This is a short chapter, but I needed something to transition, kind of.

Next chapter is long (I think)

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: all Selection rights belong to Kiera Cass

"America! Hurry up! You're gonna be late!" Marlee said, rushing me.

"I'm trying to!" I said, rummaging around my table for my lip gloss. I had to be at her aunt's banquet in around five minutes, but it usually took ten minutes to get to the hall.

I found it and quickly slathered some on. I twisted the cap back on and darted out of the apartment. I ran down the stairs, not even bothering to wait for the elevator.

When we made it to the lobby, I was breathless.

"Mar…" I gasped for air. "Marlee, where...did you park," I coughed. "Your car…"

"Over there," she said, pointing somewhere in the distance.

Before I knew it, Marlee took me by the hand and pulled me to her vehicle, and we were on the road, just like that.

She was driving fast. And when I say fast, I mean it.

"Slow down! I know we have to get there, but if we get in an accident or get pulled over, we might not even get there!" I said.

She went a bit slower and said, "Okay. Warm up."

Ugh. I forgot about that. I took a swig of water from my bottle and cleared my throat. "Aaa-aaa-aaa-aaa-aaa," I sang without energy.

"Jeez, your notes are flat," she said. Wow. Thanks. But it was true. After that night, my singing hadn't been as... lively as before.

"Okay," I said, taking a breath. "Aaa-aaa-aaa-aaa-aaa."

"See? That was better," she said.

She pulled into the banquet hall's parking lot and looked for a space.

"You know what? You should get out first," she said, dropping me off.

I got out of the car and was blasted by the cold wind. I scurried to the door and opened it, finding myself in the grand foyer.

I had performed here multiple times, so I recognized the host, Silvia.

"Miss Singer! Everyone's waiting for you!" she said, motioning for me to go into the room.

I ran to where she was, listening to my high heels click on the marble floors. I took my coat off and threw it on top of one of the tables backstage. I took a deep breath and walked onto the stage.

I actually had no idea which song I was supposed to sing, but they were always like a record for me, put on repeat. Everyone clapped as I walked to the stand and felt the spotlight on me. 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri. Hm. Alright.

I swept my eyes across the dark room as the music played. I closed my eyes, listening to my cue. I didn't have to think of the lyrics came out. They just flowed. I let the music come before me, while I thought about Celeste, Maxon, Marlee, and just about everything.

Before long, the song was over and the whole room erupted into applause. I smiled as Silvia came onto the stage, beaming.

"That was beautiful, Miss America," she said. She lowered her voice so only I could hear, "You can go do whatever you want right now. I'll call you back later."

I nodded and looked back at the crowd one more time. Then I saw her. Celeste. She was sneering. I immediately felt my posture sag as I made my way off stage.

I wanted to hide in a corner and stay there forever. She was probably going to tell everyone at school. Instead, I went to the bathroom. I splashed water over my face. Sure, it wouldn't get rid of my problems, but it was enough to wash them off temporarily.

I looked in the mirror and calmed my breathing. I hated Celeste. I have done nothing to her, but she constantly tries to make my life intolerable.

I walked to the paper towel dispenser and dried my face. I threw the now-damp paper into the trash.

I heard the door open and someone smugly say, "Hello America."

There was only one voice that would have had that tone.

I turned my head slowly.

"Hello Celeste. What do you want?" I asked her.

She laughed.

"What do you want?" I pressed.

"Okay. Let me tell you one thing," she spat out. "Your singing was terrible. Your voice was off, your tempo was off, everything was off. I mean, why don't you just take some singing lessons so you won't be as terrible. Oh, wait. You don't even have the money for those lessons."

I know her words shouldn't have hit me hard, but they did. Why? Why does she do this to me? Was it something I did long, long ago that I don't even remember? From what it looked like, Maxon's plan wasn't really working.

"Celeste, if people didn't like my singing, they wouldn't pay for it, would they?" I asked her.

She was silent as she conjured some evil comeback in her head. She and I were spared when I heard the door open again and Silvia say, "Miss Singer, you're needed on stage again."

I looked at Celeste and managed the best death stare I could, telling her I wasn't finished. But all she did was smirk.

I turned around furiously. There was no way I was done with that girl.

Hope you enjoyed!

Who wants a Maxerica first kiss? I have that planned for the New Year's chapter!

If I get more than 10 reviews, I'll post a New Year's chapter from Maxon's POV.

Bye!