Memories (Wesley Stromberg)

Chapter 34 'Starting The Journey'

Wesley's POV

Last week, we made it through the judges house. Drew messed up a little bit, so we were so nervous that we were going home. Simon really believed in us, though, so here we are, starting the live shows tonight. I think my whole family is coming, plus Cam, so I'm super stoked. We're performing a mashup, which Simon chose for us. We've been rehearsing for about a week, and since we're living in the xFactor houses right now, it's been a lot of work. Now I know why people sometimes lose their voices on shows like these. Right now, Keaton, Drew, and I are hanging out with the girls from another group called Fifth Harmony. They're going to be a huge competition for us, but they're so talented.

"You boys better get back to your rooms and make sure you're prepared for tonight. Don't let these girls distract you," Simon walked in the living room and told us jokingly. We all went back to our room and chilled in there until it was time for sound check. We did a run through of our performance to make sure the sound and vocals were right with our mics, and then we got to chill out until we were airing tonight.

"Bro, I'm kind of nervous," Keaton told me backstage.

"You remember all those times jamming in mom and dads basement when we were little? It's the same thing. Nothing's changed, and you're still the amazing singer you were. I'm proud of you, Keats, and you're going to do great," I encouraged him. I pulled him in for a hug, and we had a bro moment.

"Thanks, bro. You too," he answered. It sounded like he could cry, but I didn't want to embarrass him, so I didn't mention it. I'm just so stoked for tonight. We had to sit and wait around for our turn to go, and we were all impatient. I just wanted to see Cameron, to be honest. I haven't seen her for a good two weeks, and I never thought I'd miss her, or anyone, this much. We've gone the last four or five years of our lives seeing each other basically every single day.

"Emblem3, you're up next," a stage director yelled to our room. We all got up and finished getting our last minute touch ups. We stood and waited by the stage until Fifth Harmony was done.

"Good luck, Wes," Camila, a member of the group, smiled when they exited the stage. I nodded in her direction as if to say 'thanks.'

"Let's do this, boys," Drew excitedly jumped around. He ran out on stage, and Keaton and I followed his energy behind him. We started singing as soon as we were ready.

"I got sunshine on a cloudy day," I started off singing. "When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May, oooooh oooooh yeah," I sang while smiling. We went through the song, hyping the audience up and singing our hearts out. We finished with a bang and had a lot of the audience on their feet.

"I'm so proud of you boys, and this performance could not have gone better," Simon commented. Demi didn't think it was our best, but LA and Britney thought it was good. I was just anxious to get off stage and see my girl, so I was kind of zoned out when they were talking.

"Thank you guys so much! Everyone vote for us," Drew hollered into the mic before we left the stage. We all ran and jumped into each other like guys do when they're hype. As soon as I reached the lounge area backstage, I spotted my mom. I hurried over to her as she engulfed me into a hug.

"I'm so sorry, Wes, Cam got sick this week and couldn't make it. I was video chatting her the whole performance though. She's so proud of you and wishes she could be here," my mom told me while hugging me. I instantly lost any interest in what was going on. I checked my phone to see if she had texted me, but there was nothing. I was mad, but I don't know why. She can't help getting sick. I just wanted to see her after two weeks, and now it's going to be three.

"It's okay. I think I'm just gonna go chill in my room. You guys have fun tonight," I said, turning to walk back to the rooms. As I was on my way, Cece, another contestant, saw me.

"Hey, Wesley! Why do you look so sad? You did amazing," she complimented.

"Thanks! It's nothing. I'm just missing people back home. As if it's so far," I chuckled lightly.

"I can keep you some company tonight if you want? I'm not doing anything because I haven't made many friends here to be honest," she laughed. I was hesitant at first, but she just seemed genuinely nice, so I didn't think anything of it.

"Okay, sure," I invited her in. I plopped down on the couch and flipped the TV on. I kept checking my phone to see if Cam would try to get ahold of me, but nothing came through. I don't know if she thought my mom telling me what she said was enough to hear from her, but I really wish I could have heard from her myself. Maybe she's sleeping, Wes. Give her a break.

I caved in and decided to text her. I sent her a 'hope you feel better' message. I really hope this whole thing isn't messing with our relationship because it was the last thing I wanted. I decided to put my phone up and forget about it. I kicked my feet up and enjoyed my time watching TV with Cece.