This was the result of venting my anger at the judges the other night. Siobhan was amazing, no question there. They just didn't see it for some reason.

After seeing her almost cry on that stage, it made me feel awful. So maybe Alex could cheer her up............

Hold On Tight

This is it, she thought sadly, wearily. My time here is over.

Don't get me wrong, she was confident going into her performance. It's not an easy thing to do, sing before all the others, when you've never done it before. But Siobhan knew she had a good song, and amazing vocals to back it up. Unfortunately, the judges begged to differ.

Up there on that stage, the whole world watching the judges insult what she thought was her best effort, was harder for Siobhan than she thought. It was all she could do not to cry.

Once she was excused, the pretty brunette made her way backstage, where all the other idols were waiting.

"Hey," little Aaron Kelly called tentatively.

"You okay?" Tim Urban asked.

"You're gonna be fine," Crystal Bowersox comforted.

Siobhan didn't answer, just walked right past all of them, fighting back tears and pushing her emotions away with every step. Big Mike came up behind her and gave her a hug.

***

Later that night, everyone was asleep. But Siobhan was still awake. Dead tired, but worried sick she wouldn't make it.

She appreciated the support from the others after a bum round, but for some reason it didn't feel genuine to her. A hug and a kind gesture just to be kind, and not because she was worth something.

For the first time since her choice to audition for the competiton, Siobhan felt herself giving up a little. She felt as though she must have done something terribly stupid in order to go from amazing to awful in just a week.

"Don't give up, Siobhan," she heard a voice call. And then she was floating.

***

In her dream, Alex was back again.

She sighed. "Alex, I don't know where I went wrong."

Alex sat down next to her and put an arm around her. "No where. You were amazing this week. Everyone has different opinions, and the judges didn't have the right ones this time around. But I'll tell you something, America still loves you. Don't forget that. And they'll keep you around, because even though the other people in this house aren't friends, America is. And they can't bear to live without you. Neither can I."

Siobhan smiled, a single tear running down her face.

Alex looked down at her. "Don't give up, Siobhan. Remember, you deserve to be here. You are a good singer. You can't be perfect, so don't beat yourself up. I know you're not going anywhere."

Alex faded away, and Siobhan fell into a peaceful sleep, all her worries gone.