DIVA OFF!

by MissDelainie

This is the story of two self-proclaimed 'diva's'. Indie rocker Taylor Hanson, of the band HANSON and Broadway hopeful, Rachel Berry GLEE . Watch what happens when their world's collide and love gets in the way of their dreams.

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Audition Tapes?

(Rachel Berry's Story)

NYU

Girls' Dorm

Room: 216

Time: 12:00 pm

Friday

The task was simple. Fill out a form with your name, age, high school/college and why you wanted to be on DIVA OFF!. You also had to send in an audition tape with an original song by the weekend. Was it that hard? For Rachel Berry, it was. Sure, singing in front of a camera or the mirror for that matter, was simple. But not when she was going to enter the most watched TV Reality program since American Idol. There were going to be 15 competitors living in one house for a month and a half, working on songs and dances as well as being filmed for the 'diva' like antics. It was supposed to be a great concept, pairing different self proclaimed divas from all sorts of places. But to Rachel, this wasn't going to be easy. In high school, her Glee Club always complained that she was so catty and such a diva that sometimes she shut down and didn't show off her true talents.

Rachel reached for the application that was on her desk and studied it. She had a day to figure this out and hadn't even started the application. Taking her favorite pink pen with the little stars on it, she began writing in her beautiful script:

Name: Rachel Berry

Age: 20

High School you attended: McKinley High School. Lima, Ohio.

College: University Of New York City

Why do you want to be on DIVA OFF!:

She left that part blank. Aside from choosing the original song to submit as a video, Rachel couldn't think of any good reasons why she wanted to be on the show. There were so many: To get a record deal, to win the prize money to give her two dads a great vacation or to be able to get over her fear of the stage. All these things piled up in her mind as to why she should be on that show. But putting it into words was going to be much harder. Rachel never really had a knack for writing essays, reports, or even short stories. She was more into performing things written on a page like musical numbers than such stories.

Looking at her pink digital clock that was on her nightstand in her tiny dorm room, she noticed it was 12:30. That meant she was ten minutes late. Ten minutes late in meeting her best friend, Kurt Hummel, for coffee on the quad, to discuss her audition piece. She hadn't seen Kurt all week due to the fact that he was busy with his new role as director in the all-male off Broadway version of RENT.

She hurried out, locking the door behind her and ran to the quad. She noticed Kurt sitting at a small table, looking over director's notes.

"Oh my goodness, Kurt! I'm so sorry for being late! I was so wrapped up in picking a song for the audition tape that I lost track of time," she sat in the empty chair and threw her bag onto the sidewalk.

"It's ok, Rach. I haven't been here long anyways. I got you a soy latte with cinnamon. So, what's up? Having troubles still?"

"Thank you," Rachel sipped her latte, "And yes I am. I can't think of one reason why I would want to be on the show, but I do however have a song picked out."

"Oh you do? Let me guess, something exceptionally grand from Wicked?" Kurt smirked at Rachel and touched her hand. Years ago, when both Rachel and Kurt were in Glee Club together, they never seemed to get along. Both of them recognized each other as the group's 'divas', so every once and a while they'd have little competitions to get the solos, hoping that one of them would be recognized for their talents. It wasn't until near their senior year and after Nationals that they became really close, best friends even. Together, Rachel and Kurt helped each other get into the best college in New York so that they would fulfill the dreams of Broadway that they had always imagined. And now, they were sophomores in college, tackling their dreams of becoming stars.

"Not quite. I was thinking of doing the one I wrote. For Mr. Schue's assignment on original songs, but I'm not really sure how to approach it. You know me, Kurt. The stage is like my second home and I loved performing with the Glee Club. But the idea of performing in front of judges, by myself, is sort of scary."

"Who are you and what have you done with Rachel Berry?" Kurt laughed, "Girl, it will be fine. Trust me. I'll help you even. When you make it onto the show, I will be your personal life line. Now, tell me, what have you written for the essay part? Any thoughts as to why you want to be on the show?"

