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*3rd Pov
Georgie's name was spreading like wildfire. Thanks to his relentless effort and undeniable talent, he was starting to gain real recognition among country music fans.
Radio stations across Texas were spinning his songs, especially "God's Country" and "Real Good Man," both of which had started climbing the Billboard charts. People were calling him "The New Prince of Country Music." And ever since that stunt he pulled at George Strait's concert, local TV stations couldn't stop talking about him.
'Who is this kid?!' Thats what people talking about lately.
He and his band were now performing all over Houston. Bit by bit, he was stepping onto bigger stages, making his way into a much larger arena.
Luminous Records was planning something even bigger—pushing his image, shaping his brand, aiming to make him a household name beyond the country genre. But that came at a cost.
After his album dropped, things escalated quickly. His name lit up local charts, offers to perform came from all directions, and interviews stacked up like homework he never finished. He tried to keep a balance—between school, music, and family. But the weight of it all was becoming harder to carry.
Sometimes, he clashed with Miss Rosie about his schedule. He wanted breathing room, time to just be a kid. But he wasn't a superstar yet. Not even close. He still had to work ten times harder if he wanted America to remember his name.
And popularity… came with a price.
No more secrets. Every step, every word, every move—devoured by the public.
But Georgie didn't care much about the fame. What he cared about was whether his family would be okay. Especially Sheldon.
He had asked them, early on, what they thought. Of course, Sheldon didn't like it. He didn't like attention. He didn't like people invading his space. He didn't like germs. He tolerated Georgie's fame—but only because it was Georgie.
Missy, on the other hand, enjoyed it. She loved being noticed. She loved the spotlight. She was born for it.
Georgie stood between both worlds—famous, yet fiercely protective of the two people who mattered most to him.
That's why he snapped that morning.
When he arrived at school with Sheldon and Veronica, a crowd of students swarmed them—shouting, pushing, shoving album tapes toward him, shouting his name like he was a pop star from MTV.
It was too much. The noise, the chaos.
His jaw clenched, veins tensed, and finally—
"SHUT UP!!!"
The hallway fell into stunned silence. Even Veronica flinched. Sheldon winced and covered his ears.
"Brother!" Sheldon frowned and gave Georgie a half-hearted punch on the arm. "You know I have Vulcan hearing! Don't shout like that!"
"Sorry," Georgie muttered nonchalantly, not even looking at him. Instead, he turned to the crowd. His voice was calm, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I appreciate all of you for liking my songs. Really, I do. But this?" He gestured around. "This isn't it. I'm still your friend. I'm still your classmate. You can say hi in the hallway, you can brag to your cousins or whatever—but don't turn this school into a circus."
He paused, then added, "And some of you already know my brother here. Don't touch him. Don't get in his space. If you need something, talk to him directly. But don't mess with him. Got it?"
Then he turned to Veronica. "This is my girlfriend. Don't mess with her either."
Most of the students had only heard rumors. They hadn't seen Georgie up close before.
"I'm not saying all this to act better than you," he said sincerely. "I'm saying this because I want you to respect the people I care about."
His eyes found someone in the crowd. "Oh, hey—there's my brother's friend. Tam."
Everyone turned to look at the timid Asian boy, who gave an awkward little wave.
"Now, would y'all please let my brother get to class?" Georgie asked, exasperated.
"Starting now, I'm going to school without you…." Sheldon said, skillfully dodging another reaching hand.
"Yeah… sorry about this, Shelly," Georgie replied as he began signing albums one by one. Veronica chuckled and gently pushed the crowd aside.
"Come on, Sheldon. Let's go to class. Leave Georgie alone."
"Technically, He's not alone…" Sheldon muttered, following her anyway.
"Don't worry, guys," Georgie called over his shoulder. "This'll only last for, like… 90 days. Probably."
"Yeah, 90 days in hell—if hell exists," Sheldon grumbled as he ran a hand through his now-messy hair.
Tam grinned beside him.
"Don't say another word." Sheldon warned.
Tam and Veronica just shrugged and followed him into the classroom.
Along the way, several students greeted Sheldon. He nodded politely in return, his steps steady. There was something different about him now.
If this had been the old Sheldon—the one from a few months ago—he probably would've bolted the moment people started crowding him. He might've even begged to be homeschooled or threatened to call the CDC.
But now? He walked through the hallway like he belonged there.
Heck, just this morning he said exercise was fun. That was practically a miracle.
Whether he realized it or not, Georgie was changing him—bit by bit.
Tam smiled wider as he noticed a few girls looking his way. Ever since he started hanging out with Georgie, he'd become somebody. He wasn't just the quiet Asian kid anymore—he was Georgie Cooper's friend. That meant something. That protected you.
Why?
Before Georgie was a singer, he was already a legend in these halls—thanks to his fists. The incident with Brian and the other boys still echoed through the lockers like a warning bell.
Nobody messed with Georgie.
And by extension, nobody messed with Sheldon either.
Veronica just shook her head, watching the two boys strut through the hallway like they owned the school.
But she didn't spoil their fun—she let them enjoy it. After all, it was harmless… mostly.
She had known Sheldon long enough to notice the changes.
Yes, he was still the same boy who could calculate a rocket's trajectory or predict a meteor's path with pinpoint accuracy.
But he used to flinch at the slightest touch—even from his own family.
And now? He had just survived a crowded hallway full of 'germs'.
That was something.
"You know," Tam said to Sheldon, still grinning, "my family started supporting me more after I became friends with you guys. They think you're some kind of good luck charm."
Sheldon snorted. "Luck? That's nonsense. Your parents are simply trying to secure your proximity to us as an investment in your future success."
Tam blinked. "...Right. Thanks, buddy."
Sheldon gave a curt nod, entirely unfazed.
