Scene – Blue’s Restaurant, Friday EveningThe soft hum of jazz floated through the air as golden lights shimmered across polished wine glasses and dark wood tables. Blue’s Restaurant was quiet elegance — low-lit, romantic, and perfect.Tessy stepped in wearing a velvet green dress that matched the shimmer in her eyes. Her curls framed her face in soft waves. At the center of the room, Leo stood waiting in a black turtleneck and blazer, his nervous hands behind his back.He turned. And when he saw her, he smiled — the kind that silenced everything else.“You look…” He paused. “Like the kind of girl a song should be written about.”Tessy chuckled, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Smooth, Dalton.”He pulled out her chair. “Only for you.”As they sat and placed their orders — grilled catfish for her, steak for him — the waitress smiled knowingly. Leo had already told them it was a special night.“So,” Leo began, fingers laced beneath his chin, “you’re officially a finalist. National Musi
Scene – Springfield Campus, Saturday MorningSunlight poured through the thin curtains of Tessy's dorm room, but she was already awake — sitting cross-legged on her bed in silence, earbuds in, eyes closed. The hum of campus life below her window didn’t register. Today, everything faded into the background.This was it.She was one performance away from either rising into glory or fading into the crowd.There was a soft knock.Helena peeked in with a warm smile, followed by Greg balancing a tray of pancakes and juice, and Leo carrying a speaker on his shoulder like a hype man.“No one’s allowed to be nervous on an empty stomach,” Greg announced.Helena placed a soft scarf around Tessy's neck. “For warmth... and luck.”“You guys,” Tessy whispered, voice cracking.Leo grinned. “We’re not just your support system, Tess. We’re your fan club. VIP section, front row.”Tessy exhaled, finally smiling. “Okay. Let’s go win this thing.”Scene – Springfield Auditorium, AfternoonBackstage buzzed w
Scene – Springfield Campus, Monday MorningThe trees at Springfield swayed gently as students returned from their mid-semester break. The gates buzzed with chatter and rolling luggage, some students sunburned from travel, others still wearing camp wristbands.Helena leaned on the side of the school shuttle, arms crossed, watching Tessy and Leo argue over whose playlist ruined the group speaker.“I told you playing Fuji at full volume during marshmallow roasting was criminal,” Tessy said.Leo grinned. “And yet, the vibes were unmatched.”Greg threw his duffel bag over his shoulder and smiled. “Feels weird to be back.”“Yeah,” Helena agreed. “But also... kinda good. Like we’ve reset.”As they walked toward their dorms, a poster fluttered across the quad on a nearby pole:🎤 THE VOICE POP TALENT SHOW – This Saturday!Final Round. Live. One Winner. One Chance. 🎤Helena turned to Tessy. “Are you still doing it?”Tessy nodded, her lips pressed in determination. “It’s more than just singing
Scene – Whispering Pines Campground, AfternoonThe van screeched to a dusty stop, scattering gravel beneath its tires. As the doors flung open, Tessy leapt out with a cheer. “We are officially unplugging from reality!”Helena stepped out behind her, shielding her eyes from the sun. “And walking directly into mosquito territory.”“Positive vibes, please,” Greg said, hauling their bags from the back. “We’ve earned this.”Leo popped a piece of chewing gum and slung a camping chair over his shoulder. “I still vote for a resort next time.”The campground was nestled between soft, pine-covered hills. A gentle breeze carried the scent of earth, smoke, and wildflowers. Several tents were already pitched across the open field, and the buzz of laughter and distant guitar music filled the air.They were here for three days — a student-organized retreat for final-year students from various schools across the state.Scene – Campsite Set-Up, One Hour LaterHelena and Greg struggled with the poles o
Scene – Helena’s Dorm Room, 7:46 AMSunlight crept through the curtains, brushing softly over Helena’s face. She stirred beneath her blanket, groaning as she stretched.Her body was sore from dancing, her voice scratchy from laughter, and her feet still ached from heels she’d sworn were “comfortable” at the start of the night.But she was smiling.She reached blindly for her phone and blinked at the group chat lighting up:Leo: I swear I saw a ghost of my own dance moves in my dreams.Tessy: You summoned it with that moonwalk.Greg: Let’s all agree I won the body roll contest.Helena: You almost dislocated your hip. Sit down, fly boy.She chuckled to herself, typing one more message.Helena: Best night of my life. ❤️---Scene – Greg’s Dorm Room, 8:12 AMGreg sat cross-legged on his bed, sipping from a mug of hot chocolate. His tux was hanging on the closet door, the scent of Helena’s perfume still clinging faintly to the fabric.His roommate, Tony, groaned from the top bunk. “Did
Scene – Brentford Event Hall, 7:03 PMThe chandeliers glittered like constellations above the transformed auditorium. Rich navy drapes lined the walls, gold and silver ribbons crisscrossing above the dance floor. Fairy lights blinked softly from every corner, setting the whole hall aglow in a warm, dreamy haze.The theme was clear in every detail:🕊️ “New Light, New Legacy.” 🕊️And tonight, Helena stepped into the room like she was the legacy.She wore a floor-length navy gown, off-shoulder, with a soft shimmer like stardust. Her braids were pinned in an elegant updo, curls framing her face gently. Eyes lined in gold, lips a soft rose—she looked like the past, present, and future woven into one breathtaking girl.Greg spotted her first.He stood near the entrance in a dark tux with satin lapels and a crisp white shirt. A navy pocket square peeked from his jacket—matching her dress, of course.“Whoa,” he breathed, taking a slow step forward.Helena smiled. “Hi.”“That’s not a greetin