Rachel looked around, taking in the sights of the people. It was Friday, so the quad was beginning to become less crowded due to the fact that people were going to either their next classes or home for the weekend. Kurt and Rachel rarely went home for the weekend because they would rather take in the sights of New York with either a play or some sort of jazz show. She didn't have many friends, except for Kurt of course, at this school, so sometimes she felt alone there. Her roommate, Esther, was a strange, Southern girl who wore cowboy boots and weird clothes and they rarely talked. But then again, Rachel was considered 'weird' too.

"I'm still the same Rachel you know and admire, just very confused and scared. If by chance I get selected, I may have to fly to California for months while the show tapes. I've never been away for that long. Heck, even moving here was tough for me," Rachel twisted a strand of her perfect brown hair, "I just….I don't know what to do. Which is why I am coming to my fellow diva, you. Please Kurt, come with me. You'd totally win them over with your sass."

"Rach, you know I can't leave in the middle of my fabulous all male rendition of RENT. It took me months just to get the department to approve it. And Blaine is making a special appearance as Roger. You know he never gets to visit here."
"I know, I know. I understand. Just, if I make it that far, will you be there for me? For support? I'm not sure I know what I'm getting myself into just yet." Rachel smiled a half smile hoping it would convince Kurt. And she was also hoping that he'd pack everything and go with her. But, that wasn't going to happen.

"Oh honey," Kurt touched Rachel's hand, "You will be fine. We can skype everyday and you'll be on in a huge house, making new friends. I hear the show is like the Real World meets American Idol. You'll meet a lot of divas just like you." He smiled and got up from his chair, his Burberry bag in hand. Rachel followed and they started walking.

"I don't even know if I'll make it yet…" her voice trailed off. Why was she so nervous? She had always been able to sing infront of anyone. What was the problem this time? Was it because for the first time since she had left Lima for New York , she would have to pack a go to Los Angeles for a month while taping?

"You'll make it. I promise. And I will be here for you during the show and when you get back. Ok? Kurt put his arm around Rachel and hugged her, "You'll be the best diva on that show. Second to me of course." Rachel laughed at his comment. Maybe her best friend was right. Maybe she was really going to great and the best diva she knew how to be.

The day was slowly coming to an end and all Rachel was doing was staring at the application again. Staring at the same blank page that she had started earlier, the one she had to turn in for the competition. After standing in her dorm room describing her life for the video camera that Kurt had shoved into her face for four hours previously, she realized she still needed to write the essay. Once the video was finished, Kurt offered to make it into copies in the AV room of the college. That was four hours ago. And now, here she was, sitting in her desk chair, with a wild case of writer's block.

This wasn't going to be easy, she thought as she continued to think of reasons why she wanted this so bad. After talking with Kurt, she was reminded as to why she loved singing. Singing made her feel free, made her feel alive. That's what she was going to write. And with that thought, she looked at the clock seeing that it was close to almost midnight and began writing her essay. And she wasn't going to stop until it was perfect. She began typing furiously.

"Rachel? Rachel? Wake up. You slept through your alarm. Come on, you need to get to the post office before it closes. Rachel!" Rachel awoke the next morning to find herself sprawled on her bed, wearing the same clothes she had worn the day before, her long brown hair in a tangled ponytail. It was eleven thirty, she had fallen asleep after she had finished her essay. And now, she wasn't sure if she'd make it in time.

"Oh my gosh! I must have fallen asleep! Do you have the tape? Where's my essay?" She pulled herself together and ran a brush through her hair. Now was not the time to freak out, but since she had slept through her alarm, she was in freak out mode. This behavior was not like Rachel at all, but since it was crunch time right now, she was going crazy.

"Hot mess alert. Here, put this sweatshirt on and lets go." Kurt threw a sweatshirt at Rachel and they hurried out of the dorms to the nearest post office. Kurt handed her the tapes and her envelope of the essay and audition papers. She labeled it and handed it to the mail man.

