So in the mist of trying to get a tiny break from Confessions I wrote this. I'm not sure where I got the motivation for this. I'm really not that depressive of a person.

ENJOY??

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Life Sucks

Chapter ONE: Java Junction

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Five years after Camp Rock all I amounted to is empty concerts and no life. Some 'celebrity' life. Lets face it, my life is unexpectedly boring. All I do is write songs, go to the studio, and perform. I don't know why I became dull. I mean, I don't think I am. There is nothing wrong with staring at the ceiling or counting how many grains of salt there is in a pepper shaker. In fact, I really don't mind it. There is plenty of self discovery when I'm all alone and have some time on my hands. For example, I had no idea that I could go five weeks without eating meat and that my arm falls asleep when it's about to rain.

You didn't expect me to be this lame.

Well, I am.

Yes, there is some hidden back story as to why I'm suddenly a different Mitchie Torres.

And yes, a guy was the reason why I'm so pathetic these days.

Where shall I begin my horrible story? Oh yeah, five years ago. Final Jam ended and I was holding hands with THE Shane Grey from Connect Three. That was perhaps the peak moment life. Five months later I was dumped and Shane was surrounded by girls ever since then. I spent way too much time wondering what in the hell went wrong. And after analyzing a play by play of my relationship with Shane, I can honestly say there was no reason for his shameless dumping. I was just dropped. I came to realize that some girls are destined for some guy in a white horse to whisk her away to her ever after. Some girls sit around and wait for a glimpse of happiness. Girls like me spit on prince charming and don't think twice on waiting. And once I realized that, I never once waited around for some jerk to sum up the courage to ask me out. I contemplated on prince charming but then I thought he was too busy looking in the mirror to remember me.

I didn't return to Camp Rock the following year. Apparently I missed out on a LOT of things. After that summer, Caitlyn, Tess, and Lola joined forces to become the ever popular pop trio, Bleeding Sunshine.

How morbidly sweet right?

Bleeding Sunshine?

Yuck.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Bleeding Sunshine and Connect Three are totally together in every way, shape, and form. They all paired up and are living a fan-fucking-tastic life together. They are the poster faces of what celebrity dating is. Sweet little Lola manage to grab Shane's attention. I'm not sure how that happened. I read in an article that after waking up together, having no recollection of what happened the night before, they became inseparable. Tess and Nate was a HUGE shocker. First of all, who knew that Tess was interested in someone other than herself? Caitlyn and Jason was shocking as well. Not as shocking when I saw an interview that they've been seeing each other since before I bounced in the Camp Rock family picture. Was there any legit reason why Caitlyn didn't tell me this when we were buddy buddy?

Trust me, I've asked myself if I was jealous of the combined success these three pairs have had. I'm mad that I never got a proper explanation from Shane. I'm dishearten to hear that Caitlyn doesn't even remember me. But I'm mostly jealous that I'm here at Java Junction playing for two people, while Connect Three and Bleeding Sunshine (seriously…) are playing for thousands.

"Thank you!" I smiled.

As one person unenthusiastically clapped for me. The workers snickered as they sipped on their damn fraps.

"This one is called Life Sucks because life truly does suck sometimes." I introduced my next song. Before I got to play my first chord someone tapped my shoulder.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry to be so rude but could you stop? I find your songs a bit…depressive and I'm trying to write a psychology paper on happiness. The mixture isn't really…'blending', so to speak."

I sneered at the guy with the five 'o clock shadow and dark circles under his eyes.

"Fine." I set my guitar down, "I'll be taking a short break."

The five people in Java Junction snorted and continued on with their lives. I jumped off the stool and made my way up to the counter to order a huge muffin to go along with my cold black coffee. The counter boy, whose name is Ted, tried to bit back a mocking smile. I returned it right back once I handed him my exact change before I jumped back to my stool just in case someone else wanted to hear me play. I sat there eagerly waiting for a song request. After twenty minutes and a half eaten muffin I decided to call it a night. As I packed up my guitar I looked at the tip jar and saw I got two dollars, a note, and a pipe cleaner. My most successful night. The studio would love to hear about this. I reached inside and grabbed my earnings just as a couple entered Java Junction.

Darn it.

I should have waited a little longer. I could have squeezed another dollar out of those suckers. I was debating on leaving when I recognized the two people that joined us. I was stunned to see Tess and Nate again. His curly hair and her blonde hair were unmistakable. Out of all the coffee shops in New York, they had to come to this one. I nervously fumbled around as I grabbed my things. I was trying to think of a way to get out of here before they recognized me. I was not about to explain how I ended up in a small coffee shop that didn't even want me.

