Only Exception

Chapter One: The Audition

“Well I'm sorry anyway.” I said when I finally calmed the giggling.

We caught up with the line again.  Schyler and Maggie were having an animated talk about rabbits.  Colton raised his eyebrows.

“I think I've been replaced.” he said seriously.  I laughed.  Maggie turned at the sound of my voice, blond hair flying.

“Okay Nat you have to audition.” she gave me one of her winning smiles.

I just looked at her in disbelief.  “I can't even sing Maggie.” I said, laughing uncomfortably.  She wrinkled her nose. 

“I've heard you sing plenty.  You can sing just as good as everyone who's ever won.” she wasn't smiling. 

“I'm not auditioning.” I said stubbornly.

“I think you should!” Schyler smiled at me, “You never know unless you try.  Right Colton?”

I turned to my new friend.  My only cohort.

“You should try.” he said after a moment of thought.  My jaw dropped.

“Traitor.” I mumbled.

“Deer.” he replied.

“Maggie!”

She just smiled. “You'd better decide what you're gonna sing.”

The doors were opening and I cool gush of air hit my face.  I felt the fear begin to grasp me.  A person who seemed to be in charge came out and took the four people in front of us through.  His name tag read 'Chris'.  The doors shut behind him and we moved up.  We were next.  The guards standing on either side were big and scary-looking, but seemed half asleep.  I took a deep breath.

“Guys I can't.” I said quietly.  I felt my throat tightening.  Colton was studying me.

“Stage fright?” he asked.  I nodded stiffly. “I used to have really bad stage fright.” he said honestly, deep in thought.  “What are you gonna sing?” he said after a minute.  I couldn't believe him.

“Nothing if I can't get past this stage fright.” I moaned.

He grinned.  “Close your eyes and pretend you're in your room in front of your mirror.” he chuckled.  “That's what I always did.  Eventually it goes away.”

“Are you serious?” I said in disbelief.

“Hey, don't blow it till you try it.” he raised his hands in mock surrender.  “Now.  I told you my secret, you tell me yours.  What are you gonna sing?” I smiled mysteriously.

“You know Paramore?” I asked.

He blushed.  “I may or may not crush on Hayley Williams.” he responded.  I laughed.

“I think I'm gonna sing 'Only Exception.'” I said.  He regarded me quietly.

“I'll bet you have a great voice.” I didn't know how to respond to that, so I just blushed and looked at my feet.  Turned out I didn't have to respond, because that's when the door opened, the cold air engulfing me.  My heart started beating wildly.

“Can I get the next group?” Chris was peeking out.  His forehead was covered in sweat.  Which annoyed me a bit, because he was inside.  With the air conditioning.  Chris should try standing out here all day long.

“That's you, Nat.” Colton gave me a gentle nudge.  I couldn't move.  The cold air was beckoning, but the horror of what was inside terrified me.  I suddenly felt warm breath on my ear.  “Quite the deer in the headlights aren't we.” I bit my lip and turned to glare at him.  He was grinning.  “Wait for us outside after?” he asked.  I nodded and began to walk towards the door.  Maggie was tapping her foot impatiently.