Looking For Ideas

This is really useless...

Now I'm here in front of this computer, filling out this form to apply for the auditions for Great Legacy.

At first, it's not as difficult as I imagined. I just needed a few basic documents, obviously, confirm some additional information, and agree to the terms.

Reluctantly, she sends the email, and after a few minutes, her application is confirmed, displaying a registration code and her supposed number.

What a thing, I actually did this... The first step is done; I'm signed up for the GLT audition...

I wonder how I was convinced to do this? I mean, I recognize and accept what Becca said, it's not like me to make this decision, but it's done, I must say I expected something more.

However, I feel like I slipped up. Today was the last day for registration, and the deadline is really short; the audition will be in five days!

I'd have to find an extremely forced way to impress them. Again, thinking this way doesn't even suit me.

Although it was my decision, I feel like I was indirectly led by her words. But now I can't go back, or rather, I can, I actually don't have to go, but I don't know, it just doesn't feel right.

I've been wondering if this is really worth it. I mean, as much as I abhor that place, in a way, it can be seen as a center for new opportunities.

I'm not the type to think about long-term possibilities, but maybe, just maybe, that place could give me some insight on that.

I guess the place doesn't only accommodate... let's say peculiar people.

His name was Wade Silvers, right? He seems like a decent guy. I mean, he seems to have a certain way with girls, so I assume he's popular. Plus, the way he expresses himself makes him seem very outgoing, unlike me, who can't even keep a long conversation.

If only I were a little more motivated...

That being said, I did some research about that place. It's not too hard to find their social media posts, but they have their own website, so it was easier.

At most, all I could find were promotional photos, the kind you'd see on any site talking about a business or institution.

With all this information and images being thrown at you, all you can imagine is a true paradise.

But there are also some articles about notable students, aside from the former ones, including that woman. It seems that some from my generation are just as remarkable.

It looks like there are aspiring stars in that place. I can see someone named Madison Park being highlighted, for example, along with a few other names. In her case, she's described as an aspiring actress, teenage singer, and talented instrumentalist. Seems like a great portfolio, plus she has a beautiful appearance to complete her profile.

I shouldn't be surprised to see that they have a teen star as a student. After all, it would be the perfect place to enhance her career.

Besides that, it seems there's a gossip blog talking about her. At most, with a quick glance, it mentioned that she's in a relationship. Well, it's no surprise that she has a boyfriend, but I don't think I need to look into it further. I've already understood that the place can have all kinds of people, even famous ones, so to speak.

But unfortunately, it also says that my chances are extremely low, and I haven't even built up any expectations.

It would be common sense to assume that there's a certain standard to meet the expectations of that place. Given the prestige that Great Legacy Talent holds, not just anyone gets blessed with a golden opportunity to enter that place.

In that case, the possibilities are endless. So, what could I do to at least make a good impression?

An instrumental performance? That was the first thing that came to mind since I'm familiar with it. Besides, it's the only thing I can do at the moment, but it definitely wouldn't be enough. After all, how many others wouldn't know how to play a specific instrument? That must be the bare minimum required to get into such a prestigious place.

In the worst case, I could be considered just another one among many, which wouldn't be wrong. Anyone with proper training can play anything in a short time and easily learn a song...

Even so, what kind of music should I try? Classical? Contemporary? Acoustic? Something more elaborate?

As I imagined, there are so many options that it's hard to choose just one... I feel like I have no way out...

I didn't want to have to do this, but... I'll have to turn to her again.

Frustrated at not knowing what to present at the audition, she thinks of only one way out, one she didn't want to take at that moment.

Opening the phone app and sharing her screen on the computer, she makes a direct video call with none other than "Starlight" Lena.

The singer, on the other hand, couldn't believe it when she received that video call. After all, it's not like Alex to make such a sudden call.

— whistles Two video calls in at least seven days? whistles You must really be missing me. - the woman said, teasing her.

— Please don't say things like that, not now... Are you busy? - Alex asked, visibly uncomfortable.

— Pfft, you know I'm always working. But lucky for you, I have some free time in my schedule, which, by the way, is always reserved for you, my sweet girl...

— You're just lazing around in a hotel room, aren't you?

— Exactly.

Five-star hotel rooms, rest on the first day, travel on the second, and a show on the third.

Indeed, a busy schedule for any artist or singer.

But she knows how to enjoy and relax when she wants.

On the screen, I can see her lying on her bed in a robe. I admire that she can be so relaxed knowing she has a big show coming up in a few days.

— So, what's the emergency? - Lena asked, adjusting her glasses.

— Why would you say that? - Alex questioned.

— Unless you're not missing me, which is the case, but you refuse to admit it... It could only mean you need help, which is also strange since you almost never ask for help.

She's good. Occasionally, she can read me like a book, but she only does it because of Becca. Still, she has her methods.

I do need her guidance, but asking like this is a bit embarrassing since it's something I'd rarely do... I mean, I'd never think of something like this.

— You must already know about my audition for GLT, right?

— Audition? You're participating! What a surprise!

— Please, don't pretend. I know Becca mentioned it to you. - Alex said, staring at her.

