SPRINGBREAK! 0o
Reviewers:
Eleira312:
Thank you! And I'm sure that if you still wanted to play an instrument, it wouldn't be too late to learn.
White-angel-snowflake:
You play clarinet and violin? So are you in orchestra or band? I play violin too, and I'm in orchestra, but since I don't know how to play any band instruments, that's probably why…
Rays-of-sunlight:
You ever want to start a band? I've thought of it a few times…but I only play acoustic guitar. My friend plays electric, and it's really weird. To think my parents won't let me get drums…
90niner:
Um…thank you.
Sweet Sarcasm:
Really? What a coincidence! Me, I just love that song. I mean, a lot of DisneySongs are awesome! I don't know who the singer is though…hmm…I should probably find out.
Hpandfriendsruletheworld:
Oh! Why not? I think that would be totally awesome! I wanted to get an electric guitar, but then my mom was all like, "No! It's too loud. Get something softer…blah blah blah." So here I am, with an acoustic (but it's still pretty cool).
Flame of Desire:
Yes, I'm Chinese! And it is really hard, but I come off a lot better because my parents and everything. But then again, it's a real pain in the butt to have to go to Chinese School every Sunday on top of everything else. I'm also taking Spanish (I preferred French, but my parents said that I would use Spanish more, which is totally not true), ah…regrets. But it's okay! I think I would've died in French because their words are all hard to pronounce anyways.
Man eating plant:
Omg! Me too! I absolutely love Anastasia, and that's really weird. It's a chick flick ya know, but then again, most good movies are, and I'm not just saying that cuz' I'm a girl. It's so true. Where the heck did you learn piano? 3 freakin' people in a forty-five minute class? I have a whole hour to myself!
SilverRaiine:
Um…no comment on the Lucius thing (can't spoil the story now can I?). So, are you in band? Or choir? Or maybe something else? I'm in orchestra, and it's kinda snooze, but it's okay in the end. Everyone likes band better and I have absolutely no clue why! Isn't the saying weird? Orch Dorks, Band Nerds, Choir Geeks? Was it? I can't remember. It might've been choir dweebs or something…
Sweet-Charmed-Angle:
Oh thank you! That's so incredibly nice!
Natalie:
I wish I updated this chapter sooner so I could've wished you good luck, but…I hope you did well anyways. What was the rehearsal for anyways? Jazz band? I'm in orchestra, and I play the violin. Sometimes I wish that I did go into band though. They seem to sound a lot better than us…
Patsever:
Thank you.
Reader:
Flute! Omg! I always wanted to play the flute! That's the next instrument I'm gonna learn. I think I tried it when I was six or something, but I didn't continue…what a waste.
Babie A:
Yes, everyone's a witch or wizard in the pageant, but the thing is supposed to be broadcasted to muggles and magical people, so everyone's happy! And I'm sure you don't suck at guitar. You might think you do, but I bet you don't. Really.
FlOrA:
OMG! This is so exciting! I love I talk to so many people with different heritages. You lived in Toulouse? I've heard of it, but I don't know much. And obviously French people aren't Miss Paris like! I just needed a villain, so I'm sorry. But French people are cool! I wanted to take French, but my parents were all like "No, take Spanish, blah blah." Yeah, so here I am, taking Spanish instead. Pft, that really sucks.
Recap + Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
"I'm worried about you Carly," she said. Carly also became serious
"Why? I mean, he—he wouldn't do anything to me? Would he?" she asked, almost fearfully.
"To tell you the truth, I don't know," Lily answered truthfully. "He was said to be a follower with you-know-who, and I wouldn't put it past him either. If he's taking' a liking to you…"
"I don't think he has!" Carly said quickly.
Lily bit her lip. "Just watch out for yourself, okay?"
Carly grinned bravely. "Okay."
Chapter 9-
"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. It's time, it's time!" Carly shrieked. She was decked in a gorgeous white dress (but then again, every contestant was), and her hair was wavy with two pins at the side. Her dress was cut sideways at the bottom so it showed her long legs, but only slightly.
"I know. Don't remind me." Lily was not so happy. She was uncomfortable, itchy, and in a very bad mood. "Yippee," she whooped sarcastically. "This is a great day for tight dresses, high heels, and a hairstyle that pulls out every strand of hair on your head." Carly just laughed.
