My Red Thread

Chapter One: My Fate with the Red Thread

There's a Chinese myth about the red thread fate. It is said that the gods have a small red thread around everyone's ankles, and they attached it to whose lives are destined to touch. It may stretch, it may tangle, but it can never break. This is my story.

My name is Alex Medina. I'm 18 years old. Never have I thought my life would turn out this way. It's all thanks to my best friend.

I was just any other high school senior before the audition, before the accident, before all of this happened. You couldn't tell me from Adam. But all of that changed when my best friend surprised me with an early graduation present.

I was sitting in my government teacher with Riley, my best friend, as the teacher droned on and on about the Miranda Rights. At least that's what I think it was. Riley was doodling as we passed notes. From what I could tell, it was someone singing on stage. It had something written on the bottom of it, but I couldn't tell what it was.

What are you drawing?

You'll see when I'm finished.

Riley was the closest person I knew. She was crazy talented; singing, drawing, school, everything. Only thing was that she was painful shy. She talked with a noticeable stutter. Growing up, her brother would constantly tease her, despite having the same problem. I seen her brother do it, and trust me, it's not pretty. So she spends a lot of time at my house.

My government teacher kept droning on about one thing or another. Thankfully, he was interrupted by a knocking on the door. He had to go answer it, closing the door behind him. The class let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness for that!" I told Riley.

"I know what you mean, I couldn't take him anymore." Riley said.

I looked out the door's window to see who it was, but I had to do a double take. It couldn't be who I thought it was.

"So who do you think is outside?" I asked.

"I have no idea. No clue what so ever on who it could be." Riley responded. She couldn't look me in the eye, and she started to fumble with the drawing.

"Well students," my teacher said as he came back inside. "It looks like we have a guest today. Please welcome Randy Jackson."

Everyone in the class started whispering to each other. Why was he here?

"Hey dawgs," Randy began. "Most of you know who I am. If not, I'm Randy Jackson from American Idol. This season, we're doing surprise auditions and one of you is going to come with me to auditions!"

Even more whispering started. I wonder who Randy was going to take with him...

"The person I'm taking with me is...Alex Medina!"

Holy holy.

I couldn't believe it. Why me? I mean, I know I sing and all, but I'm not good enough to sing on tv.

"Me? Why me?" I muttered. "How did you guys even found out I even-"

"Who do you think?" Randy said as he pointed to Riley. She handed me her drawing.

Surprise! You're going on American Idol!