Chapter 1: Ellie
As we are driving on the highway, I know that we are getting closer. The more I think about my audition, the more nervous I get. All I can think is “Thejudges are going to hate me. I’m not going to get through.” I whisper the lyrics of my song to myself over and over, hoping I won't forget a line.
“...Never mind, I’ll find someone like you. I wish nothing but the best for you too…”
As I’m singing, I hear the radio in the background start playing “Someone Like You” by Adele. I get excited to hear the notes of my song, one more time before we pull in the parking lot.
“We are here!” my mom said. I could tell she was more excited than I was.
I get out my purple floral designed suitcase and walk into the hotel lobby. As I’m waiting for my mom, I decide to go sit on a couch. It was very crowded so I went to sit next to a young girl. I think she recognized me because she kept looking up at me.
I put in my headphones and listened to some music. I decide to put it on shuffle, even though I skip half the songs. The first song that plays is, “Fix You” by Coldplay. I start to nod my head to the beat, when the girl next to me taps my arm.
I take out my headphones and she whispers, “Are you Katie Wojcik? The girl who sings covers on YouTube?”
I couldn’t believe what she just said! “Did she just say my name? She knows who I am?!” As the thoughts are going through my head, I try to remain calm and not freak out. I should be used to this because when I go to the mall people notice me.
I look down at her and say, “Yes I am.”
She smiles really big and looks at her mom. Her mom nods her up and down. The young girl turns to me and motions to me with her hand to lean over. I do and she whispers in my ear, “Can I have an autograph?”
As she hands me a piece of paper, I answer her, “Of course, what is your name?”
“Ellie,” she says with a shy tone in her voice.
I take the piece of paper and write:
Dear Ellie, Follow your dreams! Much love, Katie Wojcik
I hand Ellie back the paper and glance up at her mom. She is smiling at Ellie and then looks back at me. She mouths a sentence to me, and I read ‘come here’. I told Ellie I would be right back. I got up and followed her mom around the corner. I was nervous because I didn’t know what she was going to do.
“I really want you know that ever since Ellie saw you sing on YouTube, she has been way happier. She always talks about you, especially when she is with her friends. You are a true inspiration to her. Please never stop singing beca-”
Before she could finish I quickly said, “Don’t worry, I won’t. I’m auditioning for the X Factor tomorrow.” My phone vibrates and I check who it is. “My mom is wondering where I am so, I’ll see you around.”
I walk around the corner and see my mom wandering around. I walk over and ask her what room we have. She says 174, and we head towards the elevator.
