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LIZZIE, THE DIVA

CHAPTER 7: A CLEAR FAVORITE

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Lizzie didn't really think of school that much in the days that passed by. Aside from Kate, Miranda and Gordo, no one knew her secret. Lizzie thought that this was good, because the people would surely be surprised.

Meanwhile, while Lizzie was busy with her auditions, Gordo was busy spending time at Miranda's house. He was trying to get a glimpse of Jessica Moore, but he hasn't been very successful.

"She doesn't come out often." Miranda said. "I think all she does is sleep in the morning and play Britney Spears at night."

Gordo's face dropped. "I guess the only time I'll be able to see her then is during Lizzie's competition night." He turned to Lizzie. "You are getting us backstage tickets, right?"

"Yes," Lizzie said flatly.

The grand finals night would be held in a month's time. Lizzie was still busy rehearsing, wanting to perfect her number. She had been very lucky, of the top 20 the list was trimmed down to the final 10 contestants. She still was in.

Rehearsals for the show itself took most of her time. It soon became routine to her: school, rehearsals, home.

A week into the show, they were called in to go the recording booth one after the other. Lizzie found out they had to tape their song, just for the backup. The committee decided that it would be better if the background vocals were that of the contestants' too.

After she was done, Lizzie excused herself and called Kate's house.

"Oh, hi McGuire."

"I know you wouldn't want to be seen with me in public, but the contest's in seven days, and I don't have anything to wear."

"You got the money?"

"Yes, my mom gave me five hundred dollars. She's like, 'spend it Lizzie on something good! You'll be on television!'" she said, imitating her mom's voice.

They both laughed. "There's this new mall in the next town that no one's heard of, so I don't think we'll bump into anyone we know there." Kate said.

"Coolie."

"Head over to my house after your rehearsals tomorrow."

"Thanks, Kate."

"Sure, Lizzie."

Lizzie went back to the stage. One of the contestants was standing in the center, with a microphone in her hand.

"What's happening?" Lizzie asked the girl beside her, Hannah Galloway.

Hannah shrugged. "Oh, they want us to sing now. Something about building your confidence. And as if I need that."

Lizzie smiled at Hannah and looked at the girl singing. She was pretty, and had a nice little voice. Lizzie hadn't heard any of the girls sing yet, so she wasn't able to size up the competition.

All of the other girls seemed to do just okay, except for the eighth girl – Hilary McLean. She wasn't okay, she was fantastic. She sang Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" so beautifully, even Lizzie had to admit she had real competition now.

Hannah performed next, and she wasn't spectacular. She was just okay, like the seven that came before her and Hilary.

Lizzie stood up after being called. I have to do well. I can't afford to be second fiddle, she thought.

Luckily, Lizzie proved that saving the best for last usually rang true: her "Hero" version for today was astounding, even better than the last one.

Applause rang from the people in the stage. "Girls, girls, please settle down." Their director, Pablo, said.

Once everything was quiet, Pablo held the microphone and spoke. "Come back on Saturday for the final rehearsals. Preserve your voices, especially you Ms. McLean and Ms. McGuire. Don't strain them."

Lizzie smiled. Now it was very clear she was one of the top favorites.

"See you all Saturday."

Lizzie stood up and smiled. Six days to go until her victory.