MULTIVERSE

Volume 2, Ch 3. (RAISING OF VOICES - Part 1)

"What's happening here?" Miss Williams's voice burst into the auditorium, cutting through the chatter like a knife. Instantly, the atmosphere shifted; conversations halted and students began to shuffle toward the exit.

"Oh, uh, sorry, Miss Williams... we were just having a friendly conversation," Brenda said with a sly grin, glancing at Sophie.

"If you're finished, you can leave the auditorium," Miss Williams replied, holding the door open with an air of authority. "We...were...just...about...to," Andy and Railey chimed in unison, their voices trailing off as they made their way out.

As they exited, Bella, in her frustrated voice, exclaimed, "Friendly? FRIENDLY! Does she even know what that means?? Why I oughta....." Bella was about to blow, but Faith and Sophie caught her, "Calm down Bella, Please." Faith said in her sensitive voice. "Yeah, it's not worth it," Sophie added.

"But Sophie, did you see how she twisted her words? She practically led everyone into a battle instead of a friendly competition!" Nick pointed out his concern.

"Brian, no matter her intentions, this is not what the competition is about," Leo responded, firm but steady.

"Alright, alright, that's enough!" Bella interjected, "Let's fill our stomachs first; then, our brain will work properly to talk, ok?" Bella exclaimed in a scolding manner.

"Agreed," Brian said, enthusiastically.

With a collective nod, they headed toward the cafeteria, only to burst open the door to hear a lot of arguments on who would win the contest.

"Why not?" "They're completely overrated." "Oh really? You wanna bet?" "It's clear the Chanters will win." "Is that so? You think The B-Rap stands a chance?"

"Seriously? Here too?" Bella groaned, rolling her eyes in frustration. Sophie felt a knot of worry tighten in her stomach-what started as a friendly competition was spiralling into chaos. Taking a deep breath, she walked into the cafeteria alongside her friends.

As the day drew to a close and the group made their way out, Nick turned to Leo, his face lighting up. "It was great catching up with you!"

"Yeah, you too," Leo replied, his smile warm.

"Bye, guys!" Miles said, waving as he headed out. Suddenly, Sophie remembered something.

"Wait, Miles!" She ran after him. "Hey, we were going to work on the Computer Project today, but since we couldn't find the time, can we..."

Before she could finish, Miles started, "Yes, we can do it tomorrow." "Alright, Thanks Miles." Sophie smiled, and he smiled back and waved goodbye.

As the others began to exit, Sophie noticed Faith wandering off with a worried expression. Concern flickered through her. "Hey, Faith, are you okay?" she asked, hurrying over.

"Well, I'm just a bit stressed; did you see how everyone was acting? Honestly, it makes me nervous," Faith admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sophie paused, placing a reassuring hand on Faith's shoulder. With a bright smile, she said, "Don't worry Faith, I joined to help you and it is not about winning it is about showing what you got. OK?" Faith smiled slightly and nodded still unsure. "Alright."

Sophie had a long and tiring day, gently knocking on the door, her mom opened the door with a warm smile. "Hello dear, come in!" She welcomed her. Sophie hugged her mom, dropped her bag, and, without saying a word, headed straight to her room. Knowing something was on her mind, her mom decided to wait until supper to ask her about it.

Sophie sat on her bed with a sigh. She lay back, and as she opened her eyes, she noticed Digi.

"Hello Sophie Lophie! You seem a bit down today. Is everything alright?" Digi asked with a mix of excitement and concern. Sophie sat up and let out another sigh.