Raura [ON HOLD]

I sat at the piano and took a deep breath.

You can do this Laura. This is your shot.

"Just so you know Laura, I'm recording the audition." I heard Mr. Starr say through a speaker in the studio.

I nodded.

I opened my songbook and began playing.

"There's nothing wrong with spending summer in another city,

I've seen the lights above the streets at night, they look so pretty

I've flown above the clouds and thought I'd never come back down (back down)

Now I find myself where I started

Picked right up like we never parted

It's like I'm in between

Am I wide awake or in a dream?(a dream)

No matter where I go

There's no place like home
There's no place like home
No no no matter where I go
There's no no no
There's no place like...

There's noting better than a wave that's louder than the ocean

I heard the sound and there was love, I felt every emotion

I always wanted more and I got what I waited for (waited for)..."

Just then the piano made a funny noise and slimy stuff shot in my face.

I stopped playing, the liquid got in my eyes and they started involuntarily crying.

I rubbed them as hard as I could but it didn't help, and I just fell back.

"What the hell!?" I screamed.

I couldn't see.

I heard people walk in the room and I felt arms lift me up.

Now I understood Ross' guilty face earlier...this was all.. him...

"Rydel and Vanessa take her in the bathroom to wash off.. Laura I'm so sorry." I heard Rocky say.

_____

I came back from the bathroom with the girls in a matter of ten minutes.

Everyone was still there.

"Laura, I've made my decision." Jimmy started, "I'm sorry about what happened, I have on idea how that occurred but don't worry... It didn't affect your overall score."

I felt a pang of hope in my body. Maybe I'll make it...

"Laura.... You aren't being signed. Sorry, you aren't what we're looking for right now."

My world came crashing down.

Everything before that moment forgotten. Even the slime.

My eyes were watering but I pushed the tears back. No way in hell am I crying in front of them.

"Okay. Umm... thank you for your time Mr. Starr."

Jimmy then got up, "I have to go to another meeting but you can stay here as long as Calum is here supervising."

He looked over at Calum, who was playing with his name tag.

Mr Starr shook his head annoyed and walked out.

I stood there frozen.

"Laur..." Ness started.

"Don't." I stopped her, "Guys... can I listen to the recording? I want to know how I sounded."

"I don't think th.." Riker started.

"Please." I said.

Rocky pushed the play button and I heard the piano.

Then I heard my voice. Only... this wasn't my voice.

"Are you sure this is me?" I asked them.

"Yeah, who else would sing your song?" Rydel said.

I looked at the control panel and my eyes widened.

Everything was clear.

"The voice modifier is on." I said.

"What?" Rocky asked, confused.

I pushed the button and then the voice changed.. To mine.

I turned to Ross. "Did you do this?"

"Why would you accuse me?" He asked shakily.

"You look more guilty than hitler right now." I pressed.

"Laura.." He started. My song still playing in the background.

"Answer me!" I yelled, anger building up inside me.

"Yes okay! I did it!" He yelled at me.

I froze. I couldn't help it, tears came down my eyes.

"Why?" I whispered.

He was silent, he looked crushed. I knew it was all an act though.

"You don't deserve to be in the band." Ryland said.

I turned my head to Ryland and was shocked.

"Oh! So you got help!" I screamed.

Ross just looked at me, wordless.

"Let me guess!" I started, "You were all in on it weren't you!"

"Laura..." Ross began.

"Shut up! I can't believe you Lynches! You seriously couldn't give me a fair shot? Seriously?" My song then reached the part with the slime accident in the background. It only flamed my fury. "And slime! Really? I'm sick and tired of you jerks! I quit!" I yelled.

"C'mon Laur.. Let's go..." Ness said pulling me.

I nodded following her.

"Laur.." Rydel said behind me, touching my shoulder.

"Don't touch me." I said, tears streaming down my eyes. I turned to her, "I can't believe this, I thought you were really my friend. Joke's on me right?"

"Laura.."

I turned and ran, Ness right beside me. I have never been more humiliated in my life.

"Laura!"

I felt a hand pull me. Ross..

"Let me explain..."

"Explain what...That I'm you're joke?Don't pretend Ross I know you're disgusted by me. I was your maid." I said... All anger gone... I was just heartbroken. I really thought he was different.

"No. Laura please.."

"No." I interrupted him, yanking my arm away and running to Ness.

I hadn't noticed then, but I dropped my songbook.

And Ross picked it up.

________

Ness and I were at the bus stop, and she held my hand. Squeezing it from time to time.

No point in going back to the Lynch home, we had no valuable belongings anyways. I would miss Raini though... And Andrew...

And I have no freaking idea where we're staying tonight...

"Uhh... ladies.." I heard someone say behind us.

"What." I said coldly. I turned around, rolling my eyes and was shocked.