The New Manager (Pentatonix)

12.

Michelle went to the next day's meeting reluctantly.

The first thing she noticed was Scott's heartbroken face.

She ignored it, though.

"The rest of the top ten stars are due to be here shortly." Michelle said coldly to Esther, before walking away.

Everyone noticed how distant Michelle was that meeting.

Even Michelle.

Scott seemed distant as well, and no one could figure out why.

Esther gathered everyone up, and started the meeting off with an official notice about the passing of Parker and Caitlyn.

The stars had already learned about the deaths, but were still upset about them.

"This is upsetting to all of us, more so as we can't take time to mourn them. We must continue with auditions. We will have to narrow you down to our top five soon, we only have half a month before we have to make an announcement. We are only allowed to go a month without any new news. This is five weeks in, and everyone knows that we're down to ten, but we need to make another announcement soon. However, does everyone remember the letters you had to write after making the top ten?" Esther asked.

Everyone had been emailed, and told to write a letter stating three wishes for if they got kicked out. One of them would be granted (as long as it was reasonable).

"Well... Parker had a request. It was that someone who had almost made it to the top ten gets to take his place, if he was to be picked. We will grant that wish. Angel will be replacing him." Michelle finished.

Avi went to open the door, welcoming the newest top ten star into the meeting.

"Hi, guys." She said shyly, a huge contrast to her CAPS LOCK KWEEN internet persona.

"Welcome, Angel." Tara said, taking full advantage of her Mom internet persona.

The contrast between Angel's projected confidence and true presentation made Kirstie smile.

"Hey, Angelica. Would you prefer your given name or your nickname?" Kirstie asked.

Angel just shrugged.

"Okay, I want to use Angel. I'll use that. Well anyways, we are happy to have you here, Angel. Welcome to the top ten."

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Everyone went out after that to a small resturaunt.

"So, in two days, we have interviews. They will be recorded. They may be released to the public. So keep it clean, and think before you talk." Avi said, taking a short break from his hamburger.

"Umm... may I ask what for?" Sidney asked, sipping her pop.

"Oh course! We just want to get to know you better! Just so we can see who fits well with the group." Kirstie said, her taco sitting untouched infront of her.

"We also need to find any problems, so we don't have another Brandon problem. Just precautionary." Scott said, his bad mood making his words seem scary.

"Why will they be shown to other people?" Deanne asked, her writer's mind going wild with unrealistic reasons.

Lia leaned forward, her writer brain also going into overdrive.

"The interviews may have small parts released in a video, so we can have fan feedback. They will also be kept for our records, in case anything happens. But mostly, just so people get to know you." Kevin said, as he ate his chicken leg.

"What will we be asked?" Angel asked, her first words since introducing herself to the group. She hadn't even talked to the waitress, instead just pointing to something and having someone else order.

"Basic things. Name, age, where you come from, what your family is like, any disorders or conditions you have, your religion, your hobbies, your pet peeves, your dislikes... stuff like that." Esther said.

"Just getting to know you." Michelle chimed in.

The stars exchanged nervous glances.

"Will we be meeting back at the hotel again?" Daniella asked.

"No... actually, we want to meet at my house." Avi said.

He gave them all the address, and gave Esther a hug before leaving.

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When Mitch got home and checked his phone, he found that there were many voicemails from Scott.

"Hey Mitch it's Scott... I wanted to apoligize for earlier... I'm not on a good place right now. We had to do audtitions... two of our auditionees died on the same day, just yesterday we found out. Wow, that sounds like excuses. Please call me? I'm desperate."

"It's Scott... did I do something? I never meant to upset you... God, I'm an idiot. Please call me?"

"Scott again. What you said when you were leaving... did you mean it? Am I really the reason you left?"

"Desperate Blonde here... is the cute brunette turned the colour of royalty here? Will he ever be here?"

"Mitch, I swear to Beyoncé, if you blocked me or changed your number... well, I wish I could put a threat there, but to be honest, I'll probably just break down in tears. I need you, Mitchy..."

"Mitchy... what happened to you?"

"Okay I give up. You don't want to hear from me, so I can leave you alone. Thanks for letting me know that you're still alive, though."

Mitch stared at his phone. He saved them all when prompted.

In a brief moment of weakness, he sent the baritone an address, time, and date.

I'm such an idiot.