Stage Fright (On Hold)

TWO

Claire had realized somewhere on the way where they were going, but chose not to say anything to May. No, boy bands weren't really her thing, but she had nothing particular against this group, and she understood what May was trying to do. If she were to be honest with herself, Claire would have done the same if she were in her friend's shoes, so why not make the most of it? Besides, she really did need the distraction.

Waiting in line was agony, even if it was only for twenty minutes or so. With nothing more to distract her, and conversation having fallen flat again, Claire was left to her own, destructive thoughts again. Painful thoughts and hurtful words pierced her mind. Even May was getting antsy. Not that she had ever been particularly patient, but she had always been able to out-wait Claire. Finally though, it was their turn.

They were led by a guard to a secondary entrance off to the side of the building, where they were met by a tall, smiling man with Barbie pink hair. Normally, such an openly sunshiny person would put Claire off, but something about him just seemed... warm.

"Hi! I'm Sean." He called eagerly, almost before they were within earshot. He continued with the same energy he started with once they were closer. "And you must be the first place contestants! How exciting this must all be for you! Tell me, which one of you gorgeous ladies is Ms. May Tyson? No wait, let me guess!"

It wasn't long after Sean opened his mouth that Claire's usual reaction to too-sunny people set in. She leaned over to May and muttered, "Bringing me here was one thing, but subjecting me to this is something else entirely." while Sean dramatically made up his mind. May didn't get the chance to respond before he made his choice.

"You." He said confidently, pointing at Claire. "You're our winner and your friend is the plus one."

He seemed so confident and sure of his success it actually made Claire smirk. May's reaction was on the opposite end of the spectrum. She looked insulted as she crossed her arms over her chest and began to sulk. Claire took this as a sign not to let her friend open her mouth.

"You've got us backwards." She stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "She's the fan, I'm the tag-along."

Sean sighed and shrugged, his mood seemingly to fall a little. "I was so sure though!" He cried, defeat coloring his tone. "Oh well. If you'd be so kind as to follow me, ladies. We're on a schedule here."

The conversation ended there, but to Claire's disappointment, another was started as soon as they were past the double doors. All the cheery excitement bled out of Sean's voice, replaced with a fast paced, businesslike tone.

"Okay. You'll have about forty-five with the boys in hair and makeup before you'll be escorted to your seats. Best in the house, I might add." After a brief pause so he could take a breath, Sean continued. "After the show you'll go with the rest of the VIPs and contest winners for the backstage interview. Are you with me so far?"

He glanced back only long enough to catch the girls nods, and sped along. "Now, as part of the exclusive first place prize package, you'll get to go to dinner with the boys after the interview. There will be camera's everywhere, and people begging for interviews and tidbits from them and you. You run the risk of having rumors spread about you, so your safest bet is to keep your mouths shut and ignore them. Got it?"

He didn't wait for their answer. "Good, because we're here." He paused, turning to look at the girls for a moment, a serious expression on his face. Claire had to admit, she liked this version of him better. He seemed more real to her. "And please, please no fainting."

With that, he pushed open the door without knocking. Claire watched her friend closely as they entered the surprisingly small room, and was left confused by what she saw.
A string of emotions flitted across May's face, going from recognition to shock to confusion and finally settling on a bright smile. Claire followed her gaze and saw a similar string of emotions flicker across a familiar looking boy's face, only his settled on confusion.

"May?" He questioned, the confusion that covered his face coloring his voice.

May's smile brightened impossibly more. "Danny!"

"Danny?" Claire questioned, almost sounding horrified.

Everyone in the room looked confused, except May, who was smiling like she'd just gotten the best possible present in the world.