From The Streets - Chapter 10 (Patreon)

The shoot lasted until nearly  11pm with Sophie and Destiny both bushed.  Even if Destiny had the experience, long shoots always got to her.  Nicole had taken Victoria home a few hours earlier, so it was just Destiny, Angela and Sophie hanging out in the makeup area as they got ready to leave.

Sophie and Destiny were waiting for Nicole to return; Destiny had promised Nicole she wouldn’t have Sophie ditch her.  She should have been back by now, though.

“I hope she’s okay,” Sophie sighed.

“I’m more worried for whoever got in her way,” Destiny laughed.

“Nicole just texted she's stuck in traffic, and David is closer so he’ll be here in a moment.” Katelyn stated.  “Sounds like there was some kind of accident and Nicole’s locked in gridlock.  Side streets are packed.  Galway’s busy as hell at nigh huh?”

“Weekend, anyway,” Sophie laughed.  “But aye it’s no small burg like your Los Angeles,” she teased.  Angela tossed a makeup sponge at her.  “I’ll text and let her know she can go ahead and take her weekend off early since she’s stuck.”  She sent the text since David just walked in.

“Hello ladies.” David said.  He hadn’t seen Destiny yet.  He actually couldn’t see anything because he had a hand covering his eyes, just far enough in front of them that he could look down and see where he was walking, without seeing anyone.

“We’re decent David.” Sophie giggled.  “Everyone else’s already left so it’s just us.”

“Hi David,” Destiny said in her best Ashleigh Brown voice.  He went a little bug-eyed, and she giggled loudly.  “Don’t worry.  I’m not the same selfish diva twat I used to be.”

“Oh thank God,” David laughed.  “If you two ditch I’m not chasing you.  I learned that the hard way already this week,” he teased, causing Sophie to blush slightly and giggle.

“But now I know you now Krav, I know how to defend myself.” David grinned.

“Just some basic stuff,” Sophie nodded.  “But it became reflex after having to use it enough times.  I’m looking into whether I can unlearn some of those reflexes.”

“It’ll happen with time,” David said, “As you gradually have to use it less.  You’ll always have that muscle memory to some degree, but it’ll become less of an immediate instinct. But it’s always good to have them.”

“Okay,” Amanda said as she walked through the door, “Just got off the phone with TMZ.  They promised not to run anything on you two in exchange for an exclusive interview when you get back.”

“Good.” Sophie grinned, “Till then we’ll duck all reporters.” she giggled.

“We’re going to do a location shoot tomorrow,” Amanda said.  “The weather at the Giant’s Causeway is supposed to be lovely tomorrow.”

“That’s a five hour trip,” Sophie said, looking surprised.

Amanda nodded.  “We’ll have to stay the night and then head for the airport from there the next day.  This is the unfortunate reality of modeling,but  this will be your last photo shoot for awhile.”

“It’s okay,” Sophie said as she looked at her phone.  “I knew what I was getting into.  You guys warned me,” she giggled.  “So what’s the Giant’s Causeway shoot for?”

“This one’s for the Agency.” Katelyn stated.  “We’re producing a new brochure and a new ad campaign focused on our three Irish girls.”  She winked.  “Oh, and we’ll be filming this one as well, for your cousins Cas and El, for their music video.  And you don’t have to cover up the tats this time.”

“The wha?” Angela looked at Sophie.  “You didn’t tell us your cousins are recording artists.”

Amanda giggled.  “It’s not official yet, but Radio Disney’s Rebecca O’Hara is collabing with them on a song they wrote called ‘The Causeway via Galway’.  They’ll mostly be filming on a set, but slicing in some shots of you two at the Causeway.”

“Gah I’m soo beat I could fall asleep right here..” Sophie sighed as they climbed into David’s rental car. As a matter of fact as soon as David pulled out from the building, Sophie had fallen asleep on Destiny.

Angela giggled quietly.  She was a night person, and still wide awake, unlike Destiny whose head was bobbing fast.  She quietly pulled out her phone and started surfing news sites as her cousin dozed off in the back seat with Sophie.

She texted Casidhe, ‘Just had an idea for another song title 4 u, ‘Belfast Tracked

<3 lol.  Soph & Des r dead in the back seat of bodyguard’s car.  Heading to the hotel.  Hope ur having a gr8 day over there :)’

Casidhe texted her back, ‘lol that timezone change is killer huh?  Having a blast with Rebecca.  Can’t wait to get Sophie’s tin whistle part recorded in the mix.  BTW what happened did Des ask Soapy out yet?’

