A Love that was never

Ahhh, so good

With the annual fest behind us, the buzz of excitement didn't die down. Instead, it shifted towards the next big event: the talent show. Posters were plastered all over the school, announcing auditions and encouraging everyone to participate.

During lunch, I found myself sitting with Viola and a few others, discussing the upcoming talent show. Viola, always the enthusiastic one, was already brainstorming ideas.

"So, Gloria, what are you thinking of doing for the talent show?" Viola asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Not sure yet. Maybe nothing."

Viola grinned. "I'm thinking of singing. Maybe a duet with someone. It could be really fun. You should try it."

As we chatted, Dean walked by our table, giving me a quick smile n eyebrow raise before heading over to his friends. My heart did a little flip, and I tried to focus back on the conversation at hand.

"You should totally do it," Viola nudged me, catching my distracted gaze.

"Do what?" I asked, snapping back to attention.

"The talent show! You should definitely sing.," she said, her encouragement unwavering.

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and gratitude. "Thanks, Viola. But I'm not really feeling it this time."

Viola pouted playfully. "Come on, Gloria. You can't back out. You're so talented!"

I gave her a weak smile. "I'll think about it, okay?"

Later, as we headed to our next class, Dean caught up with me in the hallway. "Hey, Gloria. So, talent show, huh? You thinking of entering?"

I glanced up at him, trying to read his expression. "Maybe.Mostly not. What about you?"

Dean shrugged, a playful glint in his eye. "I might. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. But if you sing, I'll definitely be cheering you on."

I laughed, feeling a little flutter in my stomach despite my reluctance. "We'll see. Maybe. Maybe not."

Dean grinned and we parted ways with a shared smile, the anticipation of the talent show adding a new layer of excitement to our daily routine. As I sat through the rest of my classes, I couldn't help but daydream about the possibilities, even though I still wasn't sure if I wanted to participate.

x

I finally decided that I had no intention of participating. After my dance performance, I just wanted to blend into the background and enjoy watching others take the spotlight. But my teacher, Mrs. Patel, had other plans.

"Gloria, you have to sign up for something," she insisted, cornering me after class.

I tried to wriggle my way out. "But Mrs. Patel, I don't think there's anything I can do for the talent show. I already danced at the fest."

She wasn't having it. "Nonsense. You're a talented student, and you need to share those talents. How about singing? You have a lovely voice."

Oh no! Singing was something I enjoyed in private, not in front of the entire school. "I don't know, Mrs. Patel. I'm not sure I'm up for it."

Her eyes softened, but she remained firm. "I think you should at least give it a try. What about a nice folk song? Simple, beautiful, and it will showcase your voice wonderfully."

After a lot of back-and-forth, I finally caved. "Okay, fine. I'll do it," I sighed, resigning myself to my fate.

Just as I walked over to the sign-up sheet to write down my name, I noticed Dean approaching. He glanced at me, grinned, and without missing a beat, added his name right after mine.

"Dean? Do you even know how to sing?" I blurted out, genuinely surprised.

He flashed that mischievous smile of his. "Guess you'll have to wait and see, Glory. Maybe I have a few hidden talents."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, but there was no denying the flutter of curiosity—and maybe a bit of excitement—at the thought of seeing Dean perform. Whatever happened, the talent show was shaping up to be interesting.

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡

The day of the talent show arrived, and the school was buzzing with energy. The halls were filled with last-minute rehearsals and excited chatter. I was trying to keep a low profile, still unsure about my performance.

Just as I was about to head backstage, Dean and his friends approached me, their usual playful smirks firmly in place.

"Gloria," Dean said, stepping in front of me. "Sing."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Sing? What do you mean, sing?"

"Sing," he repeated coming close, more firmly this time. "Like, now."

Feeling suspicious n a bit frightened, I cleared my throat and sang a few notes, trying not to let my nerves show. Dean's face lit up with exaggerated delight. He placed his hand on his heart and acted like he was swooning.

"Ahhh, this is so good. I won't win for sure now!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with mock drama.

His friends copied him, clutching their chests and staggering around as if they'd just heard the best performance of their lives.

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't suppress a smile. "You guys are so dramatic."

Dean straightened up, a genuine smile breaking through his playful façade. "Seriously, Gloria. You'll be great. Break a leg."

With that, they left, leaving me to wonder about all the drama. Despite their antics, I felt a little more at ease. Maybe this talent show wouldn't be so bad after all.

𓆩⟡𓆪

As the talent show began, I slipped into the auditorium and silently found a seat at the back, hoping to stay out of sight until it was my turn. The stage lights were bright, casting a warm glow on the performers. The audience's excitement was palpable, a mix of hushed whispers and occasional bursts of applause.

Suddenly, I heard a name called over the loudspeaker. My insides churned, nerves twisting into a tight knot.