Angela's Salvation

by Hughes, Michelle

  "I don't know if I can do this without you, Rach." Rachel was the only constant in her life, and the thought of being without her was terrifying. Yes, this was a dream come true, but she thought it would be with her best friend by her side.

  "One month Ang, and then we'll go from there." She didn't like the idea of her best friend up there fending for herself anymore than she did, but this was an opportunity she refused to let her walk away from. "You can do this honey, and just think of all the publicity and what that's going to lead toward."

  Rachel was seven years older and since the day they'd met she'd taken care of her. The thought of being in a huge city without her was almost more than she was willing to give in order to live out a dream. "I can't do this Rachel," biting her lip until it was painful, she wanted to return home and hide in her comfortable little sanctuary that she'd given her.

  "Damn it Ang, you can and will do this." Rachel was furious, not at her best friend, but at the people in her past that had done this to her. She was such a beautiful, talented girl, and they had destroyed her self-esteem so badly that she couldn't see past what they'd made her think of herself. "You will not let them win this time!"

  For the last four years she'd worked her ass off to build up the self-confidence that piece of shit stepfather had taken from her with his abuse. She didn't date, and any time she was alone she freaked out to the point she had anxiety attacks. Even the counselor, for the few visits she could afford at mental health, had little success in taking away her fear. The anxiety meds she took worked in an emergency, but it had been Rachel's constant presence that kept her calm enough to take the job at the bar and not freak out when anyone got out of line.

  She knew what life without Rachel was going to be like. The constant nightmares, the fear that he'd find his way into her room, the overwhelming terror that made it hard to breathe when a man looked at her with any hint of desire. She wasn't sure she could do this, but wanted to make Rachel happy at the same time. "I'll try, Rach, that's all I can promise." Even thinking about being alone, made her want to jump on the bus and head back home.

  "That's all I'd ever ask of you honey," finishing up their meal, they walked to the hotel. This was going to be a huge month for Angela, and she sent up a silent prayer that God would watch over her since she wouldn't be there to hold her hand.

  Watching Rachel walk away was like seeing her lifeline disappear, and she made it up to the room she'd been given like it was death march. All she had was the clothes on her back and the pills in her purse to make it through the night. As she met her new roommate, she at least was happy that it wasn't one of those stuck up diva's that thought they ruled the world.

  "Isn't this the most exciting day of your entire life, I'm Lizzy Beaumont," she held out her hand wondering why the other young woman didn't seem as excited as she was about being chosen for the show.

  Lowering her head, she took the other woman's hand and forced a smile, "I'm Angela Wilkerson, and yeah it is, I'm just a little nervous." She gave a self-depreciating laugh.

  "I'll save the nerves for the next audition," Lizzy grinned, "I noticed you didn't bring in a bag, didn't you think they'd pick you?

  Lizzy's excitement was contagious, and she seemed to be a nice person which helped her relax a little. "I honestly didn't think I had a chance."

  "I feel like I've spent the last two years on the road, so I always pack for whatever," she grinned, "We look about the same size, so if you want to borrow something until they take us shopping tomorrow, feel free."

  She wasn't sure how she felt about borrowing the stranger's clothes, but the thought of sleeping in the expensive dress made her decision easier. "If you're sure you don't mind, I might take you up on that offer." Angela was amazed at how easy it was to talk to this bubbly young woman.

  "From what I understand, they will be giving us our own debit card tomorrow, so anything you use we can just replace," Lizzie was so excited that she could barely stand still. "So where are you from?"

  They spent the next few hours getting to know each other and Angela felt like she'd just walked into her new roommate's life. They were like night and day; Lizzie had been studying music at one of the music colleges, and prepping for this audition for most of her young life. She was the same age, and it was strange to feel comfortable with someone so different than herself.

  Her lack of sleep finally caught up with her, and she begged off to take a shower and took Lizzie up on her offer of clothes for the next day, sleeping in the hotel robe that night. When her head hit the pillow, she had no time to dwell on her new surroundings as sleep pulled her in and held her soundly until the next morning.

  She awoke to Lizzy chatting non-stop and dressed in her roommate's denim mini-skirt and a cotton tank top. Since she only had her heels for shoes, she was looking forward to buying a pair of tennis shoes in a few hours. They both decided to go without makeup and pulled their hair up into pony tails for the shopping trip.

  When they met up downstairs with the other ten contestants, and their guide, Angela was a bundle of nerves. They were all given a five thousand dollar debit card, and instructed that the clothing they bought was not for the show, but their own personal needs since a designer would take care of the other needs.

  Angela had never had five thousand dollars to spend on clothing or anything else for that matter, so she was excited when Lizzie asked her to shop together. They were given free reign at the mall and she followed Lizzie around like a lost puppy dog, taking her lead on what they would need for the next month. It was like starting her life over, because she had nothing with her. By the time they'd finished she felt like she'd worked eight hours in a factory.

  "That was so much fun, I wish I could do that every month and who knows maybe after this show both of us will be able to." Lizzie was giggling in enthusiasm.