"Hi, can I have a soy latte?"

"Ooo, make that two!"

I cringed as I tip-toed behind the star couple, nearing my freedom. My hand was on the cool door about to push it open when Ted decided to be civil and bid me a farewell.

"See you tomorrow Mitchie!" Ted waved.

I ignored the surprise faces of Nate and Tess as I plastered my fakest smile.

"Alright Ted! Goodnight!" I squealed more than said.

I nearly ran out of Java Junction.

---

"Hi Christine." I greeted as I entered the studio. I thought today would be a perfect day to spend my whole day here. I wasn't planning on returning to Java Junction ANY time soon, just to be safe. I'm sure Ted and his gang will enjoy my permanent vacation.

"Mitchie?" Christine called out. I froze in my tracks and spun to face her. "What are you doing here?"

I pointed to my guitar, "I thought I should record some more songs. Someone told me agents love variety. I was thinking of adding some beat boxing to this new song I wrote last night."

Christine tittered, "Ah, your sense of humor never fails, Mitchie. No, um have you gotten a call from Henry yet?"

I furrowed my brows, "No. Why? Has he been itching to talk to me?"Christine pursed her lips, "Yes."

"What about?"

"Well I don't think I should be the one who tells you this. I think it would be proper for you to wait for Henry." Christine quietly said.

"I've never been a proper person. Tell me." I urged.

Christine took off her glasses and smiled, "Well, when you sign that contract with us, we made a promise that we were going to provide all the equipment you needed if you can get land a job at another big shot recording studio."

"So?" I said, not quiet understanding what she was trying to tell me.

"So, because you have yet to show us anything, Henry decided to cut you off." Christine smiled.

"Cut me off?" I repeated.

Christine put her glasses back on, "It was a nice time we had together. It really was."

I began for the door.

"Listen Mitchie, we didn't want to let you go. It's just that we had an agreement." Christine yelled.

I gave her my middle finger goodbye as I left.

Great. Now what am I suppose to do? I spilled out into the busy sidewalks of New York. I shoved my hands in my pockets. I was thankful that my mom was good friends with my landlord but how am I going to expect my dad to pay my rent for the eight month now? I didn't think it was going to be that hard to get into the music scene here. Camp Rock made it seem easy. If you had a special talent that alone was enough to land gigs everywhere.

I passed by Java Junction again. Ted was smirking at me as he put up a HELP WANTED sign on the door. As much as I wanted to continue walking pass by, I couldn't. I forced myself to walk back and greet this Ted.

"Hey Tedster. I see you're working." I faked a smile.

He raised an eyebrow, "I see you have your guitar, are you here to play for the rest of the day?"

I frowned, "No. I see you need a barista."

"We do." Ted nodded.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but…where do I sign up?" I forced a smile.

Ted looked at me in surprise, "You want to work here? Whatever happened to your music? Didn't work out or what?"

I snorted, "Like it's that much of a shocker. Really, I need a job."

"Can you handle a morning rush?" Ted asked.

"I could try." I shrugged.

---

Morning Rush? Psh. Piece of cake. For the past few weeks the only problem I had about morning rushes is actually waking up to be at work at 5 in the morning and since I had no life, I usually worked all the way till midnights. Yup, that's nearly 20 hours in one day, which is why I only worked on Mondays and Fridays. Ted was always glad when I was around. I made his job a piece of cake.

"Mitchie, it's like you were bred for this job." He complimented me one day after a huge morning rush. I frowned. Does that mean I'll never amount to anything else but be an amazing barista? SO much for my big musical dreams.

Today, I was feeling the lazy Monday affect. After serving my last customer, all I wanted to do is kick up my feet and lounge with a cup of black coffee in my hands. Instead, I had to do some stock out in the backroom as Ted took his fifth break. I organized the coffee blends just as he asked me to: by country (alphabetically) and by the strength of the taste (least to greatest). Just as I was nearing the Brazilian coffee I heard the door chime ring. I waited for Ted to run out to greet the customer but I heard dead silence for about three minutes.

"I'll be right with you!" I yelled out as I rushed to place the bags of coffee beans in order. I was nearly done when I accidentally ripped open a specialty bag and thousands of coffee beans spilled out and littered the floor.

Great.

"Are you alright? I could wait." The man said. "No, no, no. Do you know what you want? I have a great memory." I yelled out form the back.

"Umm, do you guys have any teas?" The man asked.

I snorted, "This is Java Junction."

I began to sweep up these pesky beans. What kind of person asks for tea at a coffee place?

"Umm, I'll just have the soy latte then."

