Instant Reality

Summary: what would you do if everything you thought you had was a dream? How would you react? What would you do? Who would you run to? This fic is a play off of a quote I got from the DLS forum and it gave me an idea; this idea.

Disclaimer: I own nothing; give me reviews to make me feel better ;)

Prologue
2004

"I'm so proud of you Jude." My father, Stuart Harrison, gushed for the gazillionth time today. I just smiled forcibly to acknowledge the fact that he spoke to me before my smile slowly disappeared from my face. I was 15-years-old and I might be getting the chance to live my dream. I, Jude Elizabeth Harrison, a C-Average student at Carson High School, am an Instant Star Finalist.

I found out three days before and I have been flip-flopping emotions between happy, anxious, fear, and nervousness and now, I was feeling each one simultaneously as we sat in heavy traffic to get downtown. I was going to be singing my song, a song I wrote about me and my best friend, Jamie Andrews, in front of a full auditorium, before camera crews, and the G Major judges for a chance to win a three year recording contract.

"Thanks Dad." I finally managed to squeak out. I had no idea how I was going to sing. I could barely talk right now!

"Just, remember sweetie, if you don't win, you can always try again, or" My mother, the ever caring Victoria Harrison, started to say before a look from my father cut her off. "What? It's true. She very well could loose."

Thanks Mom. I thought sarcastically and rolling my eyes. My mom didn't fully support my love for music, but she was always the number one supporter of my ever-so-perfect-older-sister, Sadie.

"Yeah, who'd choose a 15-year-old for a rock star?" Sadie quipped, shooting a smirk at me. God I hate her.

"Shut up Sadie." I snapped with a scowl. Sadie was perfect; straight As, gorgeous – which was redundant since her namesake is the Beatles' song "Sexy Sadie", and competitive as all hell. As long as I could remember, Sadie had always been number one.

And…on the other hand, there was me. Me who's failing Math, Chemistry, and quite possibly English as well. I mean, who really needs English anyway? It's obvious I can communicate better than a monkey. I'm average looking (my friends say I'm beautiful, but I don't know) and, unlike my sister, I'm more prone to be second best. OH, and I'm named after the Beatles' song, "Hey Jude".

"Just remember, Honey, go up there and give it your all." My father continued to gush. I just nodded and glanced out the window. I could feel my stomach churning and I prayed I wouldn't throw up on the way. Or worst, on stage. That would be embarrassing as all get out.

My parents started to bicker and I let out a heavy sigh. I should have accepted the ride with Kat or Jamie. They would have been encouraging me the whole time and the ride would be less stressful.

I sighed heavily once again and slid my headphones on my head and clicked on my Ipod to drown out the family drama around me.

When all else fails, I thought, Kurt Cobain. And shuffled through the songs until I found one of my favorites, "Come as You Are." I closed my eyes and listened to the distinct beats and rhythms.

"Stuart! Look out!" I heard my mom yell and I snapped my eyes open to see what was happening. I could feel the car lurch and hear the tires squeal as my Dad slammed on the breaks. I looked out the window and saw a car coming straight for us. My eyes widened and a split second later I instinct-fully threw my arms over my head and mere seconds after that, I heard car horns blaring, squealing tires, my father cursing, and screams from me, Sades, and my mom. I heard the tell tale sound of metal being slammed together and I let out a scream as broken glass cut into my arm. I felt a sudden pain in my side and I felt my vision blur and the air rush from my lungs. My vision began to loose focus and I heard someone saying my name as I gave into the darkness and into a blissful sleep.