String 1: Tugging My Heart Strings (One Shot)

Prequel: The Day of the Auditions

Aiz's POV

"Mom, I don't want to do this! Come on..." I pleaded my mom as I pulled her back to the front door. I didn't ask for this audition! I just want to go home.

"Aiz, I know you can do this...This is a great way to broaden your horizon, and boost your self-esteem. Besides, I know you're a great singer," Mom patted my shoulder, reassuring me with a smile.

But it didn't help. Especially when I saw my classmates rushing to me from the door. Damn, I'm getting dizzy. Why is this happening to me?

I was greeted by their cheers and overwhelming support. Alas, it didn't help. In fact, it made me feel even worse. I feel like I'm about to puke or something. Eughh..

"Yow Aiz, break a leg!"

I quickly turned my head to the direction where I heard the voice. And thank God, it's Cheska! Maybe she could help me.

So, I swooped my way to her direction, grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the crowd and down to the back stage entrance.

"You gotta help me, Ches!" I begged her almost kneeling and holding both of her hands as I shook it frantically.

"Help you with what? You don't need any more of my help, I mean you already look gorgeous in your lilac dress, violet stilettos, half-braid hair complete with a butterfly hair clip and a light make up to complete the look. "Yeah, yeah. Summarizing the look like the fashionista you are.

I shrugged, "It's not about that. It's just... help me get out of here!" I eyed her seriously.

She just stared at me with a look that asks me "WHY?"

"Come on, don't give me that look. You know I have a phobia that happens to be this EXACT SCENARIO" I doubled the emphasis on my last words.

The last time I did these stuff was my 8th year in junior high and my performance didn't go that well, and you guessed it, it did NOT go well. Humiliated AF. I don't want to make the same mistake twice.

Cheska put her hands in my shoulder and shook me violently. I didn't expect that, I'm getting dizzy. The moment she stopped, I kind of lost my balance. Good thing someone caught me as I was about to go completely off balance and fall.

"Careful miss..." I heard from the person who helped me.

I stood back up and as I was about to face him and look at his face, he disappeared without saying another word. Hmm I was about thank him but, oh well, I need to mind these problems I'm in first.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry about that." She holds my hand, helping me to get my balance back. These stilettos are kind of not my thing, I'm more of a sneakers kind of girl.

"Ok, back to the topic... You see, I don't really–" I was caught off by her as she pinched and stretched my face to make me stop talking. How rude.