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 thought.
" Wait a minute. How exactly did you get an offer from the biggest creative school on the continent?" Amanda demanded with wide eyes.
" You heard that? I thought I heard wrongly." Anna's eyes fixated on Deloise. " What's this offer about?"
" Full scholarship and other benefits." She explained, " I can't even tell mom about it, she'll freak out! You know how that ended the last time." Deloise held her head. It was all too much, " I feel there's something there, but I can't even explore it." She added sadly.
" Then do it without her approval," Amanda said, so casually you'd think she spoke about the weather.
" Uh- no, you shouldn't. Amanda, what are you saying?" The reasonable Anna showed up, shocked at her friend's suggestion. " Don't listen to her, Dee. It won't end well. Your mom will never consent to it, it's best you focus on what you have here."
" You don't need it though," Amanda mumbled to the annoyance of Anna. " You just need money from your mom, which she already supplies via your school fees. Convert that and you can move to New York and fulfill your dreams!"
" I do not like where this is going." Anna sounded stressed. " Stop putting foolish ideas in her head, this isn't a joke!" She scolded, " Deloise, you always do the right thing, don't let anyone take that away from you."
Amanda scoffed, but didn't speak. She felt her message had been delivered. Anna's phone rang and a beautiful smile grew in her face.
" It's the boy toy," Amanda said in a sing-song voice, successfully knocking the smile off Anna's face. Deloise hit her by the ribs, gesturing that she cut it out but it was too late for that.
" You know what, Amanda?" Anna was aggravated, " that boy-toy has a name - Liam! Maybe if you could find someone that could stand you for five minutes, you wouldn't be here, spewing crap."
" Babes, it ain't that serious. " Amanda retorted, picking offense.
" What did you say? Anna was ready to pounce.
" Hey hey hey, you guys should calm down. I called y'all for support and now you're making me go through this?" Deloise asked with a hurt tone, successfully diffusing the situation.
" That was a joke Ann, take it." Amanda let out a sigh, " I'm sorry if it threw you off or rubbed off the wrong way." She added.
" I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have said the five minutes stuff. " Ann replied, apologetically. " I have to go," she announced, typing on her phone, then looking at Deloise, " Do the right thing, okay?" She said she left.
After some moments of silence, Amanda finally spoke, drawing Deloise's attention with her seriousness. " I've never said this before Dee," she began, " but I just need to tell you, so you don't make the same mistakes I did."
" Whatever you decide, make sure it's the best for you and no one else. Take the risk and if it doesn't work out, you'll rest easy knowing you did the best you could." Amanda's words shocked Deloise. " The worst feeling is regret. And I don't want that for you."
Deloise was stunned at her friend's advice. She never pictured her as one capable of making such serious and reflective comments. " Thank you.." she said, and felt an unfamiliar feeling of freedom.
" Great!" Amanda said in a much brighter tone, " there's a party tonight, and I need to get ready. Catch you later!" She smiled and picked up her things, " You're a star, everyone knows that, I just hope you do."
With that, Amanda walked out the door. Leaving her a lot to think about.
******
Ms Esther was busy in the kitchen when her phone rang. A smile came on her face at the sight of her daughter's name displayed.
" Baby, how are you doing?" She asked, in her best of moods.
" I'm fine mom, just missing you that's all," Deloise was sweet and docile.
" I miss you too hunny, can't wait for the semester to be over. The house's not the same without you. " She said, and rapidly turned the batter, aiming to finish it quickly.
" Are you in the kitchen? Is that cake I hear coming?" Deloise asked, having heard the noise off the phone.
" Yes darling, you know I'm incapable of ignoring my favorite daughter's call, " Esther said with a smile,
" You mean your only daughter's call mum, " Deloise pointed out with a laugh.
" Same thing to me." Ms. Esther dropped the bowl of batter as soon as she heard the oven go off. " I need to go hunny, hope you are great though,"
" Yeah, just here, trying to make you proud and staying happy while at it," Deloise explained, feeling tired of everything.
" I love you so much baby, I always want you happy, seeing you happy makes me proud and happy too." Esther said, hoping to cheer up her daughter. " Take it for the team, and always put your happiness first." She admonished softly.
" You mean that mom? " Deloise asked from the other line, feeling very emotional but trying to hide it from her voice.
" Of course I do! You're my priority love, never forget I love you. Don't stress and just trust yourself. Be happy for us both okay? " Ms. Esther requested, genuine with her words.
" Yes ma, " at that moment, Deloise knew exactly what it was she had to do. There was no stopping her now. " I love you, always." She concluded and the line went off.
Ms. Esther continued her work, clueless to what she'd unknowingly supported and fueled. Immediately, Deloise kicked off preparations for her new beginning as a student of the Royal Arts Academy.
*****
Deloise stood nervously in the kitchen, rigorously turning the batter for the first and last cake she was baking within the college walls
How 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 managed to convince and compel her out of their accommodation.
Perfectly satisfied with the meal's turnout, Deloise took it to the living room to cool off, while she set up for dinner. After that, she quickly sent a text to the group chat inviting the girls over.
Twenty minutes later, the front door was pushed open and the voices of Amanda and Anna filled the air.
" Ouu, now that's what we're talking about, what's that delicacy? " Amanda moaned, sniffing the air with her eyes closed.
" Don't act like a dog, foodie. It's just food. Good food, but still food." Anna retorted with a playful eye roll, and took a seat.
" I have no time for you- Hey! " Amanda yelled as she watched Anna pick up and eat a cupcake." No fair! dinner hasn't even begun yet and here you are already getting a head start. " she chastised, looking around, " where's our chef at though?" She asked, and picked up a cupcake for herself.
