Back to You

Chapter 2: Crossroads and Compromises

At school, Emily burst into Anna's room, her excitement radiating. "Are you ready, girl? I'm so excited for the program tonight. All the students are going to be there!"

Anna smiled, trying to match her friend's enthusiasm. "Remember, you have a boyfriend."

Emily waved off the comment with a laugh. "I know, I'm just excited to see everyone. It's going to be fun!"

Anna raised an eyebrow. "I know you, Emily. You're always drawn to cute guys."

Emily rolled her eyes playfully. "Whatever. So, are you ready for your presentation?"

Anna's excitement was tempered by uncertainty. "I'm not sure who my partner is yet."

Emily's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "They say he's a great singer. I bet he's going to be amazing!"

As they chatted, Anna felt a mix of anticipation and nerves about the upcoming program. The prospect of working with a talented partner was both thrilling and a bit daunting. She hoped the evening would be a success and that her mystery partner would live up to the buzz.

Jaycee approached with a confident stride. "Hi, Anna."

Emily's eyes widened as she took in Jaycee's casual charm. "Who is the cute guy?"

Anna couldn't help but smile. "Emily, this is Jaycee."

Emily extended a hand with a bright smile. "Nice to meet you, Jaycee."

Jaycee shook her hand warmly. "Nice to meet you too, Emily."

Emily's curiosity was piqued. "So, who is he, Anna?"

Anna hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Uh, I just met him somewhere..."

Jaycee quickly interjected. "I found out that you're going to be my partner for the presentation."

Emily's eyes lit up with interest. "Oh, you're the great singer?"

Anna looked at Jaycee with newfound admiration. "Wow, you sing?"

Jaycee nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yes, but I'm here because I think we need to discuss the presentation."

Emily glanced at her watch, realizing she was running late. "Ah, Anna, I need to go. Bye, Jaycee."

"Bye, Emily," Anna called after her friend.

Jaycee turned back to Anna with a friendly grin. "Shall we go? Do you want to grab some pizza?"

Anna hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, but I'll pay for my pizza."

"Oh, okay," Jaycee replied, seeming to appreciate her independence.

As they walked towards the nearest pizza place, Anna couldn't believe her luck. Jaycee, the mysterious and talented singer, was going to be her partner. The presentation was for the upcoming acquaintance party next month, and her classmates had voted for her to sing. Performing was something she loved; she had always taken part in school programs, whether it was dancing, singing, or role-playing. The stage had always been her haven, even though her future path was set towards becoming a nurse.

Despite her excitement about the performance, Anna found herself looking forward to working with Jaycee. She hoped their collaboration would be as successful as her past performances, even if it meant balancing her passion for the stage with her future career aspirations.

As they sat down at a cozy corner table in the pizza place, Jaycee looked at Anna with genuine curiosity. "So, nursing—is it really your passion?"

Anna hesitated, her expression reflective. "Not really. I'd much rather be involved in theater and the arts, like you. But my parents want me to become a nurse, so I feel like I don't have much choice."