"Well," she turned to Kurt and smiled, "Here goes nothing."

The Practical Joke That Didn't Go As Planned

(Taylor Hanson's Story)

Chicago, IL

HOB

Time: 10:30 pm

Saturday

"Thank you everyone! You've been an awesome crowd tonight!" The crowd was still going crazy after the music had stopped. The energy level was higher than normal and his adrenaline level was sky rocketing. Chicago crowds were always the best ones because they always seemed to be one big party. However, any crowd on a normal night was fantastic. It was the last show of the tour and what way to end it was a great crowd and rocking set. Even ending with the song "In the City", the crowd was jumping and cheering along. It was great.

Taylor Hanson ran his fingers through his thick dirty blonde hair and took a small bow. Waving to the crowd, he started to head off the stage. Before he could totally exit, he heard his older brother, Isaac, call his name into the microphone. He turned back around and came back onstage, giving his brother a rather strange look. Normally, they would do the traditional bow and wave at the crowd when the show was over, but something wasn't right tonight. Taylor looked at his younger brother and band mate Zac for reassurance. Zac just shrugged.

"Tay, come up here for a second. I have something to tell you," Ike put his guitar down and put his arm around Taylor, "Now, everyone knows Taylor loves to give back and loves to be the center of attention at times, right?" The crowd went wild and applauded.

"Well, last week, on the bus, Taylor was in the backroom, singing some random song into a mirror. I got it on tape." Ike started to laugh and turn to his brother, to see the reaction. Taylor's face dropped, not prepared for what was about to be announced. Normally, the band always played practical jokes on each other, but for some reason, this didn't seem right.

"And I sent that tape to a little show called The Diva Off!. I also sent a little application as to why Taylor was perfect for this. Well, they have accepted it and you will be one of the top 15 contenders on the show!" Once again, the crowd went wild and lights started flashing as Taylor just stood there, astonished at the news. This wasn't what he thought was going to happen. Parts of him were surprised about this joke and other parts of him were angry. "So, everyone, tune into the Diva Off to catch Taylor as he competes for the top Diva prize!"

Taylor turned to Zac and motioned for him to come down from his drum kit and take the bow. With Zac in the middle, the three brothers took their bow, waved to the crowd and walked off stage. Taylor went straight to the dressing room and slammed the door. Could this be real? Did Ike really set him up like this?

The door opened and Ike walked in, towel around his neck. He took a seat on the ripped couch and just looked at Taylor.

"What the hell were you thinking? Is this some kind of joke? How could you just tape me and send in for some dumb television show like that without telling me first?" Taylor never really yelled much, but when he did, no one could stop him. He was mad. He was angry. He felt betrayed by his own brother.

"Look, I'm sorry. But this is a pretty cool thing. I mean, a show where 'diva's can compete and sing. The top prize is $25,000 and a record deal. Come on, it's a chance for our band to get out there. And I mean, you do have your moments at times…."

"Are you serious right now? We have a record deal. If I'm not mistaken, we own our own company! And remember when I went out on my own, nothing came of it. How could you do this? And I am not a diva! Sure, I tend to get a little out there with things, but its because I'm passionate about my music." Taylor was floored. This wasn't just some random practical joke, this was pure madness.

"Relax. Just go and have fun. You'll be on television. You'll get to inspire fellow 'divas'. You may even surprise yourself. I know your passionate about your music. We all are. But this is something different for you to do. Trust me, it will be great," Ike placed his hand on Taylor's shoulder, "We have a few months off before we tour overseas. Go. Take a vacation. Get out there."

"A vacation huh? So what is my goal on the show anyways?" Taylor sat on the couch and crossed his legs. The idea was sounding a little bit better. He did need a small vacation. But the idea of spending a vacation with whiney pop divas and country stars wasn't sounding too promising. Maybe he could be a mentor on the show while still competing. That could work.

