Chapter 11. Five Days in LA

As the meeting concluded and the contract was signed, sealing Rachel's future with MK Entertainment, a sense of elation and relief washed over them. Harper, always the thoughtful friend, turned to Benjamin and extended an invitation. "Benjamin, would you care to join us for dinner? We'd love to celebrate this momentous occasion with you."

Benjamin, though appreciative of the gesture, politely declined. "I'm afraid I have another appointment scheduled for this evening," he explained, his voice tinged with regret. "But I do hope you two will celebrate this achievement with happiness."

Rachel's face fell slightly, her gratitude for Benjamin's guidance and support evident in her expression. "I can't thank you enough for everything, Mr. Anderson," she said, her voice sincere.

Benjamin chuckled and waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, come now; just call me Benjamin. It feels strange to be called 'Mr. Anderson' when you know Dylan; I thought of her as a sister. She helped me a lot," he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I'll remember that." Rachel replied with a smile.

Benjamin's expression softened as he spoke to Rachel. "But don't you worry. I have a request for you instead," he said, his tone conspiratorial. "When you've achieved your dream and become the idol you've always aspired to be, I want you to treat me to a special dinner. That will be my payment."

Rachel's eyes widened, and a radiant smile spread across her face. "I'll remember that, Benjamin," she said, her voice filled with determination.

"Wonderful!" Benjamin exclaimed, clapping his hands together.

"Thanks, Benjamin, for everything," Harper said.

"Anything for the young lady Wilson." He then turned to Harper, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Your sister, make sure that I comply with her demand; I thought I would face two brats. But I gained friends today; you two are such sweethearts. It has been a great day for me!" He teased, his laughter booming through the room.

"Hahahahahahaha, we're not your usual teens!" Harper replied while laughing proudly.

Benjamin released the hug and patted Harper's back. "I believe that," he said, his gaze filled with fondness. "Now, it's time for me to be on my way. But we'll meet again, ladies. I look forward to that celebratory dinner in the future."

With a final wave and a warm smile, Benjamin departed, leaving Rachel and Harper to bask in the excitement of Rachel's new trainee program with MK Entertainment. As they watched Benjamin's retreating figure, Rachel turned to Harper, her eyes shining with emotion. "Thank you, Harper, for everything. I couldn't have done this without you," she said, her voice soft and sincere.

Harper wrapped an arm around Rachel's shoulders, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "That's what best friends are for, Rachel. We're in this together, no matter what," she replied, her voice filled with warmth.

-

As Rachel and Harper stepped back into their hotel room, Harper wasted no time in reaching for her phone. With a determined gleam in her eyes, she quickly dialed her sister's number.

"Dy, are you there?" Harper asked, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

"Yeah, I'm here," Dylan replied, her tone curious. "What's up?"

"I have a favor to ask," Harper said, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Is it possible for us to just use the hotel for five days instead of the full stay we booked?"

Dylan let out a thoughtful hum. "Are you done with everything already?"

Harper glanced over at Rachel, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "Yes, Benjamin has already helped us become Rachel's legal representative. The contract is signed, and we're all set."

"Oh, that's really great!" Dylan exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness.

Harper nodded eagerly, forgetting that Dylan couldn't see her. "You got it! Rachel is all set and officially with MK Entertainment now, one step closer to being an idol." Dylan, listening to her sister's energy from the way Harper talked to her, said, "And we thought it would be nice to explore Los Angeles for the next two days, then I'll escort Rachel to New York. After that, I'll head straight to Berlin."

"But aren't you going to be exhausted? I mean, it's a long way from Los Angeles to New York, and then all the way to Berlin." Dylan's voice was filled with concern.

Harper chuckled, her youthful energy shining through. "I'm still eighteen, Dy. I've got plenty of energy to spare!"

Dylan's laughter echoed through the line. "I keep forgetting you're ten years younger than me."

Switching gears, Harper asked, "Anyway, Dy, is it okay if I check out on the fifth day? Or should I call the receptionist now?"

"Don't worry about it," Dylan replied. "I'll call my friend and have them handle the arrangements. I'll return the $500 to you, but don't ask for the rest. It'll be used to cover the cancellation fee."

Harper shook her head, her voice filled with gratitude. "You don't have to do that, Dy. I know this hotel costs more than what I sent you."

"Nuh-uh, don't even try to argue with me," Dylan interjected, her tone firm yet playful. "Just text me your bank account details, and I'll transfer the money over. Don't underestimate your sister. You already have a bank account, as I told you, right?"

Harper's laughter echoed through the room. "You know me too well, sis. I won't question your repayment plan. Oh, and yes, I did open a bank account. I'll text you the details right away."

"Then you can use $500 to treat that little lady of yours and show her around LA for the next two days." Dylan's words brought a bright smile to Harper's face.

Harper's eyes lit up with joy. "Thanks, Dylan! You're the best sister in the whole world!" She couldn't contain her excitement.

Dylan chuckled, pleased to see her sister's enthusiasm. "Of course! Well, have you already booked your ticket to Berlin?"

"No, not yet," Harper replied. "I'll take care of that tomorrow."

"Alright, I'll make sure to transfer the money to your account as well," Dylan said, already mentally making a note to take care of the necessary arrangements.

Harper shook her head, feeling a little bit uncomfortable by keeping accepting things from her older sister: "I still have some savings from my part-time work; I can handle the Berlin ticket myself."

Dylan smiled, recognizing her sister's growing independence. "In that case, why don't you keep that money for your stay in Heidelberg?" she suggested. "I want you to be able to enjoy your time there without worrying about the expenses."

Harper felt a rush of gratitude for her sister's endless support. "Dylan, you're too good to me. I don't know how I can ever repay you for all your help."

"Nonsense," Dylan chided playfully. "You're my little sister, and I'll always be here to support you, Noah, and Chloe. Just focus on making the most of your time in LA and the rest of your adventure. That's all the repayment I need."

Harper nodded, her heart swelling with love and appreciation for her sibling. "Okay, Dy. I'll make sure to enjoy the best of LA and have an amazing time. And I'll keep you posted on all my adventures with Rachel."

"That's my girl," Dylan said, her voice filled with pride. "I can't wait to hear all about it. Now, go have fun and make some wonderful memories with Rachel."