It's Gotta Be Emmeline (One Direction Fan Fic)

Chapter 1

A/N: Disclaimer- This story is 100% fictitious. These are all my own, original ideas. Some of the characters and places in this story are not real. I am not affiliated with One Direction in any shape or form.

Nervous. Excited. Scared out of my mind. All words that could easily describe what I was feeling.

Joey Smith, the host of the X-Factor, ushered me to the stage.

"Good luck, Elliot!" He flashed me a smile, but I could tell it was forced.

"It's Emmeline."

"Elliot, Emmeline, same difference. Now go!" He lightly shoved me, and I stumbled onstage. Jesus, what an arse.

Bright lights nearly blinded me as I made my way to the big red "X" that marked center stage. I was in the X-Factor arena, auditioning for my chance to become something more than just a 17 year old girl with a voice and a guitar. The realization that I would actually be singing in front of three celebrity judges hadn't hit me until this morning. I hadn't eaten anything in fear that I would lose it onstage.

After my eyes adjusted to the lights, the first face I saw was Simon's. His expression was unreadable, but he definitely did not seem to be excited. Like anyone else who auditioned, I was most worried about him. Simon was infamous for his snarky remarks and harsh critiquing skills. To his left sat Olly Murs, and to his left was Katy Perry. She smiled warmly, as if she was trying to reassure me.

Simon spoke. "What's your name?"

Mustering up as much confidence as I could, I said, "Emmeline. Emmeline Marcus."

He nodded, still expressionless.

"How old are you, Emmeline?"

"Seventeen. I'm a student at Brooke's" As I spoke, I looked out at the audience. Very few people occupied the chairs, probably around sixty or so. The day was coming to an end, and the majority of the people most likely left to avoid traffic. The judges seemed tired, like they'd had their fair share of auditions for the day. This did not help with the nerves.

Katy spoke next. "Good. What will you be singing for us today?" She said warily.

"I'll do 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol." Simon nodded at me, signaling for me to go.

I pulled the strap of my guitar over my head. After strumming out a few test chords, I began to play the opening of the song. Pushing all of my nerves and anxiety to the side, I focused on nothing but my music.

"We'll do it all, everything

On our own,"

As I sang, Olly and Simon continued to show no emotion, but Katy perked up a little, listening closely.

"We don't need, anything

Or anyone

If I lay here, if I just lay here

Would you lie with me

And just forget the world?

I don't quite know

How to say

How I f-"

I stopped when Simon's hand filled the empty space above him.

"That's good for now. Olly?"

Olly stared bored at me, chin propped up by his fist, elbow resting on the table.

"You've got some potential, dear. A lovely voice, but you could use some lessons." I nodded, clutching the microphone to my chest and remaining silent.