  "I don't know, I think I'd rather pay someone to shop for me if we ever get that rich," Angela grinned, enjoying all her new things, but not sure she was really the shopping type of person. While Lizzie picked out the most revealing clothes she could find, she kept her choices modest, knowing she'd never feel comfortable showing her body that way. Outside of the bikini Lizzie swore she'd regret not buying, everything else fit her modesty index.

  They'd picked up a few suitcases to pack all their things in before they left the mall, and by the time they'd gotten back to the hotel, they only had an hour to pack before they were picked up for their flight. It took them the entire hour to force everything into the luggage.

  "So how long is this flight," Angela asked as their bags were taken downstairs by a bellhop they followed behind.

  "Only three hours, it's a fifteen hour drive, so I'm glad they paid for the plane ride." Lizzie tipped the luggage boy, and waved at their host as she appeared in the lobby.

  Angela made her way to the hotel van, trying not to be nervous about flying for the first time. They made it through security in what she would find out later from Lizzy, would be record time because of the influence of the producers on the show. Given first class seating, Angela decided if you had to fly this was definitely the way to do it. Every need they had, which in her case wasn't many, was met by the attentive stewardesses.

  Watching the clouds from the window was an experience that Angela knew she'd never forget. Instead of being nervous, the feeling of soaring through the sky had been exhilarating, and she hoped she got the chance to do this again someday. Lizzy chatted all through the flight and she smiled at how friendly her new friend was. She had no doubt in her mind at all that she'd never forget the young woman sitting beside her. Not having Rachel here would have been agonizing without her new friend.

  When they finally landed, Angela wasn't sure if she was happy or not. The experience had been incredible and it was with a sense of loss that she walked out of the airport terminal. That melancholy feeling ended the minute they were escorted into two separate limousines. She felt like giggling the minute she was seated inside the luxurious v
ehicle. "They really go all out," she whispered, floored by how they were being treated.

  "This show brings in so much revenue, trust me they're getting their money's worth out of us," Lizzie grinned and poured a glass of champagne. Handing Angela one, she held it up for a toast.

  Angela had never been a drinker, but a glass of champagne, definitely couldn't hurt she thought as she clinked glasses with Lizzy and smiled. "To being a superstar," she agreed when Lizzie toasted her. The brunette sitting across from her rolled her eyes, seemingly offended by being in the same car with them.

  "Enjoy it while you can ladies, this show will be won by me," Trish allowed her eyes to roam over the two women in distaste. She was so much better than these little wastes of time she was forced to endure the company of. She had been trained by the best, and had no doubt that walking away with the prize would be her shining moment.

  "Wow, conceited much?" You're what, 30?" The younger man sitting at her side chuckled softly at her audacity. "Devon Myers, ladies, future country superstar." He smiled at Angela and Lizzie, gave a smirk to Trisha.

  "First of all you little bug, I'm twenty-five, and if you're little hillbilly mind knows what opera is, I was trained by the best in the industry." Trisha glared at the younger man wearing cowboy boots and jeans looking like he'd just walked off a farm.

  "Um nice to meet you Devon, I'm Lizzie, and this is Angela, where are you from?" Ignoring the catty woman sitting across from them, Lizzy hoped she could change the topic of conversation. She'd never been one for confrontation, and found it was just a complete waste of positive energy.

  Ignoring the witch next to him, he gave his best smile, "I'm from Texas, and how about you lovely little ladies?" He noticed the smaller blond, Angela, lowered her eyes, so he looked at Lizzy and smiled brighter. He believed that if a woman didn't want your attention you shouldn't give it to her, so he turned to the one that did.

  "I'm from New York; I'm attending music school there." Lizzie thought the cowboy in front of her was one of the cutest men she'd seen in a long time and couldn't wait to get to know him better.

  "New Jersey," Angela whispered, keeping her eyes down, having no interest in talking to this guy or any other for that matter.

  "Maybe I will have a little competition," Trisha laughed as if that idea was comical. "I'm Trisha, and I'm sure you'll be hearing much more about me soon, but I'm also from New York." She'd be watching Lizzie a little more closely knowing she had formal training though. No one was standing in her way of winning this competition, it was hers alone to win and any person that tried, she'd destroy.

  "I thought you looked familiar," Lizzie stated begrudgingly. She didn't like the vibe this woman was putting out, but she refused to be as catty as she was. "You worked with Bella St.Clair, right?" Bella was one of the most celebrated private instructors at her college, and she hoped to work with her in senior year.

  "I was working with her, I graduated a few weeks ago," pleased that her competition understood just how much training she had, she allowed a small smile.

  "Being trained is fine, but some of us were just blessed with natural talent, and in my line of music the training actually is more of hindrance." He'd seen more than a few of his friends ruin their country voices by taking formal lessons and had opted out.

  "Yes, country is such a primitive form of music, that having the twang removed has caused issues I've heard," Trisha stuck her nose up in the air in contempt of that form of music.

  "I happen to enjoy country music," Angela spoke up in defense, not liking to hear anyone degraded.

  "So I assume you haven't been formally trained either?" With a sneer, Trisha glared at her. "Let's hope that trend isn't the way they decide to go this year." There were many things she could fight against, but the judges couldn't be swayed if they had the desire to find a certain genre of talent for the season. Since a country artist had won the year before, she hoped it wouldn't be a repeat.

