Chapter 1
“You are one in a million competing to be one,” the slim neatly dressed man greets the roaring crowd of dreamers.
“How are you going to stand out?” The shorter casually dressed man questions with a wide smile for the camera.
“I’m Nick Rando.”
“And I’m Sam Maron.”
“We will be your hosts and MCs for the next two weeks at this beautiful stage as we find the next music sensation to join the competition.”
“Good luck!”
The crowd pulsates with an electrifying energy consuming the hopeful contestants. Hours swept by quickly turning into days. On the final day of the second week, ten contestants remain. Tiredly the four judges throw one hopeful after another off the stage. The last contestant shuffles nervously towards the tapped spot after watching dream after dream indifferently crushed with rude comments and measly apologies.
“What’s your name?” Devin, the mild manner man of the bunch, peers with skeptical emeralds at the high collar dressed young hopeful talent.
“Eislyn Marinko.”
“What will you be performing?” Mac, the older soulful judge, focuses on his papers in front of him unimpressed by the contestant before him.
“My own version of Rise by Katy Perry.” A proud confident lift peaks through their voice startling all but one judge.
“Whenever you’re ready.” Audrey, the vivacious young socialite, smiles a tired halfhearted tight lip request.
She turns giving the cue to begin. As the first couple of notes reverberates around her, she takes a deep breath, closes her misty gems, and channels back to her hometown surrounded by her grandparents’ grins. Confidence envelopes her, projecting out, and stunning the crew, the lingering contestants, and the judges.
I won’t just survive
Oh, you will see me thrive…
Can’t write my story…
“Wow,” Devin concedes only a few lines into the song.
“Amazing,” Audrey agrees never lifting her awe-struck gaze from the marvel before them.
Mac’s gaze watches in careful observation still unsure of the talent performing. However, the dripping honey gaze of Blaine never shifts from the hidden gem - not since the moment she meekly shuffled onto the stage.
I’m beyond the archetype
I won’t just conform
No matter how yo shake my core
’Cause my roots they run deep
Oh
The four judges’ eyes lay transfix on the gem performing her heart out. The crew weren’t able to give proper lighting for the young performer. They merely stood mouth agape. Eislyn’s glowing orbs shimmer behind delicate lids waiting for their reveal.
Oh, ye of so little faith
Don’t doubt it, don’t doubt it
Victory is in my veins
I know it, I know it
And I will not negotiate
I’ll fight it, I’ll fight it
I will TRANSFORM…
Judges watch in admiration as the performer releases a drawn, bright, yet powerful note. Eislyn gathers her breath and puts a little more of herself in the next lyrics.
When, when the fire’s at my feet again
And the vultures all start circling
They’re whispering
“You’re out of time”
But still I rise
This is no mistake, no accident
When you think the final nail is in…
Think again
Don’t be surprised
I will still rise
A simple tilt of her head draws every listener slightly closer hypnotized by her soft drawl.
I must stay conscious
Through the madness and chaos
So I call on my angels
They say…
Oh, ye of so little faith
Don’t doubt it, don’t doubt it
Victory is in your veins
You know it, you know it
And you will not negotiate
Just fight it, just fight it
And be TRANSFORMED…
’Cause when, when the fire’s at my feet again
And the vultures all start circling…
They’re whispering…
“You’re out of time”
But still I rise
This is no mistake, no accident
When you think the final nail is in…
Think again
Don’t be surprised
I will still rise…
She expands her body allowing the note and passion to soar out enveloping the arena in a story of determination and dedication. Rapture sung in the eyes of the audience shimmering in the perfect rise to fame story.
Don’t be surprised
I will…still rise…
A pin could drop and rattle the arena. Eislyn took one deep breath before her misty orbs lifts ready to meet the fate handed to her by the four beings before her. A mixture of surprise and wonderment and confusion met in a battle of feelings over the four faces. Unsure of how to interpret the reaction or lack of one, Eislyn stood tall never once dipping her chin.
Audrey’s sharp voice lifts the silence, “Well, that was a performance.”
Devin’s eyes drifts over the sophisticated socialite next to him, “Yes, what a performance.”
“I’m tired and wish to finish this up. Let’s vote. Devin?” Audrey began cleaning her space in quick movements letting her irritation and tiredness show.
“It’s a yes from me.”
“Mac?”
“I would like to hear your vote first, Audrey.” His keen eyes scrutinize her and her sudden blankness.
“My vote is no.” Audrey’s orbs sparkle in challenge and distaste.
Eislyn watches as her crushing orbs connects with the smirking daring eyes. Audrey took the first step towards hurting the hopeful contestant.
“Now that you heard mine. Your vote, Mac.”
Mac raise his calculating eyes to the dreamer, “Yes.”
“Blaine?”
Without any hesitation combined with a glint in his eye, “Yes.”
Audrey’s back jolted upright horrified at the result but she quickly composes herself to address the stunned recruit, “Well, I guess we will see you in New York.
With her parting words, a whirlwind of activity ensued shaping the young girl’s life.
Author's Note:
