Irreconcilable Differences

++++++++++



It was a couple days later and Carrie still couldn't manage to wrap her mind around the wonderfulness that was the dorky Texan. She smiled as she dialed her phone number, holding in her hand a card that she had just gotten in the mail.



"Hey," she was greeted warmly.



"Hey yourself," Carrie smiled.



"What's up?"



"Nothing much. I just got this interesting invitation in the mail," Carrie replied.



"Oh really?" Kelly smiled.



"Yea."



"What does is say?"



"It says that one Miss Kelly Clarkson, that's you--"



"Yea," Kelly laughed.



"Is cordially inviting you, that's me, to be her date for the 34th annual People's Choice Awards on January 8th at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California," Carrie finished.



"Well, will you look at that."



"You do realize that we're nominated in the same category right?"



"I didn't even know I was nominated," Kelly admitted. "I just thought I was presenting. For what?"



"Well I know for favorite female singer, but I'm not sure what else," Carrie replied. "Hold on, I'm gonna look it up on my computer."



"So, I take it you're favorite female singer too?"



"Yep, and favorite country song," she nodded, trying to find the website.



"Look at you, getting all these nominations," Kelly smiled, proudly.



"Yea, ok," Carrie rolled her eyes. "Oh, here we are. Let's see. Wow," Carrie laughed.



"What?"



"Check this out. Besides favorite female singer, you're nominated for favorite pop song with 'Sober'," Carrie replied.



"Aw, yay. They seriously have no idea how much it means to me to know that the fans like that song." Kelly smiled happily.



"And...favorite rock song for 'Never Again'," Carrie laughed.



"Seriously?" Kelly asked with a slight laugh. "Is that even possible to be nominated in two different genres like that?"



"Apparently," Carrie replied. "Kell, seriously, that's great."



"It's not even that rock," Kelly pointed out.



"Stop second guessing it, and be happy. Nobody deserves it more than you after the year you've been having," Carrie told her.



"I am happy. Trust me, I'm like grinning ear to ear right now, and as soon as I hang up I'm gonna do a fist pump with a scream. I just don't want to hurt your ears," Kelly admitted.



"Good," Carrie laughed.



"So does this mean that you're coming with me?" Kelly asked hopefully.



"Miss Clarkson, I'd be delighted," Carrie replied.



"Score," Kelly cheered happily. "Ok, well, I got to go. I've got an interview to do in about an half an hour. So I'll talk to you later?"



"Count on it," Carrie smiled.



+++++++



"Hey," Kelly greeted, shaking the reporters hand as she stood from her seat at the table as Kelly walked up.



"Hey, I'm Colleen from Cosmopolitan magazine," the lady greeted.



"Hi Colleen, I'm Kelly," she smiled.



The reporter nodded as they both sat down. She was already busy typing away on her lap top that was placed on the table.



"So," Colleen looked up. "You've had quite a tumultuous year to say the least. How have you been holding up? And where is your head at right now?"



"I wouldn't say tumultuous," Kelly replied. "I mean, there's been some struggles, but I also released an album that debuted at number 2, a top ten single, a successful tour, and now from what I hear, a number one single."



"You've always managed to have a somewhat positive outlook on life, how have you managed that while working in an industry that can be just plain cruel at times?"



"Well, I mean, I don't have much of a choice. If you just sit there focusing on the bad, then you're going to be major depressed your whole life. I just think life's too short, and there are too many amazing things happening to focus on the negative," Kelly smiled.



"You must have a good core group of people surrounding you to have managed to remain so level headed," she commented.



"Yea, that's one thing I'm super thankful for. I'm surrounded by my close friends and family. I don't have a choice but to be down to earth. Any diva like tendencies they'd just beat out of me," Kelly admitted with a laugh.



"Your friends are still the same from back in high school, right?"



"Oh, yea. I've known most of them since like junior high, but I've also been really lucky to pick up a few new ones along the way."



"Like Reba, right?"



"Can you believe that?" Kelly laughed, making the reporter laugh as well. "I mean, I'm friends with Reba McEntire. That's still just insane to me."



"And Carrie Underwood I've heard."



"Oh, yea, Carrie's just great," Kelly beamed.



"How did that friendship come about?"



"Oh, well, we would run into each other at different events and stuff, especially because of Idol, and soon we just started hanging out. She really is just a beautiful, sweet girl. And can sing too, let me tell ya," Kelly replied.



"So the rumors of you two feuding?"



