Crazy Dreams

[lovestory]

Kendall.

I walked out of the studio later that night and I was feeling slightly better about everything. I was still worried about leaving, but I was feeling slightly better about it all. Thanks to everyone who told me not to worry about it and had words of encouragement.

I walked outside seeing my grandparents and sisters waiting for me. I laughed softly when I saw Leah and Bayley holding a poster that said Kendall's Our American Idol and my grandfather wearing a 'Vote for Kendall' tee-shirt with my face on it. Their support was amazing and I couldn't ask for anything more.

"I'm loving the shirt!" I laughed, hugging my grandfather.

"He was going to wear one that said Kendall Thompson is my granddaughter, but we wouldn't let him." Bayley laughed.

"That's what he tells everyone when he meets them." My grandmother laughed, and hugged me. "You did so good tonight and I am very proud of you. I could give that Simon Cowell a long talk about what he said to you."

"It's alright. I didn't do my best and he knows that." I smiled.

"You still kicked butt." My grandfather said.

"Thank you."

I turned to my sisters and they both enveloped me into a hug.

"You did great! Don't worry about everything they said." Leah said.

"I'm okay. I had my moment of freaking out backstage, but I cool now." I laughed.

"You looked so pretty up there too." Bayley laughed.

"Thanks." I laughed.

"We're going to vote our butts off, you're not going anywhere." Leah told me, "I think Tim's times up. I like him, but yeah."

"I love Tim and I don't wanna see anybody go home. We should all win." I smirked.

"You should have entered the friggen Miss. America pagent with your kindness." Leah rolled her eyes.

"We aren't all bitchy like you." I teased.

Leah gave me a smile and I laughed, wrapping my arm around her shoulder.

---------------

Lee and I were laying on the couch in his apartment, watching tv later that night. I was laying on top of Lee, my head on his chest and his arm around me, rubbing my back. The door opened and Lee's brother came waltzing in. He sat down on the chair and kicked up his feet, resting them on the coffee table.

"Lee, this never gets old. All I have to do is tell people my last name and every chick in the place comes flocking to me. Don't ever let this end."

"You're a sick bastard." Lee muttered, "What about you and Leah?"

"She can get it."

"That's my baby sister and if I hear you say one more thing like that I will make sure you are no longer a man." I shot my head up.

"She's playing hard to get."

"Maybe she doesn't want you." Lee laughed.

"Oh she does."

"Mike," I sighed as I sat up, "Listen. I love you and think you are hilarious. You're a good looking guy and I know you love the ladies, but I don't want you doing anything to my sister that will hurt her."

"Hey, we are just friends. I find her to be very attractive and we have fun together, but I'm not going to do anything that will hurt her. I'm not a douche bag."

"I'm just warning you." I said.

I knew that Leah had a huge crush on Mike and I knew that he found her attractive, but I was afraid that was all he thought about her. He was a twenty year old guy and most twenty year olds I know are looking for some fun. I don't care what he does as long as it doesn't involve hurting my sister. I liked him a lot and didn't want him to ruin our friendship.

"She's serious too." Lee said, "Don't get her pissed off because then I will have to chose sides and I don't wanna have to chose between my brother and getting laid on a daily basis."

"Seriously! I am not some sort of booty call, Lee." I shot him a look.

"I know. I am teasing." Lee smiled.

"I'll be good to Leah and won't do anything to hurt her. She's a cool girl and I actually like her." Mike told her, seriously.

"Okay." I smiled.

"I must say, you're family is pretty hot. I've never seen three sisters as hot as Bayley, Leah, and you." Mike grinned.

"Okay. It's just getting creepy now." I said.

"Yeah. Werido." Lee said.

These boys were going to be the death of me.

[caitlynj]

haha. Love the brothers.

[lovestory]

I'm going on vacation tomorrow, but I will try and fit in a few updates through out. Thanks for reading!

[caitlynj]

I'm gonna miss the story. This is like the only one I read on here. Have fun on vacation.

[lovestory]

Kendall.

