Chapter 40

A clear note from the piano echoed through the hall. Instantly, Queenie began to dance, her arms flowing through the air.
The piano melody was soon joined by the rich tones of a cello, and then the powerful beat of drums, all weaving together seamlessly. It sounded exactly like the original ‘Dawn’ track, but the live performance made it even more electric and explosive.
Queenie was completely immersed in the music, bringing the entire stage to life.
Then, as Juniper transitioned to the drum kit, the entire venue erupted. Some were cheering, others were in absolute shock.
“What?”
“What?!”
“WHAT?!”
“No way, is she for real? Is she playing all those instruments by herself?”
“Hey, buddy who offered his head, you sweating yet?!”
“Oh my god, I’m shook! My brain just short-circuited!”
“Go, Juniper! Go, Queenie!”
The Aurora High students all jumped to their feet, so excited that Salma had to tell them to sit back down. Salma’s breathing was uneven, her eyes red with emotion.
What brilliant children!
“How is this possible?” Nearby, Yolanda sat frozen like a mannequin, her eyes filled with disbelief. Juniper had always been a good-for-nothing who excelled only at eating. How could she play musical instruments?
And so many of them!
Yolanda’s eyes filled with venom. That old man must have secretly taught her!
If Juniper made her lose this competition… she would never forgive her.
…
The one-woman orchestra and the stunning dance had electrified the atmosphere. Everyone’s eyes were glued to the two performers on stage, and excited chatter had already begun. People were saying that Aurora High’s performance was far better than Eclara High’s, and that the top prize would surely go to them this time.
“Are both of these students from Aurora High?” the judges were discussing among themselves, their smiles far brighter than before.
“Why haven’t I heard of this school before? Their students are so talented!”
“The dance was excellent. She had both the emotion and the technique, a perfect interpretation of ‘Dawn.”” The female judge finished praising Queenie, then her eyes landed on Juniper, practically glowing. “And this girl is gorgeous, with such a great stage presence. How has she not been discovered by a talent scout?”
Moreover, her ability to play the entirety of ‘Dawn’ from memory was nothing short of genius. A talent like that couldn’t possibly remain unknown.
An idea sparked in her mind. The judge pulled out her phone and sent a message to Jimmie Tate: [I know you’ve been looking for a lead actress for your new music video. I think I’ve found the perfect candidate.]
Jimmie replied almost instantly: [Busy lately, not seeing anyone.]
He had met too many people and had yet to find someone suitable. He was tired of
it.
The judge texted back: [An absolute beauty and a musical prodigy. Are you sure you won’t regret this?]
Jimmie: [I won’t.]
Five minutes later, the final note faded from the piano, and Queenie’s dance came to an end. The hall was silent for a few seconds before erupting into thunderous applause.
As the lights dimmed, Juniper slipped on her jacket and quietly exited from the
corner.
Queenie remained on stage, waiting for the scores.
“Who was that playing? She was amazing!”
“Did Aurora High level up this year? Their students are incredible!”
“I’ll bet you a bag of chips that Aurora High is taking first place today!”
“Didn’t Eclara High’s PR say Yolanda was a shoo-in for the news cover? This is gonna be a slap in the face, isn’t it?”
“Eclara High?” someone sneered. “They think they deserve to be number one in everything. It’s about time they got taken down a peg!”
“The scores aren’t out yet,” an Eclara High student retorted, their pride on the line. Just as they spoke, the host’s voice rang out: “The scores are in!”