Belonging Season

13

Stella, Ambar, and her friends spent the day together at school, their easy camaraderie evident in their conversations and laughter. Surprisingly, Stella found herself enjoying the time with her sister and her friends, she liked that she was able to take her mind off of the arguments she's been having with her guy best friends for the past few days. After classes ended, they headed to Jam and Roller, a place that had become a regular hangout spot for them. As they arrived, they saw the rest of their group already gathered there, the air filled with chatter and excited energy.

As the girls arrived at the group, Matteo approached Stella with open arms, intending to give her a hug. However, before he could reach her, Gaston stepped in front of him, enveloping her in a tight embrace.

After witnessing Gaston's unexpected embrace, Matteo was taken aback for a moment, but his attention was quickly diverted when Simon spoke up. "Hey, did you guys hear about the upcoming singing competition? It's going to be massive."

Ambar, curious about the conversation, chimed in, "What's going on? We just got here, what's this about a singing competition?"

Simon filled the group in on the details, "Juliana just told us about it. Any of us can sign up, and the performances will be uploaded online. The winner is going to be determined by public vote."

"And here's the best part," Matteo jumped in, his excitement growing, "the winning participant will also get the incredible opportunity to record a full album!"

Ambar and Jazmin's eyes lit up with excitement at the news, and they exchanged eager glances. "An album? That's huge!" Ambar exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable. Jazmin nodded, already mentally planning her entry and the outfit she's going to wear.

As the excitement filled the group, Luna, being the natural leader, posed the question, "So, who's signing up for the competition?"

Matteo and Simon, their competitive spirits ignited, declared, "Count me in, I'm definitely up for it!" Ambar and Jazmin nodded in agreement, their decision made. "We're in too," they said in unison.

The blonde-haired girl, Yam, chimed in, "I'm signing up too, I can't let this opportunity slip by." At that moment, Simon's friend, Nico, joined the conversation, a determined smile on his face. "You bet I'm in. No way I'm missing this."

Pedro, the drummer of the Roller Band, looked around at Simon and Nico, his fellow bandmates. With a hint of disappointment, he said, "It's a shame it's only for soloists. I would have loved to sign up with the Roller Band."

Simon and Nico encouraged Pedro, "You know we're a team, man. You gotta sign up too! We're in this together."

"Nah, I think I'll sit this one out," Pedro said, shaking his head. "It's cool, I'll support you guys from the sidelines."

As the conversation focused on who would participate, Matteo directed a question towards Stella. "Are you signing up, Stella?" To which she shrugged nonchalantly and responded, "I don't sing."

Nina, Gaston's girlfriend, shot him a bewildered look as he boldly declared, "You sing beautifully, Stella. You should consider participating."

Stella, a hint of defensiveness in her tone, repeated herself, "I just play the piano, I don't sing..."

Luna, her voice quiet but her eagerness visible, inquired, "Does the song have to be something original or can anyone sing whatever they want?" Before anyone could answer, Matteo, ever the competitive spirit, interrupted, "Oh, I'm definitely writing my own song. No way am I singing someone else's stuff."

Stella, with a hint of playful sarcasm, asked Matteo, "Are you going to write about your girlfriend this time?" Ambar, unable to resist chiming in, added, "Which one?"

Matteo scoffed jokingly at their remarks but shot Luna a quick, reassuring smile. "I don't know yet," he replied, trying to brush off their remarks. The hurt expression on Luna's face was evident to Stella and Ambar, adding an undercurrent of tension to the moment.

Juliana, the stern-faced skating coach, made a sudden appearance, her no-nonsense demeanor clear. "Guys on the skating team," she barked, "practice started minutes ago. Get your skates on and get out there right this second!" The atmosphere shifted, and the group's conversation was abruptly interrupted.

As the skating team members hurried off towards the rink, following Juliana's orders, Gaston hung back, his gaze on Stella. The others moved away, leaving them alone in the immediate area, a silent moment between them.

Stella looked surprised by the unexpected moment alone with Gaston, but she appreciated his concern. "You should go," she said gently, gesturing towards the rink, "they'll wonder where you are." Gaston met her gaze and replied, "I just wanted to make sure you're okay after yesterday," his voice sincere.

Stella met Gaston's gaze firmly, her tone a mix of gratitude and frustration. "Gaston, I appreciate what you did for me yesterday, but you need to stop it. You're acting weird around Matteo, and now Nina is giving me dirty looks. I specifically asked you not to, so please, I need you to stop," she implored.

"Look," Gaston explained, his voice a mixture of protectiveness and vulnerability, "after you told me about what happened last summer, I feel really protective of you. I just want to look out for you now since I don't know how long I'll be here."

Stella wanted to ask about what he meant by that, but before she could voice her thoughts, she was interrupted by the stern voice of Juliana, Gaston's coach. "Gaston, get your ass in the rink, now!"

Gaston gave a rueful smile, "Sorry, I've gotta go. Can I come over tonight?" Stella nodded silently, giving him an affirmative response.