Leave It To Me

Chapter Two// Singing & Food?

Samantha and I have been harmonizing with each other and goofing off with other performers for a little over an hour. She was number 86, and they were only on number 57. I gasped. "What's wrong Ren??" Samantha asked, our group of new friends snapping their heads in my direction. "I'M NEXT!!!!"

We all stood up. As the director told me to get ready. "Guys, can we pray?" They all smiled and chuckled a little before standing in a circle and joining hands; just like we did for every one of us before we went in. So far 3 of 7 had made it, 2 were let go and 2 haven't gone... Me and Samantha.

"Dear Lord, we ask of you today to watch over Samantha and Rena as they go in before the judges to showcase the beautiful talents you have blessed them with oh so graciously.

We ask that you allow them the courage to leave everything they came with on that stage, and that you leave them walking out with nothing but pride and the feeling of achievement. In, on and through your name we pray, Amen."

We all mumbled an amen. "NUMBER 58. Please report to the double doors. NUMBER 58." Blasted over the intercom, I took a deep breath as we all piled in for a group hug. My legs carried me over to the double doors as my teeth bit nervously away at my bottom lip.

A few seconds had went by when the doors swung open and out walked Ryan Seacrest. I quickly fangirled as he hugged me. "Number 58, the judges are waiting." We smiled at each other as he led me to the stage by the small of my back.

They pointed to an x that was marked on the floor. I stood on it and steadied my breathing as I brought the mic to my lips. My music started and I hummed lowly.

As the pace picked up, I mercilessly belted out the lyrics to " Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith. I smiled brightly as the crowd erupted in cheers. I hadn't even finished the first chorus.

I closed my eyes as two buzzers sounded. Meaning I was chosen! Two people wanted me!!!! I squeezed my eyes shut and all the air left my lungs. I took a deep breath before almost whispering the last line. Just before the music ended, another buzzer sounded.

My eyes teared up as I opened them. I jumped up and down like a five year old with a dollar as Pharrell, Shakira, and Adam stared at me with grins spread across each of their faces. "Wow..." Adam whispered, allowing the crowd to settle down. "Can I just say... I was first!" Shakira announced. I laughed as Pharrell jumped in saying that she was lying.

Blake stared blankly. "They are both crazy, it was me!" "You didn't even hit your buzzer!" Shakira laughed. Sweat beaded down my forehead, "She doesn't know that! Her eyes were closed!" I laughed even harder. They all turned their attention toward me, "What's your name, Love?" Pharrell asked, tapping a pen,

"Rena.. Rena Foster." I spoke softly. "Wait! I know you aren't shy!! Especially after that hell of a performance!! Am I right??" Blake asked the audience, they clapped and screamed in response.

"No sir, I'm not, just a little nervous," "Well... Rena, you are amazing. I enjoyed your song choice, very new. Not sure I've ever heard anyone sing Sam Smith, better than Sam Smith on this show. And you exceeded every expectation. Very nice voice, you are very present on the stage and I enjoyed watching you." Adam said, adding a wink at the end.

My cheeks flushed and Shakira faked gag noises, "Aren't you married?" She teased. The crowd oo'd and ahh'd. "First off, Rena you are stunning! I was so caught up in your face and your hair and just you! You're beautiful!!" She started,

"Thank you so much..." She continued, "I don't think I've ever seen so much soul put into a song like that. There was a lot of emotion behind it," I nodded, she was right.

"it was eccentric. I know I can help put you on the map babygirl." She blew me a kiss and I giggled as I thanked her. "Rena, Rena, Rena. How old are you, sweetheart?" Pharrell asked causing an uproar, "I just turned 18 a few days ago!" I replied.