‘YES! ^_^’

‘Omg yaaay we won’t tell ne1 till they’re ready <3’

‘Actually Sophie asked Des out, but yeah.’ Angela giggled as she texted.  ‘They r being sneaky gonna play like the rumor was about a lesbian photo shoot & then go on a date afterwards it’s soo cute’

‘I read that might be the smart thing to do as a celeb?’ Casidhe texted back.

‘Ya this way they dont give the gossip rags credit & they get to date on their terms.  Its what M+J did too ;)  Oops @ hotel gtg xoxo’ Angela texted, putting away her phone as they arrived at the hotel.

“I’ll grab Sophie.” Nicole said as David parked the car, “And you get Destiny.  I almost don’t want to move them.”  Nicole wanted to take Sophie instead of Destiny because she knew how to handle her if she woke up suddenly.

“Sounds like a plan.” David grinned, “I don't want to end up on the ground again.”

Nicole tried really hard not to laugh as she carefully rolled Sophie up into her arms.  To her amazement, she didn’t even stir.  “Damn, she must be exhausted.”

“They worked pretty hard.” David laughed, “After you left.”

“I got their purses,” Angela said as she got out, carrying three handbags. “And their swag bags.” she reached in and grabbed the bags with the clothes in them.   The designers loved it because it meant the models would be seen in the ‘wild’ wearing their designs.

“Hey,” David said as they carried the girls inside, “Did you hear?  Melissa’s stepping down from the company.”

“Yeah, I’ll believe it when I see it,” Nicole said, nodding.  “Boss says she was super worried that Sophie was in the car with her, and only calmed down when the lawyer told her she was driving alone.  I mean,” she waited until they were on the elevator together to continue, “Ang, you’ve met Mel right?”

“Unfortunately,” Angela said.  “She’s freaking scary.”

“Exactly,” Nicole said.  “I think something got knocked around in her head.  Maybe that’s what she needed to mellow her out.  Either way, Katelyn’s temporarily in charge until Drew can be named the new CEO.  But you two didn’t hear that from me.”

“Sorry what?” Angela said, “I was looking at my phone like a typical teenager and didn’t hear anything you adults just said,” she teased, and grinned innocently.

“Just so you know, I’d rather work for Drew.” David stated as they waited.

Nicole nodded, “Same here.  He’s a smart guy, and he cares about the talent, that’s rare in this industry.  He was looking to expand the brand to include recording artists I believe, but Melissa wouldn’t hear of it.”

“Makes sense,” David said, “Expanding I mean, especially in an age where modeling, acting, and music all overlap.  Even Paris Hilton is a DJ now.”

“Katelyn actually is really eager for the change.” Nicole nodded.  She carried Sophie into the room and gently put her on the bed.  

“Where do we want this one?” David asked.

“Put her next to Sophie.  Nothing will happen; they’re both out like light.” Nicole said.  “And they’re good kids.  Just don’t tell Destiny I said that,” she added, grinning.

~oOo~

“Uhhh.” Sophie yawned as she woke up at 4:30 in the morning. Destiny was cuddling close to her.  She blinked.  She blinked again.  She slid a hand down and pinched herself on the leg, flinching.  She was definitely not dreaming. Sophie smiled and gently crawled out of bed trying not to wake Destiny.  

She could hear someone snoring in the next room, and poked her head around to see Angela dead to the world, mouth open and snoring away like an old saw mill.  She tiptoed out of the bedroom area of the suite, and into the small kitchenette to get some coffee.

“Morning Sunshine.” Amanda said, nursing a cup of coffee.

“Morning,” Sophie yawned as she picked up a mug and poured some coffee into it, adding a tiny bit of sugar and creamer.

“Sleep good?” Amanda asked.

“Too good.” Sophie yawned. “I had a good dream.  Dreamt I got to kiss Ashleigh Brown at a photoshoot,” she teased and giggled as she sat down.

“You know.” Amanda laughed, “We keep all your photos right? Because you retrain the right to use them in anyway you wish.”

“I also know that you guys have the right to use any photos taken during a shoot,” Sophie giggled.  “It was worth the risk.”

“Yup.” Amanda said. “Actually I wanted to show you something.” she turned her laptop, to show Sophie that she was on stockphoto, three images and they sold a ton already.

“Holy cow,” Sophie said.

“Yeah,” Amanda said.  “We’ve already got the lawyers going after some morons who are using your images illegally too. But those who paid for it here can use it.  Half the proceeds go to your college fund and the other part go to your charity.”

“Who needs college when you look this good?” Sophie struck a dramatic pose, and then burst into a giggle.

“Okay lil Miss Diva, Beauty doesn’t always last forever.” Amanda winked.

