Chapter Eight
So throughout the whole week, I practiced the song Lisa picked out for me, all the while keeping the newfound friendship between Draco/ Drake and myself intact. He still had not told me which name he prefers. And yes, I do feel a bit stupid alternating.
Of course, I was a bit ashamed of myself at my inability of self- restraint. I mean, honestly, he hardly had to try at all to get me into bed. I honestly thought I was a bit tougher to crack than that. On the other hand…
On the other hand, I felt…liberated afterwards. That moment of spontaneity really was healthy. I haven't had a good shag in years. It really only did me good, I was sure of that. Well, unless he had AIDS or something awful like that. Oh God, knock on wood.
Anyways, it was Friday once again, and I was backstage putting on last- minute makeup, reading through the lyrics obsessively. Draco/ Drake wouldn't tell me his song, to my annoyance. He said it would only embarrass me. Whatever that meant.
I heard the stage manager call out, "'Respect' is finishing up; next is 'Something More'." My song was actually supposed to be a duet- by two cheery looking blonde girls named Aly and AJ. I never heard of a girl with the name of the latter before.
A large swell of panic and nervousness swarmed in my stomach, and I turned to Lisa, who was touching up my blush. "Why did I ever sign up for this in the first place, Lisa? It's just killing my nerves. And if I lose, I have to be Dra- Drake's virtual love slave. Oh, I so don't want to do this anymore. Please don't make me."
"Mia, get a grip. I'd slap you, but I'd ruin the awesome affect I gave you with this bronzer." She eyed the bronzer with appreciatively. I gave her a look. She returned it and pulled me out of my chair. "Come on! Go! You're up!"
I took several deep breaths. And as the announcer called me, I stepped onto the stage.
The beat started, and I felt myself sinking into its rhythm. I sang the first verse smoothly and in a calm volume.
I didn't know what was in store-
When I walked right through the door-
Then I saw you over there-
Our blue eyes locked in a stare.
A tiny pause. A lick of the song.
I didn't know quite what to say-
Sometimes words get in the way- and
And I belted next.
I remember the night you said
Let's go for a ride
I didn't want the night to end.
Would we be more than friends?
Yet little did I know before-
We would be something more.
I became peaceful with the words, knowing the climax would come soon, and getting excited inside for it.
Something more-
Something more-
Because the climax is always when I show everyone what I can do.
We would be something more-
Something more-
Something more-
Yeah-
I was nearing it. This was the hook part. The different part, different from the rest of the song, but only slightly.
I know we're both young-
But we know what we feel.
We know what is false-
And we know what is real.
I sang the softest here, but still projecting it. Here it comes.
I remember the night you said
Let's go for a ride
I didn't want the night to end.
Originally, the song didn't allow me to expand my voice as I hoped, but some editing changed that, and I sang.
I remember the night you said
Let's go for a ride
I didn't want the night to end.
Would we be more than friends?
Yet little did I know before-
We would be something more.
I heard the audience's pleasure. I felt it.
I remember the night you said
Let's go for a ride
I didn't want the night to end.
Would we be more than friends?
Yet little did I know before-
We would be something more.
Something more.
And it was over. I smiled in relief and disappointment as the audience gave me all the award I needed.
I walked offstage where I was bombarded by four sweaty guys that smelled of alcohol.
"God, Mia, you nailed that!" Heath exclaimed.
"Seriously, you were awesome," gushed Craig.
"The audience was in love with you," said Dave sincerely.
"What are you talking about, man, we're in love with her!" proclaimed Kyle.
Lisa's form pushed through them all, and laughed, "Okay, guys, she was awesome, lovable, sexy, great, and everyone, us and audience included, is in love and lust with her, alright!" Everyone cheered.
And I felt like exactly all that.
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We seated ourselves and watched the rest. Now that more than half of the original candidates were eliminated, there was nothing that mediocre, and many great talents that made me start to deflate. However, I could maintain a grip over all of the other singers. All except one; the very one who was going next.
I was wary of listening to Draco/ Drake's newest performance. Last time, his voice had put a complete spell on me, and I had a suspicion that it was going to happen again.
He was up next. The host announced, "And here's Drake with 'Your Body's a Wonderland'. I have been asked to dedicate this to a Ms. Hermione Granger."
I don't know about anyone else, but I did know that at least six jaws dropped at that statement.
He coolly walked out onstage and sat down on the stool in the middle of the stage as the gentle guitar music began.
We got the afternoon-
You got this room for two.
One thing I've left to do-
Discover me
Discovering you.
I felt a chill at the last line.
One mile to every inch of-
Your skin like porcelain.
One pair of candy lips and
Your bubblegum tongue.
I had heard the song sung by John Mayer before, but it was nothing like this. His wasn't in a breathy voice like the CD I had listened to- it was sure and smooth and sweet, just how I loved it. The key was changed to fit his range, and I must say it suited me fine. But he still sang it sensually and softly, as it was obviously intended to be.
And if you want love-
We'll make it.
Swimming a deep sea-
Of blankets.
Take all your big plans-
And break 'em.
This is bound to be a while…
Hmm. I couldn't look away.
Your body is a wonderland.
Your body is a wonder-
I'll use my hands.
Your body is a wonderland.
And he wasn't either.
Something 'bout the way your hair falls in your face.
I love the shape you take when crawling towards the pillowcase.
You tell me where to go and-
Though I might leave to find it.
I'll never let your head hit the bed-
Without my hand behind it.
I was getting horribly turned on by all this.
You want love?
We'll make it.
Swimming a deep sea-
Of blankets.
Take all your big plans-
And break 'em.
This is bound to be a while…
Your body is a wonderland.
Your body is a wonder-
I'll use my hands.
Your body is a wonderland…
The audience gave him a gigantic applause as I sat dumbly, not moving, not taking my eyes off his form moving off to stage right.
My mouth was dry. Somewhere else was wet.
As the host announced the next singer, Lisa, sitting next to me, gently put her hand on my shoulder and asked, "A double?"
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I don't know if I've ever felt so completely…exposed. It wasn't really in a bad way, but…goodness.
We went over to congratulate Draco/ Drake, of course, for his amazing performance. And the whole time we walked, I repeated one mantra to myself over and over.
I am not going to sleep with him again.
No matter how turned on he made me, no matter how much I wanted him, now matter how much his voice got me going.
I was so not. It just couldn't happen.
I mean, now that we've fainlly somewhat gotten over our past, now that we've sort of become friends.
I mean, yes, I'll admit, last week, last Friday was amazing. Ecstasy.
However, I will not sleep with him again.
The whole time, this is what I said to myself. Just those words. Over and over, playing in my head like a recording.
It played when we got backstage, when I saw his self- satisfied grin, when I pretended to be barely effected, when I shook his hand and smiled, when we all got back to Craig's apartment, when everyone else all made their excuses, when only him and me were left, when we just stared at each other, when we moved closer, when we began kissing, when we moved toward the bedroom, when we began taking off each other's clothes…
OH, I WAS OBVIOUSLY GOING TO SLEEP WITH HIM AGAIN.