So, I was happy to say that I was safe that week, the next week, the next week, the next week, and so on and so fourth. It was the Top 3 performance week and there was only three of us left standing. Lee, Crystal, and myself. I had to say we were all pretty even with the fanbases and Crystal had the slight lead over us to win the whole thing. I couldn't believe that I had actually made it this far.

I was packing up a small suitcase, because Idol was sending all three of us back home for a homecoming parade and concert. All I know is that there was going to be a ton of people at mine, I have received phone calls from my friends at home and they were telling me how crazy and insane it was going to be. I was actually really excited to go back home and give a little back to the people who have been supporting me forever. It was going to be a really good time.

"Are you guys going to miss me?" Lee asked, as all three of us sat on the floor in the rehersal room.

"No. I'm only going to miss Kendall." Crystal said, wrapping her arms around my shoulder.

I laughed and hugged her back. Over the last couple of weeks Crystal and I became really, really close. We were the only girls left in the place and we immediately just went to eachother when we had a problem or something. Sure, I had Lee and all the other guys, but you always needed that girlfriend to talk too and since Katie left, it was Crystal and me. We were hanging in there for the ladies.

"You guys are so mean to me." Lee sighed and looked at his cellphone and rolled his eyes.

"What's wrong with you grouchy?" I asked and reached out ticking his stomach lightly and Crystal laughed.

"Big Mike keeps texting me and telling me how big my head is next to Ryan Seacrest." Lee smirked and Crystal and I laughed, "I knew you guys would find that funny."

"You do have a big head, but it's a adorable cute head that I love." I grinned.

"It's okay. You rock that big head look." Crystal said and I started to laugh.

"Real funny. It's not that big."

"It is big, but like Crystal said you can rock it."

"Thanks. I appreciate it, now this is going to be my ongoing joke." Lee smiled and I nodded.

"I think it's your big hair." I reached over and ruffled his hair, "You have really good hair. It's almost as nice as Casey's."

"Nobodys hair is a nice as Casey's." Crystal said.

"That is why I said almost." I said.

"Is my head really big?" Lee asked.

"A little bit, but it's gorgeous and I love it!" I leaned over and gave him a quick kiss.

"Would you wanna give birth to my kids?" Lee laughed and Crystal joined in.

"If they had my head, yes." I smiled, "You're such an idiot, but I love it."

It was going to be weird when this was all over. We only had two more weeks left here and that was for whoever made it to the finale, we were all good friends and wanted eachother to do their best, but we all wanted to win this too. We made it this far and all of us had a equal shot to win it.

--------------

We all stood in the lobby the following morning with our suitcases, ready to head home. We were waiting for our cars to take us to our planes. We were getting a private jet, that way we can get there and back on time with no worries about delays. It was going to be pretty sick.

My car arrived first and the driver took my suitcase from me and brought it to the car. I walked over to Crystal and gave her a hug.

"Have fun back home!" She said, hugging me.

"You too! I wanna hear that you rocked Ohio!" I smiled.

"You better rock out with all those people in Georgia!"

"I'll try my best! I'll text you when I land."

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too!"

I let go of her and turned to Lee. He gave me a smile and I smiled back, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck. I felt his arms go around my waist and pulle me closer to him.

"Have a safe flight and call me when you land." Lee said, burying his face in my neck.

"I will. Have fun at home." I told him.

"You too."

"I will miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

We were only going to be away from eachother for two days, but I was still going to miss him. I was used to having him around everyday and it was going to be weird since he is going to be in another state, but I was looking foreward to being home.


"I love you so much!" I whispered.

"I love you too.

I reached up and gave him a kiss, before pulling out of his grasp and giving them both a quick wave and hopping in the car.

Georgia here I come!

[caitlynj]

They are so cute together

[lovestory]

Kendall.

I was at my house at a barbeque. I finally landed in Georgia and was now home. All my family and friends were over for a big barbque, before I had to head to the hometown concert and parade that was taking place later this afternoon. It was insane to be back and see all the support. I never thought I would see the day where people greeted me at the airport with posters and wanting pictures and autographs. It was crazy.

