CHAPTER 16

The girls settled into the school, and built a three way friendship with Amanda - a freshman they met in the school banquet. Amanda was the social one, always getting invited and showing up to the school's events with the girls.

It was school hours and the girls went out to do some filing. " When are you going to ask that boy out, Ann?" Amanda started, " we all know you feel something."

Anna felt ruffled, " I don't want to rush into Anything." She replied, but Amanda wasn't having it.

" Rush into anything? I'm not asking you to have sex with him, girl. Maybe go out on a date?" She suggested, " I mean, you've been in the awkward friendship phase for too long."

" Now you're getting on my nerves. Can we drop this?" She hissed.

Seeing the case was getting thick, Deloise intervened.

" When Ann is ready to take that step, you'll be the first to know, Amanda." She lectured, and Amanda raised her hands in mock surrender. " You can also drop the attitude, Ann. That tea is long overdue." Deloise wriggled her eyebrows. " While you girls were biting, I got my job done. I'll be off to get my certificates, don't bite yourselves while I'm gone."

Deloise left, headed to a Cyber cafe, and got on with her business. She opened her mail and unsuccessfully scanned through in search of her certificate to no avail.

She dailed her mom as she went through the unread mails, and suddenly caught sight of a mail that took breath from her lungs.

___

SCHOLARSHIP OFFER. ROYAL ARTS ACADEMY.

Dear Deloise Tanner,

Congratulations! You have been selected as one of the winners of the scholarship at the Prestigious Royal Arts Academy.

We remain committed to making the best out of our students and talented young individuals across the states. Please contact the Directors' office for more inquiries and due process.

Accept Our congratulations on your scholarship!

Signed: Mr. Austin. Director, Royal Arts Academy.

____

" Hello... are you there?" Esther's voice broke Deloise from a trance.

" H-hello... Y-Yes, I-I am h-here." she stuttered, still staring at the screen in disbelief.

" Why do you sound like that, have you received it yet?"

" Y-Yes. Thank you so much, I have to go!"

" Alright. Give my regards-"

Before Esther could finish her statement, Deloise hung up and dropped the phone. She read and re-read the mail in shock.

At some point, she looked around and pinched herself - all to ascertain it was reality. When the mail dropped, she immediately printed the certificate and letter before heading out.

Meanwhile, there was an uproar in the Royal Arts Academy. The auditions for the movie - scorned were held in the school. After going through the script, Aaron decided to try his hand at it.

He loved a challenge, and with the complex character of the protagonist, he decided to give it a shot. There wasn't anything to lose either way. Stella felt over the moon when she heard the news, and his willingness strengthened her resolve to get the female lead role.

The selection day came for both male and Female leads of the movie. Young, talented and prospective individuals came for tryouts hoping to land themselves the role.

Stella and Aaron walked into the hall and as usual, they commanded the attention of people. They found a spot and prepared for the exercise while murmurings on their presence filled the air.

Meanwhile, Mr. Austin, Daniel Greenwood, Mr Hart Ambrose - director of the Evolve management company, and one of the most talented playwright, Ema Bennet were seated in the director's office.

The distinguished personalities were brought together as judges for the procedure of selecting the production cast.

" Is she not interested in the deal?" Mr. Hart inquired in wonder at the case presented before them.

" Am afraid that remains to be known. There's been no reply whatsoever from her ever since the video." Mr. Austin informed, looking between the influential people gathered in his office.

" As opposed to waiting for her, why not take today's selection seriously and choose a new female lead?" Ema Bennett opined, " we've gathered some of the finest talents out there who are more than willing to do the job."

" We could take that route, I have no problem whatsoever," the director said with a shrug, inwardly happy and confident in his students ability to deliver and snag the role now it was fair game.

" What do you think Daniel, are we going ahead with the process or are you still hung up about your mystery female?" Mr. Hart spoke with a lopsided grin.

Daniel sat in the director's seat, rolling a plastic globe. His mind jumbled the thoughts of why the lady in question would put in an audition video, and when given an opportunity, would be a no-show.

He couldn't forget the talented young lady who gave him goosebumps via a one-minute-long video that kept him like an addict, rewatching and wanting more of what she had to offer.

At some point, he thought to put her video on his socials but he knew it would turn into a hassle and bring a lot more than the lost actress.

" Hellooo, Daniel? " Mr. Hart snapped his fingers, and drew the attention of Daniel- who stood up with his hands dipped in his pockets.

" We would be selecting a female lead today." He began, " but I'm still optimistic about our mystery lady. Very optimistic."

" There we go again.." Ema muttered and there were murmurs of agreement.

Daniel resumes speaking, " We will choose a Female lead. But please give it an extra week. If there's nothing, then we proceed with whoever stands out from today." He explained with difficulty.

" If she does show up, what happens with the one selected from today?" Mr. Hart asked, still trying to grasp the reins of his proposition.

Daniel's answer was automatic. " She gets the supporting role."

" I'm not so fond of this idea, but I'm choosing to trust you." Ms.Ema said with a shrug, " it's your show anyway."

" Fair enough."

*****

Stella was seated in the hall, waiting her turn when Flora's call came in. She excused herself and spoke inaudibly.

" Hey, I'm at the tryouts-"

Her words were cut off by Flora's excited ramblings.

" I got it, I got the news!"

" Calm your nerves and talk to me" She hissed, " I can't be caught on the phone right now."

" I heard the director of Evolve is part of the production board." She informed, " Also, Ema Bennett happens to be part and parcel of the project, alongside some other big shots in the industry. Word says they are all on campus."

Stella held her silence for a while, " Alright, I'll get back to you." She said and ended the call.

She mentally doubled her determination to get the role. With news of the people involved, she couldn't stand the thought of losing her role.

" Who was that?" Tony asked, noting the change in her countenance." What's got you so hyped?"

" Let's just say I'm feeling good about this whole process." she said with a smile he thought unusual.

" You're acting odd." He pointed out, and before she could muster a reply, she was called in for her turn.

After the process, a lot of people left looking deflated and sullen, others maintained an optimistic approach, while Aaron walked out as the male protagonist.

Immediately he finished his take, the judges made a conclusive decision to end the process as they'd found the best candidate. Meanwhile, Stella felt confident in her smooth delivery but for the first time ever, she couldn't deduce the thoughts of the judges.

Coupled with the fact Aaron was awarded his role instantaneously, she felt a bit insecure at the inconclusive results on the female lead role. Nevertheless, she rested easy knowing the ones supposed to compete against her were more or less her fans.

On the other hand, Daniel left the place with news of Elvis' failure to produce encouraging results to his search. He left Royal Arts with a dampened and relentless determination.