From Gumboots To Jimmy Choo's

"Hey Zoe, come on, you've got to go into the studio today hun." Dad's soft voice said, stirring me from my blank dream. I blinked a few times before my vision actually became focused. Dad told me it was only six but that Theo would be here in an hour and a half.

I showered and brushed my teeth before pulling on some jeans, my green converse and a long sleeved v-neck green jersey with a white singlet underneath. I left my hair out today and wrapped a white scarf around my neck

"Lucky charms?" Chace asked when I came down the stairs. I shook my head and began to make myself some toast.

"Dad's leaving tonight remember." Chace reminded me. I nodded. Dad was leaving for New Zealand tonight to settle all the stuff with the movers, sellers, buyers and whatever else. He would be coming back with Tyler and Caleb on the nineteenth of December.

"OH MY GOSH!" I suddenly yelled, causing Chace to drop the box of Lucky Charms.

"What?" He yelled back.

"It's the first today!" I laughed, clapping.

"I'm related to a mental idiot." Chace shook his head.

"Yeah, a mental idiot whose brother won't be getting guitar hero for Christmas." I said and Chace grinned cheekily.

"I love you little sis." Chace grinned, wrapping his arms around me.

"Nope! Get off!" I yelled when he began tickling me. I laughed and struggled to get away. We were stopped by a horn beeping outside.

I grabbed my toast and a bottle of water plus my cellphone and i-pod that were in the lounge and ran out the door with Chace, racing him to the car. I got into the back seat, Theo and Kelsey in the front.

"Hello love. Just letting you know, OK! magazine and People magazine along with a bunch of others have got photos of you from the other night with the Jonases and yesterday with Miss Gomez and Miss Lovato. You seem to know how to put a good light on yourself." Kelsey smiled at me.

"More like, I know how I should act in public." I said and she nodded.

"So, we've got another photo shoot this morning, twelve you have actually been asked to be on the Ellen Degeneres show and then tonight we're back in the studio for a few more songs." Kelsey said, reading off of her organizer.

"Wow! Ellen Degeneres? Already?" I gaped and Kelsey nodded.

"Impressive work. Not even a week and you're already been asked for an interview." Theo laughed as we drove on the free way. It was weird getting used to driving on the right side of the road instead of the left. Many times I had accidentally gotten into the drivers seat instead of the passengers.

I laid my head back and put in my ear phones, turning up Lady Gaga's 'Money Honey'. I nodded along, staring out the window as we drove to the shoot. It was confusing, having to be up early and what not to go to a photo shoot. Had I been in New Zealand, I'd probably be in school right now, most likely fifth period.

"So, have I got a tutor yet?" I asked Theo and he nodded.

"Yeah, you're first lesson is tomorrow morning, eight till eleven." He said and my mouth dropped.

"You're kidding!" I exclaimed, hitting Chace when he snickered.

"You've already missed three days but now you'll be studying as if you were actually at high school, so you can now consider yourself a ninth grader." Kelsey said.

"But I was a year ten in New Zealand!" I protested.

"They're the same thing idiot." Chace rolled his eyes and my mouth made an 'o' shape.

"You're quite luck actually, you've only got this tutor until December twentieth then you'll be starting back up on January fifteenth." Theo spoke.

"Oh, and you'll be working extra hard since you haven't actually done any American schooling." Kelsey added.

I let out a frustrated 'hmph' before turning my music back up and leaning back again.

"We're here!" Theo announced half an hour later. We were back at the same warehouse but this time when we walked inside, we were greeted by a man dressed in leather pants, a white blouse and his head completely shaved.

"Hello, my name iz Miguel. You are my protégé, now come." He clicked his fingers then turned on his heel and strode off.

I stared at Theo who was eyeing Miguel with interest and rolled my eyes, hiding my grin before following the man. Today they had me dressed in a white tight tank with a black high wasted skirt with a bow, a pair of (O.M.G) gladiator heels, a vintage necklace, earrings, heavy metal bracelet and a dainty silver one. My hair was left out, a hat put on it and my make-up done darkly.