My whole morning was spent giving countless radio and television interviews and getting ready for the parade and concert tonight. I never wanted it to end.

"There's supposed to be over 40,000 people at the concert tonight." My cousin, Noelle told me as we stood around my backyard.

"No way." I looked at her.

"Yes. The tickets sold out in the five minutes after you were called safe on Wedsenday."

"That is insane! I was hoping for like a hundred people, now I extremely nervous." I sighed.

"You peform for millions every week, you'll be fine."

"It's a overwhelming amount of support. I don't think I could be any more lucky." I told her.

"It's really awesome and we are all really proud of you."

"Thank you." I smiled.

"So, do you plan on seeing your dad while you are here?"

"No. I mean he may pop up at the parade or concert and if I see him I will be civil and mature about it, but I am not going to go outta my way and see him. I still haven't fully foregiven him for everything that he did. It still hurts knowing that my mom cries herself to sleep everynight." I sighed.

"I understand. It will get better."

I smiled and gave her a small nod.

--------

I was waiting backstage at the concert that was being held, after the parade. The parade was insane. People came out from all over the country and I am not going to lie, being the sap I am I cried. It just touched me when I saw all the posters and little girls cheering for me. I know that I am going to cry here too.

"Kendall."

I turned around when I heard the familiar voice call my name and my heart sank when I saw my dad standing there with a bouquet of flowers. Was he seriously showing up backstage. I didn't need this right now. Today was about me and doing my thing, not pleasing my dad.

"Hi." I said.

"I just came back here to tell you how proud I am of you and I wanted to wish you the best of luck." He smiled, and handed me the flowers.

"Thanks." I answered quietly.

"I'm going to be out there cheering for you."

"Does mom know you are here?" I asked.

"Yes, she is the one who let me backstage."

"Well I appreciate you coming out, but I really need to be getting ready."

"Can we have dinner after?" He asked me.

"I don't think I will have enough time, I have to fly back to Los Angeles right after this." I told him.

Not to mention I wasn't ready for lunch with him. I was still pissed.

"Alright. There is just a lot of unsettled business that needs to be talked about."

Is he serious? He cheated on my mom and tore this family apart and he wants to explain himself? There isn't much that you can explain. I'm not seven years old, he isn't going to be able to bribe me into bieng okay with him now. It's going to take a lot of time for me to get over this.

"Kick butt out there. I'll be voting for you." He patted my shoulder as he walked out of the room.

Never in a million years did I ever think my relationship with my father would be like this. I was the biggest daddy's girl, but now just looking at the man made me sick to my stomach for what he did. I never thought he would be that man, but apparently he is and he has to face the consquences.

[caitlynj]

this is a very good chapter.

[lovestory]

Kendall.

I walked onstage and looked out into the crowd of 40,000 people. They all screamed and held up posters for me as they saw me approach the stage. I couldn't believe that this was all for me. All these people made their way here for me. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Just seeing the support of all these people, people I have never even met in my life.

I stepped back and covered my mouth with my hand as I felt the emotions start to hit me. The crowd cheered even louder and I glanced over at my mom and sisters, who were waiting off to the side. They all had huge smiles on their faces and I could see tears in my mom's eyes, which choked me up even more.

"It's amazing to be home! Thank you." I said into the microphone as everyone cheered louder, "I can't thank ya'll for the support enough. If it weren't for ya'll I wouldn't even be here. This is insane and I love ya'll more then anything in the world!"

Everyone cheered and I smiled, shaking my head a bit.

"I can't believe this is for me," I said, wiping my eyes, "I'm a sap, so ya'll have to bear with me if I start crying. They are telling me that I can only sing three songs, but I am going to break the rules and sing more. Ya'll deserve it! My plane can wait for me!"

Everyone cheered and I smiled.

"Let's get this started!"

--------------

I finshed the note to my last song and everyone went nuts. This whole concert was amazing and the crowd support had me going nonstop, I didn't want this to ever end. I could stay here all night and rock out with everyone, but I have to head back to Los Angeles.

