A Stroke of Courage

Chapter 6: The Meetup

Chapter 6: The Meetup

Ava's nerves fluttered as she arrived at the Golden Brush Scholarship meetup. She had spent hours researching Samantha's past, but the more she learned, the more questions she had.

The meetup was held at a trendy art studio, filled with finalists and industry professionals. Ava spotted Samantha across the room, chatting with a group of judges.

Ava's friend Rachel, who had accompanied her to the meetup, nudged her. "You okay? You look nervous."

Ava took a deep breath. "I'm fine. Just trying to focus."

The emcee, a charismatic artist, welcomed everyone and introduced the agenda. Ava listened intently, her mind racing with possibilities.

During the Q&A session, Ava seized the opportunity to ask questions. "What are the judges looking for in the final project?"

Samantha, who was part of the judging panel, smiled. "We want to see creativity, skill, and a clear vision. And, of course, exceptional makeup artistry."

Ava nodded, taking mental notes.

As the meetup concluded, Ava mingled with the other finalists. She exchanged numbers with a few fellow artists, hoping to collaborate or share tips.

Ava approached Emily, a talented makeup artist with a stunning portfolio. "Hi, I'm Ava. Love your work!"

Emily smiled. "Thanks, Ava! Your portfolio is impressive too. What inspires your creativity?"

Ava shared her passion for art and self-expression. Emily nodded enthusiastically, sharing her own experiences.

Meanwhile, Rachel discreetly approached Samantha. "Can I ask you something?" Rachel said, her voice low.

Samantha's expression turned guarded. "What is it?"

Rachel hesitated before speaking. "Ava's been receiving strange texts. Do you know anything about it?"

Samantha's eyes narrowed. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Rachel's eyes locked onto Samantha's. "We're watching you."

Samantha's smile faltered for a moment before she regained composure. "I think you're misunderstanding something."

Ava, oblivious to the exchange, continued networking. She met Julian, a skilled special effects makeup artist.

"Your work is incredible," Ava said, admiring Julian's portfolio. "What's your favorite project?"

Julian shared stories of his experiences on film sets. Ava listened, fascinated by the intricacies of special effects makeup.

As Ava mingled, she noticed Samantha watching her. Their eyes met, and Ava sensed a flicker of unease.

What was Samantha hiding?

Ava's determination grew. She would uncover the truth, no matter what it took.