The Archives of BFF

“Lisa, what was it like moving into the BFF House,” the interviewer asked.

 

Lisa pondered for a moment as she traveled her mind back to 2013. It was surely an interesting time to be alive…once again.

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Xan and Lisa sat impatiently as they rode from the airport to the BFF House. Both were quite in shock as driver drove through multiple cities. They were wondering where the famous Switch live.

 

         “What is this?” Xan said in a quiet tone to Lisa.

Lisa shrugged.

Xan continued, “First we are in Brooklyn. Then we somehow end up in New Jersey and now we are back in New York. Expect this time there is not a single skyscraper in site.”

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Indeed they were surround by farmland and abandon 1800s buildings that were burn in a potential lightning fire.

Lisa gave it some thought, “Well we are probably heading to Monroe.”

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Xan adjusted his glasses.

He sighed, “Please tell me that’s near the Hamptons.”

         “Nowhere near the Hamptons.”

         “For a group sign to the biggest label in the world… they sure live in the middle of Amish-looking land. I haven’t seen a grocery store or even a gas station for the last 40 minutes.”

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Suddenly they hit an unexpected turn into a beaten road.

         “Recalculating. Make a U-Turn. Make a U-Turn,” said the GPS.

Lisa eyes open wide as she notice that they went off the grid. According to the GPS, the road that they were traveling on didn’t exist.

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         “Do not mind the GPS,” said the driver, “we will arrive shortly.”

 

About five minutes went by before the shiny black car stopped in front of a huge black gate with a yellow crest name [BFF] on it. The driver step out the car and punch in a secret code which open access to hidden estate.

Driving through the frail trees, in the muddy weather, a white 1920s castle mansion shined out. Awaiting outside, on the stair steps, was all of Switch, standing next to each other like it was an elementary school photo. Everyone was wearing their BFF World forest green uniforms. Surely the girls were shivering as they worn their pleated skirts in the 40 degree weather.

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         “Roommates?” Dice whispered to Toran.

         “Hardly think they know what they signed up for,” Toran whispered back.

         “They signed up for death row.”

Toran nudged Dice for his insensitive comment.

         “It was just a joke,” Dice sighed.

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         “SILENCE!” Yelled Mr. Smith.

Quickly everyone straighten their backs, fearing of retaliation of Mr.Smith’s wrath.

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Xan squished over to Lisa as the driver pulled up to the stairways.

         “What kind of introduction is this?” Xan asked.

         “Why are they all wearing uniforms?” Lisa added.

 

Lisa went to reach for her seat belt but quickly was in shock by how close Xan was.

         “XAN!”

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Xan quickly helped her unbuckle her seat belt before opening the door.

         “You first,” Xan said urgently.

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Lisa took a step out and everyone was in awe.

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Asia whispered to Alanna in great shock, “An Indian? Not saying that a bad thing but woah. How Mr. Smith describe her… yeah. Yeah.”

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Following Lisa was Xan.

         “And another white boy,” Asia whispered, “You know Ex-S Records got to balance the race out.”

         “Girl please,” Alanna joked.

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         “ATTENTION!” Zachary yelled out of nowhere.

Everyone fell in line. Three snaps commences before they sang an a cappella chant,

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“We welcome you to our home.

No longer you will be alone.

‘Cause soon you will be sitting on the throne.

Of the great ensemble that we will sing,

perform not fight, Oh you will see.

We welcome you to our home.”

 

Zachary, Carlos, Brittany, and Brionna, step down and honor Xan and Lisa with their very own custom BFF World uniforms.

 

The four sang with great strength while some members rolled their eyes, wanting the gimmick to be over.

 

“We welcome you to our home.

No longer you will be alone.

‘Cause soon you will be sitting on the throne.

Of the great ensemble that we will sing,

perform not fight, Oh you will see.

We welcome you to our home.”

 

DUN DUN DUN. (Everyone stomps their feet.)

Jazz hand to finish the show.

 

Lisa and Xan were quite impress by the Anniei inspire performance.

Xan, in great excitement, tried to sing, “And the sun comes out…”

 

However, Zachary quickly shut down Xan.

