Hoops and Heartstrings

Chapter 1: The beat of a new beginning

"Ava's voice soared, filling the room with emotional depth. As she finished, a thousand applause thundered in her ears. Her singing teacher, Mrs. Jenkins, beamed with pride, her hands clapping enthusiastically.

'Ava, your voice is truly exceptional!' Mrs. Jenkins exclaimed. 'You'll be perfect for the welcome party's solo performance! Start preparing, dear.'

Kaida's face turned beet red with envy, her eyes flashing with anger. But before she could protest, Mrs. Jenkins continued, 'Kaida, you have a great voice too, but I've already made my decision. Ava will be the lead singer, and I won't tolerate any disputes.'

Kaida's expression darkened, her lips pursed in frustration. Ava, sensing the tension, felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She knew Kaida wouldn't take this lying down."

"Sophia burst into the practice room, beaming with pride. 'Ava, that was incredible! You totally deserved to be chosen as lead singer!'

Just then, Mrs. Jenkins excused herself to head to the staff room. As soon as she left, Kaida stormed towards Ava, her face twisted in anger. 'You think you've won this time, princess? Just wait and see what I'll do!'

Ava stood tall, her voice firm. 'Kaida, do whatever you want, but I'm not intimidated. I won the lead role fair and square. Your petty tricks won't bring me down.'

Kaida's face turned bright red, but she smirked and sauntered off. Sophia rolled her eyes. 'Ugh, drama queen much?

"Ava laughed at Sophia's joke, then told her to head to class, 'Let's go, we're running late! You go first, I need to drop off some papers in the headmaster's office.'

After submitting the papers, Ava dashed to the washroom. As she came out of the washroom, she accidentally dashed with a tall, handsome stranger. 'Omg, do you eat rocks or what? How hard are you?' Ava babbled, her butt landing on the floor.

As she opened her eyes, she was taken aback by the stranger's chiseled features and piercing gaze. It was Ethan! Their eyes locked, and Ava's cheeks flushed red. Ethan extended his hand, helping Ava up. 'Thanks,' she muttered, still in a daze.

Before either could ask questions, the bell rang, snapping Ava back to reality. 'Dude, I'm so sorry!' she exclaimed, before hurrying off to class, leaving Ethan looking stunned.

"Ava rushed into class, dropping her books on the table and collapsing into the seat beside Sophia. 'Girl, chill, what's wrong? You look like you ran a marathon!' Sophia teased.

Ava let out a sigh of relief. 'I made it just in time, Sophia. If our teacher had walked in a minute later, I'd be dead meat.' She glanced nervously at their chemistry professor, Richard, who was notorious for being tough on his students. 'And of all days, it had to be Richard's class. He's already looking for an excuse to pounce on us.'

After a chaotic day ava reached home. Ava collapsed onto her bed, covering her head with a pillow. 'What a trilingual day, yaar!' she groaned.

Just then, a tiny ball of energy burst into her room. Ava opened one eye to see her 7-year-old cousin, Lana, grinning mischievously. 'Ahh, Lana! What are you doing here?' Ava smiled, her dimples deepening.

Lana scampered up the bed and sat beside Ava, who was rolling around in exhaustion. 'What happened, sis? You look tired!' Lana exclaimed.

Ava hugged Lana tightly. 'Nothing, my cutie pie. Today was just hectic, that's all.' She tickled Lana, who burst into giggles. 'You're tickling me, Ava!'

The two cousins spent the next few minutes in a fit of laughter and playful tickles, Ava's fatigue momentarily forgotten in the joy of their reunion."

"As Ava and Lana continued their playful banter, Ava's mom entered the room with a warm smile. 'Okay, girls, time to get freshened up and come downstairs quickly! I have a task for you, Ava.'

Ava's curiosity was piqued. 'What's up, Mom? What's going on?'

Her mom explained, 'We have new neighbors moving in soon, and I need you to welcome them on our behalf. Your father and I won't be able to make it due to our busy schedules, so I'm counting on you to represent our family.'

Ava nodded, intrigued by the prospect of meeting new people. 'Got it, Mom! Lana and I will get ready quickly.'

Lana, still full of energy, chimed in, 'Can I come too? Pleeease?'

Ava's mom smiled. 'Of course, sweetie! The more, the merrier! Now, hurry up, girls! And come down fast for dinner.

After the dinner, Ava came back to her room. After playing a bit with Lana and when she was dozed off to sleep, 'ava decided to head back to her room' she took her guitar and when near her balcony.

"Ava's melodious voice filled the air as she strummed her guitar on the balcony. Her mom, entranced by her talent, joined her, kissing her head. 'What a lovely voice, my love!'

Ava smiled, 'Thanks, Mom. I'm still on cloud nine about being chosen as lead singer.'

They chatted for a bit, and then her mom left her alone. Ava gazed up at the moon, and her expression turned contemplative. 'I'm not the same girl anymore... a lot has changed. I've grown, and I won't let anyone break me again, not like in high school. I'm strong and brave now.'

She forced a smile, trying to shake off the lingering pain. 'Why am I still thinking about this? It's in the past, nobody cares. I need to focus on my future.'

With a determined sigh, Ava headed to bed, hoping to leave the haunting memories behind and start anew."

Sometimes we try to escape things, which we don't wanna remember. But it sounds Easy, to be honest practical never. 'It hurts to remember things which wonded us' and left a deep scare which may not. be so esable to be removed from our life, but maybe one day It will. Thinking this is mind ava slept off.

"A week flew by, and Ava's practices were going amazingly well. On Sunday, after returning from mass, Ava's mom asked her to visit their new neighbors with a batch of freshly baked cupcakes. Ava agreed, showcasing her talent extends beyond singing to baking as well! She dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit - blue denim shorts and a white top - and left her hair flowing freely. With the cupcakes in hand, Ava headed out to introduce herself and welcome the new neighbors with a sweet gesture."

I had thousands of questions in my mind, I am excited to meet my new neighbors. Who could they be? Do I know them or probably not. Anyways I hope to make a good impression on them, it would be lovely to know a new people moving here. First clam down Let's see what is gonna happen. I whispered to myself.