"Was just that--rumors. They were just doing what they do best, taking quotes out of context and twisting them into drama. But yea, no, we're really good friends. It's nice to have someone around that's gotten into the business the same way as you and that knows what you're going through, you know?"



"And the rumors of you two being more than friends?" Colleen smiled.



Kelly could feel her cheeks turn red, "Carrie and I just enjoy hanging out together. I don't see why people want to twist that into some fantasy."



The reporter nodded as she typed away, "So it seems that you are really happy where you are in your life right now."



"I am," Kelly nodded. "I've got good friends. I've got amazing fans, and I'm making music that I genuinely love. So yea, life's great."



"Good for you," Colleen replied. "Seriously, all the success couldn't have happened to a nicer person."



"Aw, thank you," Kelly smiled. "You're too sweet."



"It's the truth," she smiled back, closing her lap top. "And I think we're done here. So, Kelly, it was a pleasure meeting you."



"Oh, you too," Kelly replied, shaking her hand again.



"And, thanks for the interview."



"Anytime," she nodded.



+++++++++



"Stop squirming," Ashley fussed.



"Can't you hurry up?" Kelly asked anxiously.



"Do you want to look like a raccoon?"



"No," she frowned.



"Then sit still," Ashley laughed. "What's got you so antsy anyway? You that nervous about speaking?"



"No, I mean, yea, I mean, I don't know," Kelly replied, biting her lip.



Ashley cringed, knowing she would have to fix that, "You excited about being nominated?"



"Oh my God, yea," Kelly smiled. "I mean, just the fact that it's the fans, and they like the music enough just to nominate it? I'm like on cloud nine."



"And Carrie? I mean, we were in Nashville for over a week, and y'all only got to see each other like once?"



"Yea, I know. Tonight's gonna be fun. I was starting to miss my buddy."



"I'm not being replaced, am I?" Ashley asked, correcting the damage that Kelly had done to her lips.



"Please, I couldn't get rid of your skank ass even if I tried," Kelly laughed.



"You're lucky I just did your makeup and don't want to ruin it, otherwise I'd so kick your butt right now," Ashley replied with a smile.



"See, you just gotta know when to pick your fights."



++++++++



Kelly hurried to the door as best she could in the heels she was wearing as the doorbell rang. She opened it to a beautiful blonde in a black dress that seemed to hug every part of her body possible, one of her hands behind her back.



"You look...you're...hi," Kelly stammered as Carrie flashed a sweet smile.



"You look...too," Carrie laughed, looking behind Kelly to make sure no one was there before giving her a quick kiss.



Kelly smiled as she felt herself relax.



"I got you something," Carrie said nervously.



"Care, you shouldn't have," Kelly frowned.



Carrie brought her hand out from behind her back, revealing a single sunflower.



"I heard they were your favorite," she shrugged.



"Aw, Care. You didn't have to," Kelly replied, taking the flower. "But thank you so much," she smiled up at her. "It's beautiful."



"Then it's perfect for you," Carrie smiled.



Kelly felt her heart melt under the warm gaze of the country singer.



"Let me go put this inside, then we can go, ok?"



"Sure," Carrie nodded.



++++++++



"So are you nervous about presenting?" Carrie asked as they sat comfortably in the back of the limo.



"Well, I was trying not to think about it, but thanks for reminding me," Kelly replied.



Carrie laughed, linking their hands together, "You're gonna do fine. You know what you're presenting, right?"



"Yea, we had rehearsals yesterday," Kelly nodded.



"See, you practiced. You know what you're doing. You're gonna do great," Carrie assured her.



"What if I mess up and say the wrong name or something?"



"You've presented before, haven't you?"



"Well, yea."



"Have you messed up the winner before?



"No."



"Then what makes you think it's gonna happen now?"



"I don't know."



Carrie gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "Seriously, stop worrying. You're going to do perfectly, ok?"



Kelly nodded.



"Ok," Carrie smiled.



"You look amazing," Kelly blurted out.



Carrie looked at her confusedly, "Thanks?"



"Sorry, but I couldn't find the right words to say it earlier. Personally, I think amazing is an understatement, but the one time I need a word, they seemed to have failed me. My vocabulary seems to have become very limited all of a sudden--"



"Kell," Carrie said gently.



"Yea?"



"You're rambling," she smiled.



"Oh," Kelly nodded. "Ok."



"You just need to relax," Carrie soothed. "It's gonna be a great night. We're going to have a lot of fun, and you're going to kick butt."



"Thanks," Kelly smiled, taking a deep breath as Carrie placed a gentle, reassuring kiss on her temple.



