An American Idol Fanfic

By Sakura Martinez


Author's Notes:

A little bit of note to you guys, this chapter is a short one.

I'm sorry for that. I'm currently working on getting a book published and that has been taking quite a bit of my time-which is also why this chapter was delayed. Of course, I don't plan on abandoning this little baby, and there's still that Scotty POV story that would tie up with this to work with.

So, I thank you guys for the patience you have with this fanfic, and I hope that you would like this chapter.

End of Author's Notes


Disclaimer:

I really don't own American Idol, FOX owns that. I don't own Lauren or Scotty, or any other people mentioned in this fanfic-unless they're my OCs. This story is fictional...sort of.


A McLaina Story

Chapter Five

What Happened In Vegas…

Part One


I didn't stop running. I couldn't. Even when Scotty was calling my name. Even when I knew it wouldn't look good on my record, I couldn't stop. Tears were streaming down my eyes. The promise of not crying, not showing any sign of weakness—of being much younger than the others—was lost.

I was beginning to crumble. The pressure was getting to me. What strength and solace I found in making it through the dreaded Hell Week—it didn't seem to matter then and there.

When I almost bumped at Harry, who was filming me as I cried and ran away, I couldn't help but sobbing louder and hiding my face. Harry was supposed to be my friend, right? Why is he filming me in what—at that point—was the lowest moment of my life? I didn't really know and I didn't bother to ask as I ducked past him—past everyone…

I didn't think that I would question why I decided to join this competition after I had made it through the most grueling week. That was…until just a couple of minutes ago.

But, maybe I am getting ahead of myself. Let me rewind things a bit and start at the very begin of when things started to get a little bit chaotic for me—the night I learned I had made it through Hollywood Week.


There was screaming and people hugging and jumping up and down in exuberance. It doesn't matter if we actually knew each other or not, or even if we thought the other person was a friend or a rival. What did matter, at that time, was that we had made it through.

But, in the midst of the celebration, and in the midst of my embrace with Scotty, Randy decided to cut that short as he waved his hand and said, "Hey! Time out! Time out!"

Everyone stopped whatever it was that they were doing, which included Scotty who had dropped his hands back to his side. Of course, I—being surprised by his hug and by how comfortable it felt—didn't know what was happening until Randy went on with his little speech.

"We got a little announcement to make." He paused to make sure that all of us had heard what he had said thus far. "Your numbers are so big this year that we decided to add another round to the competition."

There was a stunned silence as those words sank in. Everyone's jaws were dropped—even mine.

What could this new round possibly be? Are they going to make it even harder for us?

"You are now all going tomorrow to Vegas for Beatles night!" Randy's voice rose with each word that came out of his mouth that, by the time he said the word 'night' it was like he was at the middle point between his shouting and indoor voice.

Of course, when we heard where we were going, the thought that it was for another round of the competition before we could finally know if we made it to the Top 24 and the live shows, wasn't the least of our concerns. As the screams once again erupted and people started jumping up and down again, everyone's thoughts were on going to Vegas. Las Vegas. Everyone was so excited, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't as excited as they were. Even Jennifer and Steven were smiling and laughing along with us. Who knew that that would be the beginning of the toughest challenge for us in the whole competition? I certainly didn't.


It was roughly twenty minutes after the whole shouting, screaming, jumping up and down, and dancing scenario that we found ourselves in and five minutes after the judges informed us that we could now form duos or trios for the next round when Scotty once again decided to talk to me. After that whole hugging-thing, neither of us spoke to the other. Not because we both felt awkward or something…well, I'm not sure about him but I didn't feel awkward at all. Just confused, I guess.

Anyways, Scotty came up to me and said, "So, The Beatles and Las Vegas. Who would have thought, huh?"

I turned to face him and smiled, "Actually, I was thinking more on the lines of: who would have thought I—we—would make it through Hollywood Week?"

"Yeah, that, too." He laughed. "I thought I was going to get cut for sure."