Veronica let out a quiet sigh.
Yeah… Georgie still had a long way to go before he could actually change Sheldon.
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3rd POV
Outside the Medford Church, a woman stood still, eyes fixed on the signboard with its quirky message.
Mary Cooper squinted at the words, her expression serious despite the humorous nature of the message.
"...That's a good one," she muttered. "I really need to step up my game."
With a thoughtful sigh, she took mental notes on the font size and spacing—making sure to remember what would fit nicely next time. Then, she walked into the church with a light step.
Mary had always been a part of the church, but today, she really became part of it.
She was now the Church Secretary.
That was exciting.
And important.
To her, it meant serving Jesus more actively, earning a little extra for her family, and—most importantly—it meant she mattered in the Christian community.
Mary stepped into the hallway where Pastor Jeff usually worked.
Even though she hadn't been on the church payroll until now, she knew the layout like the back of her hand.
After all, she'd been an active member of the church for years.
Her eyes landed on the reception desk—that would be Pegg's desk. Her 'coworker'.
The word made her chuckle a little.
'Coworker.'
She was so excited today!.
Approaching Pastor Jeff's office, she saw the door already open. He was inside, hunched over his desk, writing something with deep focus.
Not wanting to interrupt too suddenly, Mary gently tapped the doorframe with her knuckle.
"Good morning, Pastor Jeff!" she greeted, her face lit up with a bright smile.
Pastor Jeff looked up, immediately smiling back.
"Well, well, well," he said with mock grandeur. "Now, that's the kind of spirit I like to see on a first day. And you're early too. That's very secretary-like of you!"
Mary chuckled bashfully.
She was excited, no doubt about that—though the chaos back home this morning had nearly ruined her mood.
She quickly shook the thought away.
Pastor Jeff raised an eyebrow at her sudden head shake but chose not to ask. Instead, he smiled and gestured down the hall.
"Alrighty, how about I show you your office, Miss Church Secretary?" he said, again putting on his overly serious voice.
"Oh, stop it," Mary replied, but her tone mirrored his playful formality. "Lead the way, boss."
Pastor Jeff laughed and started walking, Mary following just a few steps behind.
Of course, they both knew she already knew her way around the building—probably better than he did. Still, the gesture was sweet.
The office was only a few doors down from his, neat and freshly arranged.
"I cleaned it up before you got here," Pastor Jeff said, pausing at the door.
Mary looked at the space and immediately felt a twinge of guilt.
"Oh, Pastor Jeff, you didn't have to do that. I could've taken care of it myself," she said, glancing around.
Well… she'd probably redecorate it a little anyway. Add some flowers. Maybe a framed quote or two. But still—he didn't need to go out of his way.
"No, no, it's okay," Pastor Jeff said quickly, waving her off. "It helped me… take my mind off things."
His voice was softer now. A little too soft.
Mary caught it immediately.
That shift in tone. That subtle sadness under his words.
Her smile faded—just a little.
She wanted to ask, but Pastor Jeff remained quiet, his gaze still fixed on her new office.
So Mary said nothing.
She loved a good juicy gossip—but this time, she held herself back.
'It's my pastor!', she reminded herself.
Instead, she quietly stepped over to her desk and set her purse down gently on the surface.
"...Alright then. What should I do for today, Pastor Jeff?" she asked, doing her best not to sound like she was fishing for anything more than work.
It seemed to snap him out of whatever thought had trapped him.
He blinked, then gave a small shake of his head.
"Oh—yeah, yeah. You can start by reviewing the church finances. I'd like you to organize the data and bring me a summary by noon," he said, his smile returning.
Not the forced one from earlier—just a small, polite one.
Mary gave him a determined nod.
"Alright then! I will work hard, for the church and for God!" she declared, her energy returning in full force.
This time, Pastor Jeff looked at her differently.
His smile deepened, warmer than before.
"Great spirit you have, Church Secretary Mary. I hope you'll keep God on your mind as you work."
Mary nodded with a sincere smile of her own, then took a seat, running her hand across the polished wood of her new desk.
She loved the feel of it already.
"Alright then! I'll leave you to it," Pastor Jeff said, turning to leave the room.
Mary didn't say anything—just watched him go, her fingers already itching to start organizing.
Then—
Knock knock.
She jumped slightly at the sound, turning to see Pastor Jeff standing in the doorway again.
"Something wrong, Pastor Jeff?" Mary asked, a bit puzzled.
He still had that smile on his face—but this time, she could see the awkwardness behind it.
"...I just wanted to ask you..." he said in a slightly hushed voice, "how long have you been married, Mary?"
The question made Mary pause—but then she smiled warmly.
She reached into her purse, pulled out a photo, and stared at it for a moment before handing it over.
Pastor Jeff looked down at the picture.
It was a family photo: Georgie, Sheldon, and Missy—still small and full of life.
"Fifteen years, Pastor Jeff," Mary said softly. She let out a slow breath. "It's been a great journey for us."
Pastor Jeff exhaled, slowly, as if that answer meant more to him than he could say. Then he gave her a gentle nod and said,
"Right… May God bless your life and spirit through every journey you take."
Mary nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Indeed."
She glanced at the photo again, a soft smile returning to her lips.
Pastor Jeff watched her for a moment longer, then nodded once more.
"Alright then. Make us proud, Mary."
And with that, he left the room.
Mary watched the door close behind him, then sighed quietly. She looked up at the ceiling and folded her hands briefly in prayer.
"God," she whispered. "Thank You for stopping me from meddling in Pastor Jeff's life. I need Your strength to keep myself composed… please help me."
She opened her eyes, shook her head gently, and smiled to herself as she began organizing her desk.
It was the beginning of her new journey—as the church secretary.