— She may have said something about it during our last call, but... if it helps, I'm really happy that you're making this decision. As much as GLT may be a great opportunity, the fact that you thought about it means you're also thinking about your future, isn't that right?

My future? I'd say you're almost right about that.

Still, the speech remains the same. Opportunity... dreams... achievements... whatever synonym you choose, they all lead to the same destination: GLT.

— So, is this the elephant in the room, or is there more to it?

— The audition… — Alex murmured.

— Of course, the first step is always the hardest. In that case, what seems to be the problem? If it's a lack of confidence, don't let it shake you. Just remember, you're more than all of this, and you'll reach the top! — the woman advised.

— Confidence isn't really the issue. Or at least, it's not the only one. The real question is… what am I supposed to do? — she asked, expressing her uncertainty about the audition.

Not that I have an excess of confidence, but I just need a direction.

There are a thousand and one things I could do, but which one would be the right choice?

— In that case, why don't you tell me what you're going to do?

— Huh? — Alex questioned upon hearing Lena's response.

— Honestly, girl, what did you expect me to say? Sing? Dance? Play something? Come on, you know those are the easiest routes.

— That's the problem…

— And knowing you, you want something more "original," don't you?

— Maybe… — she answered reluctantly. — Originality isn't the issue. An audition like this won't be a big deal, but still, it'd be nice to have some idea of what to do…

— And you expected me to give you an idea with this conversation? Wow, you're really lost, girl.

— Ugh… I know… — Alex sighed, agreeing with the woman.

— In that case… just go with the flow and do what your heart tells you.

— I'm hanging up. — She replied immediately upon hearing such a cliché response.

— Whoa, whoa, calm down, girl. Relax, I'm not joking.

Come on! Don't give me such a cheesy piece of advice.

— Last time I listened to something like that, I ended up being convinced to go through with this whole idea…

— And look where you are now, trying to come up with another idea. It may be a lame piece of advice, but it's actually pretty useful. Don't force yourself to do something you don't want to. If you come up with something from your own mind and heart, go for it without hesitation. How do you think I compose my greatest hits?

— I don't know… by smoking an endless amount of cigarettes? — she said teasingly.

— Are you serious? I quit that a long time ago. It's bad for the voice—medical advice, if you know what I mean.

Sure…

If I remember correctly, it was Becca who insisted you quit. Luckily, you had a shred of common sense and decided to kick the habit.

— You still have some time before the audition. Use it to reflect and discover yourself. I'm sure you'll find your answer. Besides, in situations like this, an audition is never just an audition. — she explained in a redundant manner.

— I know that. — Alex answered vaguely.

— Do you really? Because that's not what it seemed like. When you're there, you'll realize that everything you've been worrying about will seem like complete nonsense. You have to adapt and not confine yourself to a single pattern. So, if you're looking for this "idea," make sure you know what you're doing. And, of course, be confident. In moments like these, just focus on yourself and the music—nothing else around you matters. — Lena advised.

And with that, she left me adrift again.

Coming up with an idea on my own doesn't make much sense after this conversation. And asking for help didn't exactly yield a favorable outcome either. After all, when it comes to the "Great Lena," getting a straight answer is one of the hardest things to achieve.

— Thanks, that helped a lot. — Alex said sarcastically.

— I know you'll think of something. After all, you learned everything you know from the best. — she boasted.

— Oh, so now you're praising yourself?

— Just a little. But either way, I'm looking forward to the results of your performance. And remember: I love you.

Lena winked at the girl before ending the video call.

And there she went, leaving me with even more questions in my mind. Sometimes, talking to her only makes things worse… especially when I need help the most.

Once again, I tried to clear my mind.

Only by doing that can I reflect and search for new ideas, ignoring everything around me.

I could do a performance with my guitar… No, that would be too predictable. Unless I was lucky enough to be the only one doing it, but then I'd still have to figure out what to play and how to play it.

Dance? Pfft, yeah, right. Unless I wanted to turn it into a comedy performance, because I'm definitely not cut out for that.

Besides, an audition like this is just to get a grasp of everyone's talents. Music is one of the most viable and popular options, alongside dance and other related performances.

"Looking for an idea" isn't…

Lost in thought in her room, she got up from her bed and sat on a leather bench in front of a music stand.

Pfft, my room won't give me any brilliant ideas. After all, I spend most of my time in here.

Unlike the "fortress"… A ridiculous name for an improvised studio, here there isn't much to go on.

My bed takes up most of the space, not to mention the shelves filled with books and personal notes. And, of course, some of my guitars and acoustic guitars hanging on the walls. I could use a floor stand instead, but then I wouldn't have much space to move around.

I also have a computer with a keyboard below it. I'm not very good at synthesizing music, but I didn't set it up—it's just there. Most of the time, I just use it to play music in the background. I'm not the type to browse the internet aimlessly.

But I'm just rambling. What I mean is that I won't find inspiration in here.

And, of course, I probably won't find it outside either.

Some people find it just by looking around—going for a nice walk in the park, admiring the scenery, hanging out with someone… doing all sorts of things I just can't see myself doing.

The only conclusion I can come to is that I can do whatever I want.

Everything seems right, but at the same time, nothing does… No matter what I do or don't do, the result could go either way…

I guess I'll have to go with her idea and just let it happen this time…