After the chosen vocalists signed their contracts, Charlton had to work with them directly. The process was very straightforward. He gave them a copy of the sheet music each and asked them to rehearse with the band.
Meanwhile, he continued working on his own song. As said, he needed to compose one of his own to attest his own ability as a music producer. The song needed to be produced alongside the other 2 songs so that they can be sold together.
Although he was busy with everything that's happening, he was inspired to do it as it would also serve as his song dedicated to Serena. Come on, although he's a man, he can also act as a lovestruck teen. He was even planning to have it played during the opening of Benz-motors. Come to think of it, it may also serve as a marketing strategy.
Charlton looked up from the sheet music he's working on when someone knocked on the door.
"Yes?" he asked.
Richmond opened the door of the control room, "Producer Daniel, I think the vocalists for sun and moon are ready." He informed.
Charlton nodded then he instructed, "alright. Ask them to enter the recording booth so we can start."
--
After Emily signed the contract, she felt satisfied. She was 10 grand richer, and if the song sells well, she will even earn 3% from royalties. It was not a bad deal, given that she just needed to sing. Though she wondered, how much do other people make when they compose their own songs?
Anyway, there's no point pondering about it as she will soon find out when she's ready with her song. For now, she should focus on impressing everyone with her voice.
Edward introduced her to Harry and Roger. Lord Roger Grimmauld was a viscount, and he was the composer of 'Sun and Moon' that she will be singing. He praised her voice to high heavens, and it felt great. Truth was, it has been a while since she felt appreciated.
In school, her achievements have been trampled by Serena, so she felt like she did not get the commendation she deserved. Now, even at the time when she won the audition, she felt that it was all surreal. The feeling was addictive and she wondered, what more when she became popular?
When they arrived at the recording studio, Charlton first gave them a short tour and explained how everything worked. Then, he handed them the sheet music and left them to work with the band members. Thinking that she will be working with them more in the future, she acted friendlier.
Learning the whole song was not difficult but it was time consuming because there were 3 of them being taught. She and her duet partner, Claude, learning 'Sun and moon'. While Danny the other vocalist learning 'Daisy Bell'.
Aside from that, she realized that the other 2 were not as adept as her at learning. For her, she only has to listen once or twice, and she would be able to get it right away. The other 2 took longer to learn. Though of course, she tried to act encouraging when in fact she was already getting irritated with how long they were taking.
After 2 hours, they had their lunch. Charlton did not join them, and it seemed like he was busy himself doing whatever. She wanted to talk to him, but she didn't want to make an impression that she's vying for his attention in front of everyone.
They continued with the learning process and the rehearsal after having their lunch. By 3 in the afternoon, they were ready.
Richmond, the band leader, told them to wait awhile as he will inform Producer Daniel.
Emily noted how respectful to Charlton everyone working there was. Then it got her thinking.
She knew that she needed a man to raise her status as that was what society dictates. That's why she has been trying to find herself a man who can help her out of her dilemma. She attempted and even successfully got together with Geoffrey, when that failed, she tested the waters with Charlton, and then when she saw that there was no hope, she tried with Douglas.
Geoffrey was the crown prince of Windsor. She truly did love him once upon a time but seeing him head over heels for Serena made her realize that it would be pointless pursuing him. She understood that Geoffrey was a man on a mission. Meaning, he won't let anything in his way when he wants something or someone. If she were to pursue him, she would just get his ire. Anyway, she can just laugh as Serena place a green hat on his dumb head.
With Douglas, she realized that although he did like her a lot, he was not even half as good as the way Geoffrey has been to her. Also, she's tired of pleasing him, conforming to be his ideal woman when all she wanted was to hit his head. She can remain as friends with him for connections purposes, but she would never rely her future on him.
Then, there's Charlton. When Charlton told her that she can only be his friend, she just thought that he was pig headed, and that he was not her type anyway. However, looking at him now, she can see that she did not give him enough credit.
Although, she believes that receiving Serena's leftover was beneath her, she can gauge how beneficial it is to get close to Charlton. Not only that, getting linked to him in public will definitely boost her popularity. That was why when the man, Howell, working for the esquire asked, she told him that Serena was already engaged. It was an opening for her.
She knew she has talent, but she wanted to trample Serena. Make her taste the feeling of defeat like the way she made her feel over and over. However, she was self-aware. She knew that Serena was prettier, richer, nobler, and though she hated to admit, even have higher grades than her. No matter how one looks at it, she was but a speck of dust when placed beside her. So how can she win?
Thus, she formulated a plan. If she can't beat Serena on that regard, then she will use a different approach. She can use her disadvantage to become her advantage instead. What appeals to people aside from those they can't reach, are those who they can relate to and want to cheer forward. Thus, she will start by projecting an angelic Cinderella image to the public. Then, to boost her popularity more, she will link herself to Charlton.
She wanted to smirk thinking how conniving her scheme was, but she wanted to project an angelic image. Thankfully, her musing was put to a halt when Richmond returned to ask her and Claude to enter the recording booths.
--
Emily entered one recording booth, while her duet partner entered another. She wore the stand-in earphones as she tried to speak on the mic.
"hello?" she said.
The people laughed, and Claude, said 'hi' through his mic in return.
Charlton also smiled from the control room. "Okay you two, let's try this out. Richmond, you guys can start."
With that the band members started playing the instrumentals and Emily hearing her cue started singing.
"You are sunlight and i moon
Joined by the gods of fortune
Midnight and high noon
Sharing the sky
We have been blessed, you and i…"
Charlton had to admit that Edward was correct. Serena's foothold in the music industry would be shook if she were to hand out her composed songs. Emily can be set as a primary example. Her vocal talent was truly astounding.
When it was Claude's turn, his rich alto voice complimented Emily's perfectly.
"You are here like a mystery
I'm from a world that's so different
From all that you are
How in the light of one night
Did we come so far?"
After they finished their first try, Charlton started giving them some pointers. Emily and Claude took his words in gratefully. Then, they sang it again for 3 more times before Charlton was satisfied. Then, it was Danny's turn.
Anyway, when everyone was done with their rehearsals, they agreed to have the songs recorded on the 7th.
--
TBC