Callie's POV
We all wait patiently for Nicki to announce the homework. I have a feeling it'll be something epic, something completely and utterly awesome. She soon arrives and we all anxiously stand, awaiting our brief.
"Someone's pumped!" Nicki nudges Michael, making him awkwardly laugh. I hope he's okay this week. I feel like no one expects much, that's what Blake said. I hope he brings the house down. "So you wanna know?" We all nod eagerly. "It's kinda epic, I must warn you. Your song is... Some nights by Fun!" We all scream and celebrate, delighted that it's so good.
"Michael, wanna lead the charge?" He nods again, obidiently following Nicki into the booth. And we watch him go, faint muttering following him.
Blake's POV
Michael comes out a few minutes later, grinning like a loon. I smack him on the back and hand him his coursework before entering the booth, feeling pretty great about the week.
"Hey Nicki!" I beam, waving at her. We chat for a little bit before I place the headphones on my head and prepare to begin my solo. But, from the moment I start, the pitching's all wrong. I try again, more failure heading my way. I had no idea it would be this hard, I didn't want it to be this way. Maybe I'm not as reliable as I thought.
Nellie's POV
"Michael's been a while, hasn't he?" Lily mutters in a low voice to us as we shuffle on the comfy chairs. Michael makes a grunt in agreement while some people- Shanna and Callie- look concerned. I just sort of numbly look ahead, not really sure what to say. To be honest, I'm terrified. If Michael's ace and Blake's struggling, what hope do we have? There is none, to be blunt. After what feels like forever, Blake returns. His hair is slightly messed up and he expression is neutral. He's the sort of guy who keeps quiet when he has problems, the person who feels eternally guilty for dropping his pain on you. It's something I admire but also despise, I can never make my mind up about it. Lily, Aylin and Charlie come and go, Charlie taking considerably longer than the others. We don't really see Shanna after she records, she's too engrossed in her own thoughts. Then it's my turn and I'm worried. But, somehow, I escape unscaved, leaving the doorway open for Callie to complete her task. Callie's okay, but isn't completely satisfied with her performance. We leave with heavy, wondering hearts, unsure of what will come of this upside down week we are facing. But, as Blake says, we'll always be here for each other. I just wish I could truly believe that.