The New Girl (Camren)

Chapter 9

Camila's POV

The bell rang, signaling my last class before lunch had finally ended. I could feel the sweat drip down my face just by thinking about the audition which was moments away. My hands began to shake which I noticed when I grabbed for my backpack and headed out the door. Shuffling past crowds of students, I thought about Phil and how he would react to me singing and playing the guitar.

Dinah and I had planned to meet at her locker and arrive to the room holding the auditions together. We became such close friends in just a little over a week. I felt like I had known her forever and we had one of those ten year friendships or something.

I stood at the taller girls locker practicing my strum pattern on my shirt while I waited for her to arrive. It felt like an eternity had passed until Dinah turned the corner.

"What's up Mila! You ready?" She tried to pump me up.

"I guess," I answered honestly.

She gave me one of those looks a friends gives you when they can't believe how boring you're being.

"Come on! It will be fun. Let's go girl," Dinah chuckled.

The walk to the audition room felt like forever until we opened the door and stepped inside.

The room was not organized, but not messy in a rock band type of way. There was sheet music all over the floor. Guitar picks were scattered around the room along with drumsticks and food. Believe it or not, the band had practiced in that small room during lunch, but they had done most of their practicing in Phil's garage.

The room had Green Day, Paramore, and Lana Del Rey posters all over the walls. It had various guitars, basses, and an electronic drumset to make it easy to transport. There were a few amps as well, along with a keyboard and a collection of cables and speakers.

As I admired the room, there was a girl auditioning who sang 'You Belong With Me' by Taylor Swift. She was pretty good and had a decent range, but nothing close to Dinah. The band either told you a flat out no or told you that you would be considered and called back with a few other people for a second audition. The bassist John made the final decision because Phil didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Everyone else was free to argue with John, although he rarely changed his mind.

When the girl finished, John said she would be considered and Phil nodded his head. She thanked them and silently exited the room. The keyboard player, Dan, was out sick and they had said Lauren was in the bathroom.

I was the only other person waiting to audition so they told me to test out the guitar and perhaps practice or get comfortable until they were ready and Lauren came back.

"I seriously can't wait to hear you play Camila," Phil yelled from the other side of the room.

"Thanks," I blushed.

I saw Dinah roll her eyes when I turned around. I couldn't understand why she hated Phil so much, he was so nice. If there was more to the story that i didn't know, maybe I would understand more.

I heard the door open and the girl in the band picture walked in. Her black wavy hair flowed past her shoulder and she had the same grunge appeal that she had in the picture. She wore a vintage tee with high waist acid wash jeans.

"Hey! I haven't seen you around. What's your name?" Lauren asked me.

I don't know why but she made me nervous. She seemed so cool and popular and I didn't want to act like a complete idiot in front of her or mess up in any way at all.

"I'm Camila. What about you?" I answered quickly already knowing the answer.

"Lauren. What are you gonna play for us to hear?" She asked sweetly.

"I was wondering if I could sing and play the guitar too. I'm used to doing both when I practice if that's ok," I said timidly.

"That's totally fine. Anything in mind?" She asked.

I felt like I was on one of those reality tv shows like American Idol or X factor when the judges ask you what your singing in front of a live audience. I could feel my heartbeat getting faster.

Dinah stood quietly in the corner of the room watching me and Lauren exchange words.

"I was thinking Catch Me by Demi Lovato," I confessed.

"I really love that song," Lauren added.

I picked up the guitar while my hands continued shaking and placed it on my lap as I settled in the chair in front of the band members.