Chapter 6

Lila's POV:

Spending another night out here in the cold and I could already feel my nose getting clogged and my head pounding. The flu's coming and I had cried myself to sleep to make matters even worse. I shakily stood up to my feet, hugging myself with my icy cold hands. I ran my hands through my hair and winced. My scalp hurts.

Gently I knocked on the door and waited patiently while it yanked open. I quickly bowed my head.

"Get in." She muttered coldly. I took in deep breath and walked into the house. Tessa wasn't anywhere in sight.

"I'm leaving for work now. Wake Tessa up and prepare her for school, do your assigned chores, and don't forget to report to work on time. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am." I said. My voice was getting really hoarse.

"Good." And just like that, she left the house. I tucked my hair behind ears, trying to hold the tears that were threatening to spill. Tessa slowly walked out of her room and came to meet me, hugging me from behind.

"I'm really sorry, Lila. I don't know how mum found out." She whispered.

I wanted to say something but my mouth was too heavy for me to open. Tessa walked right in front of me and looked at me.

"I don't know if this is still important, but the date of the audition has already been set. It's this Friday."

"What's the use? It's not like as if I'm going to ever go." I said and sighed. "Go prepare for school, Tessa. I'll join you soon."

"Okay… Once again, I'm really sorry Lila."

"It's no biggie. Just go prepare." I said and shuffled towards my room.

***

While I peeled off my clothes off my body, I remembered last night's encounter and my lips twitched upwards. Abruptly I stopped and brought out the card that I saw staring at it. It's unlike any card I've ever seen, with its golden color.

Beamlights Entertainment. I really wonder if he's working there. I wasn't planning to go there today but I'll try to for him. I just hope he comes today. Okay, stop brooding, Lila and get to work. I had better take some cold tablets.

***

Chad's POV:

After me and the guys came back from our morning jog, we headed straight to the kitchen, each of us taking turns drinking water from our bottle. I spoke up.

"So, how was your party last night? We were already asleep before you arrived."

"Oh that. It was a complete blast. We had a lot of fun keeping a low profile and just having all the pretty girls around." Nico replied.

"What about you?" Min ho asked.

"Uh? Me?" I asked and glanced at dean who had air pods in his ears.

"It was pretty cool. And quiet."

"Cool. Any plans for the week?" Jayden asked, stuffing his face with cookies.

"The management has invited us to watch the auditions that will take place this Friday in the industry. It's not compulsory for us to come but if we want, we can show up." I announced.

"That'll be pretty cool. It's been long since we had any serious activity lately. Can't wait for our next tour, isn't that so dean?" He asked, but Dean was so not paying attention. We all glanced at each other.

"Dean!" Nico called again. He looked up from his phone and stared at Nico. After a while, he removed his earbuds.

"Did you hear anything we were saying at all?" Jayden asked.

"I'm sorry, but I didn't. Is it important?" He asked, and Min ho scoffed.

"Never mind. It's not that important, anyway."

Dean stared at us and looked at his phone again. "In that case, I'll be in my room." He said and left with a packet of biscuits. The rest of watched him go.

"Is it just me or is Dean behaving a lot weirder lately?" Jayden asked no one in particular. I shrugged.

***

Author's POV:

Alya was still in the hospital, staring at her injured leg. Suddenly she got angry and threw the tray that was beside her on the floor and started sobbing.

She couldn't believe it. She just got kicked out of the team and they were already looking for a replacement for her? It wasn't as if she was that injured that badly. That Ximena must have wanted to get rid of me that fast before she took the first chance she got, Alya thought. Now she'll have to start all over again. It took her months to perfect the role of a girl member in a band.

I need to get back. I have to get back to that industry, no other one will do. But how?

Just then the door burst open and her father walked in. It was the first time he visited her ever since she got admitted.

"Dad!" Alya called. He hurried over to her and hugged her.

"Daaad…" she sobbed into his shoulders.

"It's okay… It's okay… Let it all out." He cooed.

"I got kicked out of the Beamer girls and they are already looking for a replacement for me. It has not even been up to a week!"

"I'm so sorry, dear. No one can replace you." He promised.

"But they already are."

He pulled away from the hug and, cupping her face, stared straight to her eyes.

"You're irreplaceable Alya. Never forget that."

Alya hiccupped and slowly nodded.

"And for that beamer issue, I promise that you'll get back into the team."

"I will? But how will you do it?" She asked, unsure.

Alya's dad slowly pulled her back into another hug.

"Just don't worry. Once you get better, I'll do all in my power to put you get back. No one can kick you out." He said.

***

(Nighttime)

Lila's POV:

I had gone to the strip club even though I was really sick. My voice had gone and my head was pounding, not to mention my clogged nose. Dancing tonight was going to be a problem, but I dare not come home with no money.

