Adopted By Rachel Platten

Chapter 21

Jasmine's POV

School? 

"What do you mean school?" I ask.

"First off, you're only 13. You still need to finish your education. Second, I promise you'll still have time to sing. After all, you just signed with Columbia Records." Mom says.

"Fine." I say defeated. I walk over to Nora and Steph and tell them the news. They look just as down as I do. The three of us chat for a few minutes before the adults tell us its time to go. As we depart, I feel the urge to go the bathroom. 

"Can I go to the bathroom?" 

"Sure, honey. We'll wait for you in the lobby." Mom says. I nod and head off to the bathroom. After completing my business, I step out of the bathroom in to complete darkness. A blackout perhaps? There was no sound at all, just an eerie silence all around. I pull out my phone and turn on its flashlight before realizing the charge is at ten percent. I head in the direction of the doors that leads to the lobby but to my dismay, they're locked shut. Turning around, I head in the other direction, hoping to find another way. Beep! Beep! Shoot, my phone just died, plunging me back in to the darkness. Blindly feeling my way, I feel a familiar piece of equipment at my fingertips. I'm at the recording studio. 

"Going somewhere?" 

"Mr. Marconi, is that you? I need a little help." I say.

"I'm sure you do. But you're not going to get it. All the doors in the facility are locked. Not to mention that there are explosives planted everywhere. Unless you want to die, I suggest you cooperate."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Return the prizes and the win to their rightful recipient, my daughter." 

"I'm sorry? But I was named the winner." 

"Not at first you weren't." 

"That was a mistake!"

"Suit yourself. You have fifteen minutes to decide whether you want to give up your prizes or die." I hear the sound of footsteps leaving. I don't have much of a choice, I have to give up the prizes. 

Nora's POV

After Jazz went to the washroom, we went to the lobby to wait. We were only there for a couple of minutes before the lights went out. 

"Lock Down! Lock Down! Lock Down!" The receptionist yelled. We were herded up behind the receptionist's desk. It was quite and the only audible noise was the sound of breathing. It remained this way for who knows how long before a loud blast can be heard throughout the entire building. The air became thick and smoke filled the room. 

"Make for the exit!" The receptionist cried. We ran outside in to the cold November air. I could see fire erupting from the rear of the building. Then, a realization hit all of us. JAZZ.  She's still inside. Fire engines roared up the street and pulled up to the front of the building. Several enter in an attempt to fight the fire. One of the fireman, I believe the chief, came up to us and said:

"I'm sorry, from what we've seen, the chances of anyone surviving are marginal to slim."

Thanks for reading guys! Sorry for the short chapter. Comment your suggestions, predictions, etc! 

~Desmond