What The Heart Wants (Stereo Kicks/ James Graham)

Chapter 65

When I woke up Saturday morning my body was stiff and I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I don't know why though, considering I actually got a few hours of sleep last night. Maybe it's the stress of everything. Yeah that's probably it, I'm just stressed. As soon as I walked out of my room I remembered why. I came face to face with a shirtless, dripping wet, Jake. "Morning." I forced a smile and averted my eyes from him. I was trying to pretend things weren't awkward. It isn't working. "Morning." He said then quickly shuffled into his bedroom. I was about to enter the bathroom until someone slipped in front of me and blocked me from the doorway. "Too slow sweetheart." Casey winked. I remember Caden telling me I said that I still like Casey, but I assure you, that ship has sailed. He's with Layla and I'm with James. That's how it's supposed to be. "Seriously? I take like ten minutes in the shower!" I complained. "Yes, but it takes me longer to do my hair." He reasoned. "You do realize that there are so many things I could say to that but because I value our friendship, I'm just going to let you shower first." I patted him on the shoulder and went back to my room to get my outfit ready. Once again I was feeling particularly lazy so I grabbed a pair of black sweatpants and a black t-shirt that read 'Cedar Point' in neon colors. Twenty minutes later, and I was finally able to shower.

***

Dress rehearsal went great. I'm feeling really confident in our song. I just hope everything goes as great tonight. During the show, and after. Tonight's the big party at the house and I'm kinda nervous. I've never been in such close proximity with the other judges except for when they're critiquing us. Mel B. scares the living daylights out of me. After we were back home from rehearsal we relaxed for a bit. We watched a movie, ate lunch, and then the boys played some FIFA until it was time to go. For some reason, everything seemed rushed backstage. I didn't get it, we had plenty of time to get ready, why was everyone freaking out? "Can I get all contestants to the stage please?" Simon announced through a megaphone. We quickly made our way to the stage where we were met by all the judges. "Hello everyone. I'm sure you're all getting anxious for tonight, but I think I have some news that will get you all very excited." Simon looked around at all of us and smiled. "You were told that there would be a party tonight after the show. That's only somewhat true." He smiled like he had the answer to a secret we all wanted. "Tonight, after the show, you will all be heading to The Hunger Games premiere." He said. It took a few seconds for what he said to actually register in my brain, but once it did I couldn't contain myself. I let out a squeel of excitement causing everyone on stage to look at me. "I'm sorry, it's just, I've read this book series seven times so this is literally a dream come true. Oh my god. Sorry, I'll stop talking now." I rambled. "Any who, best of luck tonight and I will see you all at the premiere. But I must remind you: you are representing this show, and this country. I expect you all to be respectful and responsible adults." He added, and then we were all backstage again waiting for the show to start.

***

Our performance went great. Other than the fact that some dickhead got on stage and pretended to be one of us. It totally caught us off guard, and pissed us off, but we stayed focused and we pulled it out. The judges said that was our best performance to date which is good, I just hope the public agrees. When we got home I ran to the bathroom and turned my curling wand on. While I waited for it to heat up, I grabbed my make up and applied eyeliner then a smokey eye, I then put a little blush on my cheeks, and finished off with some simple gloss that added just a little color to my lips. Once the curler was hot, I quickly ran through my hair curling section by section. Ten minutes before we leave. I quickly walked to my bedroom, pulled out my shoes, jewely, and dress and finished getting ready. After I was completely done, I looked in the mirror and let out a small gasp. Not to sound vain, but I look beautiful. The dress, the hair, the make up, the jewelry, everything. It all compliments each other perfectly. "Aria, are you ready? We have to go. They're loading the vans right now." Barclay yelled from the other side of my door. I took one more side ways glance at myself and then slowly opened my door. When the boys seen me they just stared. They were speechless. The only guy missing from the hallway was James. I smiled at all the boys who continued to just stare. It was flattering. "Boys, can one of you help me tie th--" James emerged from his bedroom staring down at his still undone tie but was stopped once he seen me. "This tie..." he finished his thought but wasn't concerned about the string of fabric around his neck anymore. His eyes were taking in every inch of me. Starting from the bottom of my dress, and stopping at my own eyes. We made eye contact and I felt butterflies in my stomach just from the way he was staring at me. "Aria," he whispered. "You look...I mean...when did..." he shook his head in frustration. He didn't know what to say. "You are mesmerizing." He finally said. I smiled and slowly walked towards him. Once we were a foot apart I grabbed his tie and began looping the fabric every which way until it was finally done. "You look amazing." I whispered back. "Hey! Let's go!" One of the drivers yelled up the stairs. We all snapped out of our little trances and walked downstairs to the vans. Did I say vans? Because I meant limos. "I thought you said they were loading the vans?" I asked Barclay, emphasizing the word 'vans'. "I thought they were. But clearly I was wrong." He said not taking his eyes away from the beautiful white hummer limo that we were being ushered to. When we got inside all the other acts were seated around the vehicle. "Holy shit. Aria you look great." Ben complimented. "Thanks Ben. You look pretty great yourself." I smiled. Just then, the limo began moving and we all squeeled in excitement. Me more than anyone else. I might get to meet Josh Hutcherson tonight! I yelled in my mind. This was going to be amazing.

SHORT AND UNEDITED, BUT I HOPE YOU GUYS LIKED IT :)