"I love you guys so much and ya'll have been amazing! I have to head back to Los Angeles now, but I will never forget this moment again and I am going to try my best to win this for ya'll!" I said, as they all cheered, "I wish I could stay, but they are yelling at me that I have to stop. I really can't thank ya'll enough for the support and making this day an amazing day that I will never forget! Ya'll are the best fans ever and we only have a couple more weeks to do this! Keep voting! Thank you so much!"

I walked off the stage as everyone cheered. My mom immediately greeted me with a big hug and I could tell that she had been crying.

"That was insane!" I said shaking my head and smiling, "I never thought I would have this support! They were all singing with me and clapping to the songs! It was awesome!"

"I'm so proud of you." My mom said.

"Thank you." I smiled, "I wonder how Lee and Crystal's concerts are going?"

"Lee probably has girls throwing thier panties at him." Leah grinned as she gave me a hug, "You were awesome."

"Thanks. I wanna go back out there, they are chanting my name!" I looked at my sisters and mom with a amazed look on my face, "Oh my gosh! That's so crazy!"

"Told you that the support here was overwhelming." Bayley smiled as she wrapped her arm around my shoulder.

"It really is." I nodded.

I couldn't even describe how I felt about this whole thing. All the hard work and critcism paid off. This was what I was doing this for, my fans and the people who support me and believe in me more then I believe in myself at times. This couldn't get any better.

--------------

"I miss you!" I said to Lee, over the phone.

I was sitting in my car heading to the airport, later that night. I was a bit sad to leave my family and friends behind, but either way I was going to be with them next week. If I got kicked off I would be heading back home before tour rehersal and if I stayed, my whole family was flying out for the finale. It wasn't a hard goodbye then.

"We have been away for not even two full days." Lee laughed.

"I'm used to being with you 24/7. Don't you miss me, baby?" I asked, leaning against the leather seat/

"I do. I'll see you in a few hours though."

"I know. Today was the most amazing day ever."

"It really was. Seeing the outpour of support was amazing."

"I can't believe all the people that came out." I told him.

"I know."

"Any underwear thrown at you?" I asked, laughing softly.

"Nope. None." He laughed.

"Good. Did you cry?" I asked.

"I never cry." Lee told me.

"Yeah right! I've seen you get the teary eyed thing going on. You totally cry and I have seen you do it before." I laughed and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, "You don't have to hide it from me. I think it's adorable and kinda sexy in it's own kinda way."

"Okay. I admit, I cried a little." Lee confessed and I smiled.

"Me too. I wish I could stay longer, but I can't wait to see you again." I smiled.

"I can't wait to see you either."

"Will you come and wake me up when you get in?" I asked.

"Absolutely." He said.

"Alright, let me go! I will see you later. Have a safe flight."

"You too, hon."

"I love you." I tiold him.

"I love you too. Bye."

"Bye."

I hung up my phone and smiled to myself. How could I be so lucky?

[caitlynj]

they are so cute.

[lovestory]

Kendall.

Back in Los Angeles with Crystal and Lee, which ment back to working our butts off. This week we each had two songs we had to peform, one song of our choice and one that the judges picked for us. Lee and Crystal, both got awesome songs that they were going to kill. I on the other hand was not too happy with the song choice, Kara, chose for me. It was Beautiful by Christina Aguilera.

Don't get me wrong I love Christina Aguilera and the girl can sing her butt off, but she is one of those artists who songs should not be touched because anybody who sings it is going to sound like a amature compared to her. I honestly feel like the only person who could get away with singing her songs is Katie, and basically Katie is like a mini Christina. I loved the song, but not for me. It wasn't my style of music and I didn't have a Christina Aguilera tone. It was going to be a hard task to handle.

Lee walked over and sat down next to me on the chair as Crystal stood on stage finishing up her rehersal, she sounded amazing as usual.

"You alright?" Lee asked.

