"Well just a little advice for you..." Alyssa's eyebrows rose in challenge, as Hilary turned to face her. Just as she started to say something Alyssa stopped herself. Taking a glance at Hilary, and then to Lance. A smile slowly spread across her face as she pushed herself up weaving her legs through the group of people. Lance's smile grew as he watched her make her way forward.
"Everyone, this is Alyssa Taylor. This is the girl it's all about. She will make the final cut, and she will help us decide everything. Very sweet girl, and she has a lot of talent. I love working with her, and I'm sure you guys will also."
"Well, I just wanted to say thank you all so much for coming here. And trying this out for me. If you work hard for me, I promise I'll work hard for you as well. I am putting my all into this, and i know most of you will do the same," Alyssa looked over the crowd, settling her eyes on Hilary as she looked down.
Alyssa slowly gathered her stuff, slinging her purse over her shoulder. The strap digging deeply into her skin. Glancing across the room, at the clock that ticked against the wall, she sighed as she read the numbers. 12:57. All the dancers left around 8:30, and just as Alyssa was making a departure Lance stopped her. He had got together with a few writers,and found 3 songs he liked. He wanted to go ahead and start getting everything ready to record her next one. And had held her in the studio for the past four hours. Tucking a stray peice of hair behind her ear, Alyssa wondered out of the abandoned studio, turning off the lights allowing darkness to invade the room. Her foot steps echoed in the empty hallways as she slowly dragged into the front office.
"Still here Alyssa?" She jumped at the sudden invasion of noise. Her eyes darted around the room settling on a familiar pair of blue eyes.
"Oh Justin, you scared me," She sighed placing a shaky hand over her chest.
"Sorry, you ok?" Justin asked placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, as he flipped on the lights.
"Oh yeah I'm fine. What are you doing here this late?"
"Oh, I was using the phone when Lance left and he told me to lock up before I went. I was going to ask you the same thing. You dont look to well," Justin countered. The light that usually danced in her eyes had burned out hours ago, replaced with a dull and tired shadow. Dark circles were forming underneath her eyes as well, as her body overtook the days events.
"Why Justin, you sure no how to flatter a girl. You smooth talker you. Actually. I've been here all day. It's been a very rough day," Alyssa forced a smile, her eyes darting his that chased for contact.
"You sure thats it?" Justin asked softly. Alyssa didnt want to lie to lie to him, but her pride wouldnt allow her to to tell.
"Yeah, I'm sure Justin," her voce was hesitant, her eyes focusing on the floor. Justin didnt believe the act for a second.
"Well, if you feel like talking about it. I'm always right here," Justin pushed a loose curl out of her eyes. Placing his finger under her chin locking his eyes with her. The tenderness in his words, and actions was enough to make her crack, and tell him exactly what had happened. But she willed herself to be stong. A single tear fell down her cheek. Swiping it away with the back of her hand, she prayed he hadnt noticed, and wouldnt ask any more questons.
"Well, I, I better go," Her voice trembled as she started to walk away. Justin outstretched his arms, very hesitant at first he wrapped them around her tiny frame. He felt heer tense at first, but then relax, reahcing her hands around him. His left hand gently rubbed up her back, as she closed her eyes in confusion, and pure relief.
"Thank you Justin, for everything," Alyssa managed to say, as she pryed her self away from the comfort of him holding her.Walking into the night air, she exposed her body to the chills that deteriated the the night time silence.
The moonlight played games across her face, as her eyes suffered to see thorugh the darkness. She squeezed her keys tightly, as if they would releive some of the emotions circlulating her body. In the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of her own reflection in the car window. The stars served as a beautiful backdrop, as her eyes filtered up. Closing them tightly, she placed her alrs on the side of the car to keep her balance.
"My Lord. Please give me strength," She whispered a soft prayer, slowly stepping into her car. The roads were deserted as she drove through a blur of tears, and into her apartment. It took all of her strength to walk up the stairs. She winced as the old steps creaked. The chipped blue raling hurt her hands as she guided her way up. Fumbling with the keys she eventually unlocked the door. It was completly dark, except for the tiny glow of the answering machine.
