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» CHAPTER TWO «

Thoughts crowd my mind. Doubts, fears, what ifs. I see my idols sitting front of me, along with other people I don't know, but to me it is only them; no one else matters at this moment. One of them gives me a goofy grin, which curls my lips upwards, making me slightly more comfortable. My friends stand in the back, giving me thumbs up signs. The music starts, I take a deep breath, and begin.

"AAAAHHHH!!!! OH MY GOD YOU WERE FANTASTIC!!!" Jessie tackles me to the ground backstage, screaming.

"Oomph! Ok, thanks Jess. You can get off of me now." I push her off me and she stands, smiling from ear to ear.

"No, seriously babe, the other acts were writhing with envy! You were great!" Erik says, reaching out to ruffle my hair.

"Jonathan had to go home, but he said you were the best one out there."

I smiled.

"I'm glad you guys thought I was good... I just hope they think the same thing," I motion towards the people in question, now formed in a huddle.

"Well, even if you don't get picked, which probably won't happen, think of all the agents and record labels that saw you?!? And anyway, how many people get to audition for the opening act of the Backstreet Boys?"

I can't help but laugh. Jessie is right yet again.

Two Days Later...
I was all packed and ready to go. I had about three suitcases and one backpack, plus a small bag that my friends gave me that I wasn't supposed to open until I got on the plane.

I was called the day after the audition that I had been picked as the opening act for the Backstreet Boys, and was instructed to pack my things and be ready to leave the next day. The limo was going to pick me up at school, so that I could have a "last day"  (a tutor would be in Florida waiting for us) and a nice good-bye with all of my friends.

School went by all too fast, and before I knew it, all of my friends, including Jonathan, Erik and Jessie, and I were waiting outside for the limo to arrive. I was a little nervous. Even though I had been picked for the opening act, I still hadn't met the Boys properly. A limo soon pulled up and a big security guard got out and started to grab my suitcases and put them in the trunk. He then motioned it was time to go and opened the door so that I could get in. I could see five curious faces peeking out from inside the limo, watching me. I took a deep breath and turned to all my friends and said a big "good-bye" to all of them. Then I turned to Jessie, Erik and Jonathan.

Erik was first. He didn't say anything, just looked at me for awhile. Then he reached out and hugged me tight. I hugged him back and closed my eyes.

"I love you," he whispered into my ear. "I'll miss you way too much, so you better write and call a lot." He released me and stepped away, giving me a smile.

Jessie was next. As I reached out to hug her, I noticed she was crying.

"Jess, don't cry!" I exclaim, knowing that if she cries I'll cry, something I don't really want to do.

"Why are you crying?"

"Well," she explains between sobs, "you know we've made so many promises to each other that we've never kept, like we said we'd never like boys, and that didn't happen.  And we said we'd stay virgins until we're married, and that's never gonna happen. And we also said we were gonna become famous and go on tour with some big shot hotties..and Claire, you're doing it! And I want you to know I love you more than anyone and I'm SO, so proud of you!" With that, she burst into tears again and hugged me. I hugged her back and a ear slid down my cheek.

Jonathan was last. I didn't want to say good-bye to him. I couldn't even look at him. I finally managed to look into his ice blue eyes that I loved, and all I saw in them was pure pride. Pride in me. That was enough to make me cry. Jonathan took me into his arms and just held me.

"You'll always be my baby girl. Don't you ever forget that." he kissed me softly on the cheek.

"I love you." He then stepped away.

I started for the limo door, then stopped and hesitated. I looked back one last time.

"Go on and get in before you make ME cry!" Jonathan says.

I laugh through my tears and get into the limo. I wave one last good-bye before closing the door, and before I know it the limo is on its way.

¤ Chapter 3 ¤
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