I nodded and told him that I felt the same way. I think we all did.

Scotty was silent for a while and he looked as though there was something that was bothering him. I didn't know how I could tell that. I mean, this would only be the second time that we have spoken with each other but it felt as though I was beginning to be able to read what was on his face.

I was about to ask him if there was something wrong when this girl—a short, black girl with curly black hair—suddenly walked towards us. I have seen her before but I didn't know what her name was and judging from the questioning look on Scotty's face, I think he didn't know her too. The point was, I was surprised when she suddenly spoke to us.

"So, are you guys going be partners for the duet or can you squeeze a third girl in?" She asked.

At first, I thought: Duet? With Scotty?

And then I looked at Scotty and wondered if that was what he was going to say to me. I didn't know what to say to this girl—whose name I didn't know at that time—and so I just looked at Scotty, hoping that he would be the one to answer her question.

"I was going to ask Lauren if she wanted to sing with me," Scotty admitted. Although I was hoping for it, or maybe even expecting it, I was surprised when he said it nonetheless. "but a trio isn't so bad. I think." Then he looked at me and asked, "What do you think? Can we be a group?"

I wasn't really speechless, but all I remembered doing at that time was nodding. It was then that girl introduced herself as Denise Jackson.


"Alright, people, listen up!" A woman with curly, blond hair said, clapping her hands to get everybody's attention.

After we've divided ourselves into duos and trios, they asked us to remain in the waiting room for further announcements. It has been two hours since we all learned that we made it through the Hollywood rounds and I still haven't been able to share the news with my mom and the rest of my family. I couldn't help but beat myself over the fact that, of all the days I could have forgotten to bring my phone with me—that would be one of them.

Everyone in the waiting room stopped what they were doing and focused their attention on the woman holding the microphone and oozing with authority.

"This time around, we aren't handing you a long list of songs that you will be performing," the woman went on, "what song you, and your group, will be performing, will depend on what you would draw from this box here. There would be three songs to choose from on the list that you will draw."

It didn't sound so bad, but somehow, I didn't like the thought that our song choice would all depend on the luck of the person who was going to draw it.

Of course, that wasn't enough as the woman went on to say, "And there will be no changing of songs lists. There will be no exchanging of songs lists, no second chances."

There was a murmur in the room and I couldn't help but wonder if they felt the same as I did—that it was a little bit unfair.

"Now, when you are all ready, please form a line so we can begin."

No one stood up immediately. I think all of the groups were wondering who in their group had the most luck—who is that person whom lady luck was smiling at, at that moment?

"So, who's it going to be?" Denise asked.

Even though she was the one who asked it, I could see it in her eyes. I could see that she wanted to be the one to pick.

I don't want to sound conceited or even "evil", but there was something about Denise Jackson that doesn't sit well with me. I couldn't pinpoint what it was and I didn't want to seem like I was stereotyping her. So, I just kept my opinions to myself.

I think Scotty must have noticed it, too. Or, he didn't want to be blamed for messing up with the "lucky draw"—which is my reason.

I guess, that's why he said, "Why don't you do it, Denise?"

That made her happy and she flashed us a smile before saying, "Hmm, if you both don't mind."

"We don't." I said.

And that was enough for Denise to stand up and walk to the end of the line.

And, that was also how I ended sitting alone with Scotty in that part of the room.

"So, Vegas…" I was the first one to speak.

He nodded, repeating my words, "Vegas."

"Do you think our group will work?" I asked, slightly fidgeting. For the first time, I didn't feel like running around or doing something crazy. I wanted to start practicing. I didn't want a repeat of the previous group round.

I caught a glimpse of Scotty's thoughtful expression. The seriousness that was once again etched at his face and I remembered that I wasn't the only one who had felt the "hell" in group round. I still didn't know what had happened in his group and, even though I was curious, I couldn't bring myself to ask him. Whatever it was that had made him cry up on the rooftop…well, I would rather wait for him to tell me about it or watch what it was when they finally air this on TV—that is, if the drama on their group doesn't get cut by the producers.

