My Red Thread

When the Hardest Thing to do is Wait

Chapter 7: When the Hardest Thing to do is Wait

Time and distance mean nothing when you're waiting.

We had sing one more song for the judges before going to the live shows. Everyone was sitting on the edges of their seats, bouncing their legs in anticipation for their fate.

I looked over to see who was left here. There was one guy who I had to do a double take. If I wasn't mistaken, I haven't seen since...since...

I had to stop myself. That day still haunts me. The ghost follows me around. I looked over at Riley, she was laughing along side Noelle and Ethan. I still kept my promised I made to Joel and Nathan.

Everyone was being called up one by one. Some people were cheering, others were shaking their heads. The four of us were counting who we're making it.

The day was winding down. Less and less people were waiting. More and more people were taking up spots. Ethan and Riley already went though. It was just me and Noelle.

"So Noelle, what's your story?" I asked

"Well," Noelle began. "I live with my grandparents. My mom has problems, so she couldn't take of me. I left to go live with my grandparents and I've been there since. I see my mom at occasion, she's trying to get help, but it's grim. She's gotten help before, but old habits die hard. I don't know. We would just have to wait and see."

All I did was just shake my head. I remember when I found Riley. Gosh, she was so broken. She just screamed, "someone, anyone, save me." Only later I found out I needed her as much as she needed me.

Noelle's name ended being called five minutes later. My chances were getting grim. I lost count by this time. I ran my hand through my hair, glancing at the clock from time to time.

Ryan finally called my name. My perception of distance was warped. It felt like I was walking a marathon. I entered an empty room. The judges sat in chairs on the opposite side of the room. I reached them and flashed them a smile.

"It's nice to see you again Alex." Harry greeted.

"It's nice to see all of you too." I greeted back.

"You've been waiting for a while now. Are you feeling nervous?" Harry asked.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't." I laughed.

"Well I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Jennifer, would like to tell him?"

"I would love to. Alex, you made it to the top 24! You're going to be on live shows!"

I doubled over in my chair, letting out a huge sigh of relief. I thanked the judges and began walking towards the exit. I flared my arms around in excitement.

This was it: live shows. People were going to see me in real time.