by C. M. King
“Did I wake you?”
“Nope, I haven’t been to bed yet,” he mumbled.
“Elijah, that’s crazy.”
“I know but it worked didn’t it.” He was a little short tempered, but I put it down to lack of sleep.
“Well yeah, I had to pick my jaw up from the floor this morning. I couldn’t believe the increase in views.” It had totally astounded me.
“I have lots of dance groups on Facebook that were quick to share the vid and get it circulating, Twitter has been just as crazy. We were in the top ten trends at one point. Even I’m blown away by it all.”
And he wasn’t easily impressed.
“Wow, and you never are, it takes a lot for you to get excited.”
“Hopefully I’ve done our job in putting our college on the world map. I think we deserved it after all the hard work we put in. I didn’t want it to go unnoticed.” He sighed sounding weary. It sounded like it had completely taken it out of him.
“Trust me when I say that you definitely did that.” All the hard work he had put in was amazing.
“Then my work is done, now I don’t think Sam will let me down any more red bulls, so I’m going to have to give in and take forty winks because I don’t think I can keep my eyes open a moment longer.” He yawned.
“I think you deserve the break, I’ll call you later.”
“Bye Iz,” he muttered before the line went dead.
I hung up and sighed. He truly had been a great advocate for helping the college take centre stage. I was lost in my own thoughts when Joel strolled in wearing just a towel and instantly my mind was brought back to the here and now. The devilish grin on his face told me he more than had something up his sleeve to keep me busy.
* * *
My phone rang a while later, I was just fresh from the shower pulling on my sweats when it went off. I looked at the screen to find it wasn’t a number I recognized. I wasn’t really one to answer private numbers, but on this occasion, I decided I would.
“Hello, can I speak to Isabelle Adams?” a business like voice asked.
“Speaking,” I answered hesitantly.
“Hello Isabelle, my name is Lorna and I’m ringing from LBC casting agency. We’ve recently been alerted of a YouTube video that went live yesterday. We are currently doing some test screenings for Fame, which is currently touring the country. It’s about half way through its tour and is taking a month’s break. One of our dancers has to drop out due to personal reasons and we have to quickly set up some auditions as a replacement, I was wondering if you would be free to come for an audition on Friday?”
What?
I stood there speechless.
“Hello? Are you still there?”
“Yes, sorry— Yes, Friday is fine.” I was actually working, but I wasn’t about to turn this kind of audition down. I knew Joel would find cover for me.
“Great, well if I can take your email then I can send you all the documents, have you fill out the forms and sign. Also bring some photographic ID, your birth certificate and please wear the appropriate clothes. The audition will last ten minutes, so please prepare some music and be ready to perform. Auditions start at ten a.m. sharp, and there will be nine others we are interested in. As this is just for one role, competition will be fierce, so please make sure you are very prepared to give yourself more of a chance.”
My heart sunk for a few moments I was hopeful but to now have a one in ten chance was just agonizing. But it was an audition, an amazing audition, and I had to give my all.
“Okay, thank you.”
“We look forward to seeing you then.”
“Bye.” A million thoughts raced through my head, but I had no time for distractions so I quickly changed and headed down to the dance club. I had booked a room and was grateful that I had the whole day to prepare for the job at hand.
Joel’s reaction to the news hadn’t been as well received as I thought. He was ecstatic about the whole auditioning part until I gave him the killer news that it was for a tour, but all I could think about was the chance to be on stage. I was going to grab this opportunity with both hands. There was a great chance I wouldn’t get it but that couldn’t be a possibility, if I allowed any negativity to cloud my mind then there was no point in going. I had to be positive and put together a routine that was as equally as good as the YouTube video. I would keep the elements that worked for me whilst tweaking others, so that the energy of the dance would be more up-tempo. As this was for five minutes not twenty, I would be able to do more in the time slot and show them I was more than capable of pushing myself to the limit. This audition was about selling every single part of me, and I had to go into it ready to put on the best performance of my life. A part of me was fearful that something could go wrong but a part of me welcomed the fear, it was more than enough to drive me to strive to be the best.
* * *
The morning of the audition arrived and to say I was a bag of nerves would be an understatement. I guess it was to be expected, but I tried to keep my mind focused, after all, concentrating on the negative was not an option. I had filled out all the paperwork, got together the appropriate documents and headed for the audition. As luck would have it, they had hired out a room at my college so directions were not a problem. Entering, I was greeted by my old tutor who was walking along with a pile of new paperwork for the new year. She smiled and came over.
“Hey Izzy, don’t tell me you’re bored with the outside world and wanted to come and do it all over again?” Miss Bryce said, laughing, walking towards me.
“I wish but no I’m here for the auditions for Fame.”
Her eyes widened slightly. “Wow, I was told that they are happening in the main hall. I’d like to say I’m surprised, but you’ve always shone brightly. Good luck and if you do get it don’t forget to give me a mention in your bio.” She winked.
“I’ll keep you in mind.” I chuckled
“But seriously good luck, focus and know I have my every faith that you can succeed.” She patted my arm reassuringly.
“There are nine others auditioning so . . .” My words trailed off.