"Okay, now hold 'ze mic and pose for me!" Miguel instructed and I couldn't help but laugh.

I was getting better at this whole 'high heels' thing, I only tripped now, no falling at all. I held the mic up above me and tilted my head back, closing my eyes as he took the photo.

"Beautiful Zoe! You love it! You love it!" Miguel yelled and I laughed, my left hand on my hip as I leant forward, the mic still in my right.

"And, we are done! Zank you very much Zoe!" Miguel swept into a low bow before grabbing my hand and placing a kiss against it.

"Um, you're welcome?" I shrugged, grinning nervously.

"Good, good? Are we done? Okay Zoe, here's your outfit for your interview, come on, get ready." Theo said, pushing me back to the changing area. Theo had given me a leather jacket, a pair of pink jeans, flat grey boots and a grey top that had three chains dangling from it.

I changed quickly and then came out from behind the curtain and I think Chace's eyes bulged.

"Holy crap! My kid sisters got boobs!" He blurted out.

I was absolutely mortified as everyone turned to look at me, my face turning red. Okay, so the top was a v-neck and helped boost my lack of cleavage but did he honestly need to say it out loud??

"Men." Kelsey rolled her eyes at my brother who looked sheepish.

"Thank you so much for that analogy, now can we get going?" I asked impatiently, wanting to get out there.

"Yes, yes, come along." Theo agreed, ushering us out.

I got into the back of the car with Chace and buckled up, putting my i-pod buds back into my ears. I liked to stare out the window and see the world rushing by whenever I listened to my music. Each second something was being born, something was growing and something was dying. A life cycle for each and every single little thing on this earth.

The cars rushed past, sometimes with a family in them, sometimes just a single lonely person. I felt like that one lonely person right now, everything rushing past me, wishing for a friend. Kristen's my friend but she's still in New Zealand. My home. The place I used to think was the entire world. My world.

Was America to be my home? Nah, I couldn't be a proper American even if I was paid for it. I've still got my kiwi accent and I ain't getting rid of that anytime soon. I found it funny every time I went somewhere and I'd ask for something they'd ask me to repeat it. Dad told me that aparently American's believe we talk with a 'plum in our mouth'. I actually tried to talk with a plum in my mouth.. Yeah, there was a lot of dribbling going on. My phone buzzed again so I pulled out from my jean pocket.


Hello beautiful

=]
x

I couldn't help but smile.


Morning rockstar.

=P

x


Hows your morning going?

x


Pretty good. I've just
left my photo shoot and now
Im heading to my first interview.

=D

x


Wow. Fast work.
With who love?

x o x


Ellen Degeneres!
Im pretty cool you know.
Everyones just wanting a piece
of me. LOL.

x o x


Vain much?
Naw, Ive got the biggest
piece of you though havent I?

I have to go now love.
Ill txt you soon.

Miss you baby.

x o x o x


Baby? Hmm, spose it'll
have to do. Lol. I miss
you too rock star. Heaps.

x o x o x

I exited out of my messages and stared at my background. The one with Selena, Demi and I. I still can't believe I actually hung out with them.

"Zoe! Are you even listening? I said we're here!" Theo suddenly yelled, making me jump.

"Sorry!" I said quickly, turning my i-pod off and leaving it in the car as we all got out and walked in the back door of Ellen's studio.

People were rushing everywhere and soon I was grabbed and dragged off to a make-up room. I was sat in a chair, my original make-up from the shoot being taken off and replaced with fresh make-up. My face was dusted with mineral powder, a dark sparkly grey eye shadow brushed across my lids, black eye liner, mascara and then a pink-ish lipgloss with a pink-ish coloured blush on my cheeks.

A lady with a head set on and a clipboard came into the room just as the hairstylist finished curling my hair.