“I know,” Sophie giggled.  “I’m joking.  Besides beauty’s only skin deep.  I might go into acting when I’m older, or music, or I might get into astrophysics.  That Neil whatever guy on Netflix is cool beans.”

“Astrophysics huh?” Amanda said, “You should talk to Sister Lauren. Did you know she has a degree in Astrophysics?”

“Wow really?” Sophie said.  “Yeah I’ll definitely ask her.  I just got to that episode of Cosmos where the guy’s on about how women - a couple of whom were deaf -  invented the field.  It’s bloody amazing.”

“Yup.” Amanda said and turned her laptop back around, “Katelyn will be up shortly, and we’ll have to wake everyone else up, so we can get a start on the day.  It’s about 5 hours to the Causeway, and that’s just the beginning.  You know how long a photoshoot can last; we have a lunch and a dinner event as well.”

“Aye,” Sophie said, “I imagine this one’s going to be a bad one too because yer gonna want to see the Causeway in different lighting.  I’m telling you, at dusk the place is magical.”

“Yup.” Amanda sighed. “We got a crew already up there but they haven't been up there long.  We’ll also have local police on hand to help with the tourists.  We’re letting anyone who wants to, watch because it’s such a major tourist attraction, but since we’re photographing and filming, they’ll have to keep back until the regular breaks.”

“Oh gosh,” Sophie said.  “Hadn’t thought about that.  I’ve done two press conferences and that’s it for public stuff.  I mean I’ve done plenty of live street performances, but this is professional.”

“Speaking of which, still got your tin whistle?”

Sophie grinned.  “Aye it’s in my handbag.  I never go anywhere wi’out either my Clarke or my Feadog, or both.”

“Good,” Amanda nodded, smiling.  “We’ll need it for a few shots for the girls’ music video.”

“Oh aye,” Sophie said.  “Casidhe texted me that she’d e-mail you the music for me so it’ll sync properlike with the dub later, or something like that,” she said, finishing her coffee.  “I know how to get Katelyn up by the way.”  She picked up her phone.  “Okay Google, play Shippin’ up ta Boston.”

It didn’t wake Katelyn, it woke Destiny. “You and I are soo going to see them live.” she yawned. “I grew up on the same street.”

“ I want to see Boston.” Sophie nodded.  “I hear it’s a lot like Galway in some areas, like Dublin in others,” she laughed.

“The entire city is an Irish city that’s for sure, Irish and Italian.” Destiny poured some coffee.

“Well I mean, the town’s made famous for being rebels so that fits,” Sophie giggled out as Angela and Katelyn came stumbling into the room.

“Ugh, Des, you and your damn Dropkick Murphys.  It’s 4:30 in the damned morning.” Katelyn groaned.

“Sophie did it,” Destiny giggled. “I’m innocent.”

“Sorry,” Sophie laughed.  “But Mom Amanda said we had to get everyone up soon to get ready to leave.”

“Yeah.” Katelyn sighed, “I was hoping to get a little more sleep.  Speaking, did you call the Limo Manda?”

“So we’re doing a cover of Rose Tattoo as well up there huh?” Sophie looked at her phone. “Better than doing Johnny I hardly knew Ye, everyone does that.  But I get why I get to show off my tats now.”

Amanda giggled.  “Yeah, they’ll be downstairs at 5 ready for us.”

“And yes, you will be doing a cover of Rose Tattoo,” Amanda grinned.  “The girls want to do a 3 song ‘album’ single to start, featuring one of their own songs, and the two covers.”

“Can you sing?” Destiny asked.

“Aye.” Sophie giggled.  “It’s my clan’s talent, music.”

“Damn girl you really are a jane of all trades.” Destiny laughed.

“I haven’t warmed up, so bear that in mind,” Sophie said, “But,” she looked at the phone and started to belt out the lyrics from the sheet music Casidhe had sent.  She stopped when someone knocked on the hotel room door, and giggled.

She went to answer it figuring it was someone to bitch about her waking them, but when she opened the door, “Morning ladies.” It was David. “We’ll have a clear day today, no media outside.”

There was a blonde haired girl in the hallway behind David.  She nervously tapped him on the shoulder.

“Yes?” he said, turning around.  She leaned up to whisper in his ear.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but um, could you ask the people in the room what artist they were just listening to?  That was really good, and I wanna find it on iTunes.”

“It’s not out yet.” Sophie giggled, “You’re welcome by the way.” she began to sign an old irish song, “When goin’ the road to sweet athy, Hurro Hurro.” 

She was surprised when the girl sang the second part with her.  She giggled.  “Sorry, I love Irish music.  I’ll quit bugging you now.”