“Then you’ve got to bring your game. You only get one shot, so make it count.”
“I know, oh I’d better get going, it starts in ten minutes.” I did not want to be late.
“You’ll be fine, Izzy, make us proud.”
I smiled and walked off feeling even more nervous when I saw the other nine lined up and waiting. They looked me up and down, summing me up with that one stare. I took a long draw from my water bottle and sighed.
Stay calm.
I couldn’t let them see my nerves.
When they called out the first name, I breathed a sigh of relief, I did not want to go first. I was glad for the five-minute reprieve that it brought me, where I could mentally get into the mindset and focus.
My name was called third and I took a deep breath.
This was it, don’t get scared.
This was what I’d been waiting for, finally to have my moment to shine.
“Hello Isabelle, you may leave your things by the side and please stand by the x provided. I smiled and placed my bag down, my throat immediately grew tight and I longed for a drink, but with all eyes on me I knew that wasn’t possible.
The music filled the hall and I counted my way in, losing myself to the beat as I danced my heart out on the floor. Each step came so effortlessly, the nerves just instantly evaporated, and I smiled knowing for the first time since I received the call I felt myself unwind as the moves became natural to me. I barely had to think I had practiced so hard that it was almost ingrained into me what was next. The minutes ticked by as I gave my all, fighting to be the one they would pick. It was like everything had come together in that one moment. Everything suddenly made sense and I knew that this was, without a shadow of doubt, what I was born to do.
As the music died and the room filled with silence, I focused on the four pair of eyes that had never
left me. Their expressions gave me no indicator as to if they were impressed, in fact they looked anything but, my heart immediately sank even more so when they dismissed me from the room without even a second glance. I gathered my things and left with my heart dragging along the floor.
I headed towards the toilet and once inside the cubicle promptly cried. All the hard work and effort had been for nothing. It had all been one massive failure. For a while when I was out there I felt like it was my moment. From the looks on their faces, they obviously thought different.
I clicked on my mobile and debated whether or not to tell Joel. I knew he’d be anxiously waiting, but I didn’t want to give him the bad news just yet. After blowing my nose and splashing my face, I grabbed my stuff and made a swift exit, stopping off on the way home to buy a huge tub of Ben & Jerry’s. If I was wallowing in my own misery then I was doing it in style.
Twenty spoonfuls later I pushed the tub aside, I guess ice cream really wasn’t a great substitute for a breakfast. I groaned at the dull ache in my stomach and curled up into a ball, slowly giving into my tired and weary body.
A finger stroked along my cheek and I sighed, I heard a soft, sweet voice whisper my name over and over until I was slowly roused from my sleep. I peeped open an eye to find a concerned looking Joel frowning at me.
“Iz, I’ve been worried sick, I’ve rang you ten times. I take it from the ice cream coma that things didn’t go well?”
“That’s the thing, I gave it my all and it still wasn’t enough. When I finished I expected well something, not blank faces but a little enthusiasm would have been nice. They just told me to leave. So I did. Then my legs took me to the shops and the next thing I knew Ben & Jerry’s was in my hand, and well the rest well is history.
“You’ve barely left any.” He flicked his finger around the tub, sucking on it before sighing. “So you don’t think you got it then?”
“No, Joel, I’m almost certain I was a complete flop, maybe I have delusions of grandeur and I think I’m way better than I am,” I ranted. Totally taking my rage out on him.
He grabbed my chin urging me to look in his eyes. “Trust me, you are amazing.”
“Yeah, well, you have to say that because you’re my boyfriend.” I shrugged my face away in annoyance.
“Hey I don’t bullshit anyone. I watched you out there and never took my eyes off you the whole time. You were outstanding, beyond unbelievable and if they can’t see that then it’s their loss.”
“Thanks,” I muttered. He was trying his best to lift my mood, but right now it was on the floor.
“You’re welcome, now come on, I’m cooking you a bacon sandwich to get some proper food into you.” He headed towards the kitchen.
“I am rather peckish now.” My stomach grumbled in agreement as I followed him.
“Well, let’s get this thing going.”
“Don’t you have to be back at work?” I asked confused.
“I got an hour off, the pub is quiet. They can cope, you come first. I was going stir crazy calling you and when you didn’t pick up I thought the worst.”
Now I felt bad.
“Sorry, I silenced my phone before I went in and forgot to turn it back on,”
“Well, at least I know you’re fine.” He turned back to pull out the plates from the cupboard.
“My ego may be a little bruised. I just really wanted it. I thought this was my chance. I don’t know. I’ve been really down about all the other failed auditions, and then this came along and gave me renewed hope but I just feel like I’m back to square one.”
“Something else will come along you’ll see.”
I clenched my teeth in anger. “Please stop saying that. You don’t know that, this could be it for me just an endless line of failed auditions, never moving forward, just stuck working behind a bar.” I wanted to cry at just the thought of it.
“There are far worse jobs, you know,” Joel snapped, looking annoyed.
“Joel, I didn’t work hard for three years to pull pints. I want more. I need more.”
So much more.
“Thanks,” he added, turning back in a huff.
