ChapterThirteen-Anything Could Happen

December 12th, 2008

  It's now December, and it's finale week on The X Factor. So far, 7th Anthem and JLS had been neck-in-neck in competition, and now they're in the Top 3 with Alexandra Burke. The two groups were both the strongest and most popular acts the show.

  As for 7A, they kept knocking out performance after performance with their strong vocals, slick dance moves, and sexy rockstar look. It's like as if they've gotten better since their UTurn years. They even sang (You Drive Me) Crazy by Britney spears, the same song that Andrew chocked on live TV several years ago. Andrew sang that song with confidence that he barely had when he was 15.

  7A were backstage, resting up after tech rehearsals for the finale. The founding members of the band, Alyson, Andrew, Justin, and Bailey, started to reminisce.

  Alyson started, "Do you all remember that New England Teen search we were in years ago?"

  Justin asked, "How long ago was it?"

  Andrew replied, "About four years ago. But yeah, I can't believe how long ago it was. I remember we were in high school. We were afraid what everyone would say about us, especially me."

  Alyson said, "I feel like we grew up since we signed with that old contract."

  Andrew added, "That two-image crap we were forced to do really forced us to grow."

 Bailey then said, "Now we're back to where we started. A group of Boston teenagers trying to signed."

 Andrew added, "The differences are that we're almost 20, finished high school, have an established fan-base, and on a national reality competition in Britain."

 Alyson then said cautiously, "I just thought of something. Since we're back to where we are started, what if Ethan tries to hack into voting system of The X Factor? He plotted to do this with that New England teen search."

 With that, the members became concerned. Bailey spoke up, "That's true. If he can hack into our phones and computers, then he can hack into the voting system."

 Trevor asked, "Should we tell the producers?"

 Andrew replied, "We can try, but here's the thing. I've looked into previous X Factor acts, and those who didn't win were signed. They went on to have moderately successful careers. If we win, great. If we don't, there's a strong chance that we'll get signed. We could be very successful"

 Alyson asked, "But what if we don't get signed? Then what do we do? Go back to Boston? Split up?"

 The members then became quiet. At this point in the competition, this was make-or-break for them. They'll either win the competition, or they won't. Or maybe they'll get signed regardless of the results.

  It's now results show. The night before 7A performed three songs: My Only Wish (the Christmas song), Up (with new girl group The Saturdays), and So What (a favourite performance from the competition). Their performances were elaborate, and praised by both the judges and the fans.

  Now it's time to reveal the Top 2 finalists. The host announced, "The act to finish in third place is..."

  7A held hands as they waited a painful minute.

  "...7th Anthem."

  At that moment, the 7A members were in shock. Now their future is, once again, uncertain. On the outside, they kept cool and calm. But in reality, they were shaken up. They're not sure what do anymore.

  Once it was commercial break, 7A went backstage. Alyson looked like she was about to cry. Andrew approached her. He try to comfort her, but he himself tried to hold back tears

.

  He chocked as he said to her, "Alyson, it's not over yet. Simon or Louis might still sign us. We're too popular to be ignored."

  Alyson said to him, "I don't want this to end. I can't lose you or the band."

  "You won't, and we won't. We'll keep fighting, either for the band or for our love. Just know that I love you."

  "I love you, too, Andrew."

  Then the two kissed and hugged each other.

  It's now the after-party. Alexandra Burke was the of The X Factor. Both 7A and JLS were at the party. Amanda approached Aston, and asked, "What are you and JLS gonna do now?"

  He replied, "To be honest, I don't know. I hope we get signed. What about you and 7th Anthem?"

  "We don't yet either. We're hoping for the same thing."

  "What about us? Are you going back to Boston?"

  "We've decided to stay in London for a month. If we don't hear anything from either Simon or Louis, then we'll probably split up and return to America. As for us, I'm not sure if I could handle a long-distance relationship."

  "Well, since you'll be in London for a whilst, why don't we make the most we have with time now?"

  Amanda gave a sad smile as she replied, "I'd like that."

  Then the two hugged.

  It's now about two weeks later. The 7A members returned to their very temporary jobs and their studio flat. As they were relaxing, Alyson received a phone call...from Simon Cowell.

  She answered, "Simon, what is it?"

  Simon asked, "How would you and 7th Anthem like to be signed to my record company, Syco Music, with Sony Music?"

  With that, Alyson's jaw dropped in shock. Everyone noticed, so Andrew asked, "What is it, Aly?"

  "It's Simon Cowell," Alyson replied. "He wants to sign us."

  With that, everyone was in shock. Then Justin said to Alyson, "Then what the bloody hell you just standing there? Take the offer!"

  Alyson smiled, and told Simon that 7A would take the offer. Before they knew it, they were sent to Syco Entertainment, Simon's company. They signed onto the 4-album contract, and they were saved.

  UTurn-7th Anthem was now back. After a tumultuous 2007 with their old management, record labels, and people, they were given a new start. They were redeemed. They were brought down, but they never gave up. They were given a second chance. The UTurn Era was over; the 7th Anthem Era is here, and the future never looked so bright.