Against All Odds (Completed)

Chapter Nine

Ellie set the empty mug on the coffee table and stared into space. She didn’t know whether to be happy or mad after listening to Paula on the show. She hated to admit it, but Paula was always good at what she did. She was a good communicator and had a flawless voice, something Ellie had caught herself admiring for a long time. And knowing she was now a threat to her, Ellie felt restless. She frowned, listening to Paula's beautiful voice singing a cover of Stonebwoy's Nominate. She angrily unplugged the earpiece from her ears and sneered.

She got up from the sofa and carried the mug to the kitchen. Placing it in the sink and watching the water pour into the mug, Ellie heard her phone ring. With a smile on her face, she answered and thrust the earpiece back into her ears.

“What’s up? What am I missing?” Lily’s face filled the screen, a broad smile spreading across her lips.

“Nothing. I just finished a cup of coffee, I’ll be heading to bed soon.”

Lily frowned. “You didn’t go to the studio? You were supposed to be there.”

“Nope. I didn’t want to go. There was no need to.” Ellie rinsed the mug and set it on a tray, amongst other cups.

Lily let out a dramatic sigh and shook her head. “So, how did the show go anyways? I’m sure you listened.”

“It was quite good, actually. I’m just surprised she was able to handle the show so well.” Ellie said to the phone, walking back into the room. She crouched down in the sofa and rolled her eyes. “And I think I underestimated her.”

“Yeah, and I can see you’re jealous of her too.” Lily squinted her eyes; peered at Ellie through her glasses and lifted her eyebrows at her. “It’s written all over your face.” She said, lying down on the bed in a blue dotted pyjamas with her hair twisted in a bun.

Ellie bit on her lower lip, “You think so?”

Lily lifted a canned fruit juice to her lips and took a sip before looking at Ellie. She shrugged. “It’s obvious, Ellie. You are.”

Ellie frowned. She wasn’t jealous. Paula was rather jealous of her and would do anything to piss her off. This had been her mission since ages and Ellie couldn’t stand her anymore. “I don’t know what Mr. Sarpong is going to do with her. I just hope he doesn’t think of letting her host the show.”

“And I know that’s what you’re scared of.” Lily said. “But don’t worry. I’m sure Mr. Sarpong wouldn’t replace you like that.” She took another sip from the can.

Mr. Sarpong might consider it, Ellie thought. With such a great performance and an out of the blue singing, Paula was making herself very competitive and Ellie wasn’t pleased with that.

“You know she’ll do anything to make me mad. Paula’s only at the studio just to annoy me.”

“But what if she’s there because she wants to? C’mon, Ellie. Just relax.”

Ellie nodded and sighed, “Alright.” She stared at the excited look on Lily's face, her dimples showing beautifully in her cheeks.

Ellie smiled back. It was nice seeing and talking to her friend through video calls even though she wished she was a lot closer than that.

“I don’t know why both of you are aimed at getting on each other’s nerves. What exactly is with you?”

Ellie chuckled and shrugged. “Nothing. Let’s forget about Paula and tell me about the show.”

“I’m just nervous with Saturday fast approaching. The anxiety is killing me.” Lily pursed her lips.

“Why should you get nervous? You should know you’re going to win.”