"Also, don't you have someone with you? Maybe you could unload your mind and heart a bit by speaking to them? It reflects on your acting and what's on your mind too," Harmony said, offering one final piece of advice before they bid one another goodbye.
Beatrice was left to think about everything Harmony had told her.
...
Meanwhile, on their way home, Luca, Justin, Kenneth, and Gabriel, who had quietly listened to the conversation in the classroom, were reflecting.
They had checked in on the practice session after noticing how down Beatrice had been. They hadn't meant to eavesdrop—they were simply worried. But Harmony's voice carried a force that made it impossible to ignore.
"She's really something," Luca said, breaking the silence first.
His tone was thoughtful.
"Yeah," Justin agreed.
"The way she talks... it's like she knows exactly what someone needs to hear."
Kenneth gave a small laugh, shaking his head.
"She's blunt, though. It's not like she sugarcoats anything. I'd probably crumble if she talked to me like that."
Gabriel shrugged, "I don't think it's about being nice or harsh. It's about believing in someone enough to tell them the truth. Not many people can do that."
The four of them fell quiet again, pondering the strength it must take to inspire someone the way Harmony did.
"I wonder what it would feel like..."
Justin mused, "...to have someone say, 'You can do it,' and actually mean it. Not just words, but real belief in you."
Luca gave him a sidelong glance, "Don't we do that for each other?"
Kenneth chuckled, "Sure, but we're not exactly poetic about it."
"Still..." Justin said.
"...it wouldn't hurt to have someone like her on your side once in a while."
Gabriel silently nodded. Despite his reserved nature, he felt it would be nice to have someone like that by his side.
They walked off together, their usual teasing replaced by quieter reflections.
...
The very next day, Beatrice sat across from Kathrine in an empty classroom.
The coldness of winter mirrored the cold knot in her chest. She had been carrying this weight for days, but after her talk with Harmony, she knew she couldn't keep it inside any longer. Harmony had been right—it was better to lighten the load by leaning on someone.
"Kathrine," she began hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I need to tell you something."
Kathrine leaned forward, instantly alert. She could sense that Beatrice had been carrying something heavy all this time.
"What's wrong?"
Though they were best friends, they lived in different neighborhoods. They only spent time together at school or during planned meetups.
Beatrice took a shaky breath, her hands twisting in her lap.
"My father... he left."
Kathrine's brows knit together, "Left? What do you mean?"
"I mean he's gone," Beatrice said, her voice trembling.
"He just packed his things and left the house. One simple call, saying he was leaving. No explanation. Not that I don't know the reason, but there was just... nothing."
Kathrine's face softened with concern, "Bea..."
"He was the only person in that house who was even slightly on my side," Beatrice continued, her words tumbling out faster now.
"It wasn't much, but at least he was there. And now... now it's just me. Alone. In that place."
Kathrine's heart broke at the sight of her friend trying so hard to hold herself together. She reached across the table and took Beatrice's trembling hands in her own.
She was aware of the circumstances surrounding Beatrice's family but hadn't known the current situation—Beatrice hadn't told her until now.
"I'm so sorry," Kathrine said softly.
"I can't imagine how hard this must be for you."
Beatrice bit her lip, trying to hold back tears.
"It's not like he was a good father. But... I didn't think he'd just leave me there, with all the pressure, all the insults, everything. It's like he finally gave up on me."
Kathrine's grip on her hands tightened, "He didn't give up on you, Bea. He gave up on himself. And that's on him—not you."
Beatrice let out a shaky breath, her tears spilling over.
"It's hard, Kath. I don't know how I'm supposed to keep going."
Kathrine stood up suddenly, her voice firm and steady.
"You're going to keep going because you're stronger than this. You can do it because your talent is yours—not because of your blood or where you grew up. And you're not alone—you have me."
Beatrice looked up at her, her eyes wide and filled with distress.
Kathrine knelt beside her, holding her gaze.
"Listen to me. I promise you, Bea, I'll become the best lawyer this world has ever seen. And when I do, I'll make sure you're free to do whatever you want. You won't have to hold back because I'll ensure no one can hurt you again."
Lawsuits were what most people in the entertainment world feared. Even the smallest one could cost them their entire career. Kathrine vowed to be one of Beatrice's greatest supports on her journey.
Beatrice blinked, her tears slowing as Kathrine's words sank in, "What did I ever do to deserve this friendship from you?"
"You deserve it because I deserve your friendship," Kathrine said simply.
"And because you deserve to live your life freely."
Beatrice stared at her for a moment before finally breaking into a soft, tearful laugh.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice raw but grateful.
Kathrine smiled and pulled her into a hug, "You're going to be okay, Bea. I promise."
Beatrice clung to her tightly, letting herself cry freely for the first time in what felt like forever.
That evening, Beatrice stood on the balcony, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Harmony's words echoed in her mind.
'Confidence in what you are capable of is what you need the most.'
The road ahead felt daunting, and the emptiness her father left behind was still there. But for the first time in a long while, she felt something else too—hope.
As she looked up at the night sky, stars beginning to appear one by one, she let herself dream of a future where she wasn't trapped by fear or doubt—a future where she could finally chase her dreams.