"I'm really nervous about this weeks show. I don't think I could sing Beautiful and do it any justice and right now this is do or die situation. If i suck I am headed home and that would suck, considering I am so close to the finale." I sighed, as I looked down.

"You just gotta take the song and make it your own. That is why Kara chose it for you, because she knows that you can handle a big song like that and do it justice. You honestly don't give yourself enough credit. You have a kick ass voice and are probably one of the most talented people I know. You need to realize that you can sing."

"It's hard when I am surronded by two of the most talented people!" I said.

"You're just as talented as Crystal and myself. We are all such different artists and can't really be compared. Crystal's kinda a Janis Joplin vibe, I'm more folk and rock, and you are just insane with the huge voice!" Lee laughed and I smiled, "You shock me sometimes with what can come out of this tiny body. You're one of a kind and you need to embrace the fact that you are effing awesome."

"I've always had trouble believing in myself." I told him.

"I know, you have come such a long way and I am proud of you. You can do this on Tuesday and you will kick butt."

"I have a feeling that this is going to be your week, Lee."

"What makes you think that?"

"You just killed it on Simple Man and I honestly got chills watching your dress rehersal for Hallelujah!"

"We'll see." He shrugged and draped his arm around the back of my chair.

Lee was one of the most talented people I have ever come in contact with and I am not just saying that because he is my boyfriend. He just has a natural ability when it comes to music. Whether it's writing songs, singing, or playing guitar he's amazing at this. He is someone I know is going to have a major career and he is so humbled by everything. He's still that normal guy that I first met in Hollywood, eventho he has millions of girls screaming for him. He deserves everything that comes his way.

"Thank you for making me feel better." I said quietly as I laid my head on his shoulder.

"Of course." Lee kissed the top of my head.

---------

"Girl, you are not on your game today." Debra sighed as I finished sining Beautiful.

I sighed and nodded as she shook her head.

"You frusterate me so much, Kendall. You really need to focus because this is a big week. Lee and Crystal are both on their A games and you are having trouble staying on pitch and remembering lyrics. This is Top 3 week, not Top 12. You should really be used to this." She lectured.

"I know. I'm sorry, it's just been a rough day."

"Take five and relax. I want you back up here after and singing this song like I know you are capable of doing."

I nodded and walked off the stage and headed towards the seats. Lee grabbed my hand as I walked by him, but I pulled away from him and stormed out of the room and out to the hallway. Once I was alone, I sat down on the floor and let the tears fall.

"Hey, we all have rough weeks!"

I looked up to see Crystal making her way over to me and sitting down besides me.

"I'm so nervous for Tuesdays show and now I have to sing a song that is so out of my element. I don't need people yelling at me right now." I leaned my head back against the wall.

"All that matters is what kinda performance you give on Tuesday night. Rehersals are meant for screwing up, so we don't do that during the live shows. You'll deliever because you always do." Crystal smiled and wrapped her arm around my shoulder.

"I hope I do." I sighed.

"You're having a rough day. It happens."

Lee walked out and over to us. He sat down in front of me and gave me a adorable smile.

"Everything okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, just a mini meltdown." I said, wiping my eyes.

"We all have those." Crystal smiled.

"You're doing fine and Tuesday night you will be perfect. Dont get worked up about this." Lee brushed a piece of hair behind my ear and kissed my forehead, "I love you."

"I love you too." I smiled.

"I love you too." Crystal teased Lee.

Lee laughed and wrapped Crystal and me in a group hug.

"I feel like such a pimp." Lee commented.

"Tell Tony that." Crystal laughed as she mentioned her boyfriend.

"Nevermind," Lee muttered and let go of us, "Smile. You're so much cuter when you do that."

I smiled and Lee leaned in and gave me a kiss.

I don't know what I would do without them here.

[caitlynj]

the three of them are so amazing together.

[lovestory]

Just something small. I will post a longer chapter tomorrow when I get out of work.
******************************************



Kendall.

