Stars Aligned

Chapter 1: Invitation to Dream

My phone buzzed on the table as I finished sketching out my latest song. I picked it up, glancing at the notification. It was an email from the Met Gala Committee. My heart skipped a beat.

From: Met Gala Committee
To: Nora Zaouit
Subject: Invitation to the 2024 Met Gala

Dear Ms. Nora Zaouit,

We are thrilled to extend our invitation to you to attend the 2024 edition of the Met Gala, themed "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion." This year's event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of fashion and creativity, bringing together the most influential figures in the industry.

In recognition of your remarkable contributions to music and your influence in the arts, we would be honored if you could perform one of your songs at this prestigious event. Your unique style and talent will undoubtedly add a special touch to the evening.

The Met Gala will be held on May 6, 2024, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. We look forward to your confirmation and to seeing you shine on this exceptional night.

Please find attached further details about the event and your performance schedule. Should you have any questions or need additional information, do not hesitate to contact us.

Warmest regards,

The Met Gala Committee
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028

(212) 535-7710 

I read the email again, my eyes widening. The Met Gala! And they wanted me to perform! The excitement bubbled inside me, and I couldn't contain my joy. I rushed to the living room where my family was gathered.

"Everyone, listen to this!" I announced, holding up my phone like a trophy. "I just got an invitation to the Met Gala!"

The room erupted in cheers and applause. My younger sisters, Lamia, Rania, and Aisha, crowded around me, their eyes shining with excitement. Yaya, my older sister, joined the call from the Netherlands, her face lighting up on the screen.

"That's amazing, Nora!" Yaya exclaimed. "You deserve it!"

My parents, Yasmina and Mohamed, were beaming with pride. Yasmina enveloped me in a warm hug. "We're so proud of you, darling," she said. "This is a huge opportunity."

Mohamed nodded, his eyes twinkling with pride. "You're going to be fantastic," he said. "I just know it."

I called Leila, my best friend, who screamed with joy when I told her the news. "The Met Gala, Nora? That's incredible! You're going to knock them dead!"

Next, I messaged Niall Horan, my fellow musician, friend, and agent. He called me back almost immediately. "Nora, this is huge!" he said, his voice brimming with excitement. "We need to start preparing right away."

I agreed, and we scheduled a meeting for later that day to discuss the details. Finally, I called Sabrina, my supportive friend and mentor, who congratulated me warmly. "This is your time to shine, Nora," she said. "I'm so happy for you."

My cousin Ali, who I considered a brother, was equally thrilled. "You're going to make us all proud, Nora," he said. "I can't wait to see you perform."

As the excitement settled, I began to prepare for my flight to New York. I packed my bags, carefully selecting outfits that would fit the glamorous theme of the event. I wanted to make sure I represented my Moroccan heritage with pride and elegance.

Later, I met with Niall to go over the performance details. We sat in his office, surrounded by music sheets and promotional materials. Niall had been a member of One Direction before launching his successful solo career, and now, he was my agent, helping me navigate the music industry.