"You should be excited! This is what those days of practicing were for! Oh my god, there's the judges. They're lining up." Carly sounded absolutely breathless as she tugged at her dress. Their individual trainers lined them up accordingly, and they too, looked apprehensive, yet excited. Almost as much as the contestants.
Lily found herself stuck in between two people that she didn't know. Well, of course, she thought idly. I only hung out with Carly and Bella. Her heart was beating wildly, and she hated herself for it. For the excitement, the thrill, the chase. Her legs wobbled as she started walking out into the large crowd.
There were cameras flashing everywhere, and suddenly, the arena didn't look so empty as it did in the few days they were training. Actually, the arena was packed. Packed to the maximum. Lily almost fell as she tripped over her own feet. She cursed silently at the cameras blinding her, but outside, she was as radiant as a flower in full bloom.
With her head held high, and her back straight, she looked every inch a contestant of Miss Europe.
Lily walked down the aisles, smiling the whole time. She caught James's eye, and he flashed her a grin that Lily couldn't return because she was already smiling.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen," James boomed over the music and the roaring of the crowd. "Here are our contestants for the Miss Europe pageant 2005!" The crowd roared its approval. Lily caught, just out of the corner of her eye, a banner that flashed: Miss London. Her grin broadened.
When she reached the stage, her feet and hands automatically did what they had been rehearsing for the whole time. She swayed and crossed the stage, dancing lightly, as did the ninety-nine—no, that one contestant was missing…what was her name? Bellatrix? Ninety-eight contestants. Across from her, Lily saw Carly mimic her and gave her a grin, which Carly returned.
Now for the ending, Lily though confidently. Just as she and the other contestants were about to end the dance, a contestant that was supposed to be on the other side of the stage took her spot. Lily started panicking, trying to gesture with her eyes that the girl was at the wrong spot. The girl eyed her strangely but didn't move.
Out in the audience, James frowned, as did trainers. This wasn't how the dance was supposed to go.
Lily sweated as she kept twirling. She went behind the girl, and praying that there were still dancers on the stage, pushed her lightly so that the girl gave a gasp of surprise as she flew toward the other side of the stage. Lily faked a smile and went into her pose. The audience never noticed.
What a dim lot.
"Everyone! Give a warm welcome as the some of the girls give another performance, while the others introduce themselves!" James said. He was grinning, but from his face, Lily could tell that he had been worried.
The audience whooped and applauded. The 'introduction' was only three words, four for some. But that wasn't for now. For now, she had to go back in the middle of the stage and perform another dance (though this time it was kind of more modern). Each girl was given a solo too.
She flew around, barely noticing the audience. But the people she did notice were the judges. True, most of them were young, but that didn't mean they weren't hard on the girls. Some of them, she noticed, were eying them weirdly. Lily shivered. Judges were people too. Regular men surrounded by beautiful women.
There was supposed to be some women judges, but the new contest rules only allowed men, which was complete bull if you asked Lily. The board claimed that women couldn't tell which women were the best because they weren't men, which made absolutely no sense, but no one could argue with them.
She turned and shook her body seductively, as did the other contestants. Some guys in the audience started cat calling and wolf whistling. Lily paid no heed as she twirled again, breathing heavily already. The solos began.
All too soon, Lily's solo was coming up. She froze, unable to move. Her heart was pounding heavily against her ribcage, and she hair was tickling her back as the whole world watched them. The camera turned toward her. Her feet started moving. Doing this complicated move. She breathed.
In the back, Bella caught her eye and gave her a thumbs up. As soon as it came, it was over. Lily's mouth was suddenly very dry. Her group was done, and they moved back into the stands. Now it was the other group (including Carly) who were dancing for the audience. It was her turn to 'introduce' herself.
Everyone flowed with self-confidence, all of which Lily was sure was just an act. Deep inside, she knew that all the contestants felt like she did. Excited, terrified, and proud. We should be terrified, she though dryly. All this way to be a fool on international television. Gee…
Lily almost gagged as this unearthly smell floated towards her. Aww gross. Out of all the days, all the times…She and the other contestants struggled to keep natural smiles on their faces, all the while cursing the girl who 'cut the cheese' during this part of the competition.
What a day. Lily wasn't happy.
"I'm Miss London," was all she remembered saying when banners started flashing and people started roaring. In that brief moment, she wondered if all the contestants felt like this when their turn came up and people were roaring for them.
It made her feel as though every word she said counted for something. Lily's skin tingled with warmth and radiance. In that brief moment, that little moment, she felt as though she was on top of the world.
Of course she knew it couldn't last. Her fans screams were drowned out by the next roar for Miss Blah Blah…who was next to her.
All too soon for the audience, the first night was over. Amazingly. It was over. The second day would be the next week, same day. The contestants still needed time to make the videos for the bathing suit round, but Lily didn't think of this. As the audience crowed started leaving, all she thought of was, "Thank god that's done with…"
Bella, Carly, and Carly's disgruntled trainer all ran to Lily as soon as they were allowed to. Carly's face was lighted up with joy and she looked more beautiful than ever. Lily couldn't help feel a twinge of jealousy at that.
"That went really well! Except for that girl, at the dance," Bella remarked. "I think her trainer's getting fired."
"Oh no!" Carly sympathized. "But it not the trainer's fault! She lost her mind up there!"
"Not the way the board sees it," Bella replies. She turned to Lily and winked. "So you better not make any mistakes, or I'll hunt you down."
"Thank you," Lily gave a fake smile. "Your words of kindness leave me speechless."
"Oh, how I wish they did," Bella replied with a fake sigh. They all laughed, except for Carly's trainer, who was pulling on her arm, telling her to hurry it up. Carly snarled, but nodded.
"Fine then. Well anyways, good job Lily. I'll see you tomorrow, without—" she leaned in to whisper. "Without my old hag of a trainer." Lily laughed at that.
"Okay then, see you tomorrow!" She waved. Bella slung her arm around Lily.
"Cummon, let's get you to your condo," she said airily, leading Lily to the elevator. There she hugged Lily goodnight, as she, being a trainer, wasn't allowed up there, and wished her good dreams. As soon as the elevator door closed, Lily slid onto the floor and held her head in her hands.
What was with her? What was that twinge of jealousy?
She rubbed her head. I can't be jealous of Carly…she's my friend. I should be happy for her.
But however Lily tried, she just couldn't seem to feel truly content with herself. It was only the first night of the competition, and their friendship seemed to be wavering, at least on Lily's side.
How long would she be able to hold out? Without turning everything she worked so hard for into a disaster?
"Hmm…no, no. Stand over there," James commented. They were out filming for the swimsuit part of the competition. They would talk about themselves while modeling in real life. Then the judges would take half the people out of the competition based on this. Since it was such a big competition with so little time, the judges had to eliminate fifty people in just the first round. A lot of people were going to be disappointed that night.
Lily sighed in frustration. Everything seemed to be going wrong. Everything she did was met by, "No, go over there," or "Be happier." These people were driving her crazy. Especially that ass that was named James Potter, who seemed to be amused with her discomfort.
"What's wrong with over here?" she asked him incredulously.
James shrugged. "It doesn't match you. Red clashes with brown so much." Then he took her arm and led her to a different spot in area. The judges stared at her. Lily shifted in her outfit uncomfortably.
No, she wasn't in a swimsuit; that was for the day of the competition. Today she was just talking about a few hobbies that she had, or what she did in her spare time. The girls that were next in line for James filming them were glaring at her for taking so long. Or maybe it was the fact that they want Potter to themselves, Lily thought.
However it was, they weren't doing the whole thing today. Only a quarter of the competitors were here, and then a quarter the next day, and then another twenty-five the next…It wasn't a surprise that Carly wasn't able to come today. Lily didn't really want to face her today anyways. By just looking at her face, she would feel so guilty.
"Perfect!" James exclaimed. "Now sit on that chair next to the table. The white one. Perfect. Now smile sexily and start talking seductively."
Lily looked at him with her eyebrow arched. "That doesn't sound right, Potter."
He laughed. "No it doesn't Evans. But that's okay. I say it to everyone."
"Everyone else wants to do it! I mean, come on! To do what they always wanted to do to the famous James Potter. You were even famous at Hogwarts! This is so annoying! You're famous everywhere!" Lily glared at him. He winked cheekily.
"That's just a part of my charm, m'dear. Now, let's not keep the other ladies waiting too long. Talk," he ordered.
