Bella's POV
"Ashley!" I screamed as soon as I saw the letter on the mailbox. She came running out immediately. I waited until she was right in front of me, then she said.
"What's up Isa?"
"We got accepted to Madison!" she looked at me excitedly.
"We have to call the others, they're gonna flip!" I smiled to myself. Finally we had gotten accepted to Madison , it was a dancing and singing school were many groups of boys and girls would go for competitions. It was an awesome thing, a talent competition all around the world, this time, it would be held in Alaska and they had accepted us! I was ecstatic because my dream would finally come true. I couldn't believe it! Though it would be amazingly hard and we would have to sweat our asses!
Ashley told the others. Our group was made up with, Ashley, Karina, Rosalie, Jasper, Jessica, Albert, Frankie, Marcus, Robert and me. And we all knew exactly what we were doing when it was time for dancing. Now in the singing, Frankie and I were the lead singers, while the rest were the chorus, and we were the lead dancers as well. Why because the rest had voted on us saying that we were the best of all. Just because we made a 'cute couple'.
They all said I was a good singer, I'd never heard myself sing, they said Frankie was a good singer too, but I had never heard him sing either. I'd never heard my voice, not really. With my hearing aids, I could hear certain voices and sounds. Even though I couldn't really hear myself sing, I loved singing. I loved my group, because I felt like I actually belonged. I hated when people felt sorry for me, I didn't need their pity. I could read lips well, very well. When I used to go to the special school for deaf people, we took a bus down town and practiced reading lips. The teacher didn't believe me when I told her I could read lips from the people across the street. She believed me later when I proved it to her. She said, "You have an astonishing gift," I didn't really think of it as a gift, just some type of reward God gave me because I couldn't hear.
We put all our hands together.
"ONE OH SEVEN! WHOOO!!" we screamed in unison. That was the name of our group.
Soon we were on the plane making our way to Alaska, because we had to be there by tomorrow.
Guys usually told me I was really pretty and stuff, but when they found out I was deaf, they turned all pitiful so I didn't really paid attention to any of them, well ok yes I did but only to one person. Frankie. I had a crush on him for a long time. I was so excited on going to Alaska. I mean if we don't make it, what can I lose? And well it would give me a chance to take Frankie out of my head for a while, he was such a gentleman, and he was really hot, but I really don't think he likes me. It looks more like he feels sorry for me. Oh well, it's for him to know and for me to find out. I sighed and looked out my window when someone tabbed my shoulder.
"Can I sit with you? I don't want to be with those dummies and the other girls kind of scare me." Frankie said smiling at me. I shook my head immediately.
"Don't call them that." I said coldly. He looked confused, and then he understood.
"I didn't mean…Oh, God. Isabella, I didn't think." What was I doing I would scare him away! I took a deep breath.
"No, that's okay. I overreacted. I'm sorry. It took me longer than other kids to learn to talk. The girls at the playground teased me for being 'deaf and dumb.'" I looked away so I wouldn't see the pity in his eyes. "And, yes you can sit with me, if you still want to." I said, looking at the window. I felt him take the seat next to me but I didn't turn to look at him. This was bound to be a long flight.
Edward's POV
Pull up
Pull up
Can't believe the girls club packed
What up What
up
Shorty wanna lead me to the back (to the back)
Aint been in
here 15 minutes got a pocket full of digits and she just wont take
no
Now lil mama wanna get mad
Slow up Slow up
Sayin she dont
wanna share what she had (she had)
Aint no particular one that's
getting the water gun so many that I want
I was practicing a new move with the song "Wall to wall" when Nick came storming into the room, looking rather hyper.
"Edward, you won't believe what I just received on my mail!" he screamed at my face though it wasn't quite necessary since I was standing right in front of him.
"Tell me, oh wait don't tell me. You got a new girlfriend!" I said sarcastically. He made a face.
"Nah, I wish! But this is even more important," he said loudly still smiling.
"So what is it?" I asked getting curious now. What could possibly be more important to Nick than girls?
"I got an acceptance letter from Madison!" my eyes went wide.
"Did you tell the others?" I asked excitedly, he shook his head fiercely. I took the phone out of my pocket and dialled Anthony's number.
