Rest Your Head, I'm Permanent - Chapter 1

Disclaimer: Some real people, fake story.
Amanda's POV
This was it, my shot, my audition. At the last moment, walking down the hallway toward Ryan and the camera crew, toward the place that I had waited all day in a over-crowded room to gain access to, I suddenly felt the butterflies start to dance in my stomach. Somehow, I kept them at bay, as I smiled and shook Ryan's hand. He's a lot shorter then he appears on TV was my first reaction when I gazed upon the host's frame.
"So, why are you here Amanda?" He asked, which sounded like a question that he asked everyone before me. His smile was weak, I could tell he was getting tired of asking thousands of people the same questions over and over again and having to pretend like he was interesting in anything they said.
"I'm here for my friend Elizabeth. She passed away two years ago, and she always wanted me to try out for American Idol. She would always ask me to sing for her, so here I am. I'm here for her." I spilled in front of the cameras. Wow, way to go. That will surely get on TV, way to keep a low profile. I thought to myself.
"I'm sorry to hear that. The judges are ready for you, good luck." Ryan said, patting me on the shoulder and presenting me the doorway into the judging room. I thanked him and forced myself to walk across the threshold.
The bright camera lights blinded me as I walked in and was greeted by the three judges. I had to admit, I was a little starstruck. I had seen Randy, Paula, and Simon on TV for the past six years, and now I was only a few feet from them.
"H-Hello" I managed to spit out. I got a "Yo, Yo, Yo" from Randy, a beautiful, warming smile from Paula, and a firm "Hello" from Simon. I expected nothing more from him, he always seemed a little rude and cold. Yet, sometimes I suspected it was all an act for the show. I positioned myself in the middle of the small platform they had the contestants stand on. Inhale, Exhale. I told myself. Passing out isn't the latest tread, but it would make for great television.
"Do you think you are the next American Idol?" Simon asked with a dirty smirk on his face. I decided to be honest.
"My friends and family think I am." That last part pulled at my heart a little. My family had died in a tragic car accident when I was fifteen, but it still hurt to think about. I considered my closest friend Krystal to be my family. We did everything together, she was practically my sister.
"Alright, what are you going to be singing for us today?" Simon spoke again.
"6 Months by Hey Monday." I said. The song choice was something that had been on my mind for quite some time, I would often flip-flop from one song to another daily. I had only decided on this song a few hours ago out in the lobby, and still I wasn't one hundred percent sure of my decision. This song could cost my a career.
"Okay, ready when you are." Simon said. I was starting to wonder if Randy and Paula would ever talk. I cleared my throat and closed my eyes, imagining Elizabeth sitting on the edge of her bed, hugging the teddy bear I had gotten her one year for Christmas.
"You're the direction I follow to get home
when I feel like I can't go on, you tell me to go
And it's like I can't feel a think without you around
And don't mind me if I get weak in the knees
Cause you have that effect on me, you do
Everything you say, Every time we kiss I can't think straight
But I'm okay
And I can't think of anybody else who I hate to miss
As much as I hate missing you." I belted out the notes, better then I had ever done before, surprising myself.
"Wow." Paula said, practically sitting on the edge of her seat. "I don't want you to stop." I smiled, maybe this would be the one thing that would go right for me. I seemed to always have horrible luck. With guys, with jobs, with death, with everything.
"Dog, you've got mad vocals." Randy said. "I really like you, I think you've got potential."
"Thank you, thank you." I said, laughing a little. Now I turned my attention to Simon, he seemed like the hardest to please.
"I genuinely liked you, Amanda. You surprised me, I didn't think you had that kind of voice in you." This was crazy, there was no way this was happening, I wanted to pinch myself, make sure I wasn't dreaming.
"Okay Randy, Yes or no?" Simon asked.
"Yes, Yes, Yes!" Randy replied.
"Paula, Yes or no?" Simon asked again.
"Of course, you have great talent and you're very cute. I think you can make it far in this competition, if you just get more self-confidence." She answered. A smile started to grow in my face, I at least had two out of the three votes.
"I say yes. Amanda, Welcome to Hollywood." Simon said. I couldn't believe it, this had to be a dream but, I didn't want to wake up. I finally felt like maybe, just maybe I was good enough for something. I jumped excitedly up and down, I couldn't contain myself.
"Thank you, Thank you, Thank you." I said, feeling a tear begin to build up. Grabbing my golden ticket, I rushed out the door, toward Ryan, the camera crew and Krystal. We both screamed and celebrated.
"I can't believe it! I mean, I always knew you were amazing but, this is just crazy." Krystal shouted in excitement.
"I know, I know. Thank you, for being here for me." I said, feeling the tears burn my cheeks.
"Congratulations." Ryan said. "See you in Hollywood."