SugarCOAT

23. When the Heart Flutters 💓

As I rested in bed with the TV idly on, I looked over at my attire from last night that rested in my purple chair. The silver wig, the purple fur coat, the silver chain shoes with matching chain necklace, and sunglasses were my identity as Jae. The more I thought about it, the more I got excited. This meant that I could still be Jamie without anyone knowing. I can't wait for--

"If you ever had a dream to make it big, then you've come to the right place. This show is a competition full of talent unlike anything you've ever seen before. This is real people, real dreams, and most of all real success."

I looked at the TV to see a familiar man talking while standing on a stage. Then, the commercial cut to a woman who belted out a high note and the judges favorable reactions. Then, I saw Larry, my old co-worker, rapping.

I quickly sat up in bed.

The sound of drums hit with every clip that showed a person that auditioned before going back to the man that was talking earlier. "You don't want to miss this! It's all new and better than the rest. Tune in live every Thursday at 8pm Eastern and 7pm Central. Welcome to The Power House."

The entire stage that the man stood on lit up with electricity before going dark. The man shouted, "Will you be the one to turn on the power?"

Another commercial came on.

Wow! Was that the commercial for Zeke's new show? I hopped out of the bed and got ready for the day. After freshening up, I made an exit from my bedroom to the hall. The feeling of excitement was still at an all-time high for me.

Before I could get to the end of the corridor, I saw Zack walking by. I slowed down my pace and tried to take quiet steps, hoping he didn't see me.

Zack reappeared, "Just the person I wanted to see."

I smiled at him out of necessity.

"Uncle Ricky's birthday party was last night. I couldn't make it, but I knew Zeke would. He's the favorite. I hope you got the chance to wear the necklace and the shoes I bought you. If not, you can wear them another time."

My eyes bucked with surprise. Why didn't Zeke say anything? I shouldn't have assumed.

"You didn't get the note?" He inquired.

I answered, "No. I was in a rush when I opened everything and put it on. Thank you, but please don't buy me anything else. Zeke and I are together, and I don't want there to be any awkwardness between us."

Zack's smile dropped. "Understood, but if you change your mind--"

"I won't." Was that a bit mean of me?

"Jae, have a good day." He turned around.

I think I just made things even more awkward. I decided to take the secret passage way to get downstairs. From the door in the hall to the pool table room, I landed on the first floor on a quest to find Zeke. I wanted to know more about his show. Things seemed to be moving pretty quickly with it.

When I got to Zeke's room, his door was open. I knocked on it before walking inside. 

Jaylei looked up from her phone as she stood in the center of Zeke's room. She was dressed in a cream blazer, peach pants, and denim pointed-toe heels. She always looked nice; especially, with her hair in a cute high ponytail. If I didn't want to be a singer, I wouldn't mind doing her job.

"Hey, girl! Zeke told me you were sleeping-in today."

I folded my arms before saying, "I've been up since eight. I was watching TV and saw the commercial for Zeke's new show. I wanted to ask him about it."