A/N: DOUBLE POST TODAY! So if you haven't read chapter 35 you are wrong.
Anyways, here is my disclaimer for this chapter. I KNOW that this is not the way that auditions for fine art schools work. The idea came from the movie Center Stage I loved how they auditioned through a showcase, so yeah.
Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own iCarly or Celine Dion's song All Coming Back To Me Now!
Chapter 36
*Audition Day*
"Mom," I yelled down stairs as I put the final curls in my hair. "MOM!"
"WHAT!" She yelled back up.
"I HAVE TO BE THERE BY 2:30 JUST IN CASE! YOU WANT TO RIDE WITH ME YOU BETTER BE READY!" I yelled back down to her.
"DO NOT TELL ME WHAT I BETTER DO SAMANTHA PUCKETT! BESIDES YOU AREN'T EVEN READY!" She said back.
"THAT'S BECAUSE I'M CHANGING THERE!" I said back but she didn't say anything else. I rolled my eyes and mumbled to myself before spraying my hair and running to my room to get my outfit and shoes. I grabbed it all and ran downstairs.
"I'm heading out the door…" I said causing her and James to come out the room dressed.
"Wait, before you open that door. We have a surprise for you." She stated.
"What," Before she could say anything else the door bell rang. I opened the door to see the other half of my parental unit standing there. They were holding a sign that said "We Love You Sam!"
My mouth dropped open. "Dad, Shelia, and RJ what are you doing here?" I asked taking my little brother out of Shelia's arms.
"We couldn't miss this." Shelia said.
"Yeah we wanted to make sure you had the best support system." Dad said.
"Wow, this is amazing." I said back.
"Um James, Shelia," My mom said gesturing towards the kitchen. They two nodded there heads before walking off. James asked her if she was thirsty. Dad wrapped an arm around me and led me to the living room.
I sat down and they sat on either side of me.
"Sam, I know that we haven't been the best parents." Mom said back to me. "We failed in a lot of areas, and weren't there for you when you needed us the most."
"Yeah, especially me," Dad chimed in. "And I know that the last time we were all together you weren't that impressed with the fact that we couldn't get along."
"But, to make amends for our behavior and to show how proud of you we are me and your father got you something together." My mom said as dad reached under the couch and brought out a huge box.
I opened the gift box to see a beautiful purple high low chiffon dress with matching purple wedges. I gasp and smiled as I pulled it out of the box.
"We want you to remember that no matter what happens today we are so proud of you. More importantly we want you to have a piece of us up there with you." Dad said to us.
Mom then pulled out a much smaller box and handed it to me. "Here, this is from Mel, she's sad she couldn't be here." I opened up the small box to see a silver charm bracelet I had got, well to be honest, stole for her when were in middle school. "She said that it has always brought her luck and she hopes it does the same for you."
I smiled and gave them a huge hug. "Thank you. You're right I didn't have the best parents back then, but because of that I now have the best four parents a girl could ask for." I said to both of them.
I then went to go say bye to the rest of my family and headed out.
*30 mins before Sam goes on*
"That makes 10 people singing defying gravity." Pete said to me and the rest of the band as we sat in the wardrobe area. "And, that's just the acts we heard today."
"Yeah good call Sam, changing your piece at the last damn minute," Ryan said leaning back in the chair and throwing a ball up and down.
"I told you guys to trust me." I said to the four that were sitting all around me.
"Yeah, but it's still not enough to when the pool." Greg my keyboardist stated, but today we was playing a different instrument.
"I have one more act before me and five more after me. All I need is three more."
"Or, you can just hand me the money now." Jayson my bass player stated.
"Ugh you guys make me sick." I said
"All out of love Sam," Ryan stated.
Dakota came walking back at an extreme speed. "Hey hey hey, Guys what did I tell you? Sam goes on soon and I want all your instruments tuned before we go on." He said causing all my guys to stand up and go do what they were told. He turned and looked at me. "Did you warm up?"
"Yes, I did." I said back.
"Good, how are you feeling?" He asked.
"A bit nervous, you yourself said I was pulling out a lot of stops." I told him turning to face him in my chair.
"Well, you are the only kid out here with practically a full orchestra." He laughed. "But, you're going to do great." He said with a big smile.
"Thanks Dakota, and thanks for calling so many favors with your people." I said referring to the orchestra.
"Anything for you," He said. "Now get out of the mirror you're about to go on." He said. He turned to walk away but he stopped. "By the way, there is someone here to see you."
I looked around the corner to see all my friends standing their with flowers and signs.
"CARLY YOU LITTLE RAT!" I yelled as they pulled me into a group hug.
"I couldn't help it. We support each other Sam, and this is a big audition for you." She said.
"Yeah, we just wanted to show you how proud we are… even though you didn't tell all of us." Jessica said.
"Sorry Jessica, but in my defense nosey here found out because she was snooping." I said to her. She nodded her head before pulling me into a hug. They all began to whisper among themselves, while Carly pulled me aside.
