After Paige left, Candy went back into the house with her parents. Her mom said, "Just imagine, this Paige. She's so fearless. How dare she come here and try to speak at the top of her voice? This is what I've been going through in her hands."Anthony shook his head, "I can't believe how insolent she is. It's a good thing I threw her out. If I hadn't stopped by to pick up something, I wouldn't have known that she could speak so disrespectfully.""That's how she is, Dad," Candy replied. "But, um, Dad, did you see that Paige also performed at the Spark girls' show? I mean, for some reason, she was suddenly among the Spark Girls. Normally, spark girls are only four, and one is picked out as the best at the end. But she came out of nowhere, and for the first time, the Spark Girls were five. Dad, I don't want Paige to beat me."Her mom scoffed, "How will she beat you? You're more beautiful and more talented. You'll surely win over her.""I know that when it comes to talent, I'm much better

As Zach drove back to the office, he recalled how Paige had said she couldn't call him "sir" because it was disrespectful.He smiled, "Foolish girl, can't you tell that I don't want you to get so formal around me? So you can call Williams by his name but not me?""What is going on here?" The director who caught Candy before she could fall and pushed her forward asked.Candy pointed accusing fingers at Paige as she sounded aggrieved, "I don't know what I did to her. Perhaps she's jealous of me. I just came in here and saw her sitting down. I asked her if you were not in your office, and then she got up and slapped me. How can someone be so uncouth? Why would she do that? I am not going to spare her; this is unacceptable. No one has ever hit me before."As the director listened to Candy's accusation, the man stared at Paige, who was silent. She had an air of composure about her and did not show any signs of anger. He recalled what the top judge had said when he gave him Paige's name.H

Anthony watched in surprise as the young man who had flung his hand led Paige out of the hall.Once they were outside, Paige said, "Thank you very much."At this time, though, Candy was inside her car crying her heart out. It finally dawned on her that everyone had deliberately plotted to humiliate her, and she was convinced that Paige was in on the plan."Hi," the young man who had saved Paige said. "Do you need a ride home?""Oh no," Paige replied. "I already got one.""Do you know me?" He asked."Yes, who doesn't know you," Paige said. "It's such an honor to meet you."He chuckled, "Come on, don't be so serious, um.... Now that you're a Spark girl, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other frequently.""Really?""Yes, I have a deal with the Spark agency going on. I can collaborate with any good musician here in this agency.""That's nice," Paige said, smiling at him.While they were speaking, Zach, who was in his car waiting for Paige, noticed the way they were talking and smilin

Zach kept staring at Paige's head while her arms circled his back. Having her so close made him happy and more than anything, he wanted to hug her back but he feared that she would think he wanted to take advantage of her.Unknown to both Paige and Zach, someone secretly took a photograph of them and quickly left the scene.Paige finally pulled away from Zach. She had an embarrassed look on her face as she feared that she may have crossed the line and ruined Zach's mood."I'm sorry sir," she promptly apologized.Zach smiled, "It's okay, Paige. You were excited and with good reason.""Thank you so much, Mr. Zach," Paige beamed. "I promise not to let you down.""I believe you," Zach replied. "Now let's go inside and get you admitted.Paige was all smiles as they made their way into the school. She recalled how her dad had promised to send her to a music academy if she served the guests at his marriage anniversary.She has been so happy to get the opportunity, and although it wasn't a pr

A knock on the door startled both Paige and Zach. He let go of her face just as the door was pushed open.Hailey walked into the room happily and exclaimed, "I'm home!"Paige stared at her, wondering who would barge into someone else's room without regard for their privacy.Zach didn't seem upset by what Hailey had done so Paige concluded that she was very important to him.He got up and smiled, "Hailey! I had no idea you had arrived.""Well now you do," Hailey said as she walked closer to Paige."Hi, darling I..." Hailey paused and stared at Paige in surprise. "Have you been crying? She asked. Paige shook her head while Hailey glared at Zach, "Don't tell me you now make your maids cry."Zach shook his head, "What do you take me for?"She smiled, grabbed his hand, and said, "Come with me, I have a surprise for you.""Just get enough rest, Paige," Zach said before leaving the room, Hailey.Once they were gone, Paige sighed. Recalling how they had held hands, she said to herself, "Tha