Flashlight (Sam Woolf)

Chapter 9- Road Rage

"Cause I'm on top of the world, aye!

I'm on top of the world, aye

Waiting on this for a while now

Paying my dues to the dirt

I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay

Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay..."

-Imagine Dragons, "On Top Of The World"

*a couple months later*

Rush Week is creeping up on us, day by day. We go live on Tuesday, with the girls kicking everything off. Out of the 15 of us, only ten will get to sing for America's votes. The other five won't take the stage, and will be sent home. Song choice is as critical as ever, because now, we aren't performing for just the judges. We are all performing for millions at home, who are going to judge for themselves and vote. 

"Avery, you need to enter the chorus with a bang." Randy said. "When you first say 'I'm a warrior', don't bother with the piano. Come in with it after." 

I nodded, writing down his suggestion in my notes. Randy has been helpful with his suggestions, and I have agreed to them all so far. But then again, who would disagree with Randy Jackson? He knows what a judge would look for in a song, so it's wise to listen to him.

"Will do." I said. 

"Other than that minor problem, you're spot on." Randy said. "I'd be shocked if the judges don't pick you." 

It wouldn't necessarily surprise me. I mean, they made me sing for a second time after the audition, due to them feeling weary about me. I wouldn't be so shocked if they just let me go. It would suck if they don't give me a chance, because I don't think I have shown them my absolute best yet. 

After running through the song three more times, Randy let me go for the afternoon. Two days remain until the start of Rush Week. Those 48 hours are going to fly by, I just know it. 

I stepped out of the studio, and a loud car horn made me jump. With my heart beating fast with shock, I looked around for the car that beeped. No luck. Shrugging, I continued to walk. That was awfully weird.  

"Yo, Avery!" a voice called.

I turned around on my heel, and saw Sam standing in the middle of the sidewalk a few feet behind me. Smiling, I ran over, crushing him with a hug. I would have kissed him, but we're in public. Anyone could snap a picture, and blow it up on social media. We want to prevent that for as long as we possibly can. 

"Just so you know, it was me who beeped." he said. "Your reaction was great." 

I slapped his arm. "It's not my fault you scared the shit out of me!"

He chuckled, patting my back to usher me into the car. When I got in, I noticed Alex lying down in the backseat, softly singing along to the John Mayer song that is playing. Grinning, I quickly tapped his shoulders in an attempt to scare him. And because Alex gets scared so easily, it worked. 

"Fu- oh, hey Avery." Alex said, his expression changing when he saw me sitting there.

"Hey." I said, still laughing at him. 

He frowned, slapping my shoulder. "Stop laughing!" 

I rolled my eyes, going around to the passenger seat. "You have to admit, that was funny." 

Sam sighed rather loudly, rolling his eyes at the two of us. "Where to, guys?" 

"I'm kinda in the mood for frozen yogurt..." Alex said, sitting upright.