This is Fate, Right? (lwt)

Chapter 3

To put it mildly, the X Factora is not at all like I expected. It's definitely a lot of work but in the long run, hopefully it'll pay off. I feel like I have to be on my guard every day so I can keep my place in the contest. Honestly, it is not that bad and I actually love working with Avril, who is my official vocal counselor and with whom I am meeting almost every single day.

After my second solo appearance on the X Factor stage tonight, "Hit Me Baby One More Time" I am called to sit on the side of the stage by my counselor. Avril seems like she is nervous about some news, playing with her hair and swing her legs.

"Avril, what's going on? Did I do something wrong?"

She tells me "Oh no, everything was fine tonight. It's-it's something else."

Losing my patience I press on.

"What is this piece of news?" I ask again.

"I think you are a very strong singer and should have no problem winning this contest. So I want to push you to your potential. There's a girl who I think would really enhance your performance."

"Are you saying that I will be in a duet from now on?"

"That's exactly what I mean. Oh, and here your second half comes now."

My head jerks up so abruptly I think it might just spin off and land on the warm carpeted floor.

A girl just a few inches shorter than I am with brown hair just like me saunters gracefully towards us. I recognize her facial features from somewhere but I can't remember where I have seen her before. She is probably just another one of those girls who had a whole television career before auditioning for this show.

"Hi, my name is Evelyn," she starts off, sounding nice enough.

Then it suddenly clicks with me that this is a girl who I did not see on a television show or on an advertisement. She is far from it. She was my best friend in preschool as well as my old neighbor before my family moved to the UK.

"Evelyn?" I ask, my mind whirling.

"Um...yes?"

"I am Callie. Remember?"

"Nope, I'm sorry. Doesn't ring a bell."

"Callie. From next door. Remember?

"Holy crap. CALLIE?"

"Yeah, it's me!"

We run toward each other hugging like crazy monsters while Avril just sits at the side staring at us.

"I see you know each other from somewhere?" she says.

I answer, trying to clear up the confusion. "We were neighbors and best friends for five years in Australia."

"Well...maybe I should leave you two alone for a while."

We're not even paying attention as she walks away.