"Okay, so Zoe Cooper yes?" She asked and I nodded.

"Good, you'll be called on in about ten minutes okay? Now, are you ready for your performance?" She asked and I stared at her in confusion.

"Huh?" I said just as Theo rushed in.

"Ooh! Forgot to tell you! You're performing 'Full Circle' before your interview!" He said quickly before rushing back out.

"Well, I suppose that clears it up." I stated sarcastically as the lady smiled.

"Okay, so, Jane will take you to the green room where you'll wait until you have to perform. Is there anything you need?" She asked me, indicating to a smaller woman who walked in.

"Um, does the green room have honey and lemon tea?" I asked, almost shyly.

"Oh, of course, head on back there and wait for your cue." She nodded before leaving the room.

"Jane?" I asked and the smaller girl nodded. Okay, so she was taller than me but she was still rather small 'looking'.

"Zoe Cooper right?" She responded and I nodded, "Okay, follow me."

I got up out of the seat and thanked the hair stylist and make-up artist before leaving the room and following Jane down a series of hallways before we got to the 'green room'. Chace, Theo and Kelsey were already there, sitting on the couch watching Ellen on the large t.v that was in there. My phone buzzed again in my pocket so I pulled it out.


ZOE!
We've got our t.v on and we'll
be watching your interview.

GOOD LUCK!
=]

x o Demi & Sel

I laughed at the message just as another one came in.


Haha. Im watching your interview.
Good luck beautiful.

x o

I sent replies back to both of the messages before turning off my phone and giving it to Theo then sitting down and watching the show. I made myself some tea then settled on doing some vocal warm-ups.

"And we'll be right back with up and coming singer Zoe Cooper! Don't change that channel America!" Ellen laughed as the audience clapped.

"Okay, Miss Cooper to stage please!" Someone cried out. I stared at Theo and then turned around as a man with a clipboard and head set came in, pulling me out of the room and onto the stage. There were bright lights and people rushing everywhere, a band already set up.

"Okay, you ready?" The man asked and I nodded, standing in front of the mic and ignoring the shaking in my hands as I stared out at everyone.

"Okay! And we're back in five, four, three two, one!" The man mouthed the last word just as each camera began filming again.

"Welcome back to the Ellen show everyone and now, I've heard a lot of talk about this young lady. So I've asked her onto my show and now, here to perform for you America, Zoe Cooper!" Ellen cried out, gesturing to me.

The music started and I closed my eyes, a smile creeping onto my face. I opened my eyes back up to see the camera on me again.

"I've been in a rut, back and forth enough,
Heart like a wheel, Without you around,
So uncomfortable is how it feels.

Every time you're near trouble disappears,
Under the ground. But when you go to far,
silver clouds will start hanging around.

And I know why!" I pulled the mic off the stand as I started into the chorus, moving around.

"Try to run but I keep on, coming back
Full circle! And I can't jump the track, can't let
you go-o-o-oh!"

A few minutes later and the song finished so I took a bow, amidst all the cheering Ellen had walked over to me.

"Hi Zoe!" She smiled, giving me a hug.

"Hey." I grinned back as the cameras all zeroed in on us.

"Zoe Cooper everybody! We'll be right back!" Ellen yelled, her arm around my shoulder.

"And we're off!" The director called, rushing over to me. He led us to the arm chairs, me in one and Ellen in hers as the band was taken off stage.

"That was brilliant Zoe." She complimented me and I blushed.

"Thanks for inviting me on here." I smiled at her.

"Ah, no problem, talent like yours I'm glad I'm the first to have you." She waved her hand in dismissal.

"And we're back in-"

"Hey and welcome back! Now, before the break you would've seen this amazing teen singing her heart out! For those of you under a rock, this is Zoe Cooper!" Ellen gestured to me.

I smiled and waved, a blush creeping onto my cheeks.

"So," Ellen began, "How old are you Zoe?"

