Daring to Dream

Chapter Eight

As previously mentioned, I had signed up for some of the clubs and societies, and for precisely that reason, my college timings increased. While I used to stay eight hours, now I occasionally return home after a ten hour day at college, but the exhaustion was worth it, with all the extra time I get with Emerie and Honora.

One day on my way to lunch, Emerie stopped me. "Hey, we'll be going for shopping today, you know, for the dresses and snacks for the tournament. You coming?"

"You already know the answer," I rolled my eyes, "but thanks for the offer anyway."

"No problem. You can give us a list, if you have one." Honora offered, and as I handed over my credits and list, Emerie snapped her fingers to gain my attention. "Echo asked me to tell you to meet him in the library."

My heart skipped a beat. That cadet strangely frightened me, he was always so strict and quiet. Even though he was skilled, resourceful and composed in all the club meetings we've ever had, I still could never muster the courage to have a conversation with him. "Did he mention why?"

"Something about societies."

That made some sense, seeing as Echo Fett was the president of the debating society, my favourite one.

Picking up my bag and telling my besties to move on without me, I ran to the library. He was at the librarian's desk, getting some books issued. The moment he saw my panting form, he nodded in acknowledgement and walked over to me.

"Ah good, I see Emerie gave you my message. I assume you're aware of the upcoming Galactic Sports Championship?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Since we'll be holding some of the tournaments here, the principal has requested one of the cadets, from each year, to give a welcome address, and also two cadets for the hosting of the entire sports. Are you interested in any of these?"

It was so hard to keep my voice down with the excitement I was bursting with. "Yes, yes, yes!"

He gave a small smile. "I thought so. Meet me after college hours in the entrance grounds for trials."

As I skipped my way back to the cafeteria, I heard someone come up behind me. Before I could turn around, a smooth hand fell on my shoulder and nearly ripped me off with the force she turned me around.

Oh god no. Lunaris. Flanked by some friends of hers.

"Why hello there," she crooned.

"Hi." I stood straight. If there is one thing I hate with my life, it's a bully.

"Hey, no need to be enemies."

"Wow, you were really obvious with that," I snarled. Taking a deep breath, I continued, "is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes. I got from a source of mine that you are going to try out for the hosts this year."

I merely raised an eyebrow.

"So, as a friend, I'm going to ask you not to do that."

"Why?"

"Because," her voice went lethal with every word, "it's my place to take."

"Says who? I'm not even selected yet, you can try out too."

"You're a Jedi's daughter. Of course they'll select you."

"A Jedi's daughter who hasn't even lived on Coruscant for more than a month? I don't think so. Too scared to try out?"

"Are you suggesting I'm scared of you?"