"Well, the money would be great. We could use it for the Take The Walk campaign. The record deal you don't need. But its great exposure and you can back out anytime." The offer did sound rather worth the taking. If he didn't want to be there anymore, he'd back out. Simple as that.

"When do I leave?" They started walking out to the busses, where their adoring fans were waiting for them to do the typical autograph signings. Normally, Taylor never did them. He liked to go straight to the bus and go right to sleep. But not tonight. Tonight was different because he was sure that his fans wanted to know about his new project.

"You leave for Los Angeles on Friday. Look, I am really sorry. I thought this would be fun for you."

"It's cool. Don't worry about it. Let's just get through tonight." Taylor smiled a half smile and walked over to his fans and let them flood around him, just like any other night of his life.

The bus was traveling along the highway noisily making its way back to Oklahoma the following morning. Taylor was in his bunk looking through one of his many cameras at the pictures of the tour he took recently. Besides his passion for all things music, he liked taking pictures. The way the light captured his subjects was just illuminating. It almost was like capturing the souls of his objects, but in a good way.

After he was done reviewing the pictures, he began to think about what Ike was talking about the day before. Maybe this whole 'diva' thing wasn't such a bad idea. It was like the practical joke that didn't go as planned. His brother was right; Taylor sometimes went into his own version of a 'diva' mode whenever things didn't go as planned. His brothers knew when to stop talking to him during these said moments and just let Taylor be himself. But he had his reasons to. Sometimes people didn't always listen to what he had to say or never seemed to care. He had a lot to say about certain things such as charities and his music, but his brothers always made things a joke. So when they'd make these jokes, Taylor carried out his little hissy fits or pouted whichever came first and was easiest. If he was to do this, there were going to be some ground rules.

Taylor tossed his camera onto the bed, got up, and walked through the tiny 'hallway' that the bus had. His brothers were off doing their own things: Zac was playing the new Xbox game and Ike was answering the website's forums. Taylor grabbed a bottle of orange juice from the fridge and sat next to Ike. Ike stopped what he was doing and turned to his brother.

"What's up?" Ike asked.

"I want you guys to hear me out. If I do this whole 'Diva Off' television show thing, there has to be some rules, ok?"

"Ok, what are they?"

"Well, for starters, I'm not there to win what-so-ever. We have a record company and we're doing fine. Sure, the money would be great for Take The Walk and everything, but I am not there to steal someone's chance of their dream coming true. I will give it, let's say, for me to make the top six and then I'll back out. If I make it that far. We'll make up a story or something. Another thing, no one, and I mean no one, not even the fans, need to know why I'm there. They do not need to know that I'm just there for fun and for 'exposure' if that's what you want to call it. Does that sound like a plan?" Taylor finished his orange juice and looked at his brothers. Zac turned to him and nodded. Ike just sat there, arms folded, as if to ponder what Taylor had just told him.

"Fine. And I really am sorry for doing this. I actually didn't think they'd pick you."

"You so owe me." Taylor tossed the bottle in the trash and went back to his bunk, "Owe me big brother!"

The Screaming Girl with the Big Envelope

(Rachel Berry's Story)

New York City

Off-Broadway Theater

3:00 pm

Wednesday.

Rachel got off the 321 subway and hurried to the off-Broadway building where Kurt was rehearsing his show. The afternoon air in New York was getting stuffy after the fact that everyone was coming home from their jobs in the city. But for Rachel, the morning had been a huge blur and very exciting.

After her final morning class of English Lit, she hurried to the dorm mailroom, hoping to find some sort of good news from the DIVA OFF! producers. Rushing around the campus aimlessly and out of breath, with her red beret almost falling off her head, she had found her box and turned the key into the lock. Inside, she had found 4 random letters from her friends from high school (which she was going to read later), and a large manila envelope. THE envelope that she had been waiting for, the whole entire day. Looking around the mail room, she noticed that not a lot of people were around, so she had done what she normally would do: started to scream with excitement. Jumping up and down, with the envelope in hand, she let out the wildest scream she could. After about 3 full minutes of screaming, Rachel had stopped, sheepishly smiled at the random people who were staring and walked out of the mail room. She ripped it open and read the bright white sheet of paper:

