Izallouis’ view:
“Wake up!” Justin came flying into my room like a bat from hell. “You are late!” He screamed. I rolled over and looked at my Justin Timberlake clock. It read 12.45 and my audition was at 1.00.
“Oh my god!” I flew out of bed and went to my closet. I knew most people dress to impress for these things but I was sticking to my roots, sweats and a tank top.
“Grab a jacket!” Justin yelled. I went flying back and grabbed one that didn’t even match. When I made it down stairs Jessica and Justin chuckled.
“Let’s go!” I said out of breathe.
“You have time. We changed your clock.” Justin snickered.
“Why??” I whined.
“You weren’t getting up all the other times we tried.” Jess smiled and bit some fruit. I sat down and started to eat the mixed fruit and yogurt they had out.
“I'm just going to act like the last ten minutes didn’t happen.” I pouted.
“Just eat and get ready because we are leaving in thirty minutes.” Justin patted my back and left to do something.
“So you nervous yet??” Jess asked.
“Should I be??” I winked.
“Probably.” She said and rinsed her dishes. She was gone and Justin was back dressed and clean.
“Better hurry.” He said and started to put away the breakfast one of them made. I left and passed a pretty pregnant Jess on the stairs. I picked out a jacket that matched and changed my shoes to my new Nike’s®. As I brushed my teeth I heard the car honk. That was my cue to head out. I spit, rinsed, and ran to the car. The car ride wasn’t long but still no nerves set in. We entered and there were a bunch of people standing around looking nervous as hell. All of them looked older than me. I got some glares and I politely nodded back, in return getting a scoff.
“I don’t think these people like me.” I chuckled. Jess rubbed my back. We signed in and got taken to a back waiting room.
“Izallouis Rae.” A girl with a clipboard called out. Justin pushed me towards her when I didn’t move. I looked back and they were walking out of the room through a different door. Now I was getting hot. I took off my jacket as we walked. This was all new to me so I did everything I was instructed to do. A lady started to do my make-up.
“I don’t wear that.” I said pushing her away.
“Well when your onstage the lights will drown your complexion out. It's just a bit.” She smiled. “Also, I was instructed to give you this.” She handed me an envelope. I opened it and recognized Justin’s handwriting right away. It read:
Iz,
I wasn’t exactly fair to you. I let you believe you would be dancing here but this isn’t just any talent show. You are an amazing dancer but before you book jobs doing that, you have to get out there for something else. I want you to trust me and trust that I know something about this business. Yes, this business as in singing. You are going to sing in a few minutes and I wanted you to be prepared so I picked a song you won't have any issues with. I have heard you in the shower and I guess this will be a true test to see if you can roll with the punches. When the music starts just take a deep breath and do it how you always have. Good luck.
P.S. You should be nervous.
Xxx. Justin and Jess.
I'm gonna die. This isn’t happening.
“Sweetie are you ok?? You look a bit green.” The lady doing my make-up asked.
“No, I'm nervous now.”
“A bit of jitters is always good.” She smiled at me.
“Not for me.” I said truthfully. There was one time I was nervous and it was when I was talking to a crush of mine. Everything was great until we started on dancing. He danced and liked my moves so it seemed like a perfect fit. Then he asked me to dance for him and show him how to do a certain move. I choked on the move and threw up. He never spoke to me again. I was not about to sing on national television. On top of that what song does Justin think I know?? I know like two songs. None of which I would have picked for a singing competition audition.
“You're done.” She said.
“We are ready for you.” The same lady with the clipboard came in. I followed her and waited for something. “So in two minutes just walk up that ramp. Everyone will cheer and nod when you are ready for the band to play your song selection.” She was gone. I watched the clock for two minutes and waited another minute before my shaky legs walked me up that ramp. People cheered as I walked into the blinding light.

Notes