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Chapter 3 | Get It Together

London

    One More Day. I Get Ready For School, And Once I Finished I Get Into Mom's Car And Drive There. I Parked The Car, And I Meet James In The Library.

"What Was So Urgent For Me To Meet You Here Twenty Minutes Before Class Starts?" I Asked As I Sat Down.

James Pulls Out The Flyer That I Had Before.

"Are You Auditioning?" He Asked.

I Nodded, Shyly.

"Don't."

I Tilted My Head In Confusion.

"Why?" I Asked.

James Went Back Into His Book Bag, And Pulled Out A Photo Of Zero Being Placed In A Cop Car. I Turned The Photo Around, To Get A Better Look. God, He's Gorgeous.

"I'm Still Confused On Why I Shouldn't Go." I Admitted.

   "Because, Zero Is One Of The Judges And It Appears That He's Falling Off Of His I'm Clean Commitment. Now, I Know You're Going To Win Because I Have Faith In You, But He's Dangerous." James Explained.

I Shook My Head.

      "I'm Still Going. I Don't Care If He's Dangerous Or Not, This Could Be Huge For Me." I Stated.

  I Stood Up, And Placed My Bag Over My Shoulder. James Stood Up Too.

    "Please Don't. I Don't Want To See You Get Hurt."

I Took A Deep Breath.

      "Sorry." I Said As I Walked Off.

Zero

Martin Is Pacing Back And Fourth, While I'm Sitting Down On The Couch With My Hands Folded Like A Child In Trouble.

"What Am I Going To Do With You? You're A Twenty Year Old That Needs Someone Around You To Make Sure You Don't Do Dumb Shit Like This. This Is My Last Time Bailing You Out Of Jail, You Better Get It Together." Martin Scolded.

I Stood Up.

     "I Got You. I'll Keep It Together So I Can Go Through With The Auditions Tomorrow. Happy?" I Explain.

      "Elated." Martin Says Flatly As He Grabs His Briefcase. "If You Need Anything Besides Bail Money, Call Me."

I Chuckled.

Martin Closed The Front Door Behind Him, And I'm Standing In The Middle Of My Gigantic House Alone. I Pull Out My Phone, And Dial Porsha's Number. Straight To Voicemail.

      I Walk Down The Hall To See A Photo Of My Dad Hanging Up On The Wall. I Trail My Finger Across His Face.

Zero! Come On Champ, Pass The Ball!

    "I Miss You Pops. It Feels Like You're Gone Forever But Your Only Ten Miles Away." I Said Sympathetically.

    I Walked Into My Room, And Sat On My Bed. I Began To Weigh My Thoughts, To Make Sure I'm In The Right Head Space To Tackle These Judgements For These Auditions Tomorrow. How Am I Going To Survive That Day Clean?

London

I Walked Towards The Exit Of The School Until Someone Grabbed My Arm. I Turned Around And James Was Standing There.

"Yes?" I Answered.

He Let Me Go.

"I Need Help With A Project. Can We Work On It At Your House?" He Questioned.
I Placed My Hand On My Hip.