I stepped out of the back room and quickly whipped up his order. I place the cup on the counter and began punching buttons at the register.

"One soy latte, that will be seven dollars and…"

Somebody pinch me. Please tell that Nate wasn't flashing me a stupid grin while I gawked at him.

"Seven dollar and how much?" Nate smiled.

"Ah…and ten cents." I finished.

Nate handed me his black credit card.

"I had no idea you worked here." Nate said.

I swiped his card.

"I thought the last time it was just a casual bump but to see you again…how are you?" Nate asked.

"I'm doing fine. Please sign." I handed over his receipt and a pen for him to use.

Nate quickly scribbled his name and took his latte, "It's been how long? Three years?"

"Five." I corrected.

"Five years? Nooo!" Nate said in disbelief.

I nodded, "Five."

"Wow, that long?"

"Yup."

"What are you doing here? We all thought you would be some huge sensation by now." Nate sipped his latte- a latte I should have spilled on his face.

"Well, I thought my career options were limited in the entertainment business so I came here and I'm pursuing my life dream of being a barista." I smiled.

Nate frowned, "Are you joking?"

I sighed, "Ah, yes. I guess my sense of humor isn't for everybody."

"Oh," Nate said as if he was truly disappointed he didn't catch my sarcasm, "So how's life been since-"

"Since Shane dumped me? I've been living the American dream." I brightly smiled at me, "I totally planned ending up here with Ted and the gang serving the most delectable coffee on this avenue."

"I wasn't going to-"

"Mention Shane? Why? Is it because he dumped me and never gave me a solid reason as to why he did. And now that he has Lola, he's bag of love mush and you thought it would be rude to flaunt your band mate's happiness to me?" I sighed, "Nate quit being nice. It never got me anywhere…as you can see."

Nate stared at me like I was growing corn out of my ears.

"Are you still holding something against him?" Nate took another sip.

I leaned over the counter and placed my head in my hand that was propped up.

"I have something against everybody."

"Even me?"

I scoffed, "Especially you."

Nate cracked a smile, "You're kidding…right?"

"You're a quick learner. It took Ted a month to figure me out." I sighed, "Anyways. Enough about me. How's things on your stratosphere? Bet it's nice."

"It's alright. Nothing special, really." Nate mumbled.

"Pft, yeah right. Are the parties not as extravagant like before or what?" I asked.

Nate put his cup on the counter, looking clearly offended, "I'm sorry but do you have something against me?"

I grinned, "I'm glad you finally got the hint."

"Mitchie what is wrong with you? Shane said you're the sweetest girl he ever met and I agreed. What happened to the old Mitchie?" Nate exploded.

I remained unmoved. Does he really want me to pull out my sob story and violins?

"If you stick around long enough, you might be able to find out." I winked and left to clean up my mess.

---

Infuriating. Nate took a seat on one of our tables and sat there all day. ALL DAY. I was trying to avoid him but every once in a while he would order something and since Ted took the whole day off and clocked out about two minutes ago, I would have to take Nate's order. Irritating part was that everything he did order he got very specific as to how he wanted his coffee.

The last order he wanted his coffee beans to be one part Brazilian and two parts Columbian, the milked had to be steamed to vapor, and exactly four sugar cubes to be dipped into this coffee. DIPPED, not dropped.

I was sweeping behind the counter and giving the counter a wipe as he approached me again. Right behind him was a group of preteen giggling girls. Finally, some real customers. It might be way past their curfew but they weren't Nate and I couldn't careless about their bed times.

I forced my smiled, "Hi, welcome to Java Junction, would you like to try our special? It's for assholes that won't leave a girl to properly do her work."

Nate grinned, "I'll take the special."

I rolled my eyes and charged his black credit card for the sixth time today. I triumphantly smiled at myself as I over charged his special. Fifteen dollars for his damn cup.

"Don't you ever eat real food?" I asked.

"Nope."

"You're order will be ready soon…HI, welcome to Java Junction. Is there anything off the menu you want or would you like to customize your own drink?" I asked the tiny person who twirled a strand of blonde hair around her finger.

"Oh, can I just have like, hold on." She smiled and turned to her friends, "It's like five of us right? Marsha, Mindy, Manda, and Milly? Right?"

Her friends nodded.

"Let me guess. You're name starts with an M too." I said.

The girl gave me the ugliest look, "My name is Tiffany! Just give me five strawberry fraps. Oh, and easy on the sugar. We have to go to sleep soon."

I plaster on a smile, "Will do. That would be thirty-two with seven cents."

This Tiffany whipped out a crisp fifty dollar bill, "Keep the change."

