High Hopes

A Voice Worth Hearing

A few days later, Avery found herself at a small record store after school, flipping through old vinyls, letting her fingers glide over the textured covers. It was one of her favorite escapes, a place where she could just lose herself in the rows of music and imagine a world where she was part of it.

As she picked up an album by one of her favorite artists, a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Good choice. That one's a classic."

She looked up, surprised, to see a guy around her age, leaning against the shelf with an easy grin. He wore a vintage band tee and a well-worn leather jacket, his curly hair spilling out from under a beanie. There was something about his relaxed confidence that made her feel self-conscious.

"Oh, yeah," she said, holding up the album. "Aretha Franklin...she's kind of my hero."

"Mine too," he said, nodding in approval. "I'm Leo, by the way. You look familiar-do you play at the open mics around here?"

Avery's cheeks flushed slightly. "Sometimes. I didn't think anyone noticed."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Trust me, people notice. You've got a voice that's hard to forget."

Avery felt a strange mix of pride and embarrassment, not used to receiving compliments from anyone other than Jada or Eli. "Thanks... I'm Avery."

"Nice to meet you, Avery," he said, holding out his hand, which she shook awkwardly. "So, you ever thought about doing something more than just open mics? You know, like...taking it to the next level?"

Avery laughed, but it came out nervously. "I mean, yeah, I've thought about it. But there's, like, a million reasons why that's never going to happen."

Leo tilted his head, studying her. "Let me guess-one of those reasons rhymes with 'Star Talent Competition'?"

Avery's eyes widened. "How did you know?"

"Word gets around," he said with a grin. "Besides, if you're serious about music, it's the perfect chance to get noticed. The winner gets a demo session, which is a pretty big deal. You should go for it."

Avery shook her head. "I don't know... it's not just about wanting it. I have a lot going on at home. My little brother, my mom... they need me. I don't have the time or money for stuff like that."

Leo nodded thoughtfully, as if he understood more than she'd expected. "I get it. But sometimes, the things holding you back are the things you need to push through the most. Maybe it's not just about the competition; maybe it's about proving something to yourself."

Avery looked down at the album in her hands, running her fingers over the cover. It was hard to explain the longing she felt, the way music filled a part of her that nothing else could touch. But she'd spent so long putting herself second that the idea of doing something for her own dream felt almost... selfish.

Leo must have sensed her hesitation because he added, "Look, I know it's not easy. But I'm a producer-or, well, I'm trying to be one," he said with a chuckle. "I'd be happy to help you prep for the competition. I've got a small studio set up at my cousin's place. No strings attached. Just... think of it as two people trying to make something happen."

Avery looked at him, feeling a spark of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. Here was someone who actually believed in her, a complete stranger who thought she had something worth fighting for.

"Okay," she said slowly, nodding. "I'll... think about it. But don't get your hopes up."

Leo laughed, holding up his hands. "Hey, no pressure. I'll be around if you change your mind."

As Avery left the record store, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something. The idea of the competition felt a little less impossible, a little more real. And for the first time, she dared to think that maybe, just maybe, she had a voice worth hearing.