Torture

By the time I got to my apartment, my shirt was felt permanently stuck to my chest.

I took a shower, threw on a new combo that consisted of converse, a off the shoulder sweater, and skinny jeans, and grabbed my guitar case.

I was probably going to be the last one there, but at least I would be there.

I locked the door to my apartment, rushing to get to the cafe. I was really late now.

I mentally prepared myself to see La Tres Bitchy Rachel. I had to keep my cool this time, or else I might jeopardize my only income.

I ran in, to the following words: "Well, I guess that's it. The voting ballots are--"

I cut the man off, running up to him ti tell him that I was a last minute addition. Since my previous slot had been erased (either my boss for my behavior, or La Bitch), I just told him my name and asked if I could take two minutes to set up.

All I needed was a stool and mic (on a stand, of course).

I set my guitar strings, tuning it for my song. I strummed it twice, making sure everything was in place, then I gave two thumbs up and a smile to indicate that I was ready.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it seems that we have a last minute addition. Alex M. everybody!" he said, fixing the mic onto the stand.

I could've sworn I heard a person groan, and then a faint smack. That, or I was just imagining it. I started the first few chords, and the audience silenced. Well, here goes nothing, I guess?

"There was a time,
when I looked into my father's eyes..."

I looked around to see many people looking with shock. Sure, it was an old song, but a good one.

"Upon a hill across a blue lake,
That's where I had my first heartbreak.
I still remember how it all cha-nged.

My father said,
"Don't you worry, don't you worry, child.
See heaven's got a plan for you.
Don't you worry, don't you worry now.
Yeah!"

The song finished quickly, and I was greeted with a huge applause afterwards. I always had an applause, but I guess I was just really into it today, since it, like, doubled since last time.

I was pretty proud of my performance as well. I hope I win, I need the money.

"Thank you, Alex. That was a beautiful way to end our night of singing," said the man who let me sing in the first place.

I nodded and gave him a small smile.

I took a seat at a booth close to the door. The sooner the results come in, the sooner I can leave.

I plug in one of my earphones, and start listening to a random playlist. Broken Strings by James Morrison started playing through my right eardrum.

I checked my mail, and once I deleted all my junk mail, I locked my phone and took out my favorite book. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. This was probably, like, my thirty second time re-reading it. Still never fails to bring me to tears.

"And now, the moment you have waited for, the winner is......Ray-Ray Greene?" said the guy, confused at the end.

God! Couldn't it be anyone else?! Whatever. I really should go before she comes and starts gloating.

I pack up my things and sighed. I checked the time and then got up. I was about to exit, when I heard an unfamiliar voice call my name.

"Alex! Alex M.!! Wait up!" he said (it was masculine). I turned around to see a guy with a beanie and a mustache come up to me.

First of all, the mustache was fake, since it was black and his hair was brown. Second, he looked oddly familiar, like I should be knowing something but I don't. I pushed the feeling of recognition aside, deciding to deal with it later.

"Yes?" I asked politely. This dude looked really familiar. He was right in front of me right now.

I waited for him to catch his breath, since he looked very worn out. Then I realized that we were blocking the exit to the cafe.

"Hey, let's step outside. We're blocking the exit," I said, motioning him to step outside with me. He nodded in agreement. We stepped out, while I realized that he caught his breath at last.

"So, you want something?" I asked, trying not to sound impolite.

"You look familiar! Have I seen you somewhere, before?" he asked. That was straight-forward.

"Uh, not that I know of... Is that all?" I asked. My sweater was doing a poor job of being a sweater and thus, I was freezing my ass off.

"Uh, no. Never mind. Actually, I wanted to say that you sang spectacularly! I don't know how you didn't win! Especially against what little competition there was tonight. Honestly, the girl who won didn't exactly sing. It was a parody of The Ultimate Goat Edition Supercut and failed epically--"

I couldn't suppress the chuckle anymore. He probably was right, but I wouldn't know, since I wasn't there.

"So, uh, yeah," he ended awkwardly. If it wasn't so dark, then I might've seen the blush on the strangers face.

A group of guys, probably four, burst out of the cafe. Once they saw the stranger I was talking with, they rushed over.

"What the hell, Lou! We were worried!"

"Yeah, you can't run off without a word!"

"You're supposed to be the oldest, physically!"

"Not cool, mate."

"Guys, wait! I was just--"

"Wait," I said. This caught their attention. They seemed to just realize I was there. Since they had stopped scolding the stranger, I took this opportunity to give them a piece of advice.

"Um, I don't know if you know this guys, but you're mustaches aren't really matching. And even if they were, I think you'd need more to cover the faces of one of the biggest boybands in the world.."

Niall (I think) looked towards Harry (curly-head right?). His eyes widened. "That's my mustache Hazz. You're wearing Louis'!"

"It doesn't matter, Niall. She's seen through our pathetic disguises. Uh, Alex, right? Would you mind if we took of the mustaches? They are really itchy! But, if it would be too weird, then it's okay," said Liam.

I shrugged, indicating that I didn't really care.

With that, they ripped off their fake 'staches. With yelps, might I add.

I was in for a long night.

Notes

Bonjour, mon readers!!

-yoyo