The Great Gatsby: A Fictional Narrative

“Hi, Mom. Yeah, touring is still amazing.” Rica called. “It’s still a little busy as always, but I’m adjusting. How’s life at home?” She adjusted herself on the couch as Ebony laid her head on her lap and read The Great Gatsby. Rica stroked her face and played with her locs.
“I’m still getting used to you being gone.” Her mother said. “Andy’s been spending a lot of time with Eli, Ana’s in school, and I’m… I just miss our little girl talks.” She gave a small, pitiful laugh. “It’s just a little lonely for a few hours a day, and when Ana comes home, it’s like she doesn’t even want to talk.”
“Is it that bad?” She asked.
“I don’t even know what’s wrong. What kind of mother am I to see her child so upset and not be able to do anything about it?”

“I’m sure she has an idea. She always has these…visions.”
“Alright, but I’ll still leave this with you.” She handed him the razor and walked off.
Ebony stared at herself in the mirror. The man’s hand was on her shoulder firmly as she petted her hair. To her, it didn’t need any special treatment. It was beautiful the way it was. When Frieda came in, she looked at it and ran her fingers through the tight twists. “Frieda, I don’t think…”
“Put down the razor, Danny.” She said. “What were you planning on doing with that?”
“We were trying to find a way to fit this into a wig for tonight’s show.” He explained.
The woman held up a cherry red synthetic wig with blonde tips, making Frieda cringe. “No!”
“No?” They asked.
“No!” She said again.
“How about this one?” The man took out a black one with straight cut bangs. “We can dye it a different color if you want.”
“How about we not give Ebony a wig?” Ebony suggested. “We can let her keep her locs!”
Frieda looked down at her as she smiled in hopes that someone actually listened. “I don’t want you guys to mess up something that could cost us. The Jacksons are actually going to watch for the first time since Natalia Grey. We may have some gold here. The last thing we want to do is change anything too drastically, especially if they liked what they saw in the livestream.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “Let’s wash and

“They’re the CEOs of Faboo Industries. If we don’t perform well, we could get Fa-booted.”
“Not you too!” Kim sighed. “When did it come to everything being so perfect? What ever happened to music being just music? You know, an art form?”
Ebony shrugged. If things were just about music, she wouldn’t have so many doubts. She would enjoy herself on stage with thousands of people instead of fearing their judgment.

“The Moon Signs go on in five!” Stage managers buzzed by saying. “Five minutes!”
Backstage looked like a Black Friday event with everyone carrying something, running around, bumping into each other. Make sure it was perfect. Lauren zipped by everyone calling out for Raven. “Has anyone seen her? Where’s Raven?”
“Raven?” Renee called. “Raven, where are you?”
“She’s on the bus.” Juan Carlos said, walking by with a sandwich in hand and three people styling his hair, clothes, and makeup.
“What?!” They both ran out of the building.
Ebony felt herself heat up and her stomach flip. “Oh, God…” She started pacing. “I can’t do this… Why am I still here?”
“Just drink some water. You’re going to be fine.” Rica said, handing her a bottle.
“Oh no…” She pushed her out of the way and ran into the