         “No,” he said after handing over the ironed uniform to him.

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The four return to their spot and Mr. Smith descended down the stairs.

         “Introduce yourself to Switch.”

 

Xan immediately nudged for Lisa to go first.

Lisa gaze up at the intimated crowd. It was America’s Sweethearts and Heartthrobs, standing right before her.

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         “Hi… My name is Lisa Devi. I am your new producer who will be living with you.”

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         “What language do you speak?” Dice asked.

         “I can understand Hindi but I mainly only know some Arabic and of course English.”

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Many whispers came from her response. Surely it place some insecurities inside her as she notice that she was the only Indian and middle eastern member in the group.

         “Arabic?”

         “No one in the group speaks Arabic.”

         “I’m not learning Arabic to pass a message along to her.”

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Leo glanced at Maxwell and Sammatha. Their reaction was stiff and lifeless. Not even an eyebrow was lifted.

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Stepping forward, Xan clear his throat for everyone attention.

         “Knock it out the park I guess,” Lisa said quietly to Xan.

         “Watch this,” Xan said cocky, “Oi, meu nome é-”

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         “English,” Mazen yelled.

         “SHUT IT,” Mr.Smith shouted.

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Xan and Lisa was taken off guard by Mr. Smith’s reaction.

         “Continue,” Mr. Smith smiled.

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Xan glanced over at Mazen who was throwing a not so nice middle finger in the air behind Mr. Smith’s back. His ego was slightly shatter in that moment as sweat trickle down his back.

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         “My name is Xan Oliveria. I am the new producer for Switch and assistant in training for Mr. Smith. Spoiler alert… my language is Brazilian Portuguese… and English.”

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Simon chuckled a bit.

         “Leo. Leo. You have a twin. Well look at God. He done bless you with brother who speaks your father’s language. We got to invite him to our kickback,” Simon whisper cheerful.

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Mr. Smith cheese.

         “I am sure you will get along with Mr. Sanchez-Junit quite well, Mr. Oliveria-”

Xan quickly caught Mr. Smith’s word, “Its just Oliveria. Just Oliveria. Typo on the application, that all.”

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Mr. Smith shook Xan and Lisa’s hand and welcome them to the BFF House.

         “I have to leave for a flight to LA. Someone show these two to their rooms.”

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Xan and Lisa patiently waited for someone to come down the steps to help them with their bags but no one move. It wasn’t till Mr. Smith got in the car and left the estates entirely.

It was about three minutes that went by when suddenly Romeo’s watch went off.

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         “Coast is clear.”

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Everyone sigh in relief. The guys started to loosen their ties and some of the girls rushed inside to flee the freezing weather.

         “What is going on?” Xan questioned.

 

         “YOU MADE ME MESS UP DURING THE PERFORMANCE!” Cameron yelled at Jean.

         “YOUR HAIR KEPT FLYING IN MY MOUTH!” Jean yelled back.

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Lisa was in awe. Coming toward them was Maknae Line.

         “You want a piece of my chocolate?” Mazen asked.

 

         “Uhh” Xan was puzzled.

         “SIKE! BRO THOUGHT! Look at his face!”

 

Kyan and Mazen started chuckling really hard before proceeding to the fountain.

         “Do not mind them. They are sugar high,” Asia said.

Alanna added, “Stay away from Dice or he will get you addicted to drugs. And stay away from Rap Line. They are the nasty ones in the group. Don’t let those pretty eyes for fool you. AND-”

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         “Okay Alanna. Let’s not scare away our new buddies,” Asia said pulling Alanna to the fountain.

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                  “You talk to them.”

         “No you do it.”

                   “Why me?”

         “You wanted to bear some responsibilities around here.”

                  “No.”

         “Yes.”

                  “No.”

         “Yes.”

 

David sighed and grab my wrist down the stairs.

“You are coming with me,” David said.

Suddenly we were standing before Xan and Lisa.

“Hi. David-”

 

         “David Sommer and Valen Valentina or Valentine,” Xan said shaking our hands firmly.

         “So you done your research,” David said wiping away Xan’s sweaty shake.

