Fake Chapter Six, a selection trilogy, kiera cass fanfic

Disclaimer: All characters belong to the lovely Kiera Cass!

Guest: Thank so, so, so, so much! You don't know how much your enthusiasm motivates me. :)

"I'm thinking that we should host a performance for the students at Angeles High," Silvia says, her condescending eyes glaring down at me as if to say, Don't challenge me.

We were in the recording studio, brainstorming ways to do a free, public performance. And of course, Angeles High was the only high school in our small city of Avalon.

"That sounds perfect. When?" My voice wavers a bit, showing how much I don't want to do it.

"Tomorrow, twelve o'clock p.m. sharp. I've already planned it."

Obviously. Like I need a reason to sing in front of the entire school. I'll just have to skip school tomorrow.

I spent the morning before the concert rehearsing my songs, having my attendants getting me into concert attire and layering my face with concert makeup.

I peeked out of the long red curtains on the stage, looking at the crowded auditorium. Everyone was already there. I could see Maxon's and my friends' faces clearly, given that they were sitting in the front row, looking expectant.

"Alright, Miss Singer, you're ready! Going live in 3…2…1!"

I walk out, my fake smile beaming at the audience. I wait for the cheering to die down as I've been trained. "Hello! My name is America Singer, although you've probably heard of me before. I'll be singing a couple songs from my last concert because you'll have to listen to my new songs at my next concert, which is the week after next.

"I'm going to start with a song named 'Little Do You Know.'" I had picked out this song specifically for Maxon.

Little Do You Know – Alex and Sierra

"Little do you know
How I'm breaking while you fall asleep
Little do you know
I'm still haunted by the memories
Little do you know
I'm trying to pick myself from piece by piece
Little do you know
I need a little more time
Underneath it all, I'm held captive by the hole inside
I've been holding back
For the fear that you might change your mind
I'm ready to forgive you but forgetting is a harder fight
Little do you know
I need a little more time

Away, away
I love you like you've never felt the pain, away
I promise you don't have to be afraid, away
The love you see right here stays so lay your head on me
Little do you know
I know you're hurt while I'm sound asleep
Little do you know
All my mistakes are solely drowning me
Little do you know
I'm trying to make it better piece by piece
Little do you know
I, I love you till the sun dies

Away, just wait
I love you like I've never felt the pain, just wait
I love you like I've never been afraid, just wait
Our love we see right here stays so lay your head on me

Away, away
I love you like you've never felt the pain, away
I promise you don't have to be afraid, away
The love you see right here stays so lay your head on me
Lay your head on me
So lay your head on me
'Cause little do you know
I love you till the sun dies…"

I could see Maxon's gaze locked firmly on me when I finished. "The next song is called 'Stand by You.'"

Stand by You – Rachel Platten

"Hands, put your empty hands in mine
And scars, show me all the scars you hide
And hey, if your wings are broken
Please take mine so yours can open too
'Cause I'm gonna stand by you
Oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes
And hurt, I know you're hurting, but so am I
And love, if your wings are broken
Borrow mine so yours can open too
'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

Even if we're breaking down, we can find a way to break through
Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you
Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you
Even if we can't find heaven, I'm gonna stand by you
Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you
Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you

Yeah, you're all I never knew I needed
And the heart, sometimes it's unclear why it's beating
And love, if your wings are broken
We can brave through those emotions too
'Cause I'm gonna stand by you
Oh, truth, I guess truth is what you believe in
And faith, I think faith is helping to reason
No, no, no, love, if your wings are broken
Borrow mine so yours can open too
'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

I'll be your eyes when yours can't shine
I'll be your arms, I'll be your steady satellite
And when you can't rise, well, I'll cry with you on hands and knees
'Cause I
(I'm gonna stand by you)

Even if we're breaking down, we can find a way to break through (come on)
Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you
Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you
Even if we can't find heaven, I'm gonna stand by you
Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you
Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you
Love, you're not alone
No, I'm gonna stand by you
(Even if we can't find heaven, heaven, heaven)
I'm gonna stand by you."

Cheers erupt as soon as I finish. I grin, announcing, "And this last song is 'Pompeii!'"

Pompeii – Bastille

"I was left to my own devices
Many days fell away with nothing to show

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above

But if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
You've been here before?

Nothing changed at all
Nothing changed at all

We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settled around us

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above."

After I finish, I yell, "I'm answering questions now!" Many hands go up. "You there, in the back."

"Do you like being famous?" A timid-looking boy asks me.

I laugh. "Oh, it's definitely fun at times, but sometimes, I miss my life before I became popular." I look at the front row and am surprised to see that Maxon's hand is raised. "Maxon?"

Murmurs instantly pop up, while I realize my mistake. America, America, why did you have to address him by his name?! Now everyone knows that I know Maxon personally, who was currently smirking.

"Is there a specific reason why you chose those songs?" Woah. I wasn't expecting that. Might as well be truthful.

"Yes. In fact, I picked them for someone special," I purse my lips.

Maxon doesn't look satisfied, but he sits back in his chair, letting go of the topic. Kriss raises her hand. Making sure that I don't repeat my mistake, I beckon towards her. "You?"

"Have you ever had a crush? If so, how did you deal with it?" My brows furrowed. Why would she ask about a topic that had nothing to do with my career?

"Yes, I did have a crush. He has the most startling green eyes. And, if a boy doesn't like you for your personality, then he isn't worthy of your feelings. Asp—My crush is my boyfriend now. But I don't think we'll work out. We have too many arguments. If you and your crush don't get along, that means that there's someone else better for you."

Aspen and I hadn't talked for over a week. There was too much space between us right now. I sighed, realizing that I had gotten too intimate during a public performance. The questions continued for another hour, me tirelessly answering queries. And as soon as the interrogations were over, I darted off of the stage, ready to go home.

The next day at school, I was nervous. I never get frightened when I go on stage, but I'm scared of breaking up with someone? Chill, America! I grew even more anxious as I made my way down to the cafeteria. Across the room, I could see Maxon eyeing me.

I finally spotted Aspen laughing at our table. I hurriedly walked up to him. "Could we speak privately?"

Aspen quickly sobers up. "Okay," he says as I lead him just outside of the cafeteria. "What is it?"

My eyes tear up a little. "I don't think we'll work anymore, Aspen. We're not right together."

But to my utmost shock, Aspen hugs me. "Don't cry, Mer. And you know what? I agree. There was no future for us. But you can accomplish that with someone else. I think we get along better as friends."

I smile. "Oh, Aspen, you're wonderful. Thanks for understanding."

He grins back. "Anything for you. We should get back to the cafeteria. I'm hungry."

We walk back to the cafeteria in comfortable silence. When lunch period ended, Marlee attacked me. "What did you talk to Aspen about?"

"I broke up with him." My answer is short and straight to the point.

"Oh. You two have been distant recently." Even Marlee had sensed the space between Aspen and I this past week.

We parted ways, and I headed to Math. The entire class, including the teacher, stared at me as I entered, ten minutes late. I could see my Math teacher glaring at me judgmentally. Maxon raised an eyebrow once I shamefully slid into my seat.

He pressed a note into my hand. You should have seen America Singer's concert here yesterday. I don't even know why you were absent yesterday, and tardy today. Care to fill me in?

I discreetly write on the back of his paper. I was sick yesterday. And today, I got a little carried away during lunch.

Maxon gives me an imperceptible nod after reading my note. I felt bad for lying to him again. He sees some shadow of the guilt in my eyes, and whispers, "Want to talk about it? I can come over to your house today."

And without even thinking about it, I whispered back, "Yes."