  "No I haven't trained, but I don't really label myself as a country singer, more pop and blues." She wasn't sure why she was answering this snotty woman, most of the time she just hung her head and avoided confrontation.

  "I heard you sing for the auditions, you're really good," Lizzy grinned, and liked the idea that her new friend wasn't so full of herself like most of the people she met in these competitions.

  "Thanks, I just enjoy singing and making it this far has been more than I ever expected." Angela was amazed at how comfortable she felt around Lizzy. Normally it took her months to feel that way with a new person.

  "I think that's what this is all about," Devon grinned, "you've got to do what you love."

  "Yes be proud that you've all made it this far, that way when you lose it won't be so heartbreaking." Trisha smirked and pulled headphones out of her purse, effectively shutting them all out.

  Shaking her head at the woman's snide comments, Angela laughed softly feeling even more of her tension slipping away. She even managed to smile at Devon when he rolled his eyes at the woman's behavior. The small conversation passed the time until they arrived at the five star hotel they would spend the next month at.

  Angela's eyes took in every inch of the immaculate lobby they were led into, and marveled at the extravagance. She felt like Cinderella at the ball as they were escorted upstairs to the suite she and Lizzy would share. The living area was bigger than her entire apartment back in New Jersey, and she couldn't help but gasp in wonder.

  "Sure beats a college dorm room," Lizzie grinned, and walked around the suite getting to know it better.

  "It even has a kitchen," Angela grinned, thinking that she would love to cook in a place like this. Cooking was one of the things she did really well, outside of singing.

  "My cooking consists of whatever I can warm up in a microwave," Lizzie giggled.

  "Well if we don't want to order room service every day, I'm pretty good with food." Angela blushed, hoping she wasn't sounding too conceited.

  "The gods have smiled down on me," Angela laughed, "I haven't had a home cooked meal since Christmas, I'm so taking advantage of you."

  They shared a laugh and Angela opened the full-sized refrigerator. "This thing is stocked to the max," she exclaimed, surprised that they had went out of their way to do something like this.

  "I guess they want us to save a few dollars from their tab by eating in some," grinning, she was amazed at the assortment of food.

  A knock on the door pulled them out of their fascination in the kitchen. Lizzy went to answer it and was met by an attendant holding two packets. She smiled as she took them, and then retrieved her purse to give him a tip. She was shocked when he turned it down, stating he wasn't allowed to accept money during their stay here. As he left she could only guess the producers of the show paid their tips as well.

  She took the packet Lizzy handed her and sat down at the island bar, opening it. Inside was a list of her schedule for the week, and she was amazed at how much time would be spent preparing for the next part of their audition. Her morning would start at nine with an hour vocal class with the group, and then at ten she had a private vocal instructor that she'd work with. At eleven they had stage instruction, then an hour lunch after that.

  A personal physical trainer would meet her after lunch for an hour, and then various meetings until five would take up the rest of the hours of her day until Saturday and Sunday in which she was free to do whatever she wished. "This is a crazy schedule."

  "They plan on working our butts off," Lizzy grinned, excited about getting started.

  "Seems like it, well we have the rest of the day at least to get settled in." With that thought in mind, they unpacked their suitcases in their separate rooms. When she was done she called Rachel, explaining everything that had happened since she left.

  For the next half hour they caught up and Rachel seemed overwhelming pleased that things were going so well with her friend. "You just remember how much I'm rooting for you back home honey, and make me proud." Sh
e couldn't wait to see where this journey led her best friend and always knew she was meant for more in this life than she had previously been given.

  With tears in her eyes she ended her conversation, wishing that Rachel was here sharing this all with her. She often wondered what her life would have been if Rachel hadn't shown up and knew that she owed her more than could ever be repaid. Wiping away the tears, she took a quick shower, dressed in a pair of shorts and a tank, then walked back out in the living area.

  Finding Lizzie there, she asked if she was interested in exploring and with her agreement, they joined up with Devon and discovered the huge city of Las Vegas.

  3 Nolan

  "Do we have any really promising talent lined up," Nolan Fitzgerald sat back in his chair, contemplating the head shots of the new entertainers before him.

  "There's a few that have potential, other's will be just eye candy for the show." Sanders had been in this job way to long, he thought to himself, sitting across the desk from his long term employer, bored at the idea of another season.

  Each year twenty-five dreamers of the best talent they could search out was brought on their show, and seven would walk away with major recording contracts, and one would have the elusive dream of guaranteed stardom. He'd come a long way from the young musician playing his piano in dive bars over the last ten years, and was now a force to be reckoned with. His label was the most influential one in the business and if you wanted to be a star, his name was all it took.

  He'd given up his own dream of fame to take over the business his father had helped grow. The man had been a genius in the music industry, even if his attributes as a father had little merit. His death eight years ago, even though he knew he should feel some guilt for thinking it, had been the best day of his entire existence. Ronnie James had made his life a living hell in more ways than he cared to ever talk about, but he had taught him how to run a business with a skill that no other could compete with.