I had gone to ask Sir Patrick if he'd could give me a lesser time on stage since I don't have so much strength to do some serious dancing. He agreed. Now all that's left to do is to wait.

I kept twirling the card that I saw in my hand. I really hope Conner comes today so I can give it to him. Maybe I could ask him some questions about how it is to work in an entertainment industry? I chuckled at the thought. I can't believe I'm still considering a shot in the company after what happened yesterday.

One dancer walked up to my dressing table and tapped on the divider. I looked up.

"Sir Patrick's it's time. The people are waiting."

"Okay. I'll be there soon." I said and she walked away. I put the card back in my bag and walked out of the dance room, going backstage.

***

Chad's POV:

Just like I planned to yesterday, I arrived at the club tonight alone. I wanted to go backstage and look for her, but just then a show was being presented in the VIP section, forcing me to wait.

A dancer came out in a robe and the cheers and applause grew. Hmm, seems like the people here really like her. Music streamed out and she began dancing to the music.

For a moment, I stopped. I had never seen anything like it before. This girl was amazing! But then it hit me: she was also familiar. Where had I seen her before? Wait a minute…was that Lila? No way! I watched in awe as she kept twisting and turning to the music. Her hair on its own was mesmerizing. It looked like she had been built for the stage. I hadn't seen anything that spectacular since my uncle died.

The song soon ended and she slowly stopped. The ovation around me grew even louder as she retired to the backstage. Well… She's worth it. I cut my way through the crowd and got into the backstage. I made sure I was covered up so people won't recognize me.

The backstage was another hassle. It seemed like other dancers there were congratulating Lila so it was pretty hard finding her. Eventually I did.

"Hey." I called gently. Her gaze was unfamiliar at first but then it filled with recognition.

"Conner! You came!" I was stunned at the name she called me at first but then I realized I had lied to her about my name. She walked towards me.

"Saw you out there. You're amazing."

"Thanks." She replied shyly. "That's really nice of you."

"You're welcome."

"Oh…wait here," she said and walked to the dressing room. I stood for a while and then she came back with a card in her hand.

"Does this belong to you?" She asked. It was my golden card!

"Ye…ah! Where did you find it?" I asked as I collected it from her.

"You must've dropped it while we were talking last night. I saw it and kept it for you."

"Really? Thanks so much! It was mainly the reason I came here. Can't thank you enough."

"Hmm… No need. I'm glad I helped."

"Yes." I said and we fell silent, just staring at each other.

"So…"

"So…" We began at the same time and stopped, chuckling.

"You first." I said.

"I wanted to ask. Do you work in the Beamlights Entertainment?"

"Yeah… Why?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to know how it feels like working there."

"It's pretty cool. The workers there are pretty nice and they support you."

"Really?"

"Sure."

"Why'd you ask?"

"I don't think there is a reason for that." She replied, and I raised my brows. She sighed.

"Truth is… I really want to be a trainee there. But getting in is not only expensive but super competitive as well."

"Well you can."

"How?"

"You go for the auditions this Friday. You might get a shot there."

"And you think I haven't considered that? Where the hell am I going to get the money. I'm just a regular girl." She replied and slightly frowned. She looked down and started playing with her fingers.

"I'm just tired of this place, I want something more."

I said nothing for a while, I just stared at her. Then I lit up and put my hands in my pocket, bringing out the golden card.

"Here, have this." I said and stretched it towards her.

"Uh?"

"On the day of the auditions, just come with this card. Show it to any personnel there and you'll be attended to immediately."

"What?"

"You heard me. Now keep it. Make sure you never lose it."

Usually when we lose the golden card and can't find it, we report to the company so it can be deactivated and a new one can be reissued. But I'm planning to keep this one alive until after the auditions. After that, I'll go on and deactivate it.

"And this will work?" She asked.

"Don't know. Why don't you come and see?"

"Okay… I believe you then. Thanks Conner. That's really kind of you."

"You're welcome Lila."

"I'll go on ahead now. See you on Friday."

"You too." She said and I nodded. With one last glance at her, I turned and walked out of the room. Let's see if this works.

***

Lila's POV:

I stared at Conner's retreating figure and then at the card. What he said earlier replayed in my head. 'On the day of the auditions, just come with this card. Show it to any personnel and you'll be attended to immediately.' What did he mean by that?

Either way, I have a great feeling about this. I put the card in my purse and then in my bag. I must never lose this. Who knows if it's my only shot to stardom? Then I changed.

***

Unknown POV:

I stared at the city lights from up in the skyscraper that held my office. I remembered something and suddenly became furious.

How dare she? Does she know who she's messing with?

I've been quiet for too long and now I think it's time to rear my ugly head. That bitch needs to be put in her place. Loosening my tie, I picked up my phone and dialed the long-lost number.

It took a while, but she eventually picked up.

"Hello, who is this?" came her tired musical voice. I smirked.

"Hello bitch. Miss me?"