"Fifteen." I answered.

"Thank you for making me feel old." Ellen said sarcastically and I laughed.

"That may be but you still look twenty to me." I giggled.

"Kids a poet and she don't know it." Ellen said, smirking, "Anyway, now, tell me, where are you from? Because that's not an American accent."

"I'm from New Zealand actually!" I said happily.

"Really?" Ellen looked kinda stunned.

"Yeah!" I nodded, grinning.

"Wow, so how does America compare to Kiwi Land?" Ellen laughed.

"Well, it's a lot bigger let me tell you that!" We both laughed with each other.

"And what about you're family? How many of you are there?"

"Um, well there's my dad, my brother's Chace the oldest, Tyler and then Caleb." I counted them off.

"You have three brothers?" Ellen gaped.

"I know! Amazing isn't it?" I nodded.

"And so you're the youngest?" She asked. I nodded.

"So do you get any special treatment?"

"No way, my brothers pick on me merciless if I get any special treatment." I said.

"So, how does it feel nowadays, having to wake up early and whatnot?" Ellen asked.

"Waking up early was never a problem for me. I'd be up at the crack of dawn each day to feed the animals and muck their pens and stables out." I laughed.

"You lived on a farm? With a family of men? I admire your stamina!" Ellen said, "So, did you ever feel that you missed out on anything having been raised by men?"

I shook my head. "Yeah, I suppose being raised by four guys did set me back a bit in the whole girly department but I never felt like I missed anything. I was just a normal kid. Having three brothers, each of whom all played rugby, did toughen me up though."

"Yes, I bet it would." She agreed, a smile on her face, "How about your family, how do they feel seeing their youngest sister and daughter becoming famous?"

"Um, I believe they support me. I mean, my dad's going back to New Zealand tonight to settle like the sale of our farm house and everything and my brother's in the back, you know, I love my family and they're just so supportive of it all. I haven't even heard a complaint from them, they just, I believe, want me to get the best out of life." I answered her, thinking about my brothers and how I had actually never heard them complain.

"Sounds like the perfect family." Ellen smiled.

I shook my head furiously. "No way!"

"Why not?" She laughed.

"Did your brothers ever drop you in a game of rugby?" I laughed.

"They actually dropped you?" She gasped and I nodded, telling her the story about how they'd tried to get the ball off me.

"Now, I've heard some rumours that you're actually dating the youngest Jonas boy." Ellen raised an eyebrow.

"Frankie? Sorry, the kids cute and all but he's a bit young for me!" I gasped.

"No, no, the curly head one, Nick." Ellen laughed just as a photo of us hugging.

My cheeks turned pink. "Naw, we're just really good friends, you know. Him and his family have helped me heaps. My dad actually and Mr Jonas were mates awhile ago, that's how I got to meet them."

"So, what'd you do when you found out?" She asked me and I groaned.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes!" She nodded and then I retold her the story of how I met the Jonases.

"Okay, well, now for my final question, what's it like being here? You know, singing and everything?" Ellen asked.

"Being here is a dream. Most people from where I come from can only imagine what it's like but here I am. I'm living it and it's wonderful. So I'm going to stay grounded and not let it go to my head. I'm going to stay me." I answered honestly.

"Ah, wise words from a smart girl. And that's all we have today everyone, I hope you enjoyed the show!" Ellen called and then the Pussy Cat Dolls 'When I grow up' began playing.

Ellen pulled me up and began dancing with me. We shimmied and swayed, me laughing my head off.

"So, that was great Zoe, I hope to have you back here when you're an international superstar." Ellen said, giving me a hug.

"Of course, you'll be the first person I call when that day comes." I laughed.

"Bye!" Ellen called before walking off. I waved back and then I was escorted back to the green room.

"That was brilliant Zo!" Chace said, running over and giving me a hug.

I switched my phone back on just as a message come through.


Absolutely brilliant love.

x o

Yeah, life was definitely getting better.