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Chapter 4
"Ok, ok. I'll let you enjoy the game. I wonder why a girl loves soccer so much. I love it because I love to see 22 burly men chasing a ball. Getting high whenever Ryan Giggs sets on dribble or Alessandro del Piero sparks another attack from his coltish legs. But Eriko, tell me why do you love soccer." The phone rang.
"Just shut up and go pick up the phone." I was glad that the phone rang or else he would be talking non-stop. He must have suffered from the diarrhoe of the mouth. He went to pick up the phone and minutes later; I heard shrieks of yelling,
"It's the record company! Sam! They are looking for Sam!" I could not believe my ears. Before I could make out what was going on, Ryan had put the phone in my hands.
"Hel…lo, Eri, erm… Sam's speaking," I stuttered.
"Good morning, this is Mr. Given speaking. I'm from the record company. After days of considerations, we've decided to sign a contract with you. You're the choosen one."
"Me? But…"
"Is there any problem? Come to our office tomorrow and we will discuss about it."
"Thanks."
"Meet you tomorrow."
"Bye." I hung up the phone still trying to figure out whether it was real.
"They are signing me," I said in disbelief.
"Oh, Eriko! I told you you're great. See, you outmaneuvered more than hundreds of people who went to the audition." Ryan looked into my eyes,
"Eriko, aren't you happy?"
"I don't know. I'm confused."
"Why? It's your dream. You've been hankering to present your voice to the world. You always believe that your voice can bring sheen to other people. Now you have got the chance. Why sigh?"
"They think that I'm a guy. And that's the problem."
"Why bother? See, your goal is to light up people with your beautiful voice not your appearance. It's a chance of a lifetime. Don't let it slip away. I don't want you to look back in the future and have regrets."
"Ryan," I smiled wanly, "thanks for talking sense into my head though the whole plan of dress-crossing thing doesn't make sense at all. I'll accept their offer."
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There I was - as a guy - sitting comfortably in the office of Mr. Given. They offered me a contract and I signed it without any hesitation. Ryan was with me. He was there too.
"Now, you are a singer under our company. Welcome aboard. I hand you over to your manager, Brian," said Mr. Given as we shook hands. How would I dream that he would be my manager?
"I bet that you know that I'm Brian."
" Yeah. But I need time to understand the real Brian because from now on we'll be working together."
"That's right. I need time to understand you too, Sam."
"Ryan will be my guardian. Will there be any problem?"
"Definitely no."
From that day onward, I began my new chapter in my live as a singer. I didn't know being a singer had many other things to do apart from singing. We listened to demos, chose songs, went to the studio for recording. Recording a song might take days. Only then I realized it was a tough job but I knew I would perseveres in reaching out for my goals.
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"Are you free on Saturday?" Brian asked me.
"You should know, Mr. Manager," I said jokingly.
"Then, I have work for you. I'll be meeting them - I mean AJ and the guys. They will like to meet you too."
"Why?"
"Why? They just want to know you."
"I bet that you guys must be very busy with your work. But what makes you want to be a manager?"
"I want to see the different side of the industry, the business side, not only the glitzing and glamorous side of it. Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse."
"I see."
"So, are you coming this Saturday?"
" Sure."
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The gathering was held at the basketball court. Meeting with the BSB was what I had been dreaming for. Brian introduced me to them.
"Young lad, work hard and you will achieve your dreams," encouraged AJ.
"You know why we chose him?" asked Brian.
"Tell us, Mr. Manager."
"Sam. He is just like a little white rabbit - so pure and innocent. He exudes an air of sincerity and simplicity. That's what I had been looking for. His voice is so comfortable to listen to - as clear as the water. The powerful yet soft voice. An atmosphere of serenity pervades the hearts of those who listen to it." I didn't know he would think so highly of me. I must be blushing.
"That's enough, Brian. We know you have good taste. See, you're making him so embarrass," said Howie.
"Hey guys, let's start the game. Sam, join us," said Nick who didn't have a quiet bone in his body.
"No. You guys go on. I'm not very good in basketball."
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