High Hopes

A Fine Line

Monday mornings always felt like a slap in the face. Avery slouched through the hallways of South Dallas High, her hoodie pulled low over her head, hoping to keep a low profile. She avoided eye contact, her gaze fixed on the scuffed linoleum floor. The school was buzzing with the usual noise-locker doors slamming, snippets of gossip, the laughter that always seemed louder than it had to be.

She just wanted to get to first period without anyone noticing her.

"Hey, look, it's Dallas's next superstar!" a mocking voice called out.

Avery's shoulders tensed. She didn't need to look up to know it was them-Kara Thompson and her clique, girls who spent more time planning their outfits than studying. Kara loved picking at anyone who dared to stand out. Avery clenched her teeth and kept walking.

"Isn't there, like, an open mic for people like you?" Kara sneered, loud enough for the crowd to hear. "So you can keep playing pretend rockstar?"

Avery's fingers twitched, wanting to tell Kara exactly where she could shove her designer backpack, but she knew it wasn't worth it. Let them talk. They didn't know what it felt like to step on that tiny stage, to feel the freedom of singing her heart out. They didn't know anything.

She kept walking, her thoughts drifting to the one person who'd make this all easier to bear: her best friend, Jada. Jada had been there since elementary school, sticking by her side through every awkward, lonely phase, and now she was the only one who really got Avery's music obsession.

A few minutes later, she found Jada at their usual spot by the art room, headphones in, bobbing her head to some indie track.

"Hey, superstar," Jada grinned, pulling out an earbud. "Saw your set on Insta. You were amazing."

Avery couldn't help but smile. Jada was always hyping her up, even when she felt like a fraud.

"Thanks," Avery said, leaning against the wall. "But you know, it's just a coffee shop gig."

"Yeah, but you made that coffee shop feel like Madison Square Garden," Jada said, nudging her. "And hey, have you heard about the Star Talent Competition coming up?"

Avery raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"It's this talent show that runs every year across Dallas. You win, you get a cash prize and-wait for it-a demo recording session with an actual producer," Jada said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "You have to do it."

Avery's heart raced at the thought. A real chance to get her music heard by someone who mattered? It sounded almost too good to be true. But just as quickly, doubts flooded her mind. Competitions meant time, energy, and focus. All things she could barely spare between watching her brother and helping her mom.

"I don't know, Jada," she said, shifting her backpack. "Between everything at home and... you know, life, it feels kind of impossible."

Jada scoffed. "You're always making excuses. This could be huge for you, Avery. You deserve it."

Avery looked away, gnawing at her lip. She wanted to believe Jada was right, that she could juggle this dream with her chaotic reality. But sometimes, it felt like her dream was just a far-off wish, something to imagine late at night but never reach for.

"Just think about it, okay?" Jada's voice softened. "Don't let Kara and her clones get to you. They wouldn't know talent if it bit them."

Avery managed a small smile, grateful for Jada's fierce loyalty. "Okay. I'll think about it."

They parted ways as the bell rang, and Avery felt a flicker of hope growing. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but maybe-just maybe-this competition was worth the risk. All she had to do was find the courage to take the first step.