The Only Exception.

FIVE.

"I've got to admit Ms. Davis, when I called to set up a meeting with you, I was expecting to see you and the rest of your band." said John Janick, the founder of Fuel by Ramen.

Marvelle stood across Mr. Janick's table, with a guitar on her arms, not quite sure how she ended up still going to the meeting. She smiled.

"Believe me sir, no one's more disappointed of me standing here in front of you alone than myself. But sometimes, in life, unexpected bull shit happens and you just have to grow up and move on." she bravely answered. Which made John Janick chuckle.

"Marvelle, I know your work. I know that you are an amazing singer-songwriter, but you do understand that this label is mostly focusing on bands and you being a solo artist, you'll have more pressure on your shoulders."

Marvelle nodded. "I do get that sir. But if you just give me a chance and listen to me, I believe I can move you."

Janick caressed his chin before nodding. "Alright. I'm listening Davis. Move me."

She smiled then nodded. She takes one last big breath. "This is song is called Unchangeable." she said before playing the first few notes on her guitar.

+++

Hayley looked to her to her right, and saw Taylor playing on his phone, and to her left is Jeremy, nevervously tapping his foot on the floor. And she just sat there in between Taylor and Jeremy, patiently and nervously waiting for Marvelle outside John Janick's office.

After a while, Jeremy can't take it anymore. He stood up and started pacing back and fort.

Taylor lookde up and sighed. "Would you relax J. You're acting like your wife is giving birth or something."

"What's taking her so long? She's been there for almost an hour." he worriedly chanted.

"C'mon Jeremy, we all know Janick. If he likes what he hears, he'll just let you sing until you ran out of songs to sing." said Hayley, trying to reassure not just Jeremy, but herself as well.

"Why are you guys so worried anyways? Elle's doing just fine. In fact I believe she's killing it in there right now like how she always does. And I know she's gonna get signed. I just know it." Taylor said confidently.

"Taylor's right J, just chill." she agreed.

Just then, the door of Janick's office, swung open and Marvelle and John emerged from the room. They were having a little conversation. He was saying something and she was just giving small smiles and nods. Finally, he gives her a pat on the back, she smiled before she started making her way to the group waiting by the lounge not too far away. John caught a glimpse of the band and gave a small wave. Hayley smiled and waved back.

After what seemed forever, Marvelle finally reached the band waiting for her. She looked up to them and they all have the same look on their faces.

"So?" Jeremy nervously asked.

She dramatically sighed and looked back down on the ground.

"What? What did he say?" Hayley anxiously asked.

She looks back up, now with a smile curling up upon her lips.

"I got signed!"

And there was a moment of silence, they were all so shocked. But a splitsecond later, Hayley screamed and literally jumped on her. "Oh my God!! That's freaking awesome!!" she exclaimed as she thightly hugged Marvelle. Soon the boys also joined in the hug.

"I'm so proud of you sis." said Jeremy kissing her on her forehead.

"Thanks." she replied, giving him a tight hug.

"Congrats DC." Taylor teased, "Welcome to the Fuel By Ramen family."

She rolled her eyes, but eventually smiled, giving him a hug. "Thanks York."

"You know for the record, I always knew you're gonna sign it." he said seriously. The smile across Marvelle's face got even wider. "Thanks Taylor. I appriciate it."

"We need to celebrate. And you know what, I don't even care if its just 3 in the afternoon. Let's go have a drink!!" Hayley said eagerly.

Marvelle chuckled. "Sounds good to me."

"I'm in." added Taylor. They all looked at Jeremy . He smiled. "Let's go!"

"Yes!" said Hayley, "We're gonna have a party." she sang as they made their to the elevators. And they all laughed.

+++

Nate woke up to the sound of his doorbell loudly and annoyingly ringing. He opened his eyes and started feeling pain pounding on his head. And the person that was ringing his doorbell is only making the pain much worse.

"Oh shit." he groaned as he tried sitting himself up.

He got up from his bed and slowly made his way out of his room, knocking over a couple things along the way.

"Alright, alright!! I'm coming!" he yelled as he carefully made his way down his stairs.

He made it to his front door and opened it, seeing Andrew still pressing his doorbell.

"Well that took you forever. I've been ringing your doorbell for almost half an hour." Adrew complained.

"I'm sorry Andrew. But in case you didn't know, I was drunk. And I was too busy sleeping!!"

Andrew just rolled his eyes and walked pass Nate and into his house.

"It's already 3 and your still sleeping." said Andrew.

"I was drunk remember." said Nate rolling his eyes, "What are you even doing here?"

"I came here to give you this." he replied handing Nate a small brown paper bag.

Nate took the bag from Andrew and opened it, finding a bottle of aspirin.

"I opened your medicine cabinet last night and saw your out. So I bought you a bottle." he explained.

"Thanks man. I appriciate it." Nate replied moving to his kitchen and opening his fridge. He takes two aspirins and thens takes a sip of water. After a while, the pounding on his head started dying down.

"No prob. And I'm also here to pick you up" added Andrew, who's now sitting down on the couch.

"Pick me up?" Nate repeated.

"Yup. Janick called, wants us down at his office ASAP. And since your car is still down at the bar, I thought I'd give you a ride. I already called up Jack, he'll just meet us there." explained Andrew.

"Janick? What does he want?"

"I don't know man." Andrew replied with a shrug.