Work Text:
April 12, 2006, New Jersey.
The news were everywhere. Natalie Scatorccio, the lead singer of the popular band Heretic, had just been admitted to a rehabilitation clinic for illicit drug addiction. No one was exactly surprised.
Natalie had always been a controversial name in the industry. Since Heretic first began climbing the charts with their single No Good Deed, Scatorccio attracted attention for her chaotic appearance, controversial behavior, and her tumultuous – to say the least – relationship with singer Travis Martinez, who had been found dead at his Los Angeles home last year. In 2002, Natalie had run-ins with the police for driving under the influence, and in 2003 she was arrested for illegal drug possession. For older generations, Scatorccio was synonymous with trouble, while for younger ones, she symbolized a generation desperate to feel something, expressing resentment for something that perhaps never truly existed.
“You know, Jessica, it’s always shocking when news like this reaches us,” Walter Tattersall, the anchor of New Jersey’s news broadcast, pretended to be moved as he read the story aloud. If journalism was meant to be unbiased, Walter had thrown that principle right out the window.
“At least our star is getting the care she needs now,” Jessica Roberts, Walter’s co-anchor, added. She couldn’t even fake a shred of empathy for Natalie. “But tell me, Jackie, what’s the word on the street? Over to you.”
On the broadcast, the cameras cut from the studio, where Walter and Jessica finally dropped their act once they were off-air, to Jackie Taylor, standing somewhere in downtown Newark, surrounded by people going about their day, unconcerned about who Natalie Scatorccio was or what she did.
“Walter, Jessica. Is good to see me, isn’t it?” Jackie Taylor delivered her signature catchphrase, flashing perfect teeth, sun-kissed skin, and impeccable hair. “I’m live from Newark to gather public reactions to seeing New Jersey’s own music star sadly battling such a terrible situation. I’m here with Marisol. Tell me, are you a fan of Natalie and Heretic?”
Beside Jackie stood a girl with long hair, of Latin American descent, visibly excited to be appearing on TV.
“Good afternoon, Jackie. Good afternoon, America. Please, call me Mari. I have to say, I don’t think there’s a single person on the East Coast who isn’t a fan of Natalie, right? She’s the moment. Even her scandals are fucking badass.”
“I figured,” Jackie said, pulling the microphone back with a small laugh, trying to brush past the girl’s choice of words. “Now, how did you feel when you heard the news that Natalie was stepping away from the stage to deal with her addiction?”
“Honestly, I felt relieved. We don’t want to see something… worse happen to her, right?” Mari answered sincerely, placing her hand on her chest to show solidarity. “And what about you, how did you feel?”
“M-me?” Taylor stumbled for a moment — she dreaded live television, especially when bold individuals like Mari were selected for interviews.
“Yeah, come on,” Mari pressed, practically taking over the interview herself. “Is it true you her friend?”
“Sorry?”
“You were friends, weren’t you?” the Latina repeated the question.
Jackie swallowed hard, struggling unsuccessfully to pull herself together. The delay in her response created a tense atmosphere, and she could feel the eyes of those around her growing sharper, devouring her like a beast. The mere thought of the thousands watching her live sent a chill down her spine.
“Yes.” The crowd that had gathered around let out a collective gasp of surprise. “I mean, I did know her! But that was many years ago, back at school.”