It was Tuesday night and I had just watched Crystal and Lee perform there songs. The judges weren't too thrilled with Crystal's rendition of Melissa Etheridge's Come to My Window, but I thought she sounded amazing and killed it. However, they loved Lee's version of Lynyrd Skynyrd's, Simple Man and I know why. It was amazing and it was one of the best performances I have seen from him.

I was on the stage, waiting for Ryan to introduce my first song of the night, which was my song choice. The song I chose was House of The Rising Sun. I always loved the song and it was different from what I usually do. I was tired of running around the stage and hitting all these big notes. I wanted to just stand at microphone and sing the song tonight.

I smoothed out my dress and glanced over at Ryan as he started introducing me.

"Singing The Animals 1964 hit, House of the Rising Sun, please welcome Kendall Thompson!"

Everyone cheered and I stood at the microphone and started to sing the first verse of the song, which was acapella.

There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God I know I'm one

My mother was a tailor
She sewed my new bluejeans
My father was a gamblin' man
Down in New Orleans

Oh mother tell your children
Not to do what I have done
Spend your lives in sin and misery
In the House of the Rising Sun

Rising Sun

Everyone cheered and I smiled as the studio stood on their feet cheering for me. I placed the microphone back on the micstand and walked over to the center of the stage, waiting for the crowd to die down so Randy could start the judging. I was feeling good with this song.

"Alright, alright! Kendall, you are in the zone tonight! That was hot. My favorite performance from you so far." Randy yelled and everyone cheered.

"Thank you so much!" I smiled.

"Kendall, I am so proud of you. You have come such a far way and I actually saw so much confidence in that performance. It was stunning."

"Thank you, Ellen!" I nodded, and turned towards Kara who was grinning ear to ear.

"That was incredible. You came out here and took a huge risk singing the beginning acapella, and let me tell you something. The quiet tone in your voice is just as beautiful as the big notes you hit. You showed a softer side tonight and I really loved it! Great job." Kara smiled, and everyone cheered.

"Thanks."

I tucked a piece of stray hair behind my ear and glanced over at Simon who had a blank look on his face as usual. I gave him a small smile and I saw him smirk back a bit. Score!

"Kendall, I said this before and I am going to say it again. You are such a strange little thing and I mean that in the best way possible. We never know if your going to come out here screaming your head off or singing a soft song. I love both sides and I think that is very important for an artist to have. This is the first time I actually thought you can win this. Very good job."

Everyone cheered and my face lit up and I thanked him. Simon smiled and nodded his head in my direction as Ryan made his way over to me.

"Very nicely done! I think the whole place got some goosebumps!" Ryan said and I laughed.

"I had fun."

Ryan read off my numbers to the audience and home viewers, then cut to commercial break. I was quickly escorted backstage and taken into the quick change area to get my outfit for Beautiful on. I quickly changed and they touched up my hair and make up.

After the quick change I walked into the waiting room, where Lee was sitting. Crystal was off on stage getting ready for her next performance. Lee's face lit up when he saw me and he walked over to me, wrapping me in a big hug and picking me up.

"Good job." Lee said, kissing my lips quickly.

"Thank you. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and then I realize I have to perform my harder song next." I sighed.

"Don't worry. You'll do amazing." Lee assured, rubbing my back gently.

I hope he was right.

[caitlynj]

I'm glad they liked her first song.

[lovestory]

Crystal and I stood backstage, watching as Lee performed the song choice that Simon picked for him, Hallelujah. It almost brought tears to my eyes at how fantastic the performance was. He definately just put himself in the finale and it was going to be between Crystal and myself. She dominated her second song choice and now I was going to have to try my best with mine and hopefully the judges will like it.

Lee came walking down the stairs and Crystal wrapped him in a hug, congratulating him. I stood back and smiled as I saw the tears in his eyes threatening to spill any minute. Lee was a sensitive guy, but not overly. This was what he has wanted for the longest time and to see the support he gets from his family, friends, and fans. It sometimes gets him choked up, all of us get choked up for that matter.

"That was so freakin' good! I am so proud of you, baby." I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Thank you." He said quietly, as he buried his face in my neck.