"We have to make it work." Was the answer he gave me after a while.

I looked over at the line of people. Denise was still a bit far from the box that would hold our fate—well, part of it, at least.

"Well, I hope it doesn't turn out like last time. I mean, I hope it does, you know, with us getting through to the next round—all of us. I don't think I'd like to be the only one who gets to go through to the next round." I blabbed.

"You're still hanged up about that?" He asked and I wanted to ask him if he was still hanged up about the drama from his previous group as well, but instead, I kept my mouth shut and pondered on his question a bit.

But, I didn't get to answer his question because he shook his head and said, "Of course you are. We all are."

Looking around the room, I could see how he can say something like that. There was a palpable tension in the room, and I knew the reason why.


As soon as we got our list, the producers and the officials of the show allowed us to go back to our rooms to pack and get some rest. They told us that we would be leaving early tomorrow to head to Las Vegas and that we shouldn't be late.

When I got back to my room, I was so tired that when I told my mom that I made it through and that we would be heading to Vegas next, it came out more like a grunt—much like how most of my answers to her questions came out.

I was so tired to pack my own bags that my mom had to do the packing for me. I didn't really know the exact time I fell asleep, but I am sure that it was the moment my head hit the pillow.


We were all tired. Really, really tired.

But, even so, there was an energy of excitement in the air. It's not hard to guess that all of us were thrilled of going to Vegas to perform. But, amidst that excitement was also that foreboding feeling that Vegas round might be the last round for some of us in this competition. That Vegas could be the place where it all ends.

"Hey, girl friend!" Denise bounded up to me, full of energy and a smile that made me wonder how she could be so energetic so early in the morning.

"Hi, Denise." was my reply as I stifled a yawn.

Five hours of sleep is not enough. I can't wait to go back home and rest.

"So, where's Scotty?" She asked as she looked around the others who were already pilling up on the busses that were going to take us to Las Vegas.

"I haven't seen him yet." I answered as I watched my mom and the other guardians and chaperone boarded another bus—a separate bus—that would take them to Las Vegas as well.

"Huh…" was all Denise could say as she shrugged. "Well, anyways, I was thinking that we should all sit close together, you know, and study those three songs on our list."

The list.

It wasn't hard to remember what the songs there were: Hello, Goodbye; If I Fell, and Blackbird.

I know the Beatles, I do. And I knew that this was what this round has in-stored for us—Beatles song. But, even though I knew who they are and have heard some of their famous songs, I didn't really know anything else. Humiliating as it may be to admit, none of the songs on that list was familiar to me.

But, even if I could admit it now, at that time, I felt embarrassed to say that I didn't know the songs. I mean, they're Beatles songs. They should be known to all, right?

It was ten minutes later when Scotty finally showed himself to us. He was wearing a blue, long-sleeved, button-up shirt and a pair of jeans. It was like, all you have to do is give him a pair of cowboy boots, cowboy hat, and a horse and he would really look the part.

Of course, he isn't like a cowboy—at least, not really. He's a southern gentleman, that's for sure but I can't really imagine him as a cowboy.

"What's wrong? Is there something on my shirt?" He asked when he caught me staring at him.

I was surprised. I mean, I didn't mean to stare at him, nor to get caught by him as I looked. Thankfully, I didn't blush and I managed to answer him.

"Oh, no." I remember saying, "I-It's nothing, I was just thinking that…" I paused. I didn't know what lie to say but then I caught a glimpse of the necklace that hangs around his neck. "…that pendant. It's a crucifix, right? I noticed you've been wearing that since that time in the plane. Not that I was looking or anything, it's just…I don't know."

He looked down at the necklace and fingered the cross that was hanging there. It was the silver cross and as soon as I said those words, I knew that it wasn't exactly a lie.