“That’s by the Irish Rovers originally.” Sophie said. “I remember when I was wee me mum used to listen to it.  And you’re not buggin’ anyone.  My limo doesn’t get here for another 25 minutes if you want to come in for a minute.”

“My folks are still asleep,” the girl giggled.  “If you’re sure it’s okay...  I’m Ariel Coldwell.”

“I’m Sophie Dee, this is Destiny, my two mums Amanda, Katelyn, an my older brother slash bodyguard David.” Sophie said, “Angela is probably in the bathroom.”

“Oh my God,” she froze at the door.

Destiny giggled, “I think you locked the poor girls brain up.”  She walked over to put an arm around her.  “It’s okay.  We’re all human,” she giggled softly.  “Breathe.  Kinda anyway, Sophie’s a Shide.”  

“Sorry,” Ariel said, taking a slow, deep breath.  “I don’t mean to go all fangirl.  It’s just I never thought I’d run into someone famous.  I was just on my way back from grabbing a donut downstairs when I heard you singing.”

“It’s okay, It’s nice to meet a fan.” Sophie giggled, “You’re actually the first one I’ve met in person.”

“Can I... Um,” she looked at her phone briefly.

“Only if I get to take one too,” Sophie giggled.

“Sure.”  Ariel smiled as Sophie snapped a selfie with Ariel, tweeting it out after Ariel took one, too, ‘#Selfie with the first fan I met in person <3.’

“What brings you to Galway?” Destiny asked.

“Oh, just vacationing with the fam,” Ariel giggled.  “We’re going to see the Giant’s Causeway today and then tomorrow we’ll head to Edinburgh, Scotland for the haunted tour thing.”

“Oh cool we’re headed to the causeway too.” Sophie grinned. “And you’ll enjoy the Scots company. They’re good people.” 

“In the highlands, anyway,” Katelyn added, grinning.  “Just don’t look anyone in the eye in Glasgow,” she teased.

“She’s kidding,” Sophie giggled.  “... Well, mostly anyway.”  Ariel laughed.

“My aunt Barb lives in Glasgow and says the same thing, so,” Ariel said grinning.  “Thank you guys so much for letting me hang out.  This just made my whole vacation.  Um, could I ask one more tiny favor?  I got a cool souvenir tin whistle in a box back in my room.  Could I get you guys to sign it?”

“Sure,” Sophie giggled.  Ariel disappeared for a few moments and returned with a long green box that declared it the ‘Clarke Celtic Whistle’.  It really was a nice presentation with a see-through window of the little $10 whistle and everything.

“Good brand, Clarke,” Sophie said as she signed it.  “They’re verra airy especially at the high end of the second octave.”

“I saw a girl playing one outside a flower shop the other day,” Ariel giggled.  “I was like ‘I have to learn to play one of those’,” she said as Destiny and Angela signed the box next.

“If you make it to the Causeway while we’re on break between photo shoots today,” Sophie said, “I’ll be happy to teach you a few tunes.  They’re really easy to pick up and play.  Once you get the hang of the more advanced techniques, you can really wow people.”

“Oh gosh that would be amazing,” she said, hugging Sophie.  “Thank you again,” she bubbled, and let herself out.

“D’aww,” Angela giggled after she left.

“Okay gang,” Amanda said, “Time to head down.  It’s a long drive, so get some rest in the limo if you can.”

~oOo~

“I’m not used to not packing my own things.” Destiny stated on the drive.

“Me either.” Sophie shrugged.

“You two signed a new contract with Amanda right?” Katelyn asked Destiny and Angela.

“Oh aye.” Destiny nodded. “I had to because I dropped Ashleigh Brown as a name.”

“Sophie.” Amanda asked, “Was Irish your first language or was it English?”

“Irish was my first language, I speak it natively, and prefer to speak it when I can, but it’s easier to speak to everyone in English.” Sophie stated.

“Okay.” Amanda said, “These are things we should have asked you a bit ago for your contract. Do you have any preferences for TV and Movie?”

“No.” Sophie shook her head, “I donna watch much TV or movies, Casidhe has gotten me into a lil bit of TV and I watched Frozen for tha first time.  Been binge watching Netflix like I said this morning, that Cosmos show,” she giggled. “And I like Bill Nye saves the world.”

Amanda laughed.  “I mean, do you have a preference for being on TV or in movies?”

“No, as long as I get to read it first?” Sophie shrugged.

“Also when did you get those Tattoos?” Amanda asked.  Sophie looked up, a little amused that Amanda had only just noticed them.

“You mean the ones on my back?” Sophie asked.  “The ones I’ve been covering up every photo shoot?”  She giggled.

