Chapter Text
As the minutes became an hour, and a second, until you seated into an auditorium seat across the stage you had preformed, your heart, for the life of you, would not stop pounding .
The crowd around you was loud, but it acted as static as you gripped the arm-chair of your seat.
You waited for hours, and while you knew the winners for your school were rather quick, you didn’t mind. So long as you were one of the few who got picked.
The bright lights in the room dimmed, and one-by-one everyone became silent, settling down as the lights on the stage brightened.
The three judges walked onto the stage, and seeing them standing next to each other showed their differences. Though they were all attractive in their own ways, you couldn’t help but feel drawn to a certain man.. A microphone was in front of them, and he started to speak.
“First of all we want to say thank you to you all for taking the time out of the day to come audition for us.” The middle man said, also the middle judge. He had a bright smile as he looked over the crowd and as his eyes glazed over your direction you couldn’t help the knot in your stomach, though your face stayed stone serious. “We are all estatic to have new students entering our school. As you all know, Academy of the Arts, is a, as we call it, ‘sleep-away school for all things considered artistic and creative.”
You knew it was a “boarding-school,” type of situation. But you didn’t mind, and apparently, neither did your guardians.
“All ten winners will receive a free-scholarship for the school.” This chance was perfect for you. Getting away from your home, and not having to worry financially.
“Seeing all your performances were amazing. By the way, I’m Mr. Fong, one of the judges. I’m also a teacher at the school for the music program.” He clapped his hands.
“I’m also one of the teachers.” The man with the beard said. He spoke with a thick southern accent. “My name is Mr. Patterson, but y’all can call me Luke. I’m the lead dance teacher, but, believe it or not, I specialize in ballet.”
Slightly amused, you smiled. He didn’t look like the guy to do ballet. Granted he was big and muscular, lots of men are in ballet, but you didn’t expect it from him of all people. Guess you shouldn’t judge books by their cover.
The third man spoke up. “Call me Johnathan. I’m actually the Head Director of the arts program.” He smiled bigger than Evan did. “And now that introductions are out of the way let’s get on with our winners.”
“All of your performances were fantastic, but we could only pick out a few from this school.” Johnathan walked around the stage, taking lead. “As most of you know, we have been touring schools from all around the country and this is our last school. Most of the slots have been filled from different schools, and so we could only pick out very few students. I’ll let Evan announce our winners.”
He stepped aside, and Evan took his place.
From behind his back he took out a white envelope you hadn’t realized was even there. He tore it open, and you breathed inwardly, the best you could do to compose yourself while your had your hand into a fist shaking beside you.
He leaned into the microphone on stage. “We want to apologize for anyone who wasn’t invited into the school. And for our winners…”
You almost passed out then and there once you heard the name. Alba Rivera!” And just like that, your hopes and dreams broke apart, sinking down your soul along with your heart. “How could I be so stupid? ,” you thought. “I must’ve made myself look like a fool..” you thought back to your dance. Dancing rather provocatively, especially when they were adults, must have been rather awkward.
You cringed, and dejectedly, you looked up. Just a few rows behind you was the winner. Lo-and-behold, it was the singer from before.
You gaped, though upset, you couldn’t blame the judges for picking her. Their voice alone outshines everyone in the contest. Their looks, as much as you despised admitting it..
They grinned wide, standing tall; waving. They gobbled up the praise and you could see them beam with pride with each compliment passed their way. You bit back your jealousy, but you glared at them, before turning back around and staring at your lap with disappointment and shame.
“Congratulations Val Rivera! We are excited to have you in our school. Now..” everyone settled down, turning their attention back to the man.
You continued to stare at your lap, too lost in your own mind to hear what the man was saying. Damn, you had practiced so hard for this. Why couldn’t you get what you deserved?
The claps of others brought you out of your mind. Evan stood at the microphone, waiting expectantly. Everyone clapped, but one-by-one they faded out and then, Evan repeated himself.
He said your name.
You gasped, quickly reaching to pinch yourself. You hoped you weren’t dreaming.
They couldn’t be talking about you . Hadn’t the other person won?
The man’s words from before came into your mind. “A few,” he had said. More than one. Suddenly feeling like you couldn’t breathe, you gripped your seat for dear life. Had you.. passed the audition?
Hesitantly, you stood from your seat shakily. Your heart battered against your chest, threatening to break your rib cage . Anxiety rose in your chest, but you pushed it down.
His eyes darted towards you, a wide grin popping into his face. You blushed slightly, and even more so as everyone began clapping again. You smiled shakily, but quickly covered up your nervousness with an equal bright smile as the man on stage.
In awe, you looked around the autotroum, and for a moment, you could imagine yourself on the stage, dancing with skills they hadn’t yet seen, having the crowd admire you with every movement you made. Their praise deafening.
Quickly snapping yourself out of your own mind, you sat down before it got too awkward; cheeks burning. The claps died down, and so did your daydream, slightly disappointed to be back in reality. But you reminded yourself that you had done.
He continued talking, apologizing to the students who hadn’t made the cut.
You had.
You smiled to yourself.
Suddenly, for the first time in a while, you felt a warm feeling in your chest. It started in your chest, and quickly rose to different parts of you. You were surprised, but proud of yourself, you almost felt complete.
You grinned to no one in particular. You could hear the words of the man, you could hear the blood in your ears as you became excited and nervous for your new school.
You looked back up, and now the man, Luke, began to talk.
“Our school is very competitive, and you have to fight to stay. To those who’ve won, you’re going against eight other students. The ten of you are going to compete to stay, and only one will succeed.” He hummed, the low and deep hum made your stomach flip. “Good luck..”
You gasped. The school was an elite, and only took the best of the best. That you knew, but you didn't realize you would have to compete with others to even stay there after acceptance.
Your reaction of surprise became replaced by ambition. You had spent your entire life in your small town, with your pockets practically empty. You always watched from a distance at celebrities, from a screen where you could only wish to be like them. Be as rich and famous as them.
You wanted nothing more than the life you thought you deserved. The one you spent day and night practicing for.
You held your breath, then let it go. If you were to go to this school, you had to be calm, collected. Put a facade in front of yourself and make yourself the famous person you imagined yourself in your mind.
You wanted your dreams to become a reality desperately. And this school was your first-class ticket to making that happen.
You were going to become a star.