After a few more calls, we managed to get everybody on the phone.
"Ok guys here's the thing," I took a deep breath.
"You need to start packing 'cause we're going to Alaska! We got accepted to Madison!" Everybody screamed.
"CRA-SHERS!!" I heard Alice scream, our group was made up from, Alice, Marina, Kelly, Tony, Cynthia, Beatrice Emmett, Stuart, James, and me. We all liked to hang out together at all times. And we always practice our dance moves after school or in any free times we have. Of course, leaving for the contest would mean that I had to talk to Lilly. She'd have to deal with everything alone for a whole month.
Bella's POV
The flight hadn't been bad as I thought it would be…actually, it hadn't been bad at all. Imagine sitting next to the hottest guy ever for three hours! His black soft hair almost covered his beautiful gray eyes…I felt a tab on my shoulder, I turned to look at him.
"So, how's it feeling, are you nervous?" Did Frankie just talk to me?
"Um…kind of…you?"
"Actually I' am. I mean, we're headed to a huge competition that's bound to go on for a month, and there's pretty good teams in there. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the fact that you're here." He said smiling at me. I'm sure he could see the shock on my face and the huge question mark on my forehead.
"Come on!" he continued. "You know you're a talented girl. You play three different instruments, you dance like a goddess and you sing like an angel." I fidget uncomfortably, he noticed. "Oh, gosh, I keep doing that. I'm sorry, I—"
"Don't apoligize, just because I can't hear myself sing doesn't mean I don't appreciate you telling me I do it good." I tried to smile but from his face, I knew it looked more like a frown.
"You really are something." I was forced to look away from his intense gaze when-to my luck- Ashley came to view.
"Isa, do you know who's going to the competition?" she asked me.
"No, do you?" she nodded and spoke through clench teeth. I couldn't catch what she said.
"I didn't catch that,"
"Sorry, I said, The Crashers"
"Is that the team that came out on T.V the other day?"
"Yes, they're really good." she answered slowly.
"Don't worry about it, Isa. We're better than them, we have you" Frankie said while giving me a cocky, cute smile and I forgot all about my worries when I saw it.
EPOV
We were already at the Talent Mansion and let me tell you, it was really amazing. I couldn't believe we were here! Thanks to Victoria-my cousin-we performed on T.V. and then we send an application to Madison. Everyone had to be here today if they wanted to compete. The competition would start tomorrow, no time for rehearsals. The tension was rising already, the mansion was almost full.
We already met most of the groups; some were to stay away from, like the Four One O's. They seemed to be very competitive. Anyway, the house was huge! There were rooms for every group. The rooms were big enough that we all fit perfectly fine as if each had their own room. There were eight rehearsal rooms, four for dance, and four for singing. There was a massage room, sixteen bathrooms, two huge living rooms, A really big kitchen, and a mysterious 'activity room'.
**
I can't believe it! Competition starts tonight and we won't be competing as a group, it would all be individual. Sometimes we can get help from the others in the group. The thing is, we compete until all the member of our group have been eliminated, if the othe groups get eliminated and lets say for example that Alice 'wins' we win, and we get a two year contract with a CD production.
**
Its about to start, we were sitting on the front row, well, behind the judges. There was rows like in a movie theatre, this whole thing would be on TV almost like American Idol, except that we did get to sit and watch the others perform.
"Edward Cullen?" I turn to see a man in a suit.
"Yes?"
"You will be performing "Daddy's little girl" from Frankie J. And I hear you play the piano, and other instruments." I nodded. "Well, would you be so kind as to play "Angel" by Kelly Clarkson on the piano for another young lady that's performing tonight?"
"Of course, when will that be?"
"In five minutes, will you please join Ms. Swan by the stage?" Since I couldn't deny, I nodded. I walked to the stage and saw a girl standing next to it, she was wearing a gorgeous black gown.
"Ms. Swan?" I called her name, but she didn't turn to look at me. I tried again. "Ms. Swan?" again she didn't turn. I walked to her and tabbed her shoulde, a little frustrated that she 'hadn't heard me'
She turned to look at me then. She was…beautiful.