+++++++



The door to the limousine opened, and Kelly slid out first to numerous flashes going off. She just laughed, trying to figure out what all the fuss was about. She was soon reminded, however, as she reached back into the limo, a soft hand, taking a hold of her own. She helped Carrie out of the vehicle, and they couldn't help but smile at each other as their fingers intertwined.



"What do you say we give them a little show?" Carrie whispered in her ear as the paparazzi and reporters' cries for a photo or an interview echoed out over the red carpet.



"Care, I don't know," Kelly replied, looking up at her.



Carrie leaned down, kissing her cheek, "I'll make it worth your while."



Kelly giggled as she felt her cheeks flush, "Alright. You're on."



Carrie smiled happily as she removed her hand from Kelly's, and wrapped her arm around the Texan's waist, pulling her close. With each step they took, Kelly could feel Carrie's hand, that started out on her waist, fall little by little until her fingers were dancing on her hipbone, silently strumming out a rhythm.



"You ok?" Kelly laughed as they posed for the cameras.



"Yea, see you have a problem with the public speaking thing. That I can do. It's the whole one on one thing with people I don't know," Carrie explained in between smiles. "The shyness just comes out. I think that's where people get the wrong impression of me."



"Well don't worry," Kelly turned, smiling at her. "That's what I'm here for."



Carrie smiled back, kissing her forehead. Kelly laughed nervously as she felt hundreds of bulbs flashing at once.



"The cameras, right?"



"No," Carrie shook her head. "Because you're amazing, and I don't know what I'd do without you."



Kelly looked at her nervously, "So, um, let's go handle those big bad reporters, shall we?"



"Nerd," Carrie rolled her eyes as they walked further down the red carpet to where all the bloodhounds were, or at least that's what she called them.



"Hey y'all," Kelly beamed, making the reporters smile.



"So the rumors are true then?" a voice asked as a microphone was shoved in her face.



"What rumors?" Kelly asked.



"About you two being a couple?"



"Carrie and I?" Kelly laughed. "We just enjoy hanging out together. That's all."



"That wasn't a yes or a no," someone pointed out.



"No, it wasn't," Kelly agreed.



"So, you're not going to give us anything?"



"So how about them Cowboys?" she asked with a smile. "They're having one heck of a year, aren't they?"



The reporters let out a collective laugh, easily transitioning to the next topic. Carrie watched in awe, answering a question every now and then. She didn't know how the Texan did it, but she had them in the palm of her hand, and from the looks of it, she didn't even know it. Kelly just looked like she was having a conversation with an old friend that she knew from way back, not somebody that was dying to find all the skeletons in her closet.



"So, you two are nominated in the same category. Who do you think's gonna win?"



"Carrie," Kelly answered, surely. "I mean, she deserves it. Have y'all heard her album?"



"If they did, then they would know that it's nothing compared to yours," Carrie broke in, honestly. "Come on Kell, seriously? Who in their right mind would pick me over you?"



"Me," Kelly smiled.



Carrie smiled back, giving her waist a slight squeeze as their eyes locked, "Well, I have always said that you are crazy."



"Shut up," Kelly laughed along with the reporters.



"I'm just joking," Carrie assured her with a wink. Kelly could feel her heart flutter as their eyes locked briefly once more before they turned back to the reporters.



+++++++++



"So who's seats should we sit at? Mine or yours?" Kelly asked as they were escorted inside.



"Yours are probably better," Carrie replied.



"Why you say that?"



"Because you're up for more awards, and you're presenting."



"Oh, well it's not like I deserve to have better s--"



"Hun," Carrie smiled. "I know that you're being a sweetheart without even knowing it right now, but how about you enjoy the fact that this is your night, ok?"



"I am enjoying it," Kelly replied. "I mean, hello, I obviously have the hottest date here."



"That you do," Carrie agreed as they followed the usher to Kelly's seats that were third row, aisle seats.



+++++++



"So what are you presenting?" Carrie asked as the first commercial break was taken.



"Sorry, I have to go backstage to get ready," Kelly smiled, standing from her seat.



"Wait? Why?"



"It's almost time for me to present. I'll be right back as soon as I'm done."



"What about the award?"



"You're nervous?" Kelly asked, sitting back down.



"No," Carrie laughed, unconvincingly.



"I swear to you," Kelly promised. "I'll be here for you. Ok?"



"Ok," Carrie nodded.



Kelly smiled, standing back up and allowing the usher to walk her backstage.



