Scene – Springfield Auditorium, Graduation MorningThe auditorium was a sea of navy blue gowns and beaming families. Banners fluttered overhead, golden sashes glinting beneath soft spotlights. The air buzzed with excitement and the hush of dreams coming true.Helena sat with her hands neatly folded, her tassel brushing her cheek, heart hammering against her ribs. She looked to her left — Greg, already grinning at her. To her right — Tessy clutching Leo’s hand under her robe.“Is this really happening?” Tessy whispered.Leo kissed her temple. “It is. We made it.”Scene – Award AnnouncementsThe Dean took the podium, reading out names with practiced grace.“…Top Law Graduate — Helena Martins!”Applause thundered.Helena stood, steady and glowing. She walked across the stage with dignity, her eyes shining. As she received her award, she whispered under her breath, “This is for you, Sophia.”“…Best Cadet Performance and Flight Leadership Award — Greg Dalton!”Greg’s stride was confident,
Scene – Springfield Flight Academy, MorningGreg stood by the runway, helmet in hand, staring at the twin-prop plane that would take him through his final evaluation — a complex air navigation test that would determine if he’d graduate top of his class.His instructor, Commander Durojaiye, clapped him on the back. “Dalton, you ready to paint the sky?”Greg exhaled slowly. “Yes, sir. It’s now or never.”“You’ve flown well all year. Today, just trust the training. Don’t chase perfection—chase precision.”As Greg climbed into the cockpit, he thought of Helena, of their late-night call the evening before, when she whispered: "You’ve already touched the sky, Greg. Now show them you belong there."The tower gave him clearance. The plane’s engine roared to life.And he soared.Scene – Springfield Law Hall, Mock CourtroomHelena stood at the podium, gripping her opening statement. Today was the final round of the Law School’s Shadow Justice Challenge — a simulation judged by practicing lawyer
Scene – Anthem Records Studio A, Monday MorningTessy stood in the center of Studio A, eyes wide as she took in the glowing console, padded walls, and velvet drapes that dimmed the morning light. It didn’t feel like a studio.It felt like a cathedral.A sanctuary.She clutched her notebook close to her chest.Pamela Oku entered, phone in hand and energy like a whirlwind.“Vocal coach will be in at noon, sound check in twenty. Today’s just warm-ups and vibe hunting,” she said. “We’ll record proper on Wednesday.”Tessy nodded, her heart pounding like a snare drum. “Got it.” Sure! Here's the continuation of Chapter One Hundred and Twenty of The Bully Who Fell First, continuing Tessy's exciting first days at Anthem Records while also touching on Helena, Greg, and Leo supporting her from their own paths.Chapter One Hundred and Twenty (Part 2): Echoes of FirstsScene – Studio A, Wednesday MorningTessy sat on a stool, headphones adjusted, mic lit, and a team of producers seated behind t
Scene – Monday Morning, Lagos – Anthem Records HQTessy stood at the entrance of the sleek glass building with butterflies tap-dancing in her stomach. The towering sign that read Anthem Records shimmered under the sun, but all she could see was the weight of what it meant.Her hand gripped the strap of her guitar case. The same guitar she'd played in her dorm, in classrooms, at school events — and now, it had followed her here.“Breathe,” she muttered to herself.“You’ll be fine,” Leo said beside her, dressed in a neat polo and jeans. “You’re not just a singer anymore. You’re the singer.”Tessy gave a half-smile. “I still feel like a little girl pretending to be Beyoncé.”“Well, newsflash: even Beyoncé had to walk through a glass door the first time.”They entered.Scene – Anthem Records, LobbyThe receptionist greeted them warmly and directed them to the 12th floor. Tessy stepped into the elevator and watched the numbers tick up like a countdown.“This is real, isn’t it?” she whisper
Scene – Morning of the Festival, Civic ArenaThe sun rose soft and golden over Springfield as Tessy laced up her boots in the hotel suite provided for finalists. Her fingers trembled slightly. The kind of tremble that lives between fear and anticipation.Helena braided her hair calmly, her voice steady. “You’ve sung through heartbreak, through fear, through finding yourself. What’s today compared to that?”Greg, sprawled on the couch, added, “You’re a beast, Tess. A musical lioness.”Leo stepped in, holding a thermos and her favorite lemon muffins. “And your lion pride is here, obviously.”Tessy laughed. Just like that, the shaking stopped.Scene – Backstage, Civic ArenaThe air was electric. Cameras flashed. Finalists paced. Coordinators whispered into earpieces. But Tessy stood still, eyes closed, earbuds in, breathing.She whispered to herself, “This is for me. This is for every time I thought I wasn’t enough.”From the sidelines, Leo watched her, hand clenched over his chest. Hele
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