"I was calling your name, didn't you hear me?" I asked, trying to sound polite. She frowned.
"I…was daydreaming. I'm sorry." She hesitated. I smiled, she had a cute accent.
"I'm Edward Cullen, I will be accompanying you with the piano tonight," I said slowly. She raised her eyebrow.
"I'm Isabella, thank you for doing this, I mean, I do play the piano but they won't allow me to because….ummm, because they want me to show the gown." I chuckled.
"No problem," at that moment, they called her to the stage, she didn't move until I walked to the stage and took my place.
Spend all your time waiting
For a second chance
For rain that would make it okay
There's always some reason
To feel not good enough
And its harder at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh, baby please
..
Let me be empty
Memories seek from my veins
Let me be empty,
Or weithless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
In the eyes of an Angel
Her accent was gone as soon as she started singing. I could feel her gaze on me.
Far away from here
From this dark, cold, and dirty
And the else mess that you feel
You were pulled from the wreckage
And your sullen reverie
Your in the arms of the Angel
May you find
Some comfort here
She stood up and step away from the piano. Then she went to stand behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder gently.
So tired of the street lights
And never return
…
…keeps on twisting
Keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you like
It don't make more difference
…
It's easier to believe
…
…
And brings me to my knees
In the arms of the angel
I felt something on my hair, was it her lips?
Far away from here
From this dark, cold, and dirty
And the else mess that you feel
You were pulled from the wreckage
Of your sullen reverie
Your in the arms of the Angel
May you find
Some comfort here
I was starting to get a little nervous, the hand she had placed on my shoulder was now caressing the back of my left ear.
Your in the arms of the Angel
May you find
Some comfort here
The song ended and I turned without knowing she was about to kiss my cheek. Her lips met mine for an instant. People clapped and cheered. She turned away blushing and looked at the judges. I stood up and left the stage. I hope Lilly wasn't watching this.
"Marvellous, I think you have a lot of talent. Even though it's your fist performance you did well. You missed a couple of notes but other than that, congratulations Isabella." I heard one of the judges say.
"Thank you," I heard Isabella say.
"I personally liked the way you performed with the pianist, he's quite talented as well, to be able to concentrate on the keys while a beauty like you is singing and touching him so!" I had to laugh at what the other judge said. I walked away from the stage.
I needed to get ready for my performance. Thank God I had played this song before. I knew how to play without glancing at the keys while singing.
Thirty minutes later, Frankie had performed "I changed by Chrishan, Elena had performed "Never had a dream come true" by S club 7, and Stuart had performed "Over and Over Again" by Nelly. Then they came to tell me I was up in five minutes. I walked to the stage and saw Alice.
"Hey, Edward."
"What song are you performing?" I asked.
"Easy by Paula De Anda," when she said that they called me up.
"See ya!" I said.
"Good luck" I heard Isabella say before I stepped on the stage.
He drops his soot case by the door
She knows her daddy wont be back, and he wont
She drags her feet across the floor
Trying to hold back tight
To keep him holding on and she says
"daddy daddy don't leave, I'll do anything to keep you,
Right here with me, cant you see how much I need you?
Daddy daddy don't leave, mommy is saying things she don't mean,
She don't know what she's talking about,
Somebody hear me out.
Father, listen, tell him that he's gotta hold and he don't have to go
Father, save him, I will do anything in return.
I'll clean my room, try hard in school,
I'll be good I promise you,
Father, father, I pray to you
Now she hasn't slept in weeks,
She don't wanna close her eyes
'cause she's scared that he'll leave
They've tried just about everything
But its getting harder now,
Harder to breath
And she says,
"daddy daddy don't leave, I'll do anything to keep you,
Right here with me, cant you see how much I need you?
Daddy daddy don't leave,
the doctors are saying things they don't mean,
they don't know what they're talking about,
somebody hear me out!
Father, listen, tell him that he's gotta hold and he don't have to go
Father, save him, I will do anything in return.
I'll clean my room, try hard in school,
I'll be good I promise you,
Father, father, I pray to you
Please don't let him go, I'm begging you so
Let him open his eyes, I need a little more time
To tell him that I love him more,
Than anything in the world
Its daddy's little girl!
