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Chapter 10 – Shifts and Sparks
The air in the restaurant was thick with unsaid words. Forks clinked against plates, but nobody was really eating anymore. Amelia sat back, swirling her drink absentmindedly while staring daggers at Franklin.
Her mind raced.
Why am I angry? Why does it feel like I'm losing? No… I can't let these low-budget girls take what's mine.
She shot glances at Nifemi and Priscilla, envy simmering just below the surface.
Priscilla, on the other hand, felt the energy shift but couldn't place it. She kept trying to remain calm, but Amelia's passive-aggressive attitude was screaming louder than any words.
Trying to break the tension,
"Guys", she said calmly, "I know today didn't go has anyone expected,but can we just breath a little? We're here together, and that rare. Can we not turn this restaurant into a Nollywood set,We came here to eat and catch up not to act part of the betrayal."
Zachary gave a short laugh. Even Franklin cracked a small smile. But Amelia remained still—smiling coldly.
Nifemi stood up. "I'll just step out for fresh air. I need to clear my head."
As she stepped out, the city air wrapped around her like a breeze of escape. She strolled near the entrance where a group of university students sat with a ring light and a script in hand.
One of them said, "We're still looking for someone bold enough to play the lead jare. It's just a campus project, but who knows where it could lead?"
Another girl responded, "I wish I had the guts. It's just a short monologue na."
Nifemi's heart started pounding.
God… is this it? Could this be how it starts?
That dream she always shelved—the one where she stood on a stage, or in front of a camera, with her heart on display—suddenly came alive.
Back inside, Amelia seized the silence. She leaned in and said with a slow smile, "So... Priscilla, it's nice to see you trying."
Priscilla blinked. "Trying what?"
"Trying to make it work with Franklin. You know... for someone like you." She laughed lightly, like it was a joke.
Franklin froze. "Amelia, stop it."
"Oh, relax. I'm just being real," she continued, her voice sharp but laced in sugar. "You're not really his type. But who knows, maybe he's just… bored."
That did it.
Priscilla stood up slowly, her hands trembling. "You know what? I think I've had enough."
Franklin tried to speak, but she turned away. "It's fine. I just need to go."
At that moment, Nifemi walked in, beaming. "Guys! You won't believe what I just found outside—"
She stopped. Priscilla was gathering her things.
"Wait… Prissy?"
"I'm leaving," she said, brushing past Nifemi without meeting her eyes.
Nifemi watched her go, then looked around. Everyone was quiet. She didn't need to ask what happened.
Later that evening…
Nifemi found Priscilla at home, curled on the bed, hugging a pillow.
She climbed onto the bed beside her. "Talk to me."
Priscilla sighed. "She got to me, Nife. And I hate that she did. I don't even know why I feel like crying. Maybe because part of me feared it all along."
Nifemi held her hand gently. "You're worth more than how she made you feel. Franklin clearly sees that too."
They sat in silence for a moment, and then Nifemi said, "I need to tell you something."
Priscilla looked up, curious.
"When I stepped out earlier, I overheard some students filming a project. They need someone to act. It's nothing major… just a short film. But... something in me lit up, Prissy. I don't know, I just... felt alive."
Priscilla sat up, her mood softening.
"You've always wanted this," she said. "You dream about acting more than you talk about boys."
Nifemi laughed. "True."
"Then go for it, Nife," Priscilla said firmly. "Start small. You never know. This might be how it begins."
"You think I'm ready?"
"You won't ever feel ready. But that's how dreams work—they grow with you. So start now, even if your voice shakes."
Nifemi blinked back sudden tears.
She whispered, "Thank you."
The distance between Priscilla and Franklin had started, but between these two girls—something else was growing: courage.
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