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❝ MIA CARTER ❞ 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟯
THE OPEN MIC NIGHT BUZZED with quiet energy, a low hum of conversation blending with the clinks of coffee cups and the occasional strum of a guitar
the small venue was dimly lit, candles flickering on scattered tables, casting shadows on the graffiti-covered walls
a faint smell of espresso and pastries filled the air as performers cycled through the tiny stage, pouring their hearts into songs, poems, and spoken word
mia sat at the back running her fingers nervously over the neck of her acoustic guitar
her palms were clammy, and the setlist she'd scribbled on a napkin earlier now felt irrelevant
what if I mess up? she tugged at the hem of her oversized hoodie, debating if she should just sneak out the back door
she wasn't like the other performers who had a certain confidence, an ease on stage that she envied
this was her first time performing in public she loved writing songs, pouring her emotions into lyrics but singing in front of people was a whole different challenge
yet here she was, in 2003 hoping this night might somehow be different
"next up we have Mia Carter." the host called her name
her heart jumped into her throat this is it
mia grabbed her guitar and shuffled to the stage the small crowd offered polite applause, but most were preoccupied with their conversations
she sat on the wooden stool, adjusting the microphone stand, trying to steady her shaking hands
"uh, hey this is... this is a song I wrote a few weeks ago I hope you like it" mia began awkwardly, her voice cracking
she took a breath, closed her eyes, and let her fingers move instinctively over the strings
the first few notes were soft, hesitant, but as the song unfolded
mia's voice found its footing—a warm, soulful tone that echoed vulnerability and longing
the song wasn't flashy or perfect, but it was real her lyrics spoke about feeling invisible, about longing to be seen for who she really was. It wasn't just a song; it was a confession, every word a piece of herself she rarely shared
and somehow, the room grew quieter. conversations dwindled, and people began to listen
by the second verse, mia forgot her nerves she opened her eyes and noticed the audience really noticed them nodding along, some swaying gently
a smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and she leaned into the moment letting her emotions carry the final chorus
when she strummed the last chord, the room erupted into applause—genuine, appreciative
mia exhaled, her heart pounding from adrenaline she stood up, gave a small, shy bow, and made her way off the stage, clutching her guitar like a lifeline
as she walked back to her seat, something or someone caught her eye
a man sitting at the back corner, dressed in a simple hoodie, jeans, and a trucker hat, was watching her with an amused smile
she almost didn't recognize him until the glint of his signature chains gave him away
Pharrell Williams? mia blinked certain she was imagining things
what would a star like pharrell be doing in a place like this?
but there he was casually sipping an iced coffee, his gaze fixed on her
before mia could fully process it pharrell stood up and made his way toward her
he moved with an effortless coolness, his presence commanding but not overbearing
"you've got something" pharrell said, his voice smooth and laid-back
mia's mind raced he's actually talking to me?
"thanks" mia managed to mumble feeling heat creep up her cheeks
"the way you write... it's raw honest that's rare I like that" pharrell said while he nodded, his expression thoughtful
mia didn't know what to say she stood there awkwardly, clutching her guitar, still trying to wrap her head around the fact that pharrell williams had just complimented her music
"look I don't usually do this, but... if your ever interested in working on something, give me a call" pharrell continued pulling a card from the pocket of his hoodie
he handed her the card, his name printed neatly in black ink, along with a studio address and a phone number
mia stared at it with her heart pounding
"are you serious?" mia said
"absolutely you've got a gift mia don't let it go to waste" pharrell grinned with his dimples showing
and just like that he gave her a nod, slipped his hands into his pockets and walked toward the exit
mia stood frozen watching him disappear into the night
the card felt heavy in her hand like the start of something she didn't quite understand yet
she looked down at the card again, her pulse racing
was this a dream? had the pharrell williams really just offered to work with her?
the sound of the crowd clapping for the next performer snapped her back to reality
mia tucked the card carefully into her hoodie pocket, her mind swirling with possibilities
for the first time in a long while she felt seen truly seen
and maybe just maybe this was the beginning of something extraordinary
𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝟭𝗞𝗔𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦™️
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