I could see the shock on Marie's face as she watched young Aria walk toward the stage. Around her, some classmates wore jealous expressions, clearly wishing they were the ones given such an opportunity.
But she wasn't like them.
Almost instantly, she replaced her stunned look with a wide smile. Her cheer rang out louder than anyone else's. At least Marie wasn't the only one left behind—Jasmine and her clique remained seated, their faces fallen and unreadable.
"I understand how this may feel for those of you whose names were not called," Ms. Susanna said. "It may seem unfair. But I want you to know one thing—your classmates standing before you truly deserve to be here."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
"If that presentation was an opportunity, they took it—with effort and confidence. The reason behind that assignment was to serve as an eye-opener for all of you sixth graders."
Her gaze swept across the hall.
"Buckle up," she continued. "The further you go, the more opportunities and challenges you will face. The key is to treat everything you encounter—whether homework or exams—with equal effort. That is how you grow."
She smiled softly.
"Thank you. You may now return to your classes."
Everyone stood up and started heading towards the door.
"So… Aria, how do you feel?" Marie asked, smiling broadly as they walked out the door and down the hallway.
"What?" Young Aria looked genuinely surprised.
"I mean, you were selected to represent the school in competitions," Marie said. "I'm telling you, this is exactly how it began for Evelora. Little steps and then—bam! Big!" She exaggerated dramatically.
"Don't be so dramatic," young Aria replied. "I don't think that's how it was for Evelora."
Deep down, she knew she was lying.
"Come on," Marie insisted. "Do you think she just woke up famous one day? Baby steps, Aria. Baby steps."
"Fine," young Aria said quietly. "But I don't think I can ever be half as big as Evelora. I can only try."
With that, they finally walked into the classroom.
As they passed Jasmine and her clique, they heard a familiar, mocking voice.
"Look at her," Cleo said with a smirk. "She suddenly thinks she's important just because she got chosen."
Marie stiffened instantly, ready to turn back—but Aria grabbed her hand and mouthed,
Please don't.
Jasmine noticed. And she smiled. This was exactly what she wanted.
"Marie," Jasmine said loudly, "you should be the last person reacting. You didn't even get chosen."
She laughed wickedly.
"That's it!" Marie snapped. "You know what, Jasmine? You're a sore loser. And not everyone has to be like you just to exist or feel good about themselves."
"How dare you?" Jasmine yelled, furious. "Do you even know who I am?"
"A sore loser," Marie repeated firmly.
"Please," young Aria said softly, stepping between them. "Can we all calm down? This isn't necessary."
But it was already too late.
The classroom fell silent as the head teacher walked in, his expression sharp with anger.
"All of you," he said coldly, "to my office. Now."