"Oh, this?" He asked, thumbing the silver cross. "Yeah. "

He didn't say anything else. He didn't even bother to explain why…but, then again, maybe I shouldn't have asked him why, or even expected that of him. Maybe, I should have known the answer myself.


The bus ride was long, but it wasn't really dull.

Some of those who rode with us immediately went back to sleep, their earphones blocking the sound from the outside world as their iPods played. Others had their iPhones or iPads with them, listening to the songs that were on their list while discussing the pros and cons of performing this or that. There are also those who, instead of worrying about what this new round was going to bring, was instead chatting away and eating whatever snack they have packed for the ride to Vegas.

Denise was among those people who were playing with their iPods while chatting and eating at the same time. Scotty, on the other hand, wasn't wearing an earphone or earbuds in his ears, but his eyes were closed.

Me? Well, I was just observing as I tinkered with my own iPod.

Scotty was sitting on my left, across the aisle, while Denise sat on my right—hogging the view of the world outside. Harry was also with us on the bus, filming what it was we were doing.

"Hey, Lauren, wave at the camera!" He called on one occasion.

Instead of waving though, I made a sort of funny face. It was partly to look funny while also partly to ease the tension on my nerves that was already building.

We were already half-way to Vegas when Harry finally set his camera down and another cameraman took the job from there. As soon as he was off, he walked towards me ad sat in the middle of the aisle, blocking my view of Scotty, whose eyes were still closed that I wondered if he was sleeping and that maybe I should sleep as well.

"No rest for the wicked, huh?" Harry said, it was the same thought that had crossed my mind.

"None yet." I answered with a smile.

I noticed that no one minded us or, if they did, they didn't show it. But, I found it impossible that no one would be wondering why this cameraman was being friendly with me, or if that is even allowed—you know, talking with contestants if you're part of the crew.

"So, any great footage?" I asked, motioning to his camera, which was sitting by his side.

He thought for a moment before he finally nodded. "A couple. Hollywood Week's really where the juice is. So much drama. I bet people are going to be entertained with this season…and we're gonna need that…after all, Simon's no longer around."

I nodded, that was true. There were a lot of talks on what the show would be like without him…and if it would be as great a show as before.

"Don't go adding any embarrassing footages on there." I told him, half-joking while also silently pleading that he would take it seriously.

Harry laughed. "I don't really have much control over that. I'm just a cameraman."

"Then don't go taking pictures of me looking weird." I said.

At this, he laughed even more.

Harry stayed in that aisle for a long time after that, and we talked. Until, finally, he saw that I was beginning to doze off, the fatigue of the nights before were catching up on me.

"You better get some rest," Harry said as he stood up, taking his camera with him. "It'll be a while before we get there but you guys are going to have your work cut out for you once we do. It's better to get all the rest you can get at this point."

I nodded. "Yeah, I know."

He smiled and placed his hand above mine, "Well then, later, Lauren."

And then he walked further, deeper into the bus. I watched him as he went and as I turned to face forward, I caught a glimpse of Scotty. In that moment, in that short moment, I saw that he was looking at me. I was sure of it.

But, when I turned to look at him, his eyes were closed.

Could it be that I just imagined it?

I don't really know.


To be continued...


Post Author's Notes:

So, yeah...I guess this Vegas Round part of the story would take three chapters (at most), just to let you guys know. I thought about just having one chapter, but then an idea struck me and I decided to go with that idea instead.

I'm really thankful and grateful for all the people who have been reading and reviewing this fanfic. Granted, it doesn't have that much reviews compared to my other fics, but, hey...we're only starting and the reviews that I have gotten from this story are helping me write this as well.

I'm not sure when the next update will be, but I will try to update this fic this weekend (provided that I finish with my manuscript and have it sent over to my proofreader for another round of proofreading before it hits the publisher's desk). If not, then the next update would be next week.

I'm really sorry about the delay.

Anyways, that's that.

What do you guys think? Comments? Criticisms? Don't forget to click that Review button!

Until the next chapter!

Dream on; Fly on!

End of Post Author's Notes