ChapterThree-Band Auditions
September 10th, 2004
It’s a few days later. Justin accepted being in Alyson and Bailey’s band. Ethan, on the other hand, rejected the offer. He wasn’t crazy about the idea of being in singing/dancing pop band; and performing on a American Juniors-like show. So the band had to hold auditions for second male singer.
The Alyson/Justin/Bailey band decided to hold the auditions at the school’s auditorium. They were sitting their seats as they wait for people. Alyson said, “I wish Ethan joined this band.”
Justin agreed, “I agree. I feel kinda weird that everyone in the school knows about this band. We could’ve kept this band a secret.”
Bailey commented, “True, but we got no choice.”
Alyson said, “I know Andrew has been targeting the performing arts students lately, but he didn’t target us.”
“How can he? We’re the most popular students in school. There’s no way he can touch us.”
Justin said bitterly, “Who cares. He’s f*cked up.”
Alyson said, “Yeah, totally.”
Soon the auditions started. There were only 25 people that auditioned, and all of them sucked. After it was over, Justin and Bailey got up to leave, but Alyson didn’t. Justin asked, “Are you leaving with us, Aly?”
Alyson replied sadly, “No, not yet. I just need to think.”
So Alyson was all alone, or so she thought. She heard a male voice call out her name. She called out nervously, “Who is it? Where you at?”
The mysterious guy responded, “It’s me, Andrew.”
Alyson was relieved at first, then got angry. “What do you want, Andrew? Came here to humiliate me? To make fun of me? Just do it once! What are you waiting for? Just do it!” she said angrily.
Andrew said angrily, “I want to audition for your band!”
Alyson was shocked, then became angry again. She scoffed, “Yeah, right. I need singer-dancers, not stupid pricks like you who would try to destroy a dream.”
“Alyson! You think I’m this monster, but I’m not! I would never destroy this dream of yours of being a popstar or being in a pop band! How can you think I’m this cruel guy?”
Alyson yelled, “Because you are! You always this monster since first grade! I can’t even remember a day when you weren’t around to terrorize everybody.”
Andrew said quietly, “I wasn’t in Boston before I was entered first grade.”
“Where were you before you came here?”
“Hartford, Connecticut.”
“Well, go back to Hartford and bully those people there. I don’t ever want to see you again.”
Andrew's voice broke, as if he was about to cry, “Please give me a chance to audition for you.”
Alyson thought for a moment. Andrew was getting ready to walk away when Alyson spoke up. She said reluctantly, “Okay, fine, you can audition. Get on the stage.”
Andrew said shyly, “Um, not here.”
“Where then?”
Andrew said with a louder voice,“My house. Don’t worry, my dad got home early after his client dropped his case. So we won’t be alone.”
Alyson rolled her eyes, and left with Andrew in his black BMW. Andrew already has his driver’s license. So does Alyson, but she doesn’t have a car yet.
When they arrived at Andrew’s house, Andrew sang and danced to Justin Timberlake’s song, Rock Your Body. Alyson was surprised to see and hear how good he really was! She told him, “Andrew, you’re really good! I never thought of you as a singer-dancer!”
Andrew gave a shy smile, then he looked scared. Alyson noticed, and asked, “Are you okay?”
Andrew responded quietly, “I never told this to anyone. I’ve been professionally trained in the performing arts. It started with voice lessons, soon I took acting lessons, and dancing was added. I’m still being trained to this day with the best vocal coaches, theatre coaches, and choreographers Boston has to offer.”
“OMFG, you’re one of the performing art students. But you always bully them.”
Andrew pleaded, “I know I’m one of them. That’s why my training cannot come out. If it does, I’ll be beaten up and insulted. You can’t tell anyone about this.”
“Then why’d you audition for a band that will be shown on TV?”
“Honestly, I’m tired of the way my life is. I’m this athlete who bullies people. I want something different, like going to Broadway, or become a popstar.”
“I know what you mean. I’m this mean cheerleader with conservative parents. I just want break out of this life, and become the new Britney Spears.”
Andrew and Alyson were silent for a few minutes. Then Alyson spoke up, “You’re really good, Andrew. I’ll let you join my band, but under this condition: You need to get along with Justin. He’s my boyfriend, and he’s a member of the band. You both need to put aside the differences, and work together.”
“Is this band going to be hidden from everyone until we’re shown on TV?”
“Yeah, we have to.”
“Okay, I’ll do as you say.”
Alyson and Andrew shared a smile together. It was a risk, but the band was ready to go.
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