Don't Stop the Music

Chapter II

'PIPER BEAUMONTE! Get out of this house!' I struggled with my sleeping bag, trapped in sleep.
'Mum. I am eighteen. Not two. You are not putting me in time out.' I woke with a start, the zipper of my sleeping bag digging into my side.

Sleeping on the floor of my tiny apartment wasn't ideal, but at least I had a sleeping bag. In any case, I couldn't afford to buy a bed.

I began getting changed. My boss liked the bartenders in black, so I pulled on a short pink dress that had little creases in the fabric.

I took the elevator down to the ground floor of the apartment building where (as per usual) the bus was late. After waiting about 5 minutes, it finally arrived. If the bus took as long as it usually did, I'd be cutting it fine to get there in time for my shift.

I had to run past a few shops before I got to the tavern. Ignoring the sign that said Karaoke from 9:00pm 7 days a week I went straight up to the bar. I was supposed to have a few drinks before I performed. The tavern opened at 8:00, but an hour is enough for some people to get tipsy. The tv in one of the corners was blaring. It was halfway through a sevens game, and ads were playing.

"The X Factor New Zealand changed my life. We are holding auditions in Auckland, Wellington, Whangerei, Dunedin, Nelson, New Plymouth, and Christchurch. Go to TV3.co.nz for more."

One of the regulars who has heard my singing often (and was already drunk) yelled out something fortifying. "Hey you!" He pointed at me. "You should enter that!" He laughed.

I continued to sip my drink. It was just some random drunk guy daring me to make a fool of myself... right?