Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tide is High - Radio Mix By Atomic Kitten 

Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal) by Fergie 

Wondering by Olivia Rodrigo, Julia Lester 

Run the World (Girls) by Beyonce 

Princesses Don't Cry by Aviva 

What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish 

Fine by Taeyeon

Merely Players by Ari Notartomaso, Niamh Wilson 

Thank Goodness - Wicked Soundtrack 

Number one girl by ROSE 

This is me (The Reimagined Remix) by Keala Settle, Kesha, Missy Elliot 

Grown Woman by Beyonce 

You Might Not Like Her by Maddie Zahm 

homecoming queen? by Kelsea Ballerini

The Giver by Chappell Roan 

Woman by Ke$ha 

Woman's World by Little Mix 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5MrII7cVK1sL7lCaE1KXK1?si=81IlsBq3QMS57Uj0PDdKFw

Chapter Text

MAYA 

One minute I'm escaping from him and the next there are lights flashing in my eyes. I groan. When I said I wanted a spotlight on me, this is NOT what I meant. I mumble about wanting to become a star and my eyes start to feel droopy. 

The next time I wake up I make eye contact with a young doctor who is checking my heartbeat. He smiles softly. "How are you feeling?" I think for a moment. "I think it's unfair that I'm not on a stage for millions of people at this exact moment." 

I make small talk with the young doctor. His name is Yulian. I notice some tattoos peeking out of his scrubs. I want to get a tattoo. My eyes kind of widen at how much the checkup costs. I sigh. "I don't have the money right-" 

Yulian grins. "I'm just messing with you." I scowl at him then look down at myself. I need to get out of this hospital gown. He clears his throat. "So what's your name?" I think for a moment. I look down at the M necklace and play with it. I hum. "Miss M. I'm a very busy woman." 

I'm already thinking of ways to put myself out there as a singer. I'm also thinking of ways to find my twin sister. I don't remember her fully because of a head injury that took place while I was trapped on the island but I refuse to believe she's dead. His words were complete and utter bullshit. 

Yulian waves in front of my face. "Earth to the Marvelous Miss M." I gasp. "Awww, you think I'm marvelous!" He huffs. "I was exaggerating at most." I flip him off. He chuckles. "I can help you become a star but you'll owe me a favor. I won't say when, just know that you'll owe me one." 

I narrow my eyes. "I can get to stardom on my own. I'm a powerful woman." He narrows his eyes. "So you don't need anything from me?" I huff. "I didn't say all that, I'll need food, some nice clothes, a masquerade mask, and a guitar if you have one." 

ARIELLA

I'm walking down the busy streets of NYC with Glyndon when I hear the most angelic singing. I walk closer and there's the prettiest woman singing with a guitar. I think of how I write songs and how I've been kind of looking for someone to sing them. 

Glyndon takes a bunch of cash from her purse and places it in a small cardboard box that's near the woman's feet. I grin softly. "You have an amazing voice and you're very pretty." She smirks in response and winks at me. She continues to sing. 

I stay until she's done singing. Glyn went to meet up with Cecily at a nearby cafe. The pretty singer seems startled at first. She tilts her head. "Do you really find me that pretty?" I hum. "I do. I also write songs for fun." Her eyes light up and without warning she grabs both of my shoulders. I don't mind it. I like her touching me. 

I learn that her name is Maya. She has a big smile on her face and is explaining how she wants to build an empire that will make her an untouched celebrity and a famous singer. I think for a moment. "I do have plans with a friend but I'm happy to give you my number." 

Maya frowns. "I don't have a phone. I've been sheltered for most of my life." She's wearing a masquerade mask but I can still see a slight sad look in her eyes. I nod in understanding and hum in thought. I grin. "I'll give you the address to my apartment and money for the taxi. And oh! My name is Ariella, Ari for short." 

I can tell Maya wants to protest but I shake my head. "I insist. Pretty girls deserve the world." Although she's grinning I can see her cheeks slightly turn pink. She's also blushing. How cute. I hand her the money and the slip of paper that has my address. 

MAYA 

Ari lets me take reigns on everything once I step into her apartment. It's been 3 days since I first met her. She just provides her song lyrics and sits back. I think she's checking me out. I'm flustered but I'm also basking in her attention. Her eyes are on me. I hum a little before setting a tune. 

I frown in frustration. The guitar doesn't sound good with Ari's lyrics. I speak up. "Ari, babes do we have any other instruments?" Ari grins and disappears for a sec. When she comes back she has some kind of box. She tells me it's a Cajon and that I should use my hands. 

Using a cajon is much better than using a guitar. I've already picked up a rhythm and I exhale softly before starting to sing Ari's lyrics. It flows through me easily and I get into the groove. There's whistles and cheers from Ari once I'm done. I bow like I'm royalty. I feel like royalty. 

Ari suggests that I make two versions. One that's upbeat and to the sound of the Cajon. The second version would be a ballad and to the sound of the piano. She reassures me that it's just a suggestion and that she still knows that I call the shots. 

I grin softly. "It's an amazing idea. Where would these two versions even go?" Ari grins as well. "My youtube channel. You'll be famous in no time." I squeal and throw my arms around her. I'm about to spin her around when I realize how close we are. I try to keep my face from turning pink. 

Ari smirks. "Hi pretty girl." I melt at her voice. It sounds more attractive. I think it might be because of the nickname she called me. Her hands slowly brush against my waist. She looks like she wants to lean closer but the doorbell rings. Ari gasps. "Right! Ava, Glyn, and their friends are coming over." 

Everything stops when the last girl walks in. She looks exactly like me but there are key differences. Could this be her? Is this my twin? She's alive. I could cry in happiness. I try to think of my last memory with her but my head starts to hurt like crazy. I start to sway and everything goes black.