. . . This is Me

**. . . This is Me**  is the fortieth chapter of Zak Saturday's Immortal Love Life. It was first published on February 9, 2016.

## Chapter

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**Sarah's POV**
A couple weeks past slowly, but the day of the talent contest finally came. I thought it never would. I’ve been practicing for it everyday after school and, hopefully, it was enough. Well, now’s the time to find out if it was all worth it.
I put on my favorite purple dress for luck and I waited back stage until my name was called. My family and friends gave me some last minute good lucks and advice.
“You’ll do great, Sarah,” Zack said. “Oh, and you too, Selena.”
She and I laughed. “Thanks.”
“Remember, it’s not about winning,” Mom said. She was carrying Emily. “It’s about showing your talent. And if you lose, either of you, accept it with honor.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I said.
Then I heard my name being called. My turn.
I looked at Selena.
“Good luck,” she told me.
“Selena, now I know you know that you’re not suppose to say those words in this kind of situation,” I said.
“Oh, right. Sorry. Break a leg.”
She gave me a hug and I hugged her back.
“Thanks. You too. But not literally.”
She laughed. “I know. Now go.”
I pulled away and walked onto the stage.
Wendy sneered at me as I walked by her. It took all of my willpower not to do anything back at her.
I approached the judges, bowed at them, then I sat down at the piano. The pressure was really on now.
I placed my fingers on the keys and began to play. I closed my eyes, imagined that no one else was here but me and my music.
I began singing:
I’ve always been the kind of girl
That hid my face
So afraid to tell the world
What I’ve got to say
But I have this dream
Right inside of me
I’m gonna let it show
It’s time to let you know
This is real
This is me
I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be now
Gonna let the light shine on me
Now I’ve found who I am
There’s no way to hold it in
No more hiding who I wanna be
This is me, yeah
Yeah.
Do you know what it’s like
To feel so in the dark
To dream about a life
Where you’re the shining star
Even though it seems
Like it’s too far away
I have to believe in myself
It’s the only way
This is real
This is me
I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be now
Gonna let the light shine on me
Now I’ve found who I am
There’s no way to hold it in
No more hiding who I wanna be
This is me
You’re the voice I hear inside my head
The reason that I’m singing
I need to find you
I gotta find you
You’re the missing piece I need
The song inside of me
I need to find you
I gotta find you
This is real
This is me
I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be now
Gonna let the light shine on me, yeah
There’s no way to hold it in
No more hiding who I wanna be
This is me
This is me
Now I’ve found who I am
There’s no way to hold it in
No more hiding who I wanna be
This is me
When I finished the song, I was breathless. The whole crowd and the judges were all on their feet and applauding me.
I could hardly believe that this was real and not a dream. I stood up from the piano, bowed, and walked back stage. My family and friends were all cheering, even Dad and Emily.
“That was incredible, Sarah,” Mom said.
“There’s nothing my twin sister can’t do,” Zack said.
“I’m so proud of you,” Dad said.
Selena hugged me. “You did it. Now, unfortunately, it’s my turn to do it.”
I laughed. “Thanks everybody. I couldn’t have done it with out all of your support.”

Everybody had finished their talents and now it was time to declare the top three winners. Selena got the third place trophy. Wendy got second (though she should’ve gotten last).
Now it was time to announce the winner.
“Now without further a dew,” the head judge said. “This year’s talent contestant first place winner is . . .” Drum roll. “Sarah Hollinger!”
I thought I imagined my name being called, but it really was called. I walked up to the judges, accepted my trophy, and shook all of their hands.
“You have a beautiful voice,” one of them said.
“Thank you,” I said.
I walked back to where I was standing before on the stage.

We all were standing outside of the school.
“So, Mom,” I said. “Did that prove to you that I am stage-fright-free, now?”
“Yes,” she replied with a smile.
“So can we go meet with a music producer now?”
“Sure. How about right now?”
I was confused. “Really?”
Then I heard someone clapping. I looked in the direction of where it was coming from and saw a man dressed in a suit. He was walking our way.
“What I’d tell ya?” Mom asked him.
“I’ll admit, I’m very impressed,” he replied, then turned toward me. “Hello, Sarah.”
“Umm, hi,” I said. “Not to be rude or anything, but who are you?”
“Sarah, this is Edward Price,” Mom said. “He is a music producer that I asked to come hear you sing tonight.”
“Thanks for the warning,” I said sarcastically.
“If I had told you that he was here, it would’ve made you more nervous.”
I shrugged. “Good point.”
“So, Edward. Are you going to consider Sarah for a record deal?”
“Hmm . . .” he mused. “Did you write that song all by yourself?”
I nodded. “Yes. Lyrics and music.”
“Fascinating. You really have an unbelievable talent for someone your age.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“And for that, I’d really like to work with you.”
“Really?”
“Really, really. Talent like yours deserves to be heard. Here’s my card.” He handed it to me. “I’d like you in my recording studio as soon as possible, say, Monday?”
“Sure,” I said, taking the card.
“Actually, Edward,” Mom said. “If it’s alright, we have our own recording studio to work in.”
“We do?”
She nodded.
“Alright, then,” Edward said. “Bring me a demo of that song and I’ll make you a star.”
“Ok. Done,” I said. “I’ll see you Monday.”
“You too. Now, can you send me back, Raylee?”
Mom flicked her hand and he disappeared.
“Mom, thanks for bringing him here,” I said.
“You’re very welcome,” she replied.
“Now, about that recording studio you mentioned?”
She smiled.

Back at our house, down in the music room, Mom led me to the end of it and then she used her powers and a door appeared. She gestured for me to open it.
I did and walked inside.
It definitely was a recording studio. It looked just like the ones I’ve seen on TV sometimes.
“Wow, Mom,” I said. “This is incredible. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome,” she replied. “I made it when you first told me you wanted to be a singer, and I saved it for a day like this. Now let’s go get some sleep and you can get to work tomorrow, ok?”
“Ok.”
“Congrats, Sarah,” Zack said. “I knew you could do it.”
“Same here,” Selena said.
“Thanks, guys,” I said.
I appreciated all the compliments and the congrats, but something didn’t feel right to me. Like I shouldn’t be the only one receiving all of this. Something felt missing. Or someone. And I knew who.
The one person that helped make this all happen for me the most:
Zak.

Yeah, another short chapter, but wasn't what Raylee did for Sarah cute?
Please review **here**.

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## Character Appearances

### Main Characters

* Sarah Hollinger
* Zack Hollinger
* Raylee Hollinger
* Zak Saturday (mentioned)

### Minor Characters

* Selena
* Wendy
* Emily Hollinger
* Cj Hollinger
* Edward Price