Chapter 2: A Rude Awakening
Let's fast forward, shall we? It's Tuesday night. Well, make that Wednesday morning. It was exactly 2:19 AM as I tried to write lyrics. The tune was perfect in my head. It's just the words...UGH!
I fell asleep at my desk, with the light on, my pen still in hand.
"AMANDA! UP! WE HAVE TO BE AT THE AIRPORT AT 7!" my mom shouted from down the hall. I moved my head, only to hit the wood shelf on my desk. OUCH!
I looked at the clock which read 4:42 AM. I'd gotten barely over two hours of sleep. Lovely. I'd sleep on the plane. I rushed to take a shower, barely standing up straight, and then got changed into my skinny jeans and a Hollister hoodie. I straightened my hair and put on my daily makeup routine. It was now 5:51 and I grabbed my suitcase, running to the car.
My mom was already packing her bags into the trunk, and my dad would drop us off there. My dad said "this was it. Amanda, this'll be your big break. Just you wait. The words will come to you when it suits right." And he said that every day since I got that letter.
As I got into the car, my mom hopped into the front, and my dad said: "You know, Amanda, this is it. I can feel it. Your big break is here." I sighed, hoping he was right.
We arrived at the airport at 6:32, and checked our luggage. Surprisingly, the airport was pretty dead for a business week. We got to our gate at 7 and I went to go get McDonald's while my mom waited.
I was about ready to pass out by now. I stood in line and, as bored as I was, listened to the two women talking behind me. "I can't wait to get home to my Peter!" one remarked.
"I can't believe it'll be one year already."
"Do you think I'm just caught in the moment?" the first asked.
THAT'S IT! I thought for a moment. THAT'S IT! CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT! I quickly ordered, grabbed my food, and raced back to the gate. I pulled out my notebook and tried to write. I made a self note about 'being caught in the moment.'
"Flight 437 to New York City, section A now boarding," a flight attendant read off the intercom. My mom smiled. We boarded the plane, and I was surprised to see that we were seated in first class.
I stared out the window as the plane took off, but I was out cold in seconds.
"Attention: We will be landing in New York in 15 minutes. Please fasten your seat belts for landing." I woke up to the sound of an overly-perky flight attendant. My mom stirred and we put our bags together.
As we exited the plane, I accidentally bumped into someone. "Oh! I'm sorry!" I said picking up my purse.
"No problem," he said back. He smiled and walked away. Well, he sure wasn't on my flight, because I definitely would have noticed him. He was wearing black skinny jeans and white sunglasses with a brown hat. I caught myself staring, and caught up with my mom as we walked to luggage claim.
I grabbed my purple suit case [that I had written on with sharpie] and got into the cab with my mom. "Where to?" he asked.
"The Plaza," my mom replied. I watched the scenery roll by as we crossed the river, and entered New York City.
As we entered the hotel lobby, I caught a glimpse of a very familiar man. He was wearing black skinny jeans and white sunglasses with a brown hat. Yes. The man from the airport. He was on the elevator, and I only caught a glimpse before the doors closed.
"Carlile," my mom said to the concierge.
"Ah, yes, everything's paid for. You're in room 217. The Imperial Suite. You can charge any hotel fees to the room. You also have to messages here for Amanda," the concierge replied. My mother took our room keys and handed me the two notes stapled to my room key.
I followed my mom to the elevator, which took us to the second level, and I came to our room. 217. I opened the door.
My mom and I entered, and stood there in shock. Well, this was definitely the Imperial Suite. It was huge; there were 5 rooms in it. A large bathroom, two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen area. I gasped. "Wow." that was all I could choke out.
I sat on the couch and read the two messages I had gotten at the desk.
Dear Amanda,
Welcome to the Plaza hotel! We hope the room is to your liking. After you get settled in, there is a dinner for you and the contestants to meet. THe dinner will be held at the hotel restaurant at 7 PM. We can't wait to meet you and your parent tonight!
Popstar! Magazine 'Lyrical Miracle' Contest reps.
I smiled. "MA, We were invited to a dinner tonight for the finalists and parents!" I shouted.
"Alright!" she shouted back. I checked the time; it was only 3 PM. I walked into the kitchen to get a snack before reading the second note. I grabbed a Dr. Pepper and sauntered back to the couch.
Dear Amanda,
Yo WHAZZUP?! We are so excited that you've made it into the final round of the 'Lyrical Miracle' contest! Just so you know, we will be the "musical group" judging the music performances on Friday. We hope we won't seem to harsh, and remember that this is all for fun! We can't wait to meet you at the contest dinner tonight. See you there!
-Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas
WHOA, WHAT?! I re-read the letter at least 12 times.
"Mom!"
"What?!" she asked tiredly. I giggled.
"One, you can take a nap. And two, I'm going for a walk," I said.
"Ok, be back by 5 to get ready for the dinner!" she called. I said ok and headed downstairs.
I walked up the street and saw a cool little boutique with dresses in the window. Perfect.
I walked inside and scanned the first rack of dresses. No. No. No. I smiled as I picked one off the rack. It was amazing.
I immediately went to the dressing room and tried it on. Again, it was perfect, so I decided to buy it.
The dress: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=284979&CategoryID=24279
As I walked back to the hotel, I thought about what tonight might be like. And I kind of got nervous.