“Yeah, I just didn’t want to say anything till things settled down a little.” Amanda stated.  “But I’ve been curious for awhile.”

“Had them since I was T`urteen.” Sophie giggled.  “Actually I did get them on my 13th birthday, sort of a little present to myself for surviving a year on the streets.”

Sophie turned and raised her top so they could all get a better look. They were very well done, and they were very Celtic, she had a trinity knot and a few of Irish Tribal tattoos.  “The one on the right represents the O'Brien clan, my birth mum’s family.  I used to be really proud of them,” she said flatly.  “The other one’s the Sidhe sigil, my adopted clan.”

“You should still be proud of the O’Brain clan.” Katelyn stated. “Just because yer mom was a twat doesn’t mean the rest of your family is.”

“I want to get one more eventually,” Sophie said, “Representing the Price family.”

“It’s illegal for you to get them in the US.” Amanda warned her.

“That’s okay, I’d rather Joan do it anyway,” Sophie said.  “And it’s not something I plan to do soon.”

“We understand we can’t stop you from getting them.” Katelyn said, “But I’d like you to inform us when you get new ones, nothing on the neck or face please.”

“Well, that’s the thing,” Sophie said.  “It was one thing when I was just a street kid.  Now that everyone’s suddenly looking up to me, I’m not sure I should get more.  Like, I don’t want to encourage others to do something just because I did it.”

Destiny spoke up, “I think they make you unique and, yes a lot of teen girls will want them too, but at the same time you can also tell them that you wished you waited.”

“They’re addictive.” Sophie shrugged.  “I do wish I’d waited though because wif I get any taller, I’m worried they’ll distort or deform.”

“So they’re your drug.” Amanda laughed. “And Doctor Wilson says you’re done growing up right.”

“So I’ll always be 5’3” huh?” Sophie giggled.  “I can live with that.”

“Yup.” Katelyn nodded. “Your bones are pretty much all set.”

“I can live with that too,” Destiny grinned.  “I like short girls Tall girls are hard to kiss.” she winked. “And hug.”

“Only kissed two myself,” Sophie laughed.  “And the first one wasn’t by choice. She stole it from me, and got a steel toe cunt punt as Richie called it.”

“You’re the first girl I’ve kissed,” Destiny laughed, “But I’ve kissed a few boys.  Not like full on tonsil hockey or anything, just the same as what we did for the camera.  But I liked it a lot more.”

Sophie giggled and snuggled into Destiny, “So when we get back Stateside we go straight to TMZ right?” she asked Amanda.

“Then you go get rested.” Amanda laughed, “You have a meeting with Drew.  After that you have the entire week off, no modeling, no meetings, just you and your friends, and your tutor of course.”

“I can’t wait to get Sophie down to the beach,” Destiny giggled.  “But you’re going to need more sunblock than I do.  I wonder if they make SPF 500...”  Sophie giggled and poked her.

“Oh that does remind me,” Destiny said, “Do you think now that Ashleigh Brown is buried in the past, I should let my hair go back to its natural color?”

‘Listen to this!’ Cashide texted Sophie, ‘You’re going to love this.’

“Even I know star wars.” Sophie sounded excited as she listened to it. “And Dubstep.”

“Oh my God, she’s gorgeous,” Destiny said as she leaned over to watch with Sophie.

“Aye.” Sophie agreed. “She’s good, those are Irish Pipes too you know?  By the way what is your natural hair color?”

Angela pulled out her phone, grinning, and brought up an old picture of Destiny from before she started dyeing it, showing it to Sophie.  “Here you go.  This is from right before she became Ashleigh Brown.”

“Red eh?” Sophie giggled, “You should go back to it.”

“I will.” Destiny said, grinning, “I stopped getting it touched up already.”

“By the way I feel like a sell out, I’m not even Irish and you’re billing me as part of the Irish Trio.” Angela added.

“Bah,” Destiny laughed.

“You’re Irish, you’re part of me clan now.” Sophie grinned.

“And you’re my mom’s sister’s daughter.  You’re half Irish by blood already.”

“Yeah, but I’m the least irish girl in the group.” Angela laughed. “I don’t have an accent, And I don’t speak Gaelic.  I have that fake accent I developed for Law and Order based on yours, but I can’t keep it up more than like ten minutes.”

“Give it time.” Sophie grinned, “I’ll rub off on ya.”

“She’s right about that,” Katelyn said.  “Four days and she’s already rubbing off on me.  Mom gave me a hard time about it even,” she laughed.  “Said I sounded like I was living in Belfast.”

“Nothin wrong with Belfast.” Sophie grinned.