Ms. Rachel B. Berry,

We are so happy to inform you that not only was your audition tape spectacular but also the ticket into the new season of THE DIVA OFF!. You will not need to audition again, for we found your tape inspiring and your letter very 'diva-licious'. You will be joining 14 other contestants in a mansion in Hollywood, CA, for a chance to be the ultimate DIVA as well as win a recording contract and $25, 000. Also, there will be camera's following you, catching every diva move you make. So just be your normal 'diva' self. See you in CA!

Also inside was a plane ticket, directions to the house, and a show manual. Could this really be happening? Had she made it on the show? She had to tell Kurt all about it!

That happened this morning. Now she was on her way to see Kurt and tell him her big news. She hurried up the stairs to the second floor rehearsal space and saw a bunch of random college guys rehearsing. Kurt, in one of his random fashion creations, was in front of the group, directing the musical number. Rachel tapped on the glass to get Kurt's attention. He waved and motioned for her to come into the room. Sitting in the corner, Rachel noticed Blaine Anderson, Kurt's boyfriend, reading the script.

"Hey, Blaine! How are you?" Rachel hugged Blaine, and sat next to him. The last time Blaine had done anything remotely on Broadway was McKinley High's own West Side Story, where he played Tony, opposite of Rachel's lead Maria, of course. Blaine Anderson graced McKinley High with his presence during Kurt and Rachel's senior year after leaving his beloved Dalton Academy. He was part of the Warblers, an all-guy acapella Glee club that always wanted to beat New Directions. It wasn't until Kurt left McKinley to be a part of the Warblers that got everyone in New Directions to consider how much they needed Kurt and how much they couldn't win without him. Finally, after much persuasion and begging, Kurt left Dalton and joined his fellow Glee clubbers to Nationals, to have them…lose. When Blaine joined New Directions, everything was thrown out of orbit, yet everyone got through the touch parts of becoming a team, and they graduated and moved on with their lives. Only Rachel, Kurt, and Blaine were the ones to leave Lima and take on New York, full force.

"Hey Rachel. Why do you look so happy for?" Blaine put down the script and turned to Rachel, noticing her beaming grin. He was cast as a guest in Kurt's musical, playing the role of Roger in RENT. He was a freshman at the university and it was quite an honor to be part of such a big project like this one.

"I can't tell you, yet. Not until Kurt's done with rehearsal," Rachel tugged at her beret and held onto the envelope she so desperately had waited for all week, "So, how's the musical going? I really can't picture RENT being done by all guys, but I guess if Kurt has a vision, he has a vision."

"It's going really well actually. Kurt's amazing at what he does whether it'd be singing, or directing or…being a fashionista." Blaine laughed and pointed at Kurt. Sure enough, Kurt was the ultimate fashionista, especially today. Wearing his signature skinny jeans and leopard print sweater, Kurt looked rather amazing. Sometimes Rachel even wondered if Kurt snuck into her dorm at night and stole her clothes.

Rachel and Blaine sat together looking at the script as Kurt wrapped up the rest of the rehearsal, and walked over to Rachel and Blaine. Grabbing Blaine's hand, he helped him up and kissed his cheek.

"Thanks for the help, Kurt," Rachel laughed, standing up and brushed her red skirt, "Everything, the play, looks amazing."

"Oh stop Rachel. It's more than amazing. It's spectacular. So, what's this big news you wanted to share. I got your text this morning. All 30 of them." Kurt laughed, and the three of them headed out the door.

"Well, you're looking at the newest contestant of the DIVA OFF! I MADE IT!" Rachel couldn't contain her excitement any longer, "I got the letter this morning and now I'm officially known as the "screaming girl with the big envelope" to everyone in the mail room. I leave Friday morning!"

