So the De'Vills hit Pleasantview, luckily for them, the house was a snip...unlucky of course for the Pleasants, who'd sold cheap as a result of a particularly messy divorce...still it was perfect for Red and the kids. Good neighbourhood and busy, wealthy town. So many new doors could open here.
Red was editor of Guitar magazine, Ellie had quit her job as an office temp in Strangetown and was looking forward to a better career and the twins were looking forward to their new high school.
Red cleared the dishes from their first evening meal in the new house, looking out of the kitchen window at trees and nearby neighbours. They had finally made the break that place, aside from the kids and Kira, there had been little good for him there...but then the kids were amazing..and Kira.
Even after all the years that had passed since she died, the tears came freely. Someone so wonderful would never come along again.
He wiped his eyes before Ellie or the twins could see...Ellie had given up so much to help their little family...he was constantly amazed by her strength ...and sad for her missed opportunities.
Pleasantview was one of the host towns for that years 'Star Factor'..he'd entered Ellie for the auditions. Ellie had the most beautiful singing voice he'd heard in a long time. He'd tried to get her to show it off for ages now...Red just hoped she would go for it...it would be so great to see her up there on stage..having the time of her life. If anyone deserved it , it was Ellie hands down.
*You allright Dad?" she asked. Red braced himself, "You know that show on TV...Star Factor"
Ellie grinned, "Oh god yeah, the one with all the crazy people auditioning...I can hardly watch some of it..totally cringeworthy!!!"
Red smiled, "um yeah thats the one love....I was thinking.you might want to go for it this year..you know you could breeze through it kiddo..."
Ellie gasped.."Oooohh noooooo way!!!! I couldn't possibly...for a start we have to go sort the furniture and redecorate, don't want the bad juju from the Pleasants hanging round us do we" she giggled...inside feeling jittery..it wasn't the first time her Dad had mentioned some talent show or other...she had a good voice yes...but not the confidence..and how could she flit off and leave her family? They needed her.
"Well...I know what you're thinking...can't leave us poor sods to fend for ourselves..." Red smiled , he knew she'd always wanted to sing..really sing, as a career..her vocation.
Missing Uni was enough sacrifice, he didn't want Ellie to miss out on this too..besides, he had one of those strange gut instinct things going on, somehow this year he knew he had to push her.
Ellie searched her Dads face....."Oh my god......Dad what have you done"
"The auditions are next week...I think tuesday? dunno I can check...."
Ellie began to panic..."W what....next week? god Dad I haven't sung for weeks....I won't be ready....I can't believe ...oh god I feel sick....."
"Do it do it" chanted Noosh from where she was happily painting at her easel..
"Shush you" retorted Ellie..she wanted to do it so badly...but there was that huge feeling of fear surging up at the same time...
"Nothing good ever happens Dad....not for us...they would laugh at me" she blurted.
Red chuckled, "That's not true kiddo...don't start talking like a numpty.."
"Drama queen" muttered Rhys.
Red sighed and patted his eldest daughters arm, "Just say the word and I can cancel...or don't go...no-ones forcing you sweeetheart"
He smiled and winked then disappeared into the sitting room.
"You know you wanna!" whispered Noosh turning to speak to Ellie directly.
"Yes...but...I can't..there's no point anyway...."
Noosh giggled, "HAH!!! you said YES!!!! KNEW IT!!"
Ellie rolled her eyes, "Obviously I would LIKE to..but it's not practical..I have to look for work..."
Red called in from the other room, "My salary will cover us fine love.. no rush to find anything for you"
"Hmmm...so, See?? No reason you can't" Winked Noosh
Ellie bit her lip..."Yes but I need to help you settle in to school , I need to drop you guys off everyday and..."
"There's a BUS Elle's Belles..."chipped in Rhys. Enjoying his older sisters floundering excuses immensely.
"Shut up Rhys" snapped Ellie.
"Come oh Ellie don't get like that" called Red, smiling..he knew she wanted to audition...all that deinal was the old De'Vill stubborn streak coming out in her just as it used to in him years ago.
"Do it for me then!!! " Noosh insisted...."I can come with you and schmooze with all the celebs"
Ellie chuckled "What makes you think I'm going to be anywhere near celebrities for goodness sake?..I won't even get past the first stage"
Noosh grinned, "Welllll...if you're chicken.....fine....great example to set eh...what did you always say to me? You and Dad? 'Do your art, enter contests...make the most of your talents'....talk about double standards sis"
Ellie let out a huge sigh "Argh!! ALL RIGHT!!!! I'll do it for YOU lot...if it will shut you all up"
"Yeah thats right Elle..do it for US" Noosh said cheekily, Red and Rhys grinned , Ellie failed to suppress a smile..."Arghhh...you lot are a pain in the backside" she skipped off upstairs to avoid being seen beaming from ear to ear.
