As the lively chatter in the living room began to fade, a peaceful hush settled over the room.
The Carter family, known for their skills and worldly experience, had an innate sense of style and sophistication.
When they heard that beautiful song, sung by one of their own, they were captivated, their faces lighting up with awe and delight.
Once the last note faded, the guests seed to snap out of a delightful daze.
Avery turned to Josie, her surprise evident.
"Wow, you sound even better than I rembered!"
During Advent Sunday, Josie had wowed the crowd at the Carter family’s farm stay, catching the eye of Katie Limbert, the co-director of the Rosemont City Children’s Art Troupe.
Katie had been genuinely enthusiastic, spending half an hour talking about her troupe and showing off videos of their performances.
Josie watched the clips in awe.
"If I join the troupe, can I sing and dance like them?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with hope.
"Definitely!" Katie replied with a warm smile.
"Our instructors are amazing and care about the kids. With your talent, as long as you get the right training, you’ll be singing and dancing better than anyone in no ti!"
Josie’s face lit up with excitent.
"Then I want to join the art troupe! I want to learn to sing and dance!"
Ever since she was little, she had admired the kids who danced and played sports effortlessly, especially because of her limp.
The Rosemont City Children’s Art Troupe was highly respected across the country, having nurtured many stars and artists, making it a credible and authoritative institution for the arts.
Recognizing Josie’s passion, the Carter family took her to tour the troupe after the holiday break. After seeing everything firsthand, they helped Josie enroll.
From that mont on, Josie jumped at the chance to rush to the troupe whenever she had free ti, diving headfirst into singing and dancing lessons, quickly finding her place.
However, Avery had been traveling for work since the start of the year and hadn’t realized just how much Josie had grown.
Holding her Hello Kitty toy bashfully in front of her face, Josie said,
"Katie said I could try out for Star Quest, so I’m going to do it!"
Avery gently ruffled her hair.
"Star Quest is a huge deal! There will be so many people watching you perform. Aren’t you nervous about singing in front of all those people?"
"I’m super nervous!" Josie admitted, shaking her Hello Kitty toy adorably.
"But Katie said I can take Dolli on stage with . With Dolli by my side, I won’t be scared!"
"That’s a clever idea," Avery said, lightly tapping Josie’s cheek, chard by her cuteness.
"Dolli is great, but why not bring Hello Kitty instead? Isn’t she your favorite?"
Hello Kitty had always been a source of comfort for Josie since she could rember.
Josie replied,
"Katie said I can bring Hello Kitty when I make it to the national finals."
Everyone exchanged amused glances.
Star Quest was one of the three most popular variety shows in the country, open to everyone without any talent restrictions, making it a true celebration of national talent.
Those who made it through the tough selection process were exceptionally skilled.
Six-and-a-half-year-old Josie was thinking about competing at the national finals for her first talent competition outside of school.
Yet, that was the spirit of Star Quest — anyone could join and achieve the extraordinary, so who was to say that Josie couldn’t create her miracle?
The room erupted into applause.
"Way to go, Josie! We’ll be there to cheer you on!"
"You’re going to crush it, Josie! I know you can do it!"
"When are the finals?" soone asked.
Josie tilted her head, thinking hard.
"I can’t rember exactly, but Katie said each province can only send ten representatives to the national competition. My next contest is in two weeks!"
As the lively chatter ebbed, the latest episode of Star Quest wound down on the TV.
The host announced the nas of the contestants from the West End region who had made it to the national finals, and there it was — Josie’s na glowing like a beacon.
Even though this was a rerun and the Carter family already knew about Josie’s accomplishnt, the thrill in the room was infectious.
Claire couldn’t help but clap her hands.
"Josie, you were amazing! We’re all so proud of you!"
"Now, let’s switch gears and catch Zayn’s show, Steel Battalion," soone suggested, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Steel Battalion aired just last week during pri ti, dominating the ratings on all three major streaming platforms. Zayn had snagged the role of the third male lead, and while his character didn’t have a ton of screen ti, he delivered a convincing performance as a military instructor, earning solid reviews along the way.
Avery was munching on so fruit when she turned to Zayn.
"So, what are you filming these days?"
Zayn leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
"I just wrapped up a cop-and-robber flick where I played one of the leads. We finished shooting last month, but I haven’t found anything I love among the scripts I have."
He paused with a hint of excitent in his voice.
"So, I decided to write my own story. I’m thinking of bringing in a professional screenwriter to help turn it into a film script — kind of a collaboration.
Once the script is finished, I want to find my investors and team up with so experienced producers and veterans to create an authentic military action film."
He hesitated, then asked,
"Avery, would you have so ti to look at what I’ve written?"
"Of course!" she said, her enthusiasm bubbling over.
"Just send your script once I’m done eating, and I’ll dive right in. If I have any thoughts or questions, we can discuss it."
Zayn was usually the type to handle everything on his own, never wanting to impose on anyone unless it was necessary. Knowing he was reaching out for help made Avery determined to give her all.
"Thanks so much," Zayn said, a genuine smile lighting up his face.
"Here’s to you! I’ll take a drink, and you can enjoy your juice."
"Cheers!"
Once they all had their fill, they gathered around for a few rounds of cards and so singing.
They laughed and played until the sun dipped below the horizon, and eventually, the mbers of V Group said their goodbyes.
Avery prepared to head out to et Alexander.
Alaric called out, eager to join her.
"Avery, I want to co with you! We haven’t seen each other in six months; we need to catch up!"
Arthur chid in,
"I’m in too! I can’t let Alaric have all the fun."
But Jaden grabbed Alaric’s arm, and Zayn held back Arthur.
"What are you guys doing?" Alaric asked, confusion etched on his face.
Jaden sighed softly.
"Let’s not crash Avery’s personal ti."
Zayn nodded in agreent.
"She’s twenty now; she deserves her own space."
Alaric’s brow furrowed, still puzzled.
"But it’s her birthday! She can have friends over to celebrate. Why would she run off when there are candles to blow out?"
Arthur chid in,
"Isn’t it better to all be together? Why sneak away for sothing private?"
Jaden and Zayn exchanged glances, opting not to explain, and gently ushered the two back into the living room.
Brandon stood on the front steps, watching Avery fade into the distance, a long sigh escaping his lips.
"In the end, we can’t stop her..."
anwhile, in Vredo City, the news channel was reporting the day’s highlights.
"In last night’s Star Quest finals, six-and-a-half-year-old contestant Lorelai Pittman captivated the audience with a stunning aria from the opera Nessun Dorma, earning her spot in the national finals.
"It’s reported that Lorelai cos from a musical family, steeped in music from a young age. She began singing at just two years old and took up opera at four, earning her the nickna ’angelic voice’..."
The news spent a solid three minutes shining the spotlight on Lorelai’s story.
The Pittman family settled into their plush leather sofa, feeling a sense of pride wash over them as they watched the broadcast.
When the segnt ended, Saanvi leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on Lorelai’s cheek, her voice brimming with warmth.
"Lorelai, you are such a genius! At your age, you sing opera like a pro. I just know you’re going to outshine one day."
With her chin held high, Lorelai bead and proclaid,
"I’m a genius! I’m going to win the national championship for Star Quest!"
Saanvi smiled and ruffled her daughter’s hair.
"That’s the spirit of our Pittman family — always aiming high!"
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