"Look, I um I told Freddie, but he didn't want to come." She said. "I think he thinks you don't want him here." She finished.
I felt my heart drop a little. "It's okay Carly. I see why he may believe that, we've kind of been avoiding each other." I said to her. It had been a full week and not a word had been spoken between me and Freddie.
We both had some things to consider and figure out. I finally knew what I wanted and knew what I had to do to get it, but it was easier said than done. Especially considering I didn't know what was going through his mind.
I gestured towards Brad. "How's that going?" I asked.
She shrugged her shoulders. "He greeted me and asked how I was, but that was it. I honestly can't tell what he wants, but I'm not pushing it. When he's ready he'll come to me."
I nodded my head and pulled her into a hug.
Pete came around the corner. "Hey guys," Pete said to everyone causing them to all greet him back. "Sam, it's time." He said.
I let out a deep breath and gave everyone a hug as they wished me good luck. "Thanks guys, yall meet me in the foyer after I finish okay." I said to them they agreed and walked back to their seats.
"SAMANTHA PUCKETT YOUR ON!" The audition manager said.
Pete knocked my shoulder and we bumped knuckles before he took his spot with the rest of the band.
I walked out on the stage after properly being introduced to all of he school representatives that were out in the audience. My friends and families hooted and hollered until they were told to stop.
I silently shook my head.
Dakota who was playing the piano for me since that's what cued everyone else. The representatives faces were unreadable as they took in my full commitment. Maybe I did over due it a bit, but go all out or don't go at all. I nodded my head to tell him I was ready with one last smile my way Dakota started playing.
I took a deep breath as the instrumental ended. It was all up to me and fate now.
"There were nights when the wind was so cold
That my body froze in bed
If I just listened to it
Right outside the window"
"There were days when the sun was so cruel
That all the tears turned to dust
And I just knew my eyes were
Drying up forever"
Dakota would kill me if he knew this was emotionally charged, but all in reason. I had already proved to myself that emotions didn't have to be the only reason I sang, but it was still a good reason to.
"I finished crying in the instant that you left
And I can't remember where or when or how
And I banished every memory you and I had ever made"
"But when you touch me like this
And you hold me like that
I just have to admit
That it's all coming back to me
When I touch you like this
And I hold you like that
It's so hard to believe but
It's all coming back to me
(It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now)"
I couldn't tell if I my mind was creating a mirage or if I really was seeing what I thought I saw, but it looked like Freddie in the back of the auditorium. I couldn't be too sure though it wasn't completely dark but it was dark enough, not to mention the lights on the stage were too bright to see faces.
Maybe it was all in my head. Maybe I just really wished he would've came with the rest of them more than I cared to admit.
"There were moments of gold
And there were flashes of light
There were things I'd never do again
But then they'd always seemed right
There were nights of endless pleasure
It was more than any laws allow
Baby Baby"
"If I kiss you like this
And if you whisper like that
It was lost long ago
But it's all coming back to me
If you want me like this
And if you need me like that
It was dead long ago
But it's all coming back to me
It's so hard to resist
And it's all coming back to me
I can barely recall
But it's all coming back to me now
But it's all coming back"
"There were those empty threats and hollow lies
And whenever you tried to hurt me
I just hurt you even worse
And so much deeper"
Everything that happened between us that turned our relationship was running through my head. The arguing, Emma, Jonah, pride, all of it seemed so bad at the time, but was it worth throwing away everything that was so great with us.
"There were hours that just went on for days
When alone at last we'd count up all the chances
That were lost to us forever"
"But you were history with the slamming of the door
And I made myself so strong again somehow
And I never wasted any of my time on you since then"
"But if I touch you like this
And if you kiss me like that
It was so long ago
But it's all coming back to me
If you touch me like this
And if I kiss you like that
It was gone with the wind
But it's all coming back to me
(It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now)"
"There were moments of gold
And there were flashes of light
There were things we'd never do again
But then they'd always seemed right
There were nights of endless pleasure
It was more than all your laws allow
Baby, Baby, Baby"
I found myself looking back at that spot more than I wanted to. He had been my muse and inspiration for so long, whether it was in a good or bad way. It was hard to imagine him not being here.
"When you touch me like this
And when you hold me like that
It was gone with the wind
But it's all coming back to me
When you see me like this
And when I see you like that
Then we see what we want to see
All coming back to me
The flesh and the fantasies
All coming back to me
I can barely recall
But it's all coming back to me now"
"If you forgive me all this
If I forgive you all that
We forgive and forget
And it's all coming back to me"
Our friends were right. It all boiled down to what we were willing to forgive something I don't think either of us wanted to do. We're too busy blaming the other for what went wrong. Truth was we both played a part whether it was a small role or huge roll, what does it matter.