“Bunch of pirates and thieves,” Katelyn teased her, grinning back.

“So?” Sophie giggled.

“So I fit right the bloody hell in,” Katelyn laughed.

“You want to talk about not Irish,” Amanda laughed.  “My parents are German and Norse.  My dad wanted to name me Ingrid but Mom wouldn’t hear of it.  I can’t even fake that gorgeous accent.  I’d sound like a cereal-hoarding cartoon leprechaun at best.”

“She really does,” Katelyn giggled and broke into the lucky charms mascot accent and voice, almost perfectly, “She doesn’t know I already stole her Lucky Charms.”

“Don’t ye dare touch me pot of gold.” Sophie giggled. “Er I’ll beat ya with me shillelagh.” she put her arm around Destiny.  Angela sloooowly reached over and poked Destiny. Sophie giggled and gently smacked Angela’s hand. “My pot o’ gold!”

“Ach, me blarney!” Angela giggled.  She paused.  “I really hope that wasn’t as racist as it sounded to me after I said it.”

“Racist as all heck.” Sophie teased. “Joking, you not I feel bad for American tourists kissing the stone, you know we Irish pee on it.”  She giggled.  “Actually we make fun of a lot of American ‘traditions’ they have about Ireland. They do the silliest of things when they come over here.  I think Ariel has the sanest, most accurate view of any tourist I ever met.”

“Yeah she definitely seemed more interested in the culture than in hugging sheep or whatever,” Angela giggled.

“I really hope she never kissed the stone.” Sophie giggled.

“So that’s what the secret ingredient is in stout,” Destiny grinned.  “I mean I’ve never tasted it, but it sure smells like piss.”

“Oh that’s just the alcohol in it,” Sophie laughed.  “It’s got a very... unique flavor, but I can’t stand the stuff honestly.  I don’t like what it does to you.  But like Mum Amanda said, tattoos are my ‘drug’.”

“If that’s all you ever get addicted to besides me then I’m happy.” Destiny grinned.  “There’s this model Ang and me used to be friends with, Vanessa...  She. got into some really hard stuff.  We don’t talk to her anymore.  I think the agency might even have fired her,” she sighed.  “Which sucks because she used to be a lot of fun.”

“Before she became a coke fiend,” Angela nodded.

“Yeah, we cut her loose to another agency. We have a Zero tolerance for drugs.” Amanda stated.  “She’s on a one way trip to rock bottom, no pun intended.  She wouldn’t accept help, so we sold her contract.”

“Nicole mentioned her while I was pretending to be asleep the other night,” Sophie nodded.  “It’s pretty fucked up what she did to Nicole.”

“You can really pull off the fake sleep.  We really thought you were sleeping.” Amanda laughed.

“Street.” Sophie shrugged. “Ya gotta sleep with one eye open.  I musta eventually dozed though.  Someone put me to bed without waking me up, which still kinda scares me.”

“Nicole did.” Katelyn stated. “Okay, that’s good.” She looked up, “Sarah has a court appearance tomorrow morning, in lawsuit over illegal usage of your image.”

“Oh, good.  I mean I wouldn’t care, but they’re robbing my bloody charity,” Sophie giggled.

“That’s why we’re being very protective of your image, It was good that Ariel girl asked permission first before taking that selfie.” Amanda stated.

“You have to tell her.” Angela grinned looking at Amanda.

“Oh yeah, the girls are donating a portion of their money to the charity now as well.” Amanda grinned.

“What?” Sophie looked at them.  “Your Mum needs that money.”

“She was the one that suggested it.” Destiny said.  “Besides, Amanda renegotiated our contracts.  And by renegotiated, I mean Mom doesn’t have to work anymore,” she giggled.  “I mean she still wants to,but she doesn’t have to work two jobs.  She’s going to get a college degree and come work for the agency.” 

“Needless to say,” Katelyn said, “Shite’s changing around here.  Melissa signed coherently a retirement statement.  She’s taking a severance package including insurance, and turning everything over to us.  She’s going to retain 2% of her shares which puts her out of the company. But allows her to keep a decent lifestyle.”

“I hope she walks again,” Sophie said, “If only so I can give her a swift kick in the arse.”

“The surgeon thinks she will.” Amanda added. “It’s going to be awhile.  She’s already recovering really well.”

“Good,” Sophie sighed.  “I know it wasn’t my fault, but I still feel partly responsible.”

“She asked about you over 100 times by the way.” Katelyn stated, “When we negotiated her retirement. She’s very torn up.”

“I’ll...  I’ll try and work myself up to talk to her when we get back.”

