Chasing Your Dreams.

I stood, staring at myself in the mirror. "Breathe," I whispered to myself softly. I glanced around at the competition then back down at my outfit. I wasn't dressed right, they were for sure going to kick me out. I shut my eyes, forcing all negative thoughts out of my head. I could do this. I had to.

Let me explain myself. My name is Lilian, or Lily, Brookes. I currently was waiting for my number to be called to go do the final round of auditions for X Factor Season 3. It was extremely nerve wracking, especially seeing the other talent around me.

My mother walked up behind me and squeezed my shoulders. I smiled at her in the mirror, hoping I didn't appear as nervous as I was. I needed to make a good first impression on the judges.

"You ready?" My mother asked me, leaning against the vanity counter. I nodded at her then grabbed the water bottle next to her. I quickly took a drink then took another deep breath. The worse thing that could happen is them not putting me through. I would just go home and get on with my life after that, it'd be okay. Though I knew this wasn't the truth. If I got shot down today, I'd be devastated. I'd lose all hope in ever achieving my dreams. I couldn't let it happen.

I had spent the past few months carefully studying the past two X Factor seasons. By now I had a pretty good idea on what they wanted to see but I was still unsure on if I fit that. I guess we'd find out soon enough.

My stepdad came back from the bathroom only a few seconds before they called my number. I was relieved to have both of them there because they were my biggest supporters. They thought I could do this, so I had to. I couldn't let them down.

I gave them a small smile then walked over to one of the crew members. He handed me a microphone and told me a quick "good luck" before walking off to the next contestant. I climbed up the small set of stairs to the stage, waiting for my cue to walk on. The crew member onstage gave me a thumbs up and I took a deep breath. I made my way to the middle of the stage, trying to appear a lot more confident than I felt. I looked towards the judges and wanted to stop breathing.

Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell, LA Reid, and Britney Spears stared back at me. They were actually here in the flesh. It was so weird to see them in front of me but I still gave them one of my brightest smiles.

"Hello, what's your name?" Simon asked me then took a swig of whatever he was drinking. I quickly told them, hoping it came out clear. Honestly I don't even remember if I said the right name. Simon nodded and then asked me my age.

"Sixteen, as of last week," I told him, flashing another smile. Demi quickly interrupted and told me happy belated birthday. I thanked her then looked back to Simon.

"What are you going to sing today? Please don't say Adele," I laughed softly and nodded.

"Don't worry, I'm not that dumb. I'm going to be singing Behind These Hazel Eyes by Kelly Clarkson," I told the four of them then finally took a look at the crowd. There was so many people but I could do it. I could sing this song in my sleep. Simon nodded and told me I could start whenever. I took a deep breath then brought the microphone to my lips.

I sang the first line and the crowd started cheering. This encouraged me so I started to walk the stage, giving the performance of a lifetime. Now that I was singing I wasn't so nervous.

I finished the song and smiled at everyone. Cheers quickly followed and even the judges clapped. I felt tears start to fall and I quickly wiped them. I did it, and they actually liked me. I laughed softly at the fact I was crying.

LA started talking first, "Wow, that performance was really good. With a little work, you'll be amazing." I thanked him, smiling.

"I agree, you're very good sweetie," Britney said, smiling back at me.

"Yeah, I would definitely buy your album," Demi agreed.

"They're all right. It's a yes from me," Simon told me and I gripped my microphone harder. Two more yeses and I was through.

"Yes from me," LA nodded.

"One from me," Britney added. Three yeses, I was going through. Demi added a fourth yes and I jumped up. My parents ran onstage and hugged me, tears in both of their eyes. I couldn't believe it. I was actually good. They actually liked me. I made it.

I was going to boot camp.