Chapter 1

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What are you watching, Cynthia?" I asked, yelling over the TV. Cynthia, my roommate, just takes another bite of popcorn. I walked into the living room and grabbed the remote from off the coffee table. I turn down the volume.

"HEY!" Cynthia yells. "I was watching something!" I sat the remote back on the table. "Well, I'm preparing for a test first thing tomorrow. So if you'd please excuse me." I said. "Hold on." Cynthia says and turns up the volume. A guy dressed in a suit and tie appears on the screen. "Do you like music?" He asks. I perk up. "Do you like to perform or plan to become a music/music video producer?" He asks. "Well I have just the thing for you. Throughout out the Midwest, there will be a contest taking place at specific locations in each city. We are looking for actors, singers and songwriters, producers, and dancers 16+ years of age. For more information go to Midwestmusiccontest.com." Cynthia then turns off the TV.

"Forget your stupid test, go to the website!" Cynthia exclaimed. I laughed. "I only sing if I'm alone or with certain people." Cynthia threw a pillow at me. "Boo hoo! Get over it. You can probably make money. Just go to the site and check it out at least." I sighed. I went to my room and got out my laptop. I got into the site.

"Welcome to the Midwest Music Contest

The first day of Midwest Music Contest takes place on June 10th, 2017 in Columbus,  Ohio. Further dates and locations are located in the info tab on the top right of your screen. You need some kind of experience with music, whether it be vocals, dancing, or production. You must be at least 16 years of age to apply. Apply fast, because there are only 450 spots altogether."

I took a deep breath. "Should I really do this?" I asked Cynthia. Cynthia nodded. "Fuck yeah!" She said. "You are an amazing singer. You'll do just fine." I just took a deep breath. Cynthia ripped the computer out of my hand. She began typing away. "What are you doing?" I asked. Some time goes by before she hands me back the computer and responds. "You need to be at the theatre in two days for your audition." She smirked My heart dropped. "I seriously hate you." I said. Cynthia laughed. She winked at me. "Don't worry, you'll love me for it later."

Later that night, I was tossing and turning. My nerves were shot. I had no idea what song I'd sing for my audition. I loved a wide variety of different music. My two favorite artists of all time were Avril Lavigne and Machine Gun Kelly. I knew I'd be too nervous to even attempt to rap, so I settled with "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne. With that settled, I finally tossed and turned one final time and fell asleep.

The Next Day...

I took one last bite of my bagel and a swig of my apple juice. I put my plate and cup in the sink. "Well, wish me luck on this test that I barely studied for." I tied my black EST bandana on my head like a hair bow. "Good luck!" Cynthia said. She only had one class today, and it was at 1 PM. It was now 7 AM. I made my way out the door.

I walked the long walk to Performance Art Class. My ex-boyfriend, Conner, followed me once he seen me. We aren't brutal enemies. In fact, we're actually good friends. We decided when we broke up that it was a million times better that way.

"Hey." He greeted. "Hi." I greeted back. "Have you seen the advertisement for the Midwest Music Contest?" He asked. "Yeah, did you apply?" I asked. "Yep." He said. "Me and the rest of the band. Bands only count as one slot, thank goodness." I smiled. "Cynthia forced me to apply to it too." I said. "Gotta love Cynthia." He said. We were standing in front of his building and two away from mine. "Yeah. I'll see you around." I said. Conner playfully punched me on the shoulder. "See ya around, kid." I laughed as he walked away. Kid? You're 4 months and 2 days older.

I walked on to my building, up one flight of stairs, made a right, down the hallway, made another right, and into my classroom just as the late bell rung.

Mr. Renshaw just nodded at me as I took a seat. "Good morning, students. I hope you all studied for your test this morning." A few students groaned. "Ah, the beautiful groan of non-studiers on test day." He said. "I will begin passing out the tests now, but just to be nice,  you may have 5 minutes to study. If you choose to study, keep the test facing down on your desk. If not, keep the study guide put away and begin on your test. You may listen to music as long as I don't hear it." I immediately plugged in my headphones.

Okay, let me be honest. I don't think I got the best grade on that test. Maybe a C, if that. My focus was, well, nowhere really. I just couldn't focus on the test. I was the second person done. I'm usually one of the last.

A little while later, the bell rung. "Ms. Maplewood?" Mr. Renshaw said. "Yes, Mr. Renshaw." I replied "If you could stay, we need to talk." He said. I nodded.

"Is everything alright with you?" He asked. "Yeah, why?" I replied. "The last three tests you've taken, you've had to retake. I mean, this last test you're barely passing. You aren't normally like this though." He said. "Yeah, I'm fine. I have some stuff to do, so can I go now?" I asked. Mr. Renshaw sighed. "Yeah. Go." I nodded and took off for the dorm.

Cynthia was asleep when I got in. She still had a few hours. I sat in the dark, quiet living room for awhile until boredom really hit me. I decided to go to Conner's uncle's studio to practice for my audition.

Conner's uncle, whose real name is Dick but he goes by Skip or Skippy, was in his studio mixing a song. "Hey, Sabrina." He greeted. "Hey, Skip." I greeted back. "You trying out for the Midwest Music Contest." I nodded. "Sure am." I said. "Came here to practice, actually." He nodded. He handed me a guitar and a mic. I got the mic ready and sat on the stool. I belted out "Complicated" as he watched me, trying to think of the feedback he'd give me.

"Absolutely amazing!" He said after I was finished. I blushed. "Aw thanks." I said. "No problem. I've been in this business since your friend Conner was in newborn diapers and I've never seen someone sing like you. You are a natural." I laughed. "No, I'm serious." I blushed again. "You seriously need to do this for a living." He said. I smiled. "Well thanks." I said. "Not a problem. You let me know how your audition goes." I nodded. "I will." I said.

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