~oOo~

Sophie spotted someone in the parking lot at the scene view, a girl, about 15, “Anj?” she called out.  The girl was carrying a very traditional bagpipe, with a  real fox skull on it.  Sshe had tattoos all over her including her face, and she looked like one of those Irish Ghost warriors.  She wore a wrap top that showed off everything but her chest, and a skirt made of leather and fox fur.

“Aye,” Anj said.  “If yer wantin’ an autograph ye’ll hafta find me a pen first,” she said with a lazy grin.

“Níl tú cailín amaideach Is mise dom Sophie Dee.” she said to Anj.

“SOPHIE!?” she squealed and threw an arm around her, supporting the pipe bladder with her other arm.  It made a little ‘squawk’ as some of the air got squeezed out from the hug. “I thought you were dead er somethin girl.  My God, look at you.  Ya look like a bloody princess.”

“Destiny, Angela, meet our Clan leader Anj Murphy.” Sophie grinned at Anj.  “Anj was my music teacher before I became street,” she laughed.  “But I never expected to run into her here.”

“Ah you know me, Soph,” Anj said, “I travel all over fair Eara.  I was just about’a pay respects to the ancestors if you wanna join in?”

“Is that one of the tattoos you have on your back?” Destiny noticed that Anj had a celtic knot music note on her neck.

“Aye that’s our clan marking, Cas and Ell have one too.” Sophie grinned.  “Bet you didn’t know we really are cousins eh?  Adopted, but regardless,” she laughed.  “It’s the mark of Sidhe - banshee, spirit, elf... Tthe English varies.”

“Nope,” Destiny giggled.  “I thought that was just a line for the PR department.”

“Her mum doesn’t know though,” Sophie said.  “I didn’t want er to think she had to take me in when she had two girls to raise on her own already.”  She turned back to Anj.  “And I’d be honored to join you, but I ain’t played pipes in years.”

“I got my spare.”  Anj smiled as she walked over to her bag and pulled out a slimmer version of the pipes she was carrying. “Got to give thanks to our ancestors, and the gods, and the Sidhe, you know.  The Saints, too,” she winked.  “Go on girl.  It’s like ridin’ a bike.  Ya don’t forget so easy.”

Sophie took the pipes and filled the bag slowly, and then began to make what is known as the dread sound, without the music, just from the bag itself through the drones.  Then started to play the song of Tir Na Nog.  Anj soon joined her, and they stood together side by side, as a crowd of tourists watched in awe.

Anj stopped while Sophie continued, “Tis the story of our clan,  the Shide we are, Fair folk,” she said, choosing her inflection carefully to make it sound like she either was calling the audience ‘fair folk’, or the clan, ‘Faerie folk’.  Sshe began to tell the story of the clan, as Sophie played on. “Warrior women of Ireland.  We bent no knee to any but our King, who it’s said, bent his knee to his beloved Queen the queen of the Fey.”

Angela leaned over to Amanda and whispered, “Please dear God tell me you have someone recording this.”

“Yes.” Amanda giggled and pointed to two women with big hefty cameras.

“There’s legend, of an Elfin girl, a Sophia DeShane, who used to rule this area.” Anj continued, “Fair Maiden of the sword was she, the last of the Warriors of Tir Na Nog.  She is our ancestor; she made her sword a musical instrument.. 

“The sounds from her battles echoed through the valley.  Oh aye, the Scots will say they invented the pipes, and they’re half right, for the Scots are we Celts after a fashion. Their Picts are our Picts. Their Sidhe are our Sidhe.”

The tourists, not all American either, hung on her every word, including a certain young blonde-haired girl named Ariel.  A few had their cellphones out, recording Anj, but most were rapt and lost in the moment absolutely.

“Some say the Sidhe and the descendant of Sophia DeShane still roam Ireland.” Anj continued and picked up her pipes as she and Sophie began to play Danny Boy. “Give it up for my Pixie friend Sophie Dee.”  She smiled as she took another break from her pipes.  “First Irish Princess in a thousand years. I say she be the Queen of the Fey reborn.”

Applause and cheers followed as Sophie finished.  It was all she could do to fight the blush she felt welling up from the base of her neck, as she bowed and tried to return the pipes to Anj, who laughed and shook her head. “They’re yers girl I told you that I would give you a set one day, but ya ran off before I could make good.”

Sophie spoke in Irish, “Thank you Anj, my sister.” she held her hand out to give her a warriors greeting, and then grinned.  “I got one more I want to try, but I never played it on pipes before.  I want to try coz my friends over there are Boston Irish. And they’re big fans of DropKick Murphy”

Anj laughed.  “You lead an’ I’ll follow,” she said, winking at Sophie. 

