(A/N: Hey hey! What's good, everyone? :D

MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS OR YOU'LL BE CONFUSED!

So as sort of an apology for the long wait/little something extra to hold you until I update again, I want to give you guys a draft from my story notebook.

I've had this notebook since I started high school, and it's got all my crazy ideas and pages of word vomit, with a few versions of some chapters also. I haven't shared anything from that notebook except the finished project, but this piece is something I'm kinda proud of, so I'd like to share it with you!

Sometimes I make different versions of the same chapter to help decide where I want to go with the story, and also so I can practice writing a certain scene. This is the first version I wrote for the Prologue to Price of Fame. I ultimately picked the version you've read before this, but I figured why not post this? Both will lead to the same general plot.

So, without further adieu, here's the Prologue, version 2!)

Prologue

The room was spinning. A ceiling fan wobbled as the blades circled it's center, making a monotonous clicking sound every second, the only sound in this place. The incandescent light from the lamp on the coffee table seemed cold and harsh, and the floor seemed to tilt under me.

The room was driving me crazy.

There was nothing in here to look at, save for the tiny window in front of me and the complex design of the floor rug under my bare feet. There was no one in here, except me and my "friend". I study the lines in his crisp, new suit, a gold tag with the name 'Livingston, Ph. D' engraved in the center. He assures me that he's here to help, that I need to be open and honest about my problems. I don't need him.

I need her.

"You'll have to accept that, for now, she's trying to help the best way she knows how, Michael." He says, resting his elbows on his knees and leaning forward in his leather chair.

I lean away from him, scoffing. "More like you persuaded her to put me in here to get paid. Don't think you slick, man, I know the games y'all like to play. What, you like to pick on celebrities in particular?"

Livingston frowns at me, disappointed. I couldn't care less, to be honest. Maybe I have become a little paranoid, doesn't mean I can just open up and trust people like that.

No matter what shots I take at him, Livingston-- or Rick as he says to call him-- keeps his cool. "Like I said, I'm genuinely here to help you. I'm a big fan of your music, you know." He smiles, then turns serious again. "Now, why do you think she wants you here?"

I grip the seat arms tightly. "Because I have a problem."

He scribbles in his notepad, then looks up again. "A problem with what?"

I close my eyes. Images of broken glass flash behind my eyes, and orange bottles strewn across the bathroom floor. The sound of her screaming. Darkness.

I open them again. "With sleeping pills."

Scribbling again, Rick hums in acknowledgement. "I see. And why did you need them?"

It's harder to keep my calm when he asks, and I don't even notice myself shaking. Funny how that one question reminds me of how much of a piece of shit I am. My life is spiraling out of control, and I lost my best friend. Of course I wanted fame, but I didn't want all of this.

I sit up straighter. Feeling the G pendant that I still keep around my neck tap against my chest, I feel the sob in the back of my throat. Rick calls my name, and I snap.

"BECAUSE SHE LEFT, OKAY?!? I DROVE HER AWAY AND NOW --." The sobs break free, wracking my body and making me hiccup like crazy. "I promised her that I wouldn-- oh God, why did I do that?!"

Rick just gently pats my shoulder in sympathy. "Why did she leave?"

I take deep breaths, running a hand through my hair. This is going to be hard. Looking back on my actions, I don't blame Gabi. I would've left my ass in a rehab center, too.

"Why don't you start from the beginning, Michael?"

Taking one last breath, I sit back. "Might want to get comfortable, Rick, this is way back in the beginning. I'm talking the best time of my life, a while after our first live performance together..."

(A/N: So how was it? Any ideas on how this story plays out? I'm excited already!

Hope y'all enjoyed this little snippet from my notebook. Maybe I'll post more in the future. First chapter is coming soon!

Comment, vote, and all that jazz. Man, it feel good to say that again! :D)