The Microphone ◊ IM5

Chap. 10

After IM5 performed, I ran back to my room to get ready for my first date with Cole.

My stomach was now filled with more butterflies than a butterfly garden. I felt like I was going to barf.

I breathed in deeply and browsed my closet. Cole said to dress up. Did he mean night at the opera dress up? Or going to a concert dress up?

My head was reeling. Stop overthinking this, Marley. It's going to be fine.

I eventually settled on a grey and white striped dress and white simple ballet flats. I let my blonde hair down in simple waves and placed a pearl necklace on my neck.

I heard a knock on my door. It was probably Cole. I closed my eyes.

Smile, Marley. You look better when you smile.

I trotted to the door and slowly opened it. Cole was standing there with a black suit. He looked incredibly handsome.

"Wow," He said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Is it too much?"

"No, it's just right. Shall we?" He said, holding out his hand.

"We shall." I said while taking it.

We walked though the hotel, getting weird glances from the contestants as we turned in every corner. I tried to brush it off.

When we made it outside, there was a limousine waiting.

He opened the door.

"Is this for us?" I asked, flabbergasted.

"It is."

"Cole, i-it's too much."

"Nothing is too much if it makes you happy."

I melted, he couldn't just say stuff like that to make me shut up.

I smiled and entered the limousine. I was welcomed by fancy leather seats, bottles of sparkling apple cider and treats all around.

I had died and gone to heaven.

Cole came in after me. He took my hand.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

He smirked, "You'll see."

~~~~

We drove for about fifteen more minutes. Then, we pulled over in a really fancy restaurant by the Santa Monica Pier.

He stepped off the limo and helped me off.

We entered the restaurant.

"Reservation under Pendery, please."

"Right this way."

The lady took us to a corner booth and gave us the menu.

"He's cute." She whispered in my ear, then winked.

I blushed, then whispered back, "I know."

She smiled and left.

"What'd she say?" He asked with a smile.

"That my friend, is secret."

He chucked. God, he has the cutest laugh.

"So, what are you going to eat?" He asked.

I scanned the menu. Mostly sea food.

Crap.

I hate sea food.

But then, my eyes found glory. A cheeseburger. I smiled.

"The burger." I said smiling.

"A burger? Really?"

"Do not judge my meat, Pendery."

He smiled.

"I won't."

"What are you eating?" I asked.

"Probably shrimp."

"Shrimp? Gross."

"Don't judge my shrimp, Ryan."

"Touché." I said laughing.

~~~~~

The evening was simply magic. Cole and I had a connection that words can't even begin to describe.

I was sure about something, I was over Dana. Right now, my heart solely belonged to Cole.

This date, was the start of something new. Something great.

~~~~~~

I woke up feeling the happiest I've ever felt. Last night was probably the best night of my life.

But, today, I had to perform my original song. And the magic faded and the nerves resurfaced.

I made my way out the door and to the stage. I sat next to Cole and waited patiently for my name to be called.

Thousand of contestants performed, some of the songs were great, and others made me want to kill myself.

After what felt like hours, I was finally called.

"I mean every word." I whispered to Cole before running to the stage.

I breathed in deeply and sang;

'Take my hand and my
Heart and soul, I will
Only have these eyes for you
And you know, everything changes but
We'll be strangers if we see this through
You could stay within these walls and bleed
Or just stay with me
Oh lord, now

All my senses come to life
While I'm stumbling home as drunk as I
Have ever been and I'll never leave again
'Cause you are the only one
And all my friends have gone to find
Another place to let their hearts collide
Just promise me, you'll always be a friend
'Cause you are the only one'

I started crying throughout my performance. Expressing my feelings and singing those words felt right.

I saw Cole also teared up.

I finished and every single person stood up. I was overwhelmed.

"I was excited for this round, because I knew that you'd do something exceptional. And you did, congratulations." Said Simon.

"One day, I'll hear that song on the radio and I'll be proud as hell." Said Austin.

I smiled. Right now, my life was just perfect.

I ran to Cole and he welcomed me with open arms.

"I'm so glad I met you." He whispered in my ear.

"I'm so glad I found you." I whispered back.

~~~~~~~

I know that my chapters are really short right now, I'm sorry.

I've been on vacation so I've been writing on my phone, but tomorrow I get back home so you can expect longer chapters then.

Here's a pic of Marley's outfit! Check it out!

What'd you think of this chapter? Did you like their date?

And I know, than 'one' is originally written by Ed Sheeran but I liked it for this chapter. So, in my parallel universe, 'one' is written by Marley Ryan.

Preview: Cole and Marley go out on another date. And Amanda intervenes.

Unedited.

~A