"Oh my goodness, Rach! That's amazing! I knew you could do it!" Kurt hugged her and they jumped up and down like kids at Christmas. Blaine, however, just stood there, confused.

"What is this, DIVA OFF?"

"Oh, Blaine, Blaine, Blaine. Honey, The DIVA OFF! is a reality show where divas compete for prizes and also it's a reality show to show people true diva styles. You've never heard of it?" The trio walked out of the building and headed to a small café for lunch. Rachel could feel her stomach growl as they walked. She hadn't eaten all day due to her excitement the previous hours. They approached the café and entered. Rachel could smell the delightful smells of the various soups and sandwiches that were waiting for them. That was one perk about living in New York, the mass amounts of different assortments of delis, diners and restaurants. Some days, you could find yourself craving pizza and there would be a pizza truck on every street corner. Or if you preferred something else, like a deli style sandwich, a nice diner with a checkered tablecloth was the best option.

"No. My roommate doesn't really 'believe' in television, so I'm completely out of the pop culture scene. But congratulations on the win, Rachel." The waitress came around, took their orders and said she'd return in a few minutes. This was nice for a change, for Rachel. Normally, she'd be stuck inside her dorm room doing her homework or in the theater practicing. She usually never had any time for fun anymore. She rarely saw Kurt and Blaine, and when she did it was either in rehearsal rooms or when she needed help in a certain subject. With Spring Break coming up on Friday, it was going to be good for her to get away as well as compete. The waitress returned with their orders and they began to indulge in simple sandwiches and milk shakes.

"Thank you Blaine," Rachel sipped her strawberry milkshake, "I'm so excited. And a little nervous. I mean, can you believe it? They picked me. Me, out of probably a million other girls out there. And in the letter, it never said I had to audition. That my 'divaness' was 'true talent'."

"Well, whatever you put in your essay and your video sure paid off. When do you leave?" said Kurt.

"Friday. I have to catch my plane early. Which reminds me, Kurt, will you and Blaine see me off at the airport?"

"We'd be happy too. Rachel, I am so proud of you. Really, I am. You will do great." Kurt touched Rachel's hand and smiled.

"Thank you. I knew I could count on you. Now, over the next few days…well actually just tomorrow, we must prepare my wardrobe, my song choices and my game plan. I cannot let any other so called diva out there take my prize. I'm sure Barbara Streisand had all the help from her friends when she needed it. Am I right?"

"Once a diva…Always a diva." Kurt laughed.

The Mysterious Girl with the Knee-High Plaid Socks in Seat #4 Row H

(Taylor's Story)

New York City

JFK airport

7:00 am

Friday

"Delayed? You have got to be kidding me right now!" It was early and Taylor was crabby. He had to catch an early flight in New York to make it to California in time for the first 'meeting' of the show. Why the show had a pre-taping meeting, he had no idea, but he still had to attend. The flight was going to be delayed until 9 that morning, so he had some time to kill. About 2 hours worth of time. Thankfully for him, the band made a small stop at MTV studios to do a quick Q and A, so he was actually near an airport to catch his flight. He wasn't sure why the band had an impromptu Q and A, but that came with the job. The session was at 5 am, a little early, but MTV had to get it for the early morning show. As Taylor and his brothers left the studio to drop him off at the airport, they discussed their plan.

"You're not going to tell anyone, and I mean anyone about this, alright? No tweets, forum posts, random blogs, FUTYs, nothing. Got it?" Taylor had said as he grabbed his suitcases and bags. He would be staying in Cali for a month, while his brothers lay low before their overseas tour, "I mean it Zac. No random songs about this either."

"We get it! We will not say a word," Ike had said, trying to calm Taylor down.

"Alright. And once I'm like 5th or something, if I make it that far, I'll make up an excuse and back out. This better work or all hell will break lose." Taylor had said and hugged his brothers goodbye, and made his way to the airport entrance. He had walked to his terminal and started to wait.

