The New Manager (Pentatonix)

14.

It took around an hour, but eventually everyone got to the house.

"Okay, great to see everyone! Any questions before we get started?" Scott asked, after giving everyone a quick home tour- minus Mitch's room, of course.

Marah raised her hand meekly. Scott gestured for her to speak.

"What's that room with the closed door?" She asked.

Alex gasped. The band cringed. Esther bit her lip.

Tears welled in Scott's eyes, and he tried to blink them away.

"Umm... that was Mitch's room." He said softly, trying to hide the waver in his voice.

Marah's eyes went wide. "I am so sorry... I didn't know..."

Scott butted in. "No, it's fine. I just wasn't expecting that. In all honesty, I'm scared to touch it. I want it to be there... for if he ever comes back. Not to the band, but just to our lives." He confessed.

Michelle started tearing up.

"Well, anyways... we better get started." Scott said, starting the interviews.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone went into a side room individually, and had a short interview.

It took a couple of hours, but it seemed to really help everyone in regards to deciding who would fit with the group.

After all, sore thumbs do stick out, and are rather uncomfortable to be with.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, we've rewatched everyone's interviews, and we've decided on our top five!" Kirstie announced.

The nine auditionees exchanged terrified glances with one another.

"Just so everyone knows- this was actually a hard choice. We've gotten to know everyone so much, and it's heartbreaking to know that some people are leaving us now. I'm really going to miss the four who are leaving." Scott said, tears in his eyes.

"The people leaving us, though amazing people, and amazing singers, just don't fit with our group. We think that they would be uncomfortable with us." Kevin said. He seemed upset for having to let people go.

"The people who have made it to the top five are Tara, Sidney, Deanne, Angel, and Claudia. Sadly, the other four of you will be leaving us." Esther said.

Lia burst into tears. Marah just bit her lip and looked down. Madison just sighed, accepting it. Daniella hugged her knees.

"I'm so sorry, guys." Michelle said, wrapping them each in a hug one by one.

Eventually, the four had calmed down enough to leave.

Michelle turned to the five who remained.

"Congrats! You made it to the top five! We will call you guys the Stars. Welcome to the top, guys!" She said.

The stars cheered.

Esther handed a legal sized envolope each to Tara, Sidney, Deanne, Angel, and Claudia. She also handed them to Scott, Kirstie, Avi, and Kevin.

"Whats this?" Angel asked, nervously.

"Your new contracts. Along with information on the last stage of auditions. Please read the highlighted parts- they are the new additions." Esther stated bluntly.

Everyone opened the contracts, reading them over.

1. You may not leave the group/ auditions without sufficient notice, and a valid reason which can not be discredited by management.
2. Management holds the final say in your place in the group. You may be rotated out or replaced at any time.
3. Any original group members, unless otherwise specified by management, have a secure position in the group. This can be obtained at any time, with little to no notice.
4. If at any time there is a problem with the singer, their position may be reviewed. A singer may be removed if They are abusive (mentally or physically or any other way), They bring down the group quality, They oppose management, They are engaged in illegal affairs, or They are uncommitted
5. Tours are non-negotiable, as are any other performances. Refusal may result in removal. You must be able to perform under pressure.
6. When needed, re evaluations may be called. You must be able to create and hold harmony. You must be able to write original peices, and adapt other peices to fit the group.
7. You must live in a location with the rest of the group, or be able to get to the group quickly.
8. Any social media will be monitered by the management. Offensive/ demeaning/ detrimental posts will be removed without notice.
9. You are not to have relationships with fans, unless they are kept private until confirmed permanent.
10. Any negative opinions of the group and their descisions are to remain quiet, and be brought to the attention of managment.
11. Management may only be changed by full group agreement. Temporary managment (>one year) may be brought into effect without consent.
12. Full managment changes can only be brought into effect through several unpopular/ detrimental descisions. All of the band must be in complience to enact an overhaul.

Dumbfounded glances were exchanges between the official members.

"Esther... why are we signing this?"  Kevin asked, knowing they already had contracts on file.

"Simple. So everyone has the same contract." Michelle answered for her co manager.

Everyone signed the contracts, and handed them to Esther.

"Wait... how come Michelle didnt sign one? You did..." Scott pointed out. He didn't want the petite blue eyed brunette manager to be excluded from anything.

"Did anyone read subheading 11? She isn't a full manager. There wasn't agreement at all, so we could only make her a temp." Esther said.

"But..." Kirstie started crying.

"She can't leave!" Kevin said, his temper starting a rare flare up.

"I can't lose someone else..." Scott mumbled.

"I'm sorry guys. But as soon as you have a solid singer, I'm gone. After all, I'm just a temp. I'm just here to help you out for a short while." Michelle said flippantly.

"But why?!" Scott asked, throwing himself at the temp.

He had intended to hug her, but mistook her height.

Michelle was knocked back, and fell to the ground.

At the impact, the bobby pins that held her wig on snapped, falling out.