I turned and kissed the side of his head and brought my hand up to the back of his head, running my fingers through his hair.

"I got chills." I said to him.

He lifted his head and pulled away from me. I smiled and wiped his tears with my thumb, like he has done to me so many times before. I placed my hand on his cheek and leaned in and gave him a quick kiss.

"I feel like such a idiot. I make fun of you for crying all the time, but the emotions of everything just got to me. I guess going back home and seeing all the support I had and then the support I have here, just really hit home and then to get comments like that was even more crazy." Lee rambled and I smiled at his adorableness, if that is even a word.

"You're such a cutie!" Crystal laughed and patted Lee's back.

"Kendall, you ready?" Debbie asked as she walked down the stairs, "I hate to interuppt your pow wow, but we can have pow wow time after the show."

"I'm coming." I laughed softly.

"Kick butt!" Crystal gave me a hug, "Just do what you did in rehersal. The judges and viewers will totally love it!"

"Thanks." I smiled.

"Don't be nervous. You're going to be great." Lee said as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and kissed the top of my head, "Go out there and do your thing like you have been doing for the past three monthes. You got this."

I gave him a small smile and walked up the stairs and onto the stage. Everyone in the audience cheered and I smiled and waved as Debbie walked me over to the stools where Ryan and I would have a mini interview, before my performance. Debbie hooked up my micpac to the back of my dress as the hair and make up crew came rushing out and touching up my flaws.

I sat down on the stool as Ryan made his way out onto the stage and took a seat on the stool next to me.

"You doing alright?" Ryan asked, placing his hand on my shoulder.

"I feel like I am gooing to get a case of the vom's, but other then that I am fine." I laughed softly.

"You'll be fine!" Ryan sqeeuzed my shoulder.

Ryan gets a lot of crap in the media for being a pretty boy and everything, but he is honestly one of the coolest and most down to earth guys I have ever met. He made it a point to make all us contestants feel comfortable. He was a nice guy and you would never think that he was this big celebrity, by the way he acts around us.

The countdown began and everyone cheered as the theme music played and the cameras started rolling.

"Welcome back to, American Idol and please give a round of applause for our final contestant tonight, Kendall Thompson!" Ryan said, pointing towards me.

The studio erupted in cheers and I smiled and waved. I blew a kiss to my sisters and mom who were holding their posters and representing me by wearing their Vote for Kendall tee-shirts and pins.

"How are you doing tonight?" Ryan asked.

"So far, so good. I'm happy with the way my frist performance went and hopefully this performance ends the same way." I said.

"When Simon calls you a strange little thing, how does that make you feel?" Ryan asked and I laughed.

"You know. I take it as a compliment and he doesn't mean it in a rude way. I have been called strange on more then one occasion, so it's all good and I know that Simon means no harm by it. If he isn't telling me I suck, then I am okay with what he tells me." I said, as everyone laughed.

"Well, why don't you go over there and get setup as we find out what song you are singing." Ryan said.

"Sounds good." I nodded and stood up.

I headed over to the micstand as my video package of me played on the big screen in front of me. Ryan walked down to the judges section and over to Kara. The nerves really started to kick in now and this seemed like it was never ending. I must have looked like nervous wreck, because I glanced at Simon and he mouthed 'breath' to me and smirked. I smiled a bit and nodded as the video package ended.

"Now, Mrs. Kara why did you decided to chose this song for Kendall?"

"Kendall, has a huge voice and I think she can really connect with this song. I'm not looking for her to be a Christina 2.0. I want her to change it up a bit and make it her own and I really believe she can do that, so I gave her a little challange this week." Kara explained.

A little challenge? More like a huge one.

"Will Kendall impress the judges and you? Here she is singing Christina Aguilera's 'Beautiful', give it up for Kendall Thompson!"

Everyone cheered and the piano started and I waited for my cue.

Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly it's hard to breathe
Now and then I get insecure
From all the pain, feel so ashamed

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down, oh no
So don't you bring me down today

No matter what we do
No matter what we do
(No matter what we say)
No matter what we say
(We're the song that's outta tune)
(Full of beautiful mistakes)

(And everywhere we go)
And everywhere we go
(The sun will always shine)
The sun will always, always shine!
(But tomorrow we might awake on the other side)

'Cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down, oh no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down, oh no
So don't you bring me down today

Don't you bring me down today

Everyone cheered and I let out a small sigh of relief. I could see where, Lee got choke up a bit. The audience was insane tonight and this was the one last shot we had to make it to the big stage and it was very bittersweet that it was almost over. I also connected with that song and didn't realize it until I started singing it tonight. I connected with the whole Kyle and me fiasco in the beginning of all of this. The starving mysefl and allowing him to call me awful names. This was my time and I wasn't going to let him bring me down and I overcame that.

The crowd settled down and Randy smiled.

"Kendall you are in the zone! That was hot and you are in this to win it! That was amazing!" Randy said and everyone cheered.

"Thank you!" I laughed.

"Oh Kendall, I am so proud of you. You have come such a long way and I could tell that you really connected with that song. You just get better and better each week, which I find amazing, because I already think you are amazing!" Ellen told me and the audience cheered.

"Thank you so much!" I smiled.

"Honey, I picked that song because I knew you would make it your own and not try and be a carbon copy of Christina Aguilera. You never looked better and you never sounded better. You connected with that song and it made the performance even more amazing. Amazing job!" Kara said.

"Thank you." I said over the cheers, "And thank you for beliveing I could sing a song like this and not fall on my face, because I was a bit nervous at first."

"You did the song justice!" Kara told me and I smiled.

"Kendall, I am very, very proud of you tonight. When we first met you, you had zero confidence and had a few off weeks. Tonight it was like watching a whole new person. You look good and sounded even better. I honestly think you just sang your way into the finale." Simon said and the studio audience went nuts.

"Wow. Thank you." My jaw dropped.

Ryan walked over and smiled as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pullingme into a small hug.

"Nicely done! How are you feeling?" Ryan asked.

"Much more relieved and shocked! Thank ya'll!" I said.

"Nicely done!" Ryan said.

"Thank you."

Ryan told everyone my numbers out my phone numbers and then the recap of the show started playing again. Lee and Cystal walked over and to me. Crystal hugged me and I hugged her back.

"Awesome job, girl!" She said.

"Thank you. Feels good to have it done with and actually do a decent job with it." I said, pulling away from her.

"It was better then decent." She laughed, wrapping her arm around me.

"That was sick! You killed it!" Lee laughed hugging me tightly, "I would give you a kiss, but I don't need anybody saying that we are dating."

"Save it for later." I said to him.

People started picking up on our relationships. Gossip magazines and everything were making up false rumors about us making out at events or sneaking away to do the nasty. It was completely false, because there was no PDA between us, because we didn't want people knowing yet. Our main focus was this competition and once we were done with it we would be free to hold hands and kiss if we wanted to, and it was going to be nice.

"Here they are America. You're top three! Phone lines are opened for two hours, so vote your favorite into the finale." Ryan said.

I stood next to Lee and he draped his arm casually around Crystal and me, as to not make it seem too obvious. If he was just touching me. The next thing would be I was knocked up with his baby.

---------------

"We're going for tattoos!" Lee said.

I was sitting in my living room with Crystal after the show. I was playing with her adorable two year old son, Tony Jr. as her boyfriend Tony looked on.

"What are you smoking, Lee?" I asked.

"Nothing. Mike and me are going and you guys are coming with us!" Lee said as his brother walked into the room.

"I'm down." Crystal smiled.

"I don't know. I think I may sit back and babysit, my boy right here!" I said, tickling Tony's sides as he let out a loud sheirk.

"You already promised! We never got to go when we wanted to a few weeks ago." Lee smiled.

"I don't know you guys." I sighed.

"Just come and watch." Crystal pleaded.

"Okay, but I'm not getting anything." I said.

"Yes she will." Mike said to Lee.

"Totally." Lee nodded.

What was I getting myself into.