“Oh don’t take offence, I just meant …”
“Yeah, I know what you meant. But it’s how I pay my bills and I love socializing, seeing the regulars, it’s a good job to me,” I could hear the bitterness in his voice.
I frowned at his tone. “I’m not saying it isn’t, but I want—”
“More, yeah, I get it loud and clear.” He grabbed the bread and proceeded to ignore me.
“Joel.”
“It’s fine, Iz, let me make you that bacon sandwich before I return to my dull job.”
“Joel, please.” My heart sunk at the prospect that I’d really wounded him. I wasn’t saying that I was better than he was, but I needed more. This could not be my life, I had not busted my guts to work behind a bar, it had to be all for something else. It was one big cruel joke.
I walked over and wrapped my arms around his middle sighing into his back, he soon turned and pulled me in close.
“I’m sorry,” I murmured into his chest and he pulled me in tighter.
“It’s fine, Iz.”
“No, it’s not, I didn’t mean to ridicule your job. You do it well.”
“It doesn’t take that much to run a bar really, anyone with half a brain could do it.” He shrugged.
“Don’t put yourself down. The regulars come in to see you, for the banter. You know how to work a bar, you brighten it with your personality. Some people just don’t have the confidence but you have it all, especially the charm. You know how to put people at ease to make them smile, you are the perfect barman.”
Joel smiled at my words. “Thanks, I guess.”
“You know it’s true, you have everyone under your spell.”
“Does that include you?” he asked, looking amused.
I pulled him in closer. “Do you even need to ask?”
“Well, I always like to check, you know for reassurance, that I’m keeping my girl happy, wouldn’t want you looking elsewhere.”
“Like I could get better than you.”
“So am I prime rib?” he asked, winking.
I rolled my eyes. “Trust you to bring meat into it.”
“You know I do like a good steak.”
“You are more than I could ever wish for, sometimes I have to pinch myself to check that this is real.”
Joel grabbed me, pinching me hard as I squealed in pain.
“Ow that flipping hurt,” I huffed, slapping his chest.
“I’m still here, baby.” He grinned.
“I’m glad about that. Maybe you could serenade me later. Sing one of your songs dedicated to me, you know that might cheer me up,” I suggested, hoping he’d say yes.
“Anything to make you smile.”
“Have you got any more gigs lined up?” I asked, grabbing a mug as I clicked on the kettle to make us some coffee.
“Lee is ringing ’round lining some up. They are only small pubs but it’s a start, and he’s started to do all of our social media. He’s setting up Facebook and Twitter, so we could do with a hand just bringing in some numbers then hopefully as we go along the numbers will continue to increase.”
“I can get Elijah to do that, you saw what he did with the YouTube video. Have you got anyone to record and upload onto there? You never know, it could bring in more jobs.”
“I’m not ready for YouTube just yet, I’d be embarrassed to see myself on screen.” He blushed a little just at the thought of it.
“Err why? You’re smoking hot and talented.” I was pretty sure all eyes would be on him once the video was put online.
“You’re just biased that way,” he winked, turning over the bacon.
“Seriously, Joel, I’d never bullshit you. Sometimes I don’t think you see how much talent you really have. I’d like for this to become bigger, for you to have something more.” I wanted him to have an interest that he enjo
yed and was good at.
“Than the job I’m in?”
“Joel.” He was taking my comments personal again. I just wanted him to be happy doing something he loved.
“It’s fine, Iz, maybe it might take off. I don’t know, but rock bands are ten a penny, everyone is out there trying to get noticed. I just like to do it for the enjoyment, I’m not looking for fame.”
“If this whole thing does take off you’d better not get all big headed and dump me for some bimbo with massive boobs.” I pouted, feeling annoyed at just the possibility.
“Hey, more than a handful is a waste.” He winked and I rolled my eyes.
“Just remember you’re mine.” I walked over and my arms encircled him from behind.
“Well I have the tattoo to prove it.” He turned to face me as I unbuttoned his shirt and placed a kiss on my name that was written in beautiful script along his heart, my most treasured possession.
“I love this tattoo. I still can’t believe you got it.” I never got tired of looking at such beauty.
“Well, I’m planning to be with you for the rest of my life so it seemed like a good plan, but if it all goes kaput, I can easily get it removed.”
I could hear the humour in his voice, but I wasn’t impressed even if it were a joke. “Joel,” I pouted, feeling wounded at the very idea he could erase me so easily.
“Stop taking me seriously, Iz. I’m joking, you, me forever, right?” He pulled me into him.
“I hope so,” I mumbled into his chest.
“I know so, but right now I need to get back to this bacon, so sit your pretty little bum down and let me feed you.”
“Yes sir, I like it when you get all masterful.”
He winked and proceeded to take out the bacon, quickly buttering the toast and making the coffee. For the next hour he would more than keep my mind off the situation before he returned back to work and my mind would wander to that dark place again.
* * *
“So how did it go?” Elijah asked, barely through the door.
“Oh seriously don’t ask.” I wasn’t in the mood to discuss it, but I was certain Elijah would not let me off so easily.