Young Aria sat up in bed.
The first thing that slipped into her mind was the competition.
What else was there to think about?
She had made up with Marie. She had become friends with Lewis and, over time, had started to understand him a little better.
He was still quiet. Still distant.
Still the same boy she had always known.
Just... a little less mysterious now.
Excitement bubbled inside her as she called for her mother.
A few moments later, Mom appeared at the doorway, looking half asleep.
"Baby, what's all the noise about? It's still early."
"Today's the day!" Aria practically bounced on the bed. "I can't wait for you to see me perform on stage."
Then she grinned.
"Mom, help me get ready. I want to look perfect... just like Evelora."
Mom raised an eyebrow.
"Honey, didn't we talk about this obsession of yours? Tell me honestly. During all this rehearsals, have you been watching Evelora instead of focusing on your own performance?"
Aria's smile faltered.
"No, Mommy. I only said that because we're singing one of her songs. I've been focused on rehearsal."
It was a lie.
But she couldn't bear the thought of disappointing her mother on such an important day.
Mom seemed satisfied.
"Good. Now go take your shower. I'll do the same."
"Okay!"
Aria jumped off the bed and hurried away.
---
Once they were both ready, Mom stood in Aria's room holding several dresses.
After carefully comparing them, she finally chose one and slipped it over Aria's head.
A light spray of perfume followed.
Soon they were fixing their hair, putting on their shoes, and making final adjustments.
Mom stepped back and smiled.
"Now let's go, sweetheart."
Together they left the house, climbed into a cab, and headed toward the competition venue.
---
The memory faded and another took its place.
Aria arrived at the school looking her absolute best, thanks to mother.
She couldn't help adding a playful little catwalk as they made their way inside.
After asking for directions, they were guided to the large hall where the competition would be held.
Before they could go any farther, Miss Sofia hurried over.
"Aria, you look gorgeous, sweetheart."
"Thank you, Miss Sofia. But I think my mom deserves most of the credit."
Miss Sofia laughed.
"Ma'am, you've raised such a lovely child. You did a wonderful job."
Mom's smile widened.
"Thank you."
"Please, have a seat," Miss Sofia said, gesturing toward the audience section.
Then she turned to Aria.
"You, come with me."
Aria nodded and followed her backstage.
She spotted Lewis and the others gathered backstage. Rebecca was already there, nervously adjusting her outfit.
Aria immediately hurried over to stand beside Lewis.
The competition soon began.
From where they waited backstage, they could hear the host introducing the schools one after another. The hall wasn't enormous, but it felt big enough to make Aria nervous.
Parents filled most of the seats. Teachers sat near the front while a few people moved around recording parts of the event.
Soon, the representatives from another school were called onto the stage.
The room fell quiet.
Their performance was good.
Very good.
Their voices blended effortlessly, and by the time they finished, applause filled the hall.
Aria swallowed.
The others looked nervous too.
Even Lewis seemed unusually focused.
For the first time, Aria felt the pressure settle heavily on her shoulders.
Before anyone could overthink it, Miss Sofia gathered them together.
"Listen to me," she said.
Everyone turned toward her.
"You heard their performance."
A pause.
"Now forget about it."
That earned a few surprised looks.
Miss Sofia smiled.
"You didn't spend all those weeks practicing just to be intimidated by another school."
A few nervous laughs escaped.
"Trust yourselves. Trust your rehearsals."
Her smile softened.
"Now go out there and make us proud."
The group nodded.
Then they walked toward the stage.