With that, Lily hitched on a smile. "My hobbies include drawing, reading, and writing. It also includes piano, violin, and guitar. I love snowboarding and skiing! It relates to why my favorite season is winter! I also love to go swimming because it seems to just let all your problems float away."
James cut it off. "That was good. Are you going to say your name?"
Lily scoffed. "Well, it's gonna be on the bottom of the screen anyways. What's the point?"
"Hey! Are you done yet?" A voice yelled sweetly. Lily and James snapped around. Miss Lisbon was staring at them (glaring at Lily in fact), while the other competitors were nodding their heads. James turned to Lily.
"Well then I guess that's it then," James said quietly. "See you around."
"Bimbos," Lily whispered. He cracked a smile as she walked off. What a woman.
A hand tapped her shoulder as a voice whispered, "Mind if I join you?" Lily swore she jumped five feet in the air. Just as she was about to punch that guy's lights out, she saw that it was only James. He grinned.
"No, go right ahead. I'm actually not doing anything," she replied as he lay down next to her. It was a really beautiful night out and the stars were shining brightly overhead.
"You like the stars?" he asked.
Lily smiled as she nodded. "I can't see stars because the city lights are always so bright in London. I've missed them." They were laying down by the pool on one of those stretchy things that can bend into a chair or mini bed without the covers. (Authors Note: What are those things called?)
"What about in Hogwarts?"
Lily scoffed. "Too tired after the homework McGonagall gave us." James grinned.
"You actually did all of it?" He let out a whistle. "I applaud you."
"Thanks," Lily said dryly. "You didn't do it, did you? But somehow, all three of you got top grades in your year. What a surprise."
James grinned cockily. "What can I say? The Marauders are the best!"
"Whatever," Lily said. "You guys were sooo the biggest players in Hogwarts history! I mean, making up a story would be so easy."
"Sirius never did that, did he?" James asked. "I can't remember him going out with 'your friend'. He never really went for Gryffindor girls actually. Colleen McKenzie. Besides, she was just as big of a player as Sirius was! You were actually friends with her? She tried to seduce me! I swear!"
Lily giggled, and then mentally smacked herself. "No, of course she wasn't my friend. That slut? Hm…but I can imagine you falling for her. It's not that difficult actually. She had guys from everywhere."
James looked disgusted. "Excuse me? That whore slept everywhere! I wouldn't do anything with her even if it were her dying wish! Who knows where she could've been."
Lily looked at him with interest. "Who knows where the Marauders have been."
"Everywhere!" James replied. "Well, mainly Sirius. Remus and I weren't so big on that. But Sirius…he didn't sleep in our dorms half the time. But it was okay. We wouldn't have gotten any sleep if he did. He snores like a pig."
Lily laughed, and he grinned evilly as he got up. Lily looked at him. "What?" Her heart started beating furiously as he came closer. "James…you're scaring me. James?" Her breaths became short and quick. Oh my god, he's gonna rape me! But he picked her up, with her squealing, and dropped her in the pool.
Lily screamed and then started laughing. "James Potter! You arse! Get me out of here! It's fuckin' freezing!" He grinned.
"Nope," he said. Then he moved back and cannon balled into the water, splashing lily all over. Lily laughed again as she started splashing him. "Hey! That's not fair!" James cried as water splashed all over him. Lily stuck her tongue out.
"Yeah it is!" She took off her shoes and tossed them on the sidewalk as did James. Then she started floating around. "The stars are so much prettier like this."
"Uh huh," he just said. They swam and talked for half an hour before they heard someone coming. "Let's go," he said helping her up. She grinned as she pushed him back in as he was trying to get out. Then she really did help in up. "Thanks," he scoffed.
This time she grinned cheekily. "You're welcome. Hey, James?" she asked as they were about to go their separate ways.
"Yeah?"
"Why'd you throw me in the pool?"
James looked at her oddly. "Well, you did say that you liked swimming." And with that, he left, leaving Lily to her thoughts.
Okay, so if you could speak any language in the world, what would it be and why?
Huh, I feel like we're back in school with the questions I ask. Isn't that weird?
Ah well, I wish you guys a great spring break! And feel free to tell me what you guys are doing too. Me? I'm just sitting around doing nothing. Isn't that just fun?