"Number 32, you're up next!"
The time had come. It was finally my turn.
The staff had already set up a piano for me on stage, one of the available ones they let me borrow. My heart pounded as I stood behind the curtain, waiting for the signal.
"Okay, next participant, please. You have two minutes to perform."
One of the judges called out in a firm voice.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward. But just as I placed my foot on the stage, something small flew into my eye, probably dust or lint in the air.
"Ouch."
I winced silently, trying to stay calm. Of all times, why did this have to happen now?
I fought the urge to rub my eye like crazy and forced myself to walk toward the piano, blinking rapidly.
Focus. Just focus.
I sat down and placed my fingers on the keys. The piece I had chosen, or rather, the only one I could think of, was Ave Maria by Franz Schubert. The melody and lyrics were etched into my memory from all the times I sang it in the church choir. My body might have been trembling, but my mind knew exactly what to do.
I began to play.
Softly and slowly, I let the notes guide me. Then, with a steady breath, I started to sing. I followed the exact pacing my choir instructor had taught me back then, gentle, steady, and controlled.
It wasn't just about singing the song. It was about creating a moment.
Even with my eye still stinging, I gave the performance everything I had. My voice blended with the piano, delicate but sincere. The air in the room seemed to shift. It was like everything else had faded away, and only the music remained.
As I sang the final line, I felt tears prick at my eyes. Not from emotion, but from the irritation that refused to go away. My vision blurred, and a single tear rolled down my cheek.
Ugh. Seriously?
I quickly wiped my face, pretending it was part of the act. I stood up, ready to walk off before anything else could go wrong.
But then, something unexpected happened.
The judges stood and started clapping.
"Bravo! Bravo!"
"That was amazing! Your voice was like an angel's. And the acting, wow! It felt like I was watching a holy maiden weep!"
One of the judges looked genuinely moved.
"I knew you were going to be magnificent the moment I laid eyes on you, honey."
That was Jhon. He was grinning from ear to ear.
"You have the innocent and pure vibe we're looking for," another judge added. "You'll be perfect to represent the JEAN brand. You're exactly what we envisioned."
I stood there, frozen, my face burning with embarrassment. My ears felt hot and I didn't know what to say.
"T-thank you,"
I managed to mumble, bowing slightly before walking off the stage as gracefully as I could.
My heart was still pounding.
Did that really just happen?
Backstage, I pressed my hands to my chest, still feeling the tremble in my ribs.
They clapped. They actually stood and clapped.
That had to mean something, right?
I leaned against a wall and took a long, shaky breath. My hands were still trembling, but now it wasn't fear. It was disbelief and maybe even a little hope.
"Viola, right?"
said a voice beside me.
I turned and saw one of the staff members, the same woman who gave me my number earlier.
"You were really good up there,"
she said with a kind smile.
"We see a lot of people, but it's rare for someone to move the room like that."
"Th-thank you,"
I replied, my face still warm.
She handed me a slip of paper.
"You'll get a call in the next few days. If you're selected, we'll schedule your orientation and interviews. Make sure to answer, even if it's from an unknown number."
I took the paper carefully. My name was written on it, along with a contact line and the logo of JQ Entertainment.
I stared at it for a few seconds longer than I needed to.
This is real.
I nodded, bowed, and stepped outside. The sun hit my face, warm and blinding. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
Everything felt surreal. Just yesterday, I had no plan. And now, actual professionals were praising me.
Jhon Renon believed in me.
And for a brief moment, I think I believed in myself too.
Maybe those tears weren't just from dust. Maybe I really needed to let something out.
I smiled to myself.
Even if I don't get chosen in the end, I'm proud I did it. I didn't run away. I faced something terrifying and saw it through. For once, I didn't let fear decide for me.
I looked at the paper in my hand again and tucked it safely into my pocket.
Now, all I had to do was wait.
A few days passed, and I received a call from JQ Entertainment.
"Congratulations, Miss Silva. You've been selected to represent the JEAN perfume brand. The agency would like to meet with you to discuss a potential contract."
What? I got in?
I was in shock. I couldn't believe that last-minute performance actually worked. I felt a little guilty. Some of the other girls must have practiced for weeks, and I just showed up unprepared. But it wasn't up to me. I wasn't the one choosing. I just got lucky.
After that, everything moved quickly. I started attending meetings and was offered a short-term modeling deal for the JEAN perfume campaign. That job alone was enough to cover my living expenses. I signed a temporary contract with JQ Entertainment so I could work under their agency and began doing photo shoots for the product.
Soon after, they suggested I join their training program. It wasn't a debut offer, just an opportunity to learn and improve. I accepted it without hesitation.
I began juggling college classes during the day and vocal or dance training at night. It was tiring. My body constantly ached, and my schedule barely left me time to breathe. Still, I wanted to give it everything I had. I wanted to prove that I wasn't just a fluke.
Jhon Renon became my manager. He supported me, checked in on my progress, and gave me advice whenever I needed it. With his help and a lot of effort, I slowly improved. I got better at handling cameras, adjusting my singing, and learning how to carry myself with confidence.
Months passed. I worked harder than ever before.
Then, one day, JQ Entertainment finally gave me the news.
They were going to debut me as a solo artist.
I released my first original song. To my surprise, it became a success. It climbed into the country's top charts.
When I saw my name up there, I felt like I couldn't breathe. My heart raced, my vision blurred, and my hands trembled. I was so happy, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Everything was happening so fast. I was caught up in the whirlwind of work, interviews, practices, and fan events. It all felt like a dream come true.
But somewhere along the way, in the middle of all the excitement, I realized something.
I had forgotten something important.
Or maybe... someone.