+++++++++



Kelly let out a nervous breath as she heard the speaker on stage announce her. She smiled as she walked out onto the stage, all the bright lights burning down on her. She reminded herself not to trip as she walked to the microphone, a card that held the winner's name was folded over and sealed in her hand. She stopped on her mark and smiled out into the crowd, suddenly forgetting where the teleprompter was supposed to be located.



Her eyes, did however settle on a certain blonde seated in the third row. A relaxed smile crossed her features as the country singer winked at her. Kelly's smile turned into one of confidence as her eyes found the teleprompter with her designated words scrolling down.



"Country music is the biggest genre in the music industry with some of the most memorable songs," she read. "Country songs deal with heart felt issues such as love, loss, dogs and alcohol," she smiled, earning a laugh from the crowd. "And this year's nominees are no different. The nominees for Country Song of the Year are..."



Every pair of eyes, except for two, in the theater turned to the giant screen behind Kelly that was revealing clips from the videos of the songs that were nominated, as the announcer named each of them. Kelly locked eyes with Carrie once more and smiled nervously. Carrie shook her head, laughing slightly. She couldn't believe Kelly had been able to hide the fact that she was announcing Carrie's award. The girl sucked when it came to keeping a secret, especially for a surprise.



Kelly heard the crowd applause as the last of the nominees was announced, bringing her out of her daze.



"And the winner is..." she said, opening the card nervously. A wide smile spread across her face as she leaned back to the microphone, ""So Small" by Carrie Underwood."



The crowd erupted with applause as Carrie stood from her seat in the third row and made her way up to the stage, allowing an usher to help her up the steps. She beamed as Kelly pulled her into a tight embrace.



"Congratulations," she whispered, holding her close.



"Thank you so much," Carrie replied, kissing her cheek as they pulled apart.



"I told you I'd be here for you," Kelly smiled.



"I can't believe you actually pulled one on me," Carrie laughed. "Thank you," she repeated, kissing her forehead, making Kelly laugh nervously at a few whistles from the audience. "Sorry," Carrie laughed before walking to the microphone to say her thanks.



++++++++



Carrie kissed her firmly on the lips as soon as they got back stage, making Kelly giggle.



"It's not like I'm the one that picked you for the award," Kelly pointed out.



"No, but you gave it to me, and you looked gorgeous doing it," Carrie replied, kissing her once more.



"I think we need to go back to our seats," Kelly laughed. "We still have a couple more awards we're up for."



"But wouldn't you rather stay back here and kiss me?"



"That's like asking if I'd rather eat an ice cream Sunday or go to the dentist. There's just no comparison, but there's some thing you just gotta do whether you want to or not."



+++++++++



"So Miss Clarkson," Carrie smiled as they sat in their seats during one final commercial break before the last few awards. "You have already one two awards tonight, and are a shoe-in for the third. How do you feel?"



"Well, first, I'm like floating right now," Kelly replied, a permanent smile had been plastered on her face since they announced her win for Rock Song of the Year, and after they announced her win for Pop Song of the Year for Sober, she was practically glowing. "But I do have to say, I am far from a shoe-in."



"Sure," Carrie rolled her eyes.



"So," Kelly leaned her head to the side, closer to Carrie's. "About this whole you making it worth my while thing. What did you have in mind?"



"Now now, patience. We have to get through the show first," Carrie smiled as the producer signaled the camera man for the returning of the live feed as they came back from commercial.



+++++++++



Kelly didn't even hear her name being called, but she saw all the people around her stand in applause as Carrie pulled her to her feet and into a warm hug.



"You deserve this," she whispered as she felt Kelly finally come to her senses and hug her back. "Trust me, no one deserves this more than you," Carrie assured her pulling away. Kelly nodded, giving her a smile as Carrie leaned forward, kissing her forehead. "Now go get that trophy," she laughed. "We're gonna need to get you a new shelf after tonight."



Kelly was grinning ear to ear as she reached the microphone, and she had to fight the urge to do the little excited jump that she found herself doing in moments such as these.



"Thank you so much," Kelly gushed into the microphone. "I know I've said thank you to nearly everybody in the world already tonight, but with my luck I'm gonna some how miss someone. So, thank you, all of you. Again, thanks so much to the fans for buying the record, and for voting for this. Y'all seriously have got to be the coolest fans out there. I love y'all. Um, to my kick butt date and really good friend, Carrie, thanks so much for sharing this night with me. You so deserve this more than me, but thanks for lying," she laughed. "And, just thank you!"



The crowd gave her another round of applause as she was ushered off stage.