Father (father), listen (listen), tell him that he's gotta hold and he don't have to go
Father (father), save him, I will do anything in return!
I'll clean my room, try hard in school,
I'll be good I promise you,
Father, father!
She was daddy's little girl….
Oooooh-whooa-ooh
When I was finished I heard a roar of applause and when I turned to the judges, one of the girls had tears spilling over her cheeks.
"Stupendous Edward, you are a very talented pianist but even a better talented singer! I will have to point out that you went a little higher on some notes but it was nearly perfect." I grinned and thanked him.
"Wonderful, you have the voice of an angel hon," said a female judge." I noticed that the judge that was cryin g wasn't looking at me. I didn't know what was going on but I made no comment, I thanked them and they signalled me to leave.
Beatrice went after Alice, performing "Like a Boy" by Ciara, then Emmett performed "Wasn't me" by Shaggy, accompanied with Frankie. The judges told him he did an amazing job, he was very excited. The night continued with Amelia who performed "Unfaithful" By Rihana.
**
It had been a long night. We discovered that no one would be eliminated on the first performance, but next week. We had to go to the living room to see some announcements that Crystal-our informer and show conductor- had for us.
"Good morning everyone, I hope you enjoyed your first performance. I noticed a lot of you forgot the lyrics to your song, which would be because we picked them for you. We will keep picking them for you until you get the hang of it and you don't forget your lyrics. It will be duos, the list is outside your door, and you already have a partner. I picked them for you with the judges. There will be some trios. We also left you a schedule; it's for the rehearsal rooms. Of course you all know you have to share the kitchen, and the living room. The activity room…well, that you will find out later this week. Check out your package, there are packages which contain your list and schedule, the lyrics to your song, the sound, a CD player and headphones for every one of you. There will be teachers arriving at the Talent Mansion tomorrow at six in the morning, you have to be up and welcome them; they will explain what they're for. If anyone missed this video, which I know not why they would; there is also a copy of it outside your door. I hope you like your song and partner; you will see me again tomorrow, goodbye now." As soon as she finished, half of us went to the door and brought everything in and placed it on the table. We each took turns getting our package. When I got mine I walked to my room and opened it.
Second Performance- Duos
Participant Name: Edward Cullen
Partner: Isabella Swan
Song: "When ever you call"
Artist: Mariah Carey & Brian McKnight
Singing Rehearsal Time, Day & Room: Tuesdays 8:30am at room 2A
Dancing Rehearsal Time, Day & Room: Thursdays 2:00pm at room 4B
Number for the Activity Room: 3
That was the first paper and today was monday, the second paper said:
"When ever you call" by Mariah Carey & Brian McKnight lyrics
IsabellaEdwardBoth
Love, wondered inside
Stronger than you
Stronger than I
Now, that has begun
We cannot turn back
We can only turn, into one
I will never need to be too
Far away to feel you
And I won't hesitate, oooh
When ever you call
And I'll always remember
that part of you, so tender
I'll be the one to catch your fall
When ever you call
And I, truly inspired
Finding my soul,(my soul)
There in your eyes (there in your eyes)
And you, have opened my heart (opened my heart)
And lifted me inside,
By showing me yourself
In disguise
I will never need to be too
Far away to feel you
And I won't hesitate, at all
When ever you call
And I'll always remember
that part of you, so tender
I'll be the one to catch your fall
When ever you call
And I will breath for you each day
Comfort you for all the pain
Gently kiss your fears, away
You can turn to me in pride
Always understand that
I'll give you all I have inside
I will never need to be too
Far away to feel you
And I won't hesitate, at all
When ever you call
I will never need to be too
And I won't hesitate, at all
When ever you call
And I'll always remember
that part of you, so tender
I'll be the one to catch your fall
When ever you call
When ever you call
Those were some deep lyrics. I liked them, but how was I supposed to pull of Brian McKnight? I heard a soft knock on the door and I turned to see who it was. It was Isabella.
"I take you already read your list, and schedule." I said smiling. "Come on in," she smiled and walked in.
