Chapter 10
Later...
Jeff POV
Nick gave me a ton of singing tips. I can tell he knows a lot about singing.
Use my chest voice, sing louder, stand up taller...
By the end of the night, my throat was hurting a little. Nick went down to the cafeteria to get me some ice cold water.
"Here you go," he said, handing it to me.
"Thanks."
I took a few sips. The icy water felt nice on my throat.
"You did really good tonight, Jeff. I'm sure you'll be ready by this weekend."
"But you gave me so many corrections. How is that good?"
"You're a good singer, Jeff. Even if you took none of my corrections, I'm positive they'd pick you over Sebastian."
"Really?"
"Really. You're a good singer."
"Thanks," I said, feeling myself blush a little.
I grabbed some of my pjs and went to change in the bathroom. And then I got into bed. Nick did the same, and then shut off the light.
"Nick?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for helping me with my audition."
"Of course! Thanks for agreeing to audition."
"You're welcome."
"I mean, I know how hard this is for you."
"Yeah... But I trust you."
I rolled over in bed.
"Night, Jeff."
"Goodnight."
A few days later...
Nick POV
Today's the day Jeff auditions. He's totally ready for it whether he thinks he is or not. He's a great singer, and he's been applying the corrections I've given him. He sounds great!
"Ready to go?" I asked.
"Um... Yeah, I guess..." Jeff said, nervously.
"You're going to do great, Jeff. I know you are."
He followed me to the auditorium, and we went backstage. Some of the other Warblers were here to watch the auditions, like Trent and David. But it was the Warbler Council who was making the decision of who got in. They were sitting in the very front seats.
"N-Nick! I-I c-can't b-breathe!"
Jeff sat down on the floor and pulled his knees to his chest. I sat down beside him.
"Jeff, you're going to do great. Stop worrying about it."
"Jeff Sterling?" The Warbler Council called.
"Hold on. I'll be right back," I said, running.
I went past the curtain to the stage, and then hopped down.
"Jeff's here. He just needs a few minutes. He's having a panic attack," I said, a little out of breath.
"Ok. We'll call Sebastian first."
I climbed back up on stage and went back to Jeff, who was crying now.
"It's ok, Jeff. They're going to have Sebastian go first. Just calm down. Deep breaths."
"I-I c-can't d-do t-this!"
"Yes, you can. I know you can, Jeff."
He curled up even smaller and clung to my shoulder.
A minute later, they called Sebastian, and I heard him singing. I need to get Jeff calm soon because he's up next.
All of a sudden, I saw David walking towards us, and he had a bottle of water in his hand.
"Hey, is Jeff ok?"
"He's scared for the audition."
"Jeff, I brought you some cold water."
Jeff took the water and drank some of it. He calmed himself down, but he looked like a bit of a mess.
"You're going to do great, Jeff. Trent and I will be in the audience cheering you on," David said before he left.
"Jeff Sterling?"
"Come on. That's you," I said, helping him up.
"But what if I suck?"
"You won't."
I pulled him out on stage over to the microphone. I got a second one and stood beside him.
"You've got this Jeff," I whispered.
"What will you be singing today?"
"E-Everybody Talks," Jeff said.
"Ok. Whenever you're ready."
"Take a deep breath," I whispered.
Jeff nodded, and then started. At first he was a tiny bit shaky, and I could see him shaking next to me. But by the end of the song, his voice was stronger, and he sounded just like he did when we rehearsed in our dorm room.
At the end, the Warblers in the audience were clapping for him. Trent was whistling, and making a bit of a scene, which made Jeff blush and get embarrassed.
"Thank you, Jeff. Results will be posted outside the practice room tomorrow morning at 9:00."
Jeff and I walked off the stage, and Jeff sighed in relief.
"Did I sound ok?"
"Jeff, you were great."
"Did they mind that you sang harmony for me?"
"No. They just wanted someone to audition so we didn't have to take Sebastian."
"Do you think I'll get in?"
"I'm sure you will."
"Ok. I want to go to sleep. I'm exhausted."
Jeff and I went back to our dorm. He changed into his pjs, and then was out like a light.
YOU ARE READING
Best Friend
ФанфикJeff Sterling transfers to Dalton Academy because he was bullied at his old school. His new roommate Nick Duval quickly realizes that Jeff desperately needs a friend. And maybe some help.