A man that was shaved bald with clan tattoos started to sing,  “The pictures tell the story, this life has many shades, I’d wake up every mornin and before I’d start each day,  I’d take a drag from last night’s cigarette that smoldered in it’s tay, Down a little something and then by on my way!  I traveled far and wide and laid this head in many ports, I was guided by a compass, I saw beauty to the north, I drew the tales of many lives, and wore the faces of my own I had these memories all around me So I wouldn’t be alone!  Some may be from showing up, others are from growing up.”

~oOo~

Anj had joined the girls after all the shoots and recordings, “We’re a rather large clan, if you hadna noticed, you’ll even see some in America too.”

“Can I ask,” Destiny said, “What clan?”

“We’re the Sidhe of Melody, specifically,” Anj stated.  “Many surnames, but we’re all the same.”  She winked. “Once adopted you are blood forever; the sidhe never forget.”

Destiny and Angela shared a look.  Destiny giggled.  “No way.  It couldn’t be.”

“Wha?” Anj asked, “I got somehin’ on me face?”

“No,” Angela giggled.  “Our Granddad used to talk about a clan of clans.  His first wife, our maternal grandmother God rest her, was supposedly a member.”

“Tha would be us!” Anj laughed.   “Legends we are.  What was her name?  wWe remember all.”  She called a girl over. “Meet Nanja, the keeper of names.”  

The girl had the brightest green eyes, and like Anj she was covered head to toe in tattoos, but hers were Celtic runes.

“Nice to meet you,” Destiny said brightly.  “Her name was Alanah Sullivan-Morris.”

Nanj didn’t say a word, she pulled her shirt up, to right below her breasts, and pointed to a name in runes,  “There you be.” Anj said, “Nanj can’t speak because she’s taken a vow of the druids to never speak again.” 

“She watched her brother’s death.” Sophie sighed. “And swore she would never speak again, and hasn’t.”

Nanj nodded as she lowered her shirt again and smiled, making a fist which she used to pound her chest once with the flat part. Then she showed off her muscles like a warrior.

“She says she’s stronger of heart for her decision,” Sophie said as Nanj pointed to the girls and signed asking their names.

“Oh,” Angela said, as she and Destiny introduced themselves.

‘Welcome to the clan.’  She grinned proudly at them.

“Nanj is of the wolves.” Anj pointed out because Nanj had wolf fangs canines.

“So I’m dying to know,” Destiny said, “How did you and Anj meet?”

“Long story short?” Sophie said. “On accident, I tripped over a branch in the woods, and tumbled down a hill.  I landed in their camp.  That was long before I had run away to find Mum obviously,” she laughed.

“I knew Sophie since she was 7,” Anj said, “I’ve been a member of the clan since birth. We travel and never live indoors. Not to say you can’t. It’s just how the main part of the clan works.”

“You weren’t kidding,” Angela said.  “You really are an Irish gypsy.”

“Part.” Sophie giggled.  “I would have joined them when I ran away, if I hadn’t been looking for Mum.  But it worked out in the end.”

“The clan’s proud of ya all.” Anj nodded.  “Still wish you’d come to us though.  We could’ve helped you even as ya searched, silly girl. We’re here and there for you, even if we are not here on the islands, we’re everywhere. And we hear it all, and see it all from Eire.  E’en the Brits’ Secret Service,” she said, looking right at Amanda and grinning. “As soon as you mentioned Sophie Dee’s name, we knew, we sent up Fire to tell the clans.”

“The Sidhe of Melody, we spread the song fast.” A young man said. “Specially when it comes to the name of one of ours.”

“How many people are part of your clan?” Amanda asked.

“Around 35,000 people worldwide.” Anj stated.  “As I said, not all live as we do - probably 300 total who live traditionally, but we recognize them all.”

“About.” The young man nodded. “We’re the last few traditional that travel Eire.”

“They’re sort of like the aboriginal bushmen Megan talked about,” Sophie said, “Except they’re, you know, Irish, and they don’t eat grubs,” she giggled.

“Hey,” Anj said, “If you’ve got the time, why not come to our camp for a bit?”

“You can hear a fire story.” A girl smiled and handed each girl a flower, even Katelyn and Amanda. “Your man with the tazer will not be able to join us.” she looked at David.

“It’s okay,” Sophie said to David.  “We’re safer with them than if we were inside Buckingham palace itself.”

“Is there a place I can be close by?” David asked.

The girl nodded, “There’s a campsite close you can stay at.”

“Sounds good,” David said.  “Just give me a call whenever you’re ready.”

“Ru will show you.” She nodded to the young man.