Canon is Jem and the Holograms, modern AU. Because I'm a geek.

[rockingthepink]

Hey, so far, so good, right? I mean, we've had a few threads where I can be myself, and even if I have made some slightly disturbing discoveries about Rio (I never really thought of it like that, you know?), I think people like me.

Most people, anyway. Right?

It's kind of nice being liked for me instead of... You know.

Comments

Late but figured it was worth a shot

[sugar_and_ice]

Jerrica? You look... different, somehow. You do something with your hair?

Whatever the difference is, not everybody likes you, you know... [that could be a snide remark or a friendly reminder/warning not to let her guard down. Or somehow both.]

[rockingthepink]

I know not everybody likes me, Stormer. [She wasn't causing trouble at the moment, so that was reason enough to be tolerant.] I don't have that kind of ego. It's just nice to know that people do like me.

[sugar_and_ice]

Why would you worry that they didn't?

Or are you just tired of being behind the scenes?

Sorry for just the one tag yesterday - RL got busy all of a sudden.

[rockingthepink]

Well, think about it. My sister's part of a hugely famous rock band, a famous songwriter, definitely worth the regard, and I... get to do paperwork for Starlight Music. I like taking care of the girls at the foster house, but it's not exactly a glamorous life, you know? I don't get to go out and meet people like the Holograms do. I mostly just... represent Jem and the Holograms and make sure the girls have what they need.

[Okay, so some of that was a lie, but it was a lie she couldn't really share with anyone beyond those who already knew.]

No worries. I can only get on so often myself.

[sugar_and_ice]

Yeah, you've got a family that loves you who are with you all the time, and a whole house full of foster children who love you, and you're a music promoter, which means anyone who wants to be anyone in the music business wants to be on your good side.

Yeah, your life really stinks.

[rockingthepink]

I never said it stinks. [She gave Stormer a little smile.] I said that it's busy, and not really glamorous, and I don't really get many chances to just... socialise. To go out, talk to people as me, not as head of Starlight Music. [Or as Jem.] To be able to just... be a normal twenty-something is pretty fantastic, when I have the chance.

[sugar_and_ice]

[shakes head] No, I understand. I love what I do, but it's nice to go home and be Mary Phillips for awhile. [smirk, and a stage whisper] Just don't tell Pizzazz I said that.

You do seem to be pretty... [overworked? anal? annoyingly perfectionist?]... wound up most of the time. It drives Kimber crazy, you know. The way she talks, you wouldn't take a vacation if it was handed to you all tied up in a bow.

So if you're talking about actually relaxing and letting your guard down, I know at least she'd probably be glad to hear it.

[rockingthepink]

[Jerrica laughed softly.] I know she worries about me. And I wish I could take a vacation sometimes.

And...

[Well. Should she tell Stormer about this? Because she knew that Pizzazz had a habit of exploiting whatever information she got, but... Well. Why not.]

I'm seriously looking into hiring a personal assistant, just so I'll have more time. More time to take care of the girls, and maybe take care of me, too.

[sugar_and_ice]

[Stormer's thoughts are that if ERIC found out, he'd find a way to send in a plant. She also figures Jerrica is smart enough to anticipate that.]

I'm surprised you don't have one already. Eric's always had one. 'Course they always seem more interested in doing their nails than taking calls.

[rockingthepink]

With how much of our money goes to Starlight House, it's not been in the budget. But after talking to someone a little while back, it's kind of become clear to me that I need a personal assistant. [And some more security, but that, she wasn't going to go into just now.]

[sugar_and_ice]

Yeah, I remember... [realizing she's bringing up a sore subject, but can't leave it hanging] uh, that is, that time Jem disappeared and you had to go looking for her for three months. I heard trying to pay all the expenses was hard... all of our concert money basically went to the Foundation...

Maybe you should find an extra way to supplement Starlight House's income. Aren't there, I don't know, grants or something?

[rockingthepink]

Honestly, I'm not sure. [She exhaled.] Maybe I need to hire someone to research this kind of thing for me. Or hold fundraisers. Or something. I don't know. I end up so focused on some things that I completely ignore the rest, and I know I shouldn't, but there are only so many things one person can do.

[And, really, she was kind of at the end of her rope.]

[sugar_and_ice]

[rueful smile] What you need is someone like Eric. He may be a jerk but he knows that side of things really well.

And truce or no [this is end of series Stormer], for god's sake don't say this anywhere near him.

What about that rich guy who holds all those contests, like the friendship music video? Xanatos? Maybe you could ask him for advice.

[rockingthepink]

[Jerrica took a deep breath.] Maybe. I'll... I'll see what I can do.

You know, I never wanted to be... rivals with anyone. And I'm glad my sister has a friend like you.