" I see you're both enjoying yourselves," Deloise stated, eyebrows raised, and the girls took in her presence.
" She started it! " The duo chorused, with mouth-fulls, pointing accusatory fingers at the other.
" Whatever, let's eat," Deloise said, and settled down. " I better get to it, seeing you guys already got a head start." She muttered and they burst out to a fit of laughter.
They all ate happily, chatting as they went at it and relaxing without stress. While the dinner drew to an end, Deloise grew into a nervous mess. She fought the urge to be cowardly about her decision, to take the easy route out.
She couldn't bring herself to say what it was, the way it is.
Anna observed something fishy but made no move to point it out. Amanda on the other hand was pretty much engulfed in their chat. Having had enough, Anna finally spoke up,
" What is it?" She asked, looking at Deloise who at the time felt exposed by the question. Amanda finally noticed the situation,
" Hehehe, what are you talking about?" Deloise said with a nervous laugh.
" I am not an outsider, if I say something's wrong, then something is definitely wrong," Anna said pointedly, calling her out.
" I didn't notice anything though," Amanda added her two cents, still quite confused.
" I don't- " Ann spoke sternly but was interrupted by Deloise.
" Fine. I do have something to say." She began, " I was going to speak up anyways." She mumbled and cleared up her throat.
Her palm suddenly became sweaty and her throat dried. She swallowed under the intense gazes of her friends, seeking the confidence to say what she had to say.
" Okay, I think you need some water..." Amanda trailed, and handed over a bottle of water.
" Thanks," Deloise said in a small voice, then took a sip. Anna who had been watching the exchange had a lot of theories as to why she acted in such a manner.
Deloise' internal conflict was obvious but she couldn't figure out its cause. A bulb suddenly went on in her head and it suddenly started to add up.
" I hope it isn't what I think it is," Anna stated in disbelief, and her eyes widened. " I thought we closed that chapter, Dee! what are you thinking?" Anna asked, shaking the form of Deloise.
" You don't know what you're saying," Deloise mumbled, knowing her friend was onto her, and disheartened by her reaction.
" Can someone please tell me what crazy things are happening right now? I thought we were having fun." Amanda felt lost.
" I thought so too. So tell us, what is it that you want to do exactly?" Anna said, standing with her hands akimbo.
Deloise's brain ran a thousand miles per second, her patience thinned as the seconds flew by. Unable to hold it anymore, she stood up, feeling aggravated as she aired her opinion.
" Yes! I want to do it!" She yelled, " I've always wanted to do it. Hell, I'm doing it!" She affirmed, unashamedly." I've had enough of everyone trying to control my life! Enough of bending to the will of everyone sans myself! And I'm done with sacrificing my dreams for others! " She spoke hysterically, maddening the more she spoke. " You once said I needed a real shot at it, and guess what, that real shot opened up. You expect me to just let it slip by?" She asked in disbelief. " I refuse to miss this opportunity, Ann. I'm going through that door," she said resolutely. " I have decided."
The atmosphere was tense after her episode. Both girls faced the other, each refusing to back down. Amanda felt stuck in the middle, she supported Deloise' decision but didn't know if it was the right time to air her opinion.
Anna wore a wicked glint, " You've made up your mind, huh? And what does your mother have to say about it?" She asked and Deloise froze. " Oh my, you haven't told her to have you?" she spoke snidely. " Yeah, I thought so."
" That's not something you should use for petty remarks, Ann." Amanda gritted, unhappy with the way things were headed.
" Shut up!" she replied, not sparing her a glance.
" You know what?" Deloise began, with an odd calmness. " I'm not trying to do this with you so let's make this easy." She declared, " It's either you support me or you don't, whichever way I'm leaving at dawn tomorrow," Deloise informed, with a stoic look.
What was supposed to be a send forth, was now a royal screw up. A barely contained wave of surprise hit the girls at Deloise's declaration.
" Whatever your decision is, you're not at liberty to talk to your mom or mine about this. Keep it to yourself and we'll be fine." Deloise gritted, understanding the message passed by her friend's silence.
" Do whatever you want, but do not insert yourself into the affairs of me and my family. " Deloise warned, her face expressionless.
" Wow." Anna breathed, shaking her head. " You want to go on with this? Without even getting consent from your mom? I thought we were past this?" Anna asked, sounding almost hurt.
Deloise' expression was locked, barely giving anything of her emotions.
" Fine. I won't. I don't need to be here anyway." Anna said, brimming with anger. " Do what you want, I don't care. have a nice life." She said coldly and left the room.
Amanda knew not to poke at the matter, it was bad enough as it is. " So... tomorrow, huh?" she asked lightly, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.
" Yeah… " Deloise replied, forcing a smile onto her face.
" How are you going about it though?"
" I kinda replied to the mail and confirmed that the spot was still quite available. With some back and forth, I was sent a flight ticket to New York City." She explained.
" Congratulations darling, I'll miss your fine self," Amanda said genuinely, excited.
" I'll miss you too," Deloise replied with a smile and they hugged. In seconds, they both broke up beaming.
" Let's get packing! " Amanda called out, ready to help.
Deloise smiled at her enthusiasm and took a not
-so-discreet glance at the shut door across, belonging to Anna.
" She'll come around, just give her the night. By tomorrow y'all will be besties again." Amanda assured, and Deloise replied with a nod.
The duo went into her room, quietly packed up and soon enough, they were asleep, ready to take on the world the next day.