“Welcome to Day 2 of boot camp. We’re expecting amazing performances from all of you today. The first category that will sing is the groups, then the girls, the over 25s, and lastly the boys. Good luck.”
Thank God. At least I have some time to mentally prepare for the performance.
I look at Louis, standing next to me on stage and give him a reassuring smile before following him backstage.
My category is given a room to stay in until it’s our turn to sing. I sit at one of the couches at the back and Louis sits next to me.
“Just stay calm. Don’t lose focus.” I whisper and he nods.
We stay the remainder of the morning and most of the afternoon waiting. Niall plays guitar at the front of the room and some join him in singing Bruno Mars songs. They’ve started calling for boys to head to stage according to the alphabetical order of our last names and I notice that they’re at G.
I keep repeating the lyrics in my head. In the middle of the fifth time someone calls my name.
“Harry Styles, they’re ready for you.” One of the crew members tells me.
“Good luck” Louis squeezes my hand and I give him a brief smile before following the woman to the stage.
Suddenly I get this exhilarating adrenaline rush and I find myself rushing towards the stage. I can do this.
“Thank you” Simon speaks into the mic with a slight smile on his face.
It’s over? No, I just started. That went too fast.
I pass Louis as I’m going down the stairs and give him a quick hug. “Kill it”
“I will” he smiles.
A few minutes later he returns with a smile on his face.
“So?” I ask.
“I’m not sure, but I might’ve just smashed it.” He smiles wider and I attack him in a bear hug and he laughs out loud. I’m aware of the other boys, some who didn’t do well, staring at us but frankly I don’t care right now. I’m just so relieved.
The judges take about an hour to deliberate on who to put through to the last day of boot camp tomorrow so we sit and eat some food and chat a bit to ease the tension in the room. We’re going to be reduced to approximately to half of how many boys we are now. I try not to concentrate on how many people will be let go and instead on what Louis and Aiden are bickering about.
“The judges are ready now.” We pile out of the room and once again stand in front of the three people who will determine our position in the competition.
“You all had amazing performances today, this is a competition after all and there is only one winner so sadly half of you will be going home immediately.” Louis Walsh says.
Then it sinks in that I actually might be one of those and I start to panic. Louis senses my nerves and pats my shoulder.
“The first boy through to the last day of boot camp is…”
I hate it when Simon does his dramatic pause.
“Matt Cardle.”
A boy gets out of line, smiles at the judges, and leaves the stage.
The judges continue to say random names, some of which I’ve never heard of, and my heart beats quicker with every name said.
“Louis Tomlinson”
I look to my right and smile. Really smile. At least he’s through. I can be happy for him.
“See you soon” he mouths and walks off stage.
I hope.
“There’s three more slots left” Simon announces. Thanks, that really helped.
The little shred of hope I had is long gone now as another name is said.
Well, at least I packed my bag yesterday night. I can leave this studio really quickly and never come—
“Harry Styles.”
I look up shocked.
“Me?” Simon smiles gently and nods and I stumble off stage into Louis’ arms.
(vote and comment if you have suggestions. mira xx)
