. The event is coming up fast, and everything needs to align perfectly. We're already behind schedule."
Bell shifted in her seat, glancing over at Liz, who had been quietly observing the conversation. Liz's presence had been the only thing keeping her grounded, but now with this new wave of responsibility crashing over her, the possibility of going to the hospital to see her real body seemed further out of reach. She couldn't leave. Not now.
She turned to Liz, her voice low, guilt edging into her tone. "Liz, I don't think we're going to be able to go to the hospital anymore… not yet." Bell sighed, the exhaustion settling deeper into her bones. "With everything that's happening, the recording session, the event… I can't push it off. I need to get this over with."
Liz's eyes searched Bell's face, trying to read the hidden struggle behind her words. She knew Bell was overwhelmed, trapped between the life she was living as Vivica and the unresolved mystery of her true self. But Liz also understood the importance of keeping up appearances, especially with the stakes so high.
Liz nodded slowly, her expression softening. "I get it, B-Vivica." She said realizing Lisa was around. "I really do. This life you've been thrust into… it's a lot. But don't push yourself too hard, okay? We'll figure out a time to go to the hospital. Your body isn't going anywhere, but you need to focus on surviving this life as Vivica."
Bell gave a weak smile, appreciating Liz's understanding. But the weight of the situation was undeniable. She couldn't afford to break down, not when so much was riding on her keeping Vivica's reputation intact.
"Thanks, Liz," Bell murmured. "I just… I need to deal with one thing at a time. Let's get through the recording session first."
Lisa, sensing the shift in the conversation, stepped forward, her tone brisk but not unkind. "It's a smart decision, Vivica. The sooner we finish the recording, the more time we'll have to finalize everything for the event. I've already arranged for the studio to be ready, and the team is waiting for your signal."
Bell felt a tug of resistance in her chest but knew that there was no point in delaying it further. The sooner she faced the music—literally—the sooner she could stop feeling like she was suffocating under the weight of Vivica's obligations.
She stood, smoothing out her dress as she looked between Liz and Lisa. "Alright, let's head to the studio. I need to get this over with."
Lisa's expression brightened slightly, pleased that Bell—Vivica, she reminded herself—was back on track. "I'll notify the studio that we're on our way. They've been waiting for this session for weeks."
Liz lingered a moment longer, her gaze lingering on Bell's face. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked softly, her voice laced with concern. "You've been running on empty for a while now. I don't want you to burn out."
Bell forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'll be fine. I have to be, right? And you should get hoing now Liz I don'twant to keep you doing nothing. That meeting took much more time than we all expected. I'm sure you have things to do."
Liz opened her mouth to say something, but the look on Bell's face stopped her. She knew Bell wasn't ready to dive into another heart-to-heart. Not now. Instead, Liz squeezed Bell's arm gently before stepping back. "Alright. But I'm here if you need me. I'monly a call away okay. Be strong out there."
As they left the office and climbed into the car, Bell stared out the window, her mind swirling with thoughts. The looming recording session, the investors' expectations, and the growing realization that she was sinking deeper into Vivica's life with each passing day. The longer she stayed, the harder it became to untangle herself from this world that wasn't her own.
As the car rolled towards the recording studio, Bell closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to gather her strength for what was to come. The studio loomed ahead like a monument to her new reality—a place where she'd have to face the music, quite literally, and continue pretending to be someone she wasn't.
When they arrived, Lisa led the way, her phone in hand as she confirmed details with the studio team. Bell followed behind her, her steps feeling heavy as they approached the entrance. She could already hear the faint hum of instruments and voices from inside, the sound sending a wave of anxiety coursing through her.
Inside, the room was bustling with activity. Engineers, producers, and assistants were scattered around, adjusting equipment and setting up for the session. Bell could feel the eyes of the team on her as she entered, their expectations weighing heavily on her.
Lisa gestured towards the booth, her expression professional and focused. "Everything is ready, Vivica. The team's been briefed, and we're all set to start as soon as you're ready."
Bell nodded, though her throat felt tight. She hadn't sung since the last session, the one where she'd almost flopped. The memory of it haunted her, making her stomach churn. But she couldn't let that fear control her now. She had to push through, had to become Vivica, at least for the next few hours.
Taking a deep breath, Bell walked towards the booth, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted the headphones. The door to the booth closed behind her with a soft click, sealing her inside with only the sound of her own heartbeat echoing in her ears.
The producer's voice crackled through the intercom. "Whenever you're ready, Ms. Winters."
Bell swallowed hard, her mouth dry. She glanced through the glass at Lisa, who gave her a small nod of encouragement. And then, with a deep breath, Bell closed her eyes and let the music fill her. She wasn't Bell Skye anymore. Not in this moment. She had to be Vivica Winters.
And so, she began to sing.