Looking around, he noticed a few chairs empty by the terminal. Should he sit and plant himself for 2 hours and stare at his computer, secretly mocking the people that post on the band's forums? Or should he go explore the airport and look at pop culture magazines while munching on airport popcorn from the little newsstands? He decided to take the latter. Grabbing his bag and his camera he began his exploration. His first stop on the "Taylor Does The JFK Airport" was a small little newsstand near the terminal. On one wall there were massive amounts of candy, chips, bags of peanuts and random travel objects that one would find very helpful in curbing their hunger or useful if they forgot a tooth brush. On another wall, there were numerous magazines ranging from fashion to cars.

He walked over to the magazine rack and picked up a PEOPLE magazine. The headline read something along the lines of Kim Kardashian and her recent divorce. He laughed and put it back. This is why he never wanted to be in the spotlight. All the rumors that followed celebrities around and all the paparazzi that posted outrageous photos. He was perfectly content on being an indie rocker with seemingly no life. But, since he was going to be on this reality television show, he was bound to get the typical paparazzi and a spot on the rumor mill. He put the magazine down and continued looking around. He was getting hungry. He hadn't eaten anything since the night before so a snack right now would help. He found some poptarts and a generic brand of iced coffee and took it to the register. As he was about to pay, he noticed a strange figure checking into the desk at the terminal. The person had seemed to be causing a huge argument because they were throwing their hands up in the air with such dramatic flair. He paid for his food and wandered over to the terminal to get a better listen. It was a girl, about the age of 20 or so, causing a major disturbance.

"Delayed? How can it be delayed? I need to be in California by one o'clock today! This isn't right. Can you check again?" The girl asked and dropped her bag onto the floor. The contents of her bag fell out of the bag: a few pens, a bag of peanuts, a magazine, an iPod and ear buds, sheet music and a cell phone. The girl looked around and noticed no one offered to help her, so she began picking up her things and went to find an empty seat. She had her cell phone in her hand and seemed to have made a call to anyone who would listen.

Taylor stopped watching and went to sit down. He didn't want to explore anymore. The show in front of him, of the girl causing a huge mess of herself, was rather more interesting. As the girl was fussing and raising her voice in her seat, as if she was talking to herself or the person on the other side of the phone, she caught his eye. He looked away, at his camera, as if to seem more occupied. He didn't want her to know he was staring and secretly enjoying her performance. Gawd, she was such a diva. Maybe she was one of the contestants on the show? Taylor laughed to himself and thought Wow, this competition is going be interesting….

Two hours later, Taylor boarded the plane and sat in seat #3 Row B, which was pretty ironic considering one of the lyrics to one of his songs had a "seat #3" in it. He grabbed his iPod and started to listen to some of his random music he kept on there. He was hoping this flight wasn't too long or too boring. He was almost about to shut his eyes, when he saw a flash of pink brush past him and felt someone hit his arm. Hard.

"Holy shit! Ouch!" He exclaimed, tugging off his earphones and looking around to see who hit him. It was that girl again. The one who caused a scene only hours earlier. The girl turned, her long brown ponytail whipping in front of her face. She was wearing a pink and yellow sweater vest, a pink skirt and matching knee high socks. She had a beaming smile and her brown eyes felt warm and kind.

"Oh! I'm so sorry! I've just been all over the place this morning. Sort of nervous, you know? Well, I am very sorry for bumping you. Have a good flight." She smiled a stellar smile and went to her seat. Seat #4 Row H to be exact. Not like Taylor was watching her or anything. How could he ever be remotely interested in something like that? She was loud, dressed funny and clearly didn't have her head on straight. But for some reason, he was drawn to her. The way she looked at him and smiled made him feel something he never felt before. He put his headphones back in and tried to shut his eyes again. As he was doing this, he noticed the girl turn from her seat and smile at him again. What was this girl's issue? He gave a small, half wave and smiled a timid smile, and this time really did shut his eyes. Taylor hoped he could catch some sleep on this flight, but all he could dream about was the mysterious girl with the knee-high plaid socks in seat #4 row H.