As the weeks went by it seemed Thursday mornings began earlier and earlier for the contestants of The One. They had to do numerous interviews before noon. Then they were whisked off to the studio for dress rehearsals, hair and make-up. If they were lucky they got to eat a few quick meals before it was show time.
Although Spencer had tried to corner Cassie all day to tell her about her meal with Julia she had yet to succeed. When she heard a producer yell, "5 minutes to live feed." She realized it would have to wait until they were all back home.
"Welcome everyone to the results. Tonight our contestants, who usually do one big group number as you know, will be doing both solos and small group songs. They have chosen a theme for tonight, the opposite of last night in my opinion, songs about cheating. First up we have our punk rocker turned country guy Scott doing the Garth Brooks hit The Thunder Rolls.
"Before I sing for the record I'm a fan of and singer of good songs and this one is a classic." Scott said with a smile which was followed by screams of agreement from the audience.
Before the commercial break Jared performed What Goes Around Comes Around by Justin Timberlake.
Ashley addressed her fellow judges. "Where was this Jared last night?"
"Ash, at this point I don't know if it would have helped. We have a strong top six." Phillip pointed out.
"Agreed!" Allison quickly added before the break ended.
"Welcome back. Now before the performances continue I think we have another issue to address. If you all have seen much TV after the show last night or today you'll know our own Autumn Jones better known now by her real name Ashley Davies raised quite a stir last night. So Ashley care to stop the rumors and tell us who the special lady in your life is?"
Ashley rolled her eyes then said, "Chip I think I'll let you all sweat it out a bit longer. I will confirm that I have net someone and when the time is right we may let you all know. Till then I would appreciate it if the media would respect my privacy."
"Not even a hint Ash?" Chip pleaded.
"No." Ashley said firmly.
"Alright then. Next up to the stage are Scott and Spencer."
Spencer was seated on the steps at the front of the stage in the middle and Scott was behind her with his guitar in hand. From the first note of Stay by Sugarland the audience was completely enthralled. No other sounds could be heard except the guitar and Spencer's emotion filled voice.
After the eruption from the audience Allison spoke. "I just have to say something. Spencer we heard you do a bit of that song in Chicago and I thought it was beautiful but this performance took my breath away. I am so impressed how you've grown because honestly when we first heard you I wasn't sure how much you could improve. I'm so proud of you."
Chip came to the center of the stage, "Scott, Spencer could you stay up here. Jared could you please come out here." Tension filled the theater when the audience realized what was about to happen. "One of you three will be leaving us tonight. The first one moving on to the next round is… Spencer. Now the guy joining Spencer is… Scott. Which means Jared I'm sorry but you are going home."
Cassie was the next one to sing and she did Thinking Of You by Katy Perry. Listening to the song made Julia's blood boil. To her it was as if Cassie was announcing her affair with Spencer to the whole world.
Kate was up next and did an impressive rendition of White Liar by Miranda Lambert. This was followed by an uninspired performance by Julia of Ghost by Fefe Dobson. The thoughts of Spencer and Cassie were completely distracting her.
After a commercial break Chip spoke again, "Before our final results are announced we have two more performance. First up are Julia and Cassie doing Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson's version of Does He Love You. As everyone enjoyed the song Phillip whispered to Allison and Ashley, "Julia really seems to be embracing the cat fight nature of this song."
"Yeah, I wonder where that's coming from? She's been so on this week until today." Ashley wondered out loud.
Allison just nodded. She had the sinking feeling that Spencer unintentionally may have something to do with Julia's emotion switch.
"Our last performance is a special treat to a certain young man in the audience." Chip explained nothing further.
Spencer walked out on stage with her guitar. She looked down and saw Dylan's face light up. Even though he was too young to understand the meaning of the song he would love it anyways. She began to sing and play White Horse by Taylor Swift.
"Thank you Spencer that was beautiful. For those at home who didn't figure it out she sang White Horse by Taylor Swift for hers and Taylor's biggest little fan, Spencer's son Dylan. Now will the remaining three ladies please join me on stage? The first of you to join Spencer and Scott is… Julia."
Julia was pleased her name was called first. She just hoped the other person joining them was Kate, not Cassie. Not only would that increase her chances of winning the show it would also eliminate the competition for Spencer. 'Out of sight out of mind, right?' she thought to herself.
"The woman leaving us tonight is… Kate. Cassie you are safe."
Once home Spencer told Cassie about her date, for lack of a better term, with Julia.
"You actually told her you were seeing someone?" Cassie asked surprised.
"Yeah why not? I have no reason to completely lie Cassie."
"But she'll wonder who this other woman is. She might jump to conclusions that could cause problems."
"Like who Cass? Ashley and I barely see each other outside of show time. There is no way she could guess that Ashley and I are anything other than contestant and judge."
"Oh I don't know." Cassie thought for a moment then continued. "We spend a lot of time together. She might think we're having a secret affair." Cassie joked.
When she stopped laughing Spencer replied, "She's not that dumb. But seriously it's fine. She looked a little hurt by the turn down but we're fine now. No worries!"
The next morning Simon met the remaining four contestants in the kitchen. "All right it's that fun time to pick songs again. Two songs will be chosen by you then a third song has been set up for you. This afternoon you will each meet with a mystery mentor who will reveal the song you will perform."
Once Simon left the four looked at their song lists.
"Hell yeah, I love 80's hair bands. This is going to be a blast." Spencer said excitedly.
"90's grunge is where's it's at. I love it." Scott enthusiastically added.
"Yeah great." Cassie said sadly.
"What's wrong Cass?" Spencer said putting her arm around her friends shoulder and pulling her close.
"We have rock week now! I'm doomed. Julia's a total rocker, Scott is too duh. And you are pretty much good at everything but rock is close to your heart sweetie. I'm screwed!"
"I'll help you. It'll be fine. You are more than talented enough to hang with us rocker types." Spencer said with an encouraging smile.
At this Julia walked out of the kitchen in a huff.
"What's her problem?" Scott asked.
Spencer and Cassie just shrugged.
Spencer decided to head out to the Davies house to have lunch with her family.
"Hey Mom, not that I don't love having you guys here but weren't you supposed to go back to Chicago a week or two ago? I mean, doesn't Dylan have school?"
"Spencer dear you worry too much."
"Mom, I just don't want him missing out on anything."
"He's not. Right now he and Kyla are working on the homework his teacher faxed over and he's been attending classes via web cam. Gotta love technology."
"And this is all fine with the school?"
"I talked to his teacher and we agreed that this is where he and I needed to be. This is a once in a lifetime experience for all of us. You said you don't want him to miss out so that's why we stayed."
"I love you mom. Thank you for everything."
"No problem dear." Just as Paula finished getting lunch together the doorbell rang. "Spence can you go get the door. I'll go get Kyla and Dylan for lunch.
Spencer opened the door and stood still staring at the person before her.
"So is this how you live before you even win the show? Can't wait to see where you move after the money and record deal you'll win from the show."
Spencer was too shocked to speak. This was the last person she expected to see.