"When you see me like this
And when I see you like that
We see just what we want to see
All coming back to me
The flesh and the fantasies
All coming back to me
I can barely recall but it's all coming back to me now"
"(It's all coming back to me now)
And when you kiss me like this
(It's all coming back to me now)
And when I touch you like that
(It's all coming back to me now)
If you do it like this
(It's all coming back to me now)
And if we…"
The lights came on in the auditorium causing my group to hoot and holler. I looked over to the back where I thought I saw Freddie and he wasn't there. A part of me hurt, but I knew it was probably my imagination. I smiled and curtsied with silent disgust like Dakota told me to, and walked off the stage.
I met everyone in the foyer where I was bombarded with hugs and congratulations. They took pictures with me and of me, while I waited to get my itinerary for the remainder of the evening after my guest has left.
"How do you feel?" James asked.
"Relieved it's over, nervous about the interviewing process." I said honestly.
"You did fine any school that ends up with you will be lucky." He said back.
"SAMANTHA PUCKETT," The lady at the table called out. I went over and got my schedule. I looked it over and then went back to my group.
"Pete," I said as he came and stood next to me. "How many schools did Dakota say was being represented here today.
"About 10, why?" He asked.
"According to this 7 schools have expressed interest in me." I said shocked out of my mind.
"SAM, THAT'S GREAT!" He exclaimed.
"Shh, keep your voice down I don't want everyone to know." I said.
"Why not?" He asked.
"Because, you heard Dakota they express interest, but that means nothing. I still have to talk to them and they have to check my files." I said. "Nobody finds out about this."
I walked the rest of the way to the group. "Thank you all for coming out today. It gets pretty boring from this point on, so you guys can head out." I said.
"You sure you don't want us to stay sweetie?" My mom asked.
"Yeah, I think I need to do this alone. Besides me and the crew have an agreement, we're not announcing college plans until Grad night at our joint party." I said.
They nodded their heads and all gave me one last hug before leaving.
"I'm so proud of you." I turned to see Dakota. "You were flawless." He said.
"Thanks Dakota." I said back with a smile.
He sat down next to me. "So, for the record, even though I know you're going to get in somewhere. I just wanted you to know that if you don't manage to get into school. You have the makings of a professional singer. You know just throwing that out there as a back up." He said with a laugh.
I shook my head at him and continued to wait.
*Few hours later*
I was exhausted by this point. I had met all the other representatives and now I was heading towards my meeting with University of Washington. So far the process wasn't to hard, but my record caused me to loose out a bit.
However, two schools so far had managed to over look that and offered me spots, but I still had time to decide, UCLA and Cornish School of the Arts.
I walked into the room and the three reps greeted me. I did as I did in every other meeting I sat across from them and watched them closely.
"So Sam," the first guy said. "I have to admit we… well I was rather impressed with the lengths you went through to perform." He said. "I liked the fact that you didn't do the bare minimum you went all out and that says a lot about you and your personality.
"Thank you," I said to him.
"It says that you are outgoing, you reach for the stars when you put your mind to it, and let nothing hold you back. Which, for the record, was what I saw in you when you sent your video" The lady that was sitting in the middle said with a smile. "You are a natural performer and talent in general. For someone who only started voice training months ago, the progress since your video alone is amazing, and has exceedingly passed my expectations."
"Thank you," I said to her.
"Yes, I agree with them you are of great talent something I was hesitant to admit at first, but there are other items that concern me." The last of the three stated.
The woman rolled her eyes and mumbled under her breath.
"For example, the fact that you can't sing in any language other than English," He finished. I could tell he was the most traditional of the two.
"Why don't you just tell her what really bothering you and get it over with. I'm sure she is ready to go home." The younger guy said.
"I think we need to tackle one thing at a time." The older man stated. "However since you brought it up Grant, your record proves some concern for us."
I took a deep breath I knew this was going to come up.
"I know that I have a very shady past. To be honest I wouldn't blame you all if you felt I was unsuitable because of it. This isn't an excuse for my behavior, but I didn't have the best life growing up. Up to this year I never thought as any of this being an option, I thought my life was hell therefore I treated it as such. I made a lot of stupid decisions, I was rebellious, still am, and I got into a lot of trouble. However, I have changed, same Sam I have always been, but I learned that it's okay to want more for myself. To strive for more than I ever thought I deserved. The fact that you all have even given me the chance to be here today is a blessing, and if I don't get into your program; this opportunity has allotted me with other options. You all said that I went above and beyond in my performance tonight. If you give me this chance that is what you will get from me in your program. You're right I'm behind the other candidates with skill level, but notice that it hasn't stopped me up to this point. These kids have been training for this their whole life. I started this in November, but even then I'm still here meeting with you guys." I finished with that.
They all began to look at each other.
"Well," The stuck up guy began to speak. "As the head of the department, I have final say. Like we said before you are great talent, but I have to take in consideration the expectations of the university and this program. I don't know if you're ready to handle it. The other two rolled their eyes and shook their heads.
"Therefore Miss Puckett, it is my obligation to tell you that…"
A/N: Alright I hope you guys can see where their situation ties into the song, if not oh well. Anywho, only a few chapters left. Graduation up next.