Bell stepped into the recording studio, her heart racing. She could feel the weight of expectations hanging in the air, not just from the staff but from herself. After all the training and pressure, this was her chance to prove she could live up to Vivica's legacy.
As the door shut behind her, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the booth, the microphone, and the silent expectation of success.
"Ready when you are, Vivica," the sound engineer called out, his voice echoing through her headphones.
Bell swallowed, nerves hitting her hard. She glanced around, hoping for a familiar face like Liz's for support, but she knew she was on her own this time. Lisa had wished her good luck earlier, but this moment belonged to her.
Taking a deep breath, she walked into the booth and put on the headphones. As the music started to play, Bell hesitated, feeling the rhythm but unsure if she could match it with her voice. She hadn't mastered singing yet, not like Vivica had. But there was no time for second-guessing now.
Bell gripped the microphone, her pulse quickening as the beat swelled through the headphones. The lyrics danced on the edge of her memory, familiar from hours of practice, yet they felt foreign on her tongue.
She opened her mouth, and the first note wobbled. It wasn't the strong, sultry voice Vivica was known for. Her heart skipped a beat, panic creeping in. She could almost feel the eyes on her from behind the glass. Jacen, the sound engineer, Lisa—they were all watching, waiting for Vivica to deliver.
But that wasn't who she was.
Bell took a deep breath, steadying herself. "It's okay," she whispered under her breath. "You've got this. Just like in practice."
She started again, this time with more confidence, her voice smoothing out, finding a rhythm. It wasn't perfect—definitely not the flawless tone Vivica would have given—but it was hers, and she had to own it.
"That's it, keep going," she heard Jacen's voice through her headset, encouraging her.
The pressure in the room seemed to ease a little, but Bell knew this was just the beginning. One good run wouldn't erase the nerves or the fear of not living up to Vivica's talent. But as the track flowed, she started to feel something different: a determination to carve her own path.
Maybe she couldn't be Vivica, but she could still be great.
As the music faded out, Bell glanced up toward the control room, seeing Jacen give her a thumbs up. Lisa was smiling, but there was a look of concern behind her eyes. The tension in the air told Bell everything she needed to know—this wasn't over yet.
"Good job, Vica," Jacen said over the intercom. "Let's take five and then we'll go for another round."
Bell nodded, stepping out of the booth. Her legs felt shaky, and her throat a little dry, but she managed a smile when Lisa approached.
"You're doing great," Lisa said, handing her a bottle of water. "But… I can tell you're still pushing too hard. Are you sure you're up for another round? You don't need to force yourself."
Bell shook her head. "I'm fine. I just… need a minute."
Lisa frowned but didn't press further. "If you say so. But remember, it's okay to ask for help."
Bell gave her a tight-lipped smile and took a long sip of water. In truth, she wasn't sure what help would even look like right now. This wasn't just about the music—it was about surviving in a life that didn't belong to her.
After a few minutes, Jacen reappeared, giving her a nod. "Alright, let's get back to it."
Bell returned to the booth, this time with a renewed sense of purpose. She wasn't just doing this for Vivica anymore; she was doing it for herself.
As the next track began, she closed her eyes, feeling the music flow through her, and began to sing—not as Vivica, but as Bell. She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and tries to channel everything she's learned in the past weeks about Vivica's voice and style. As the music begins to play, Bell hesitates for a split second before pushing herself to start singing.
Bell found a rhythm in the next session that felt more natural, more like herself. Her voice, though not as polished as Vivica's, carried an authenticity that seemed to resonate through the room. For the first time, she didn't feel like she was performing an act. She was singing her truth.
When the song ended, she opened her eyes, breathing heavily but feeling a small sense of victory. She glanced toward the control room, expecting criticism or direction, but Jacen's wide smile and nod of approval told her all she needed to know. Even Lisa, who had been watching with a hint of worry earlier, seemed more at ease.
"Better. Much better," Jacen said through the intercom. "You're finding your voice."
Bell exhaled, her chest finally releasing the tension she hadn't even realized she was holding. "Thanks," she muttered, feeling a surge of relief.
Lisa stepped into the booth as Bell set down the headphones. "That was good, Vica," she said with a bright smile. "I was worried for a moment, but you really pulled it off."
Bell chuckled softly, trying to hide her exhaustion. But before they could exchange more words, Jacen approached, clipboard in hand.
"We'll call it for today. You did well, Vica. We can polish it in post-production, but overall, you've got it down."
Bell nodded, grateful for the break. She knew she wasn't completely in the clear yet—there would be more recording, more media appearances, and a life she'd have to navigate as Vivica. But for now, she could take the small victories.
As Jacen left the room, Lisa lingered behind, her expression thoughtful.
"You're really pushing yourself, aren't you?" she asked, her voice soft but pointed. "It's like you're carrying a huge weight on your shoulders."
Bell swallowed, knowing Lisa didn't even know the half of it. "I guess I just want to make sure I don't mess this up… you know, for the team."
Lisa's eyes softened. "I know it's tough. But you can't burn yourself out trying to be perfect. It's okay to breathe."
Bell looked down, her mind wandering to the mess of thoughts about her real life as Bell Skye, the confusion of inhabiting Vivica's life, and the uncertainty of what came next. "I'll try," she said quietly, unsure if she really could slow down.
Lisa patted her arm. "Good. Now, let's get out of here and celebrate a successful session. Maybe take your mind off things for a bit?"
Bell forced a smile, knowing Lisa's heart was in the right place. "Yeah, sounds good."
As they walked out of the studio together, Bell couldn't shake the feeling that no matter how well things were going on the surface, a storm was still brewing beneath. She wasn't sure how long she could keep up the act, but for now, she'd have to manage.
The night air was cool as they stepped outside, and Bell found herself taking a deep breath, her mind already turning to the next challenge—the upcoming meeting with her mentor and whatever secrets Liz might uncover about her real body.
One step at a time, Bell reminded herself. One step at a time.