I quickly snorted and went right to work. That tiny girl needs a lesson in math and in common sense. The sugar won't keep her up. The caffeine will. Just as I finished my fifth strawberry frap, Nate had to came near and complain about his order.

"I've been waiting." He whined. As I individually gave each girl their fraps, I glared at Nate.

"Would you be a bit more patient, sir?" I spat back.

Grabbed a cup and poured in regular black coffee shoved it over to Nate who looked mighty pleased with himself.

"Thanks."

Sip.

Spit-take.

"What the hell did you give me? It taste's like crap!" Nate wiped his mouth.

I frowned, "You're mopping up. I just cleaned the floors."

I glanced up at the wall. It was 11:48 pm. I still had a solid twelve minutes left before closing time. Usually I would have stuck it out but since I rather not see Nate for a second longer I decided to close early."Thank you sir for you purchases but the Java Junction will be closing now. If you can get your ass out so I can begin cleaning up so I can get back to my pathetic life, that would be greatly appreciated." I ushered Nate out.

Nate set his cup down and proceeded to pulled the blinds down from the two small windows. He shoved the tables to the side and put the chairs up on top. I watched in awe as he jumped over the counter to grab the mop to clean up his mess.

"Can you tell me now?" He asked.

I made a face, "Tell you what?"

"You said if I stuck around long enough you would tell me why you changed." Nate repeated.

I rolled my eyes, "I said I might tell you. I never made a promise."

"So you have no consideration that I stayed here all day and bought your over priced coffee just so I could know about you?" Nate asked.

I gave it a quick thought.

"Nope. But I'm really glad you mopped because I would be really pissed if I have to clean up after you." I smirked.

Nate looked away. He began to grab his coat and things. He looked genuinely disappointed. I'm not sure why I felt bad. I wanted to show him what it felt like to experience the cold shoulder life has shown me. Deep down inside me told me I should stop him before he walked out.

"What did you expect me to do?" I said loud enough for Nate to hear, "Did you want me to continue like if I was perfectly fine with what happened?"

Nate spun around on his heel.

I chewed on my lip, "Five months of these lovely dovey emotions and five months to despise how that feels like. I did get over Shane but I didn't want to go to the first place where we met. I didn't go to Camp Rock and suddenly arises Bleeding Sunshine and the world was fine and right."

"Caitlyn's in BS." Nate said.

I tried to stifle the laugh when Nate abbreviated Bleeding Sunshine.

"What?"

"Nothing." I smiled. "Ahh, anyways speaking about Caitlyn and Bleeding Sunshine…have you ever felt betrayed?"

"Honestly? Not really." Nate answered.

"When I heard about her and Jason dating back to longer than I expected, I questioned her loyalty. I wondered what I did to make her not trust me. I mean seriously, I wouldn't mind if she was dating Jason. I wouldn't have told a soul too if she asked me to. And to hear that's she buddy buddy with Tess? Ugh, I don't know. The one girl who gave me hell through out camp and she just forgave her like if all she did was spilled a cup of milk? . I'm sure you would hold a grudge too." I looked up at Nate who was sitting down again.

"I thought Tess apologized. She told me she did." Nate informed.

"Ha. Is that what she told you? Is your girlfriend a compulsive liar? She seems like the type."

Nate narrowed his eyes at me, "Weren't you the one that was caught telling lies at camp?"

I rolled my eyes, "I was a kid and besides, I think being unsuccessful is enough punishment."

"So you hate us all because we got what you wanted." Nate said.

"No, I hate that I had to go through a reality check while everybody else just swiftly got what I've been trying to get for the past five years." I raised my voice. "When was the last time you wrote a bad song?"

Nate was mute.

"Try writing bad songs like it's your hobby and getting dropped by your studio." I frowned, thinking back to the reason why I had to get this grimy job in the first place.

"I had no idea." Nate said in an apologetic tone.

"I think I have the full right to be a least bit jealous." I defended, "And sour, which ultimately cause this once bubbly Mitchie to be down right boring."

Nate shook his head, "You're not boring. You're just different."

I shrugged, "Different isn't always bad, now do me a favor and get out. I have to close this place up and grab the subway."

"Can I take you home?"

"What?"

Nate shoved his hands in his pockets, "Can I take you home?"

I scoffed, "What am I? Charity work? Get out."

"Please?" Nate begged.

I was close to shoving him out and telling him it was a definite no but that Mitchie buried deep down inside me told me otherwise.

"Only if you get out and let me close up." I offered.

Nate gave me a triumphant smile and marched outside.

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So what did you think? It's a bit different from what I'm used to writing. First time writing such a sour character BUT I promise Mitchie will change...later on.

=D

Review!