'kiss me too fiercely. hold me too tight.'

— 🏹🕊

As I finished singing, I took a deep breath, trying not to burst into tears. I completely bombed that song. I wasn't even singing in the right key. My head hung low as I prepared for the worst.

"Thank you Ms. Usoro. Could you please have another song ready next time?" The director, Kenny asked.

"Wha- next time?" I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

"I'll see you again in three weeks." Kenny smiled.

I stood on the stage dumbfounded. The Kenny Ortega wants me to come back in three weeks.

This can't be real...

I said my goodbyes to Kenny and the casting directors. Walking out of the studio, I waited until the doors slammed shut before squealing in excitement. I couldn't believe this was actually happening. Immediately, I picked up my phone, calling my sister.

"You're not going to believe this!" I beamed.

"Did your audition go well?" She asked nervously.

"More than well. I was told to come back in three weeks!" I told her.

"Oh my gosh! That's great!" I could hear her smiling over the phone which only increased my excitement.

I swallowed, pausing. "I just hope they don't find someone better in the meantime."

"Hey, don't talk like that. You're going to get this. I believe in you." She said.

I sighed, "I guess so."

• • •

3 Weeks Later

My hands shook the whole car ride to the studio. I turned my radio up, trying to drown out my thoughts.

Once I pulled up to the studio, I looked at my watch. I have 15 minutes before I need to be inside. Might as well practice. I got out of my car, going to sit on a bench in front of the building.

Taking a deep breath, I started singing the new song I had picked. I was scared that people would be able to hear, so I lowered my voice.

As I finished the last line, clapping came from behind me. Jumping off the bench, I turned to see who had been watching me.

And what do you know? Madison Reyes, the leading lady herself, was just standing there. I covered my mouth, "Did you hear all of that?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't want to interrupt, but Kenny told me to come and get you." She explained.

"O-okay." I put my hands in my pockets, following her inside.

When we both had entered the room, Kenny beamed, engulfing me into a hug. "Aisla, glad you could join us again."

"Glad I could be here." I smiled as he pulled away from the hug.

"So, did you bring another song with you?" He asked.

I nodded, my heartbeat quickening. "Yeah, I did. Do I need to sing it now or are we waiting on anyone..?" I trailed off.

"Oh, you can go and head up on stage. Madi and I will listen." He explained.

Swallowing, I made my way up to the stage, my breath shaky. Closing my eyes, I started singing my new song.

Once I had finished, my eyes opened to see that more people had entered the room.

"Whoa." I whispered.

"That was amazing." Kenny said, clapping.

I smiled, picking at my nails. "Thank you."

"So, I am just going to come right out and say it. You have been casted for Season 2. You'll be playing Young Rose." He explained.

My smile grew wide as I held my hands over my face. "This is beyond amazing." I said, laughing nervously.

"Dude, Kenny. Who was that? It sounded sick." A voice asked. I came off stage, putting my hands in my pockets.

"Hey guys. Aisla, you know the boys right?" Kenny asked, pointing to Owen, Charlie, and Jeremy.

I nodded, smiling at the three boys in front of me. "I'm Aisla." I waved awkwardly. A chorus of "hey's" and "nice to meet you's" filled the room.

"She will be playing Young Rose." Kenny told them.

"That's so cool!" Owen's eyes widened. "I didn't even think of them to include a young Rose."

"Yeah, I'm excited." I said. Clearing my throat, I turned to Kenny. "So... what happens now?"

"Now, we will get you starting to look over lines, songs, and then you will eventually record." He explained. "I will give you Savannah Lee's phone number if you would like. Maybe you could be roommates when we start shooting."

I shrugged, "Why not. Sounds like it would be fun."

"Oh you think that, but wait till you actually move in together." Owen said as he looked at Charlie.

"Hey! I wasn't that bad!" He threw his hands up.

"Don't let him lie to you. He used to just come over to my bed and scream for no reason and then leave like nothing even happened. He was the worst." Owen whispered, making me laugh.

Charlie rolled his eyes, "You would literally yell Broadway songs to the top of your lungs."

"You just can't appreciate art, dude." Owen told him.

Flipping him off, Charlie walked away to go find food, Kenny, Madi and Jeremy following behind.

"So, new girl. Are you excited to be in the show?" Owen asked, grabbing a bottle of water off the table.
"Want one?"

"Oh, no thanks. I am way more than excited. I was obsessed with the first season and probably watched it like 12 times. It's literally the best show I have ever seen." I told him.

"I didn't think it was going to get this much attention. You never know how people are going to react to the things you create, you know?" He said.

I nodded. "Yeah. Not going to lie. I wasn't a fan when the show first came out. The concept was weird to me, but then a few months later, I caved. Now, I'm obsessed." I told him, laughing.

Owen smiled, looking down at me. "Hey, the band is going out to eat with Kenny tonight. I was wondering if you would like to join us."

"I would love to, but I have plans with my sister tonight. Maybe next time?" I explained.

"Yeah. Yeah, of course." He smiled and nodded. Suddenly, his phone started ringing.

"Ugh, that's probably Charlie." He pulled his phone out of his pocket. "Well what do you know? It is."

He declined the call, putting his phone back in his pocket. "It was great meeting you. I'm excited to start working with you." Owen told me.

"Yeah, you too." I smiled, fiddling with my fingers.

"Well, I better get going. Charlie's probably going crazy. Catch you later, new girl." Owen waved as he left the room.

"Bye." I muttered under my breath as he walked away.

I can't believe I just had a conversation with Owen Freaking Joyner. Shaking my head, I left the studio with a gigantic smile on face.

—