         “No need to wipe your hands. We aren’t super fans. We are just as talent as you,” Lisa said.

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         “Prove it,” David said.

Xan and Lisa were confuse.

         “I’M KIDDING!”

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David reached over and gave the two a big hug.

         “Interested in being in Varsity Guys Xan? I can maybe create a pitch deck where you can TAKE MY SPOT.”

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Xan choke a bit.

         “There is no way you are willing to freely give away your spot in VG.”

         “Varsity Guys. Not VG. We don’t do shorten names around here. So don’t think about creating nicknames, unless you want to end up in a heated argument. And yes I am. Mr. Smith works that entire unit like a dog. The expectations is huge and flaw.”

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         “But the fame you receive,” Lisa questioned.

I laughed, “Fame means nothing when your insanity level is to the roof.”

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Xan looked around the front yard. Some members were hanging out the steps. Others like Courtney were trying to calm down Cameron as she throws dirt at Jean. Maknae Line is hanging out at the fountain like it some state of the arts kickback spot. Its a vibe.

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Xan said, “Switch. You all have switch personalities off camera. Very lively.”

Lisa let out a laugh. “Sorry”

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         “Don’t be,” David smiled, “This is the reality of this group. We are a certified platinum in music and neglect. As long as Mr. Smith not here, you are going to witness some crazy lore. Of course you will have to keep it a secret.”

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         “Is she alright,” Lisa pointed to Cameron who was breaking down crying.

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         “LEAVE ME ALONE!”Cameron cried.

         “I DIDN’T EVEN TOUCH YOU CAMERON!” Jean said before LeeSung pulled him away.

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David rolled his eyes.

         “That’s Jean and Cameron. Fight. Fight. And fight. Don’t let the looks fool you, they got a lot of problems.”

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         “Does this happen often?” Xan questioned.

David turn around again to witness more tears and cuss words being thrown at each other.

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David continued, “Oh they are just having fun with each other. They are bored. When they are bored, they fight. They fight when they are bored. That’s my rule of thumb. At this point just let them trauma bond.”

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Lisa was not very fond by David response.

         “Any tips we should know about living here? About being in this group?”

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David glance at me for my two cents.

         “I only have a nickel and that’s to stay away from Rap Line and Duo Line.”

         “Wait I am the producers for the all the guys,” Lisa said concern.

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         “Don’t buddy with them Lisa,” David added, “Everyone in this group got their own battle they are dealing with. Some members come from a fancy prestige background like Toran or Zachary but others that I shall not name come from very dysfunctional background. Don’t eat with them. You will find yourself either high or heartbroken Lisa. Trust me, they would be first to get kick out the group and you just got here. So I wouldn’t bother.”

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         “Oh… Nice to know,” Xan said.

David snap his finger, “Oh when Mr. Smith is gone, its free game. Just know when he is here be on his good side, always. We can talk about that later. Um also church on Sunday. It the only time we get to actually get off the estate freely. Don’t worry. No one there cares about our fame or status. Its a small tight knit Baptist… Jehovah Witness…non-denominational… I don’t know. Its a church and they talk about Jesus. Just know if you find some members smoking behind the church, don’t be surprise. Just let them be. Also if you are not Christian then see it as a field trip to get out the house. We practice and record all our music here so don’t expect the Hollywood high life.”

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Xan and Lisa looked at each other then back at David and I.

         “Your serious?” Lisa said.

         “More than I would like to. Did you read your contracts?” David said.

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         “Uh…”

         “Kinda…”

         “Sure…”

 

         “You didn’t read it did you?” David asked.

Both shook their head.

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David chuckled a bit. “Oh friends. Welcome to Switch and BFF since you live here. Look around. You just sign your life away for a 360 deal.”

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         “What’s a 360 deal,” Xan asked.

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David and I looked at each other.

         “They really didn’t read it,” David whispered to me.

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         “Don’t mind him,” I said, “Lets get your bags inside. I am sure you are chilly, no?”

“You serious don’t know what a 360 deal is? How old are you? Did you have a lawyer with you when you signed,” David asked very concern.