Flashlight (Sam Woolf)

Chapter 11- Popcorn War

"I want someone just like you
True and thought
Forever blue
Because there's no one else like you..."
-Adam Levine, "No One Else Like You

*****

"Avery, am I doing this right?" Sam asked, fumbling around with his in-ears.

I sighed, walking over to help him. He has been trying to figure them out for the past five minutes, with no luck. Taking the in-ears from him, I put them in the right way, making sure he was comfortable. Being the experienced musician that he is, you would think that Sam would know the proper way to in-ears in. Nope. 

"Now you're good." I said, patting his chest.

He smiled, fixing the collar of his jean jacket. "Thanks, Av."

The show goes live in twenty minutes, putting the spotlight on the guys. I am really hoping that all of my friends get through. There is a really good chance that at least one will get through, but nothing is guaranteed. I lost one in the competition last night, and losing the rest would really suck. Then again, I made a new friend last night- Majesty. 

Sam took my hand in his, and sat down on the nearby couch. There were a few moments of silence between us, with the only sound being Sam's heavy breathing. Sam really hasn't been himself today. He has been really quiet and to himself, and it's beginning to worry me. I'm praying that it is just because of his nerves about tonight. 

"Can you stay backstage?" Sam asked, blushing. "It will make me feel better..." 

I nodded, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Of course, Sammy. Just calm down, okay? You'll be fine." 

As I stared at him, I noticed his eyes filling with tears. It broke my heart. Sam always tries hard to be strong, and not let his emotions get in the way of things. Let me tell you, he's a pretty damn good actor. But I see right through him. This kid has been my best friend for a while now, and I can read him like a book. I know him like the back of my own hand. 

He exhaled deeply, looking up at the ceiling."I'm just... scared, that's all."

"You have no reason to be." I said softly, leaning my head on his shoulder. 

More silence lingered in the air, giving me time to collect my thoughts. Seeing the vulnerable side of Sam isn't something we see often. And it's weird, having him appear vulnerable in this particular element. When it comes to performing, Sam is normally bouncing off the walls with confidence. Someone must have put these negative thoughts in his head, and I need to find out who. 

When the producer called for all the guys to take their spots, Sam jumped to his feet. A small amount of fear is splashed over his expression, but he snapped out of it within seconds. 

"I'll be backstage, waiting for you. I promise." I assured him. "Okay?" 

"Okay." 

With that, Sam walked away, holding his head up confidently. The walk of confidence only lasted a few seconds before he stumbled, nearly tripped over his own feet. Smooth, Sam. I could basically imagine him blushing, and that only made me laugh harder. He's more of a klutz than me, and that says something.

Sam is the biggest dork on the planet, but I still love him. 

*****

The first guy to perform tonight was Caleb Johnson, followed suit by CJ Harris. Neither of those choices surprised me at all. They are both big favorites of the judges, and everyone knows it. 

It was weird, watching their performances back to back. Caleb went all out for his performance, slamming the microphone stand on the ground and everything. But CJ was subtle, and it was just him and the guitar. Both guys were good, just not... amazing. People will disagree with me, no doubt.