"Yes, I was a little surprised."
"Hey, at least we already got to 'perform together' and we can deal with it, right?" I saw her blush at that. So she remembered about the…kiss?
"Listen, about the…umm…incident at the end of the performance, I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine, let's just pretend it never happened," I noticed that she kept talking until I said 'I'ts fine'. Like she hadn't heard me.
"I just came to…I'll leave now," I held her arm and she turn to look at me.
"Maybe we can start practicing right now, I've never singed with only one other person." Why I had the impulse of stopping her?
She smiled. "Okay, but I'm not that good with duos, maybe we can help each other," I smiled back at her and nodded. She hesitated a little.
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing," She looked around the room and stopped at the stereo in the corner. "I say you put the CD in there," she suggested. I did as I was told, the song started immediately. I looked down at my paper and saw I had to start.
Love, wondered inside
Stronger than you
Stronger than I
She started to sing right after I finished my line, without waiting for the right tone.
Now, that has begun
We cannot turn back
She went to long on the last word, but I catch up and joined her.
We can only turn, into one
We tried to sing the next lines together but she held some notes to long and others too short and I couldn't keep up. We sounded like we were praying.
I will never need to be too
Far away to feel you
And I won't hesitate, oooh
When ever you call
And I'll always remember
that part of you, so tender
I'll be the one to catch your fall
When ever you call
I started to laugh. "I suck at it!" I said. She laughed with me.
"I suck at it, what are you talking about," then I noticed a girl standing by the door, and Isabella turn and smiled. "Hey, Ashley," the girl-Ashley, laughed at us.
"Let me help you Isa," I noticed when she said that, Isabella bit her lip nervously. "Can you start the song over?" Ashley asked me," I nodded and started it again. I was a little confused, I mean I could help her; it didn't bother me at all. The song started and Ashley listened to it all, without us singing, then she started it again so I started at the right note.
Love, wondered inside
Stronger than you
Stronger than I
Ashley positioned herself next to the stereo and took the Bella with her to see the lyrics. She paused the song when I finished my line and said, "Count to Two and then start, and make sure you make a pause between your lines" she presses play and then Isabella started on the perfect note.
Now, that has begun
We cannot turn back
She finished right on the note. Then I started.
We can only turn, into one
Ashley paused the song again, "On this one, you can start right after he finishes his line. Make a one-second-pause between the lines. I will never need to be too,
Far away to feel you, And I won't hesitate, at all. And make your last note in the chorus long for about four seconds" She sang it slowly and I noticed Isabella was concentrating on her. She nodded and started the song.
Again, Isabella started right on the note and stayed on the note with me the whole chorus.
I will never need to be too
Far away to feel you
And I won't hesitate, at all
When ever you call
And I'll always remember
that part of you, so tender
I'll be the one to catch your fall
When ever you call
Her last not was beautiful. Ashley pause it again. "Now, in this part, make your second note a two seconds long, pause for a second then continue with your first note. Wait I have an idea, I'll tell you when to start and when to end, okay?" Isabella nodded. Why was she having so much trouble?
And I, (And I) truly inspired
Finding my soul,(my soul)
There in your eyes (there in your eyes)
And you, have opened my heart (opened my heart)
And lifted me inside,
By showing me yourself
Undisguised
I will never need to be too
Far away to feel you
And I won't hesitate, at all
When ever you call
And I'll always remember
that part of you, so tender
I'll be the one to catch your fall
When ever you call
And I will breath for you each day
Comfort you for all the pain
Gently kiss your fears, away
You can turn to me in pride
Always understand that
I'll give you all I have inside
I noticed Isabella was now doing it all by herself, she had gotten the hand of it.
I will never need to be too
Far away to feel you
And I won't hesitate, at all
When ever you call
I will never need to be too, beyond you
And I won't hesitate, at all
When ever you call
And I'll always remember
that part of you, so tender
I'll be the one to catch your fall
When ever you call
When ever you call
When ever you call
She was amazing! As soon as she got the hang of it she made her notes long and beautiful. I was still a little confused of why Ashley had to make her count and pause so much. It's not like she couldn't hear the right tone, they were obvious.