Forever

6 Chair Challenge

It's the six chair challenge today and to be honest, I am terrified. The competition is really high in my group and deep down, I don't think I stand a chance.

"Harper. You're on I'm ten, so stay around here please." Says a producer.

"Ok." I say.

2 people are in front of me. Whilst I'm waiting, I decide to sit in a corner and think. I think about Nathan and my mum. I miss her so much and I hope she's proud of me. 10 minutes pass very slowly.

"Harper. You're up." Says the producer.

I follow the producer to the wings and he hands me a microphone. I step out on stage and there is one seat left.

"Hi Harper. How are you?" Asks Rita.

"I'm good, how are you?" I ask.

"Good. What are you going to be singing today?" Asks Rita.

"I'm going to be singing Unconditionally by Katy Perry." I say.

"When you're ready." Says Rita.

The music starts and my nerves fade.

"Oh, no, did I get too close. Oh, did I almost see. What's really on the inside? All your insecurities. All the dirty laundry. Never made me blink one time. Unconditional. Unconditionally. I will love you, unconditionally. There is no fear now. Let go and just be free. I will love you. unconditionally. So come just as you are to me. Don't need apologies. Know that you are all worthy. I'll take your bad days with your good. Walk through the storm I would. I'd do it all because I love you. Unconditional. Unconditionally. I will love you. Unconditionally. There is no fear now. Let go and just be free. Cause I will love you unconditionally. So open up your heart and just let it begin. Open up your heart and just let it begin. Open up your heart and just let t begin. Open up your heart. Acceptance is the key to be. To be truly free. Will you do the same for me? Unconditional. Undonconditonally. I will love you. Unconditionally. And there is no fear now. Let go and just be free. Cause I will love you. Unconditionally. Oh yeah."

As soon as I finish, I get a standing ovation from the audience, jusges and everyone sitting in their chairs. Everyone calms and Rita speaks up.

"I really enjoys that performance. It have me goose bumps." Says Rita.

"I liked your performance. The only thing I had a problem with was that I don't think you chose the right song. I thknk you could have challenged yourself a bit more. Apart from that, amazing. It's up to Rita though." Says Cheryl.

"I didn't like it as much as you're audition." Says Nick.

"Oh." I say.

"Dont be disheartened. I still liked it. Like Cheryl said, you could have challenged yourself a bit more." Says Nick.

"I loved it. It's all I have to say." Says Simon.

I start to smile and then the audience start to chant something.

"Give her a chair! Give her a chair! Give her a chair!" The audience chant.

"Ok. I'm going to go with my gut instinct. Harper. Take a seat." Says Rita.

I start crying even more and then walk towards the empty chair. There are two more people to perform and I hope I don't get swapped out. After my performance, we took a quick break and I go and speak to Dion.

"You were amazing." Says Dion.

"I'm gonna get swapped out, I know it." I say.

"Look. If you do, I might be the end on this show, by there are so many more." Says Dion.

"Ok. I need to get back now." I say.

I get back in my seat and then the next singer comes on stage. They are singing Human by Christina Perri.

"Give her a chair! Give her a chair!" The audience shouts.

"Ok. I'm gonna swap you out with number 2. I'm so sorry." Says Rita.

The crowd half cheers and half boo's. The girl takes her seat and then the next one comes on. She begins to sing Photograph by Ed Sheeran. The next girl comes on and she is incredible.

"Ok. I'm going to swap you out with Harper. I'm so sorry." Says Rita.

I start crying when I hear my name. I slowly st and up and walk off stage, avoiding eye contact with Rita.

"Bring her back. Bring her back. Bring her back!" The audience screams.

I'm called back to the stage. I'm shaking and all I want to do is be in Nathan's arms.

"Harper. I need to keep you. You are one of my most strongest singers. I'm going to swap you back with number 5." Says Rita.

I thank her and then take my new seat. We finish filming about 10 minutes later and once I'm done, I go straight to to the toilets. I'm sitting on the toilet lid when there's a knock on the door.

"Harper. Are you in there?" Says Rita.

"Rita. What are you doing on here?" I ask.

"I want to see if one of my girls is ok." Says Rita.

I open the door and Rita hugs me.

"Why are you crying?" Asks Rita.

"I feel guilty. I'm so grateful that you have given me a place in your team, but I feel so guilty because I took someone's place. Twice." I say.

"Look. I've had to do it before. Don't worry about it." Says Rita.

"Thanks." I say.

Rita leaves and I go into the lobby to find Dion and my daughter.

"Are you ok? I couldn't find you after." Says Dion.

"I'm fine. I got through to the next round and I couldn't be happier. If only Nathan were here." I say.

I take Lily into my arms and we begin to leave the venue. I keep hoping that Nathan will sneak up behind me and wrap his arms around my waist and rest his chin on my shoulder. No. He's in the army.