Flashlight (Sam Woolf)

Chapter 4- "My Hermit"

"This cut was extremely hard, I just want you all to know that." 

Harry, Jennifer, and Keith spent nearly 45 minutes making a decision on who to send through. Hopefully, my name is on the list of people who are safe. We won't know who's safe and who isn't until we get on the buses. One bus takes you to the airport, while the other is headed to the hotel. Until we see the sign for the LAX airport or the hotel, we won't know our destination. 

"We will begin by putting you into two separate groups. Then you will get on the bus assigned to your group, and go on your way." Keith said, pointing to the two buses off to his left.

After ten short minutes, the two groups were decided. Judging by the people standing around me, I have a feeling that we are on our way to the hotel. I'm not certain, because nothing is definite here. There are always twists that pop up here and there. An example being this "Hollywood or home" twist that I have been forced to sit through all day. 

"We wish you all the best of luck, and have a nice evening." Harry said, giving us all a gentle nod. 

All of us eagerly walked to the buses, badly wanting to know if we are headed to Hollywood, or going right back home where we started. My stomach is in my throat, and my heart won't stop racing. 

"Do you think we are the hotel bus?" a girl asked once we were all seated.

"I'm almost 100% certain that we are." another girl said, sipping from her water bottle. "We all killed it, pretty much." 

With a sigh, I plugged in my headphones to tune out the world around me. Having to sing for the judges today really took me for a whirl-wind. My head is still spinning with thoughts about it, and I know one thing: I do NOT want to experience it again. And I am going to work my ass off to assure that I don't have to live through something like that ever again. 

"Congratulations! You have all made it to the group rounds!" a voice over the intercom announced. 

My heart skipped a few beats, and I nearly chocked on my own saliva. The judges saved me, THE JUDGES FREAKING SAVED ME. I get to keep fighting in this competition, and getting a second chance at it means the world to me. At least the three judges have some faith in me. Now, it is time to fight my way through this competition.

Step aside, hurricane Avery Wilkins is rolling in.

*****

Everyone was buzzing with excitement by the time we reached the hotel. Hopefully, Sam and Alex are in the lobby so it will be easy to find them. I'm so excited to see them, even though it hasn't been more than 3 hours since they left. Sam and I have tons to catch up on, while I still have tons more to learn about Alex. 

Wheeling my bag behind me, I strolled through the hotel doors. I'm basically forcing my feet to move, because I just want to drop right in my spot and fall asleep. Today wore me out. And thinking about how this is just the start of this competition scares me a little. There's still tons more to go, but every bit of chaos that happens from here on out will be worth it. 

On my way up to my room, I walked past a mini Starbucks. Now THIS is a hotel. Right as I was about to force myself away, I noticed one very familiar face sitting at a table- Sam. His eyes were fully focused on his phone, meaning he probably can't see me. Setting my stuff down in a corner, I quietly approached Sam. With a grin plastered on my face, I gently poked his shoulder. 

"I guess you were right." 

Sam's head snapped around, and he jumped to his feet. Soon after, he had his arms around me. Describing how much I missed this would be far too difficult.