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." C'mon Deloise, you know how much I hate suspense. Can you please talk to us?" Amanda inquired, scared by the silent treatment." Loise, I'm getting scared, what's going on?" Anna spoke softly, her tone riddled with concern. " I might need to call your mom if you don't get speaking."That elicited a reaction from Deloise. " Don't call her!" She blurted, with her eyes wide, " I just needed a moment." The two ladies sported a knowing smirk and drew closer to her." Okay?" Amanda urged," Swear to me that whatever I say doesn't leave this room." Deloise said, looking between them. " I meant that." She added after seeing their reluctance." That's ridiculous." Anna began, " you should-"" I swear!" Amanda said, eliciting a smile from Deloise. Anna sported an eyeroll." Whatever. We don't have all day."Deloise suddenly felt nauseous. She couldn't understand why she felt so nervous." IgotanofferfromRoyalArtsAcademy, " she blurted in one breath.The girls didn't hear a thing. Or so she
Deloise stood nervously in the kitchen, rigorously turning the batter for the first and last cake she was baking within the college wallsHow did she know? Because she finally decided to leave. No going back now.Ever since she had the conversation with her mother, she was convinced of exactly what it is she must do. Her mother made her stance clear as regards the matters of her happiness and she truly believed this was the right choice - It had to be.Deloise felt certain that her decision would prove to be her best decision yet. This time, she wasn't letting anyone discourage or stop her. Not her mother, not her friends, and definitely not herself.She made peace with the fact that she must pursue her dreams. Even if it meant doing so alone. After preparing the cake, she made dinner. She'd previously asked the girls to come around this evening for what she referred to as a surprise dinner.Anna was skeptical when she asked for space to prepare the said surprise dinner but she manage
It was finally the day. Deloise woke up with a startle. It felt like the universe skipped a beat and she immediately checked the time on her phone, noting Amanda's presence beside her.Memories from the previous night crept into her consciousness but she didn't feel anything. She felt so calm, she wondered if it was the calm before the storm.Remembering the time, she got up with a lightning speed and hopped into the shower. Her flight was scheduled for seven, and it was her first ever flight.She couldn't afford to be late!Her fuss awakened Amanda who opened her eyes with a squint, while Deloise threw a good morning as she prepared herself. This time around, she couldn't risk failing.Before you know it, Amanda was up and doing the lord's work. Deloise met her suitcases packed by the door, while Amanda fussed around, ticking things off the list they created to avoid forgetting anything." All done." Amanda said, looking around the bare looking room.Everything had been packed up, sa
Daniel watched as she visibly struggled for words, failing every time to produce something. His smirk graduated into a full-blown smile seeing her antics around him." Miss Deloise," He called her, " I'm sorry we had to meet under such…circumstances, " He hesitated a little, lacking proper words to explain his stunt. Afterwards, he continued, " Glad to finally meet you." He reached out his hand for a formal meeting.Deloise grabbed his hand with both hands and shook excitedly, " Nice to meet you too, sir! I'm a big fan of yours!" She said with sweaty palms, " I can't believe it's you!"" Glad we cleared that up," he smiled, " you may go now, straight to the Royal Arts," Daniel ordered, and the driver maneuvered the car through the roads, next stop, Royal Arts Academy.During the journey, the duo spoke on various topics in conversation, each more passionate than the last, they never seemed to run out. Soon, they got to the Royal Arts Academy gates, and Deloise held back tears. She was
Deloise was in character. She'd been nervous of the watchful eyes of Daniel Greenwood and the importance of this very audition, and fumbled twice as a result of fear, which earned her a solid rebuke from Daniel, and a last chance of redemption coupled with a pep talk from him to give it her best shot.Knowing it was her last shot, Deloise recounted her journey and how she'd discovered her passion for creative arts, its consequences and costs so far. She walked all the way to this moment in order to do what she loved and there was no way in hell she was going to leave a failure. She was far too gone to fail. Under the watchful eyes of the men thrio, Deloise slumped to the floor. Her face contorted to one with immense pain, and the spectators felt the mood of the room change.In character, she crawled painfully to the mannequin situated meters away from her. In the scene she was to deliver, she had just found her son, bloodied on the floor, and killed by poison administered by her hus
Aaron stood with a smirk, waiting for the fire cracker to return, knowing he was her only hope of navigating the school grounds. He was surprised when he found out she actually left. Without him.Mr Austin and Daniel watched their interaction and couldn't help but smile at the duo. Mr Austin was pressing to have Aaron let out of the production, yet refusing to cite a solid reason." They already hate each other, let's make it easier and find some other male lead." Mr Austin said, pressing on the notion to have Aaron dismissed." Matter of fact, if I hadn't seen that, I would have accepted to replace him. But now, he doesn't seem like he wants to lose the role." Daniel Greenwood said, motioning to Aaron who stood with an odd smile, looking at the door in bewilderment." You don't know that." Mr Austin said with a smile." Let's find out then," Daniel said, and without further Ado, called out to Aaron with an excited glint in his eyes. " Hey boy! Still want to drop your role?" He asked
Deloise was in her Royal Arts dorm room. Since her arrival the previous day, she was occupied with unpacking and getting her schedule ready. For the first time in a while she was finally getting free time to properly settle in before classes commenced.Layla - who was tired from her seven o'clock class- dozed off the moment she returned. She could tell that her roomate wasn't a morning person.Nevertheless, Deloise was happy to finally get settled inside her room and got busy on her phone, going through the internet, when she came across a picture of a popular mother and daughter duo in the industry.For a while, she analyzed the picture with a ghost smile. How great would it be if she had her mother with her on this journey? Deloise wondered if a time would come when she got the support of her mother.As though the earth heard her thoughts, her phone broke out in a loud ring, and to her utmost surprise, it was her mother!How on earth she decided to call at that point in time was a t
Deloise was dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans. She turned on her phone, searching for food spots on campus. Seeing her roommate wasn't available, she figured it was best she found her way around campus.Sooner than later.As she strode towards the direction of the cafeteria, she made mental notes on the way and couldn't help but notice the odd looks thrown her way from fellow students.The Royal Arts Academy was a community of over five thousand people - staff and students Inclusive. It was a community that was tight knitted and uneasy to get into.As a result, people recognized each other by default. Making it obvious when a new face showed up. And with Deloise, being a new intake, she stuck out like a sore thumb.Trying her best to appear unaffected by their stares, Deloise headed quickly towards the school's cafeteria, hoping it wasn't too filled up with people. It was school hours afterall.Upon entering the cafeteria, she was welcomed by beautiful aromas of pastries and food.