Episode 13: The Talent Show

Episode 13: The Talent Show

Ivy’s POV

The moment I signed up for the campus talent show, I regretted it.

Sure, singing had always been a personal escape for me, something I did alone in my dorm or in the shower when I thought no one was listening. But standing on stage? Performing in front of an audience? That was a whole different level of terrifying.

I had barely written my name on the sign-up sheet before Lila and Camila caught wind of it.

"You? Performing in front of an audience?" Camila snorted, draping herself over my shoulder like an overexcited cat. "This I gotta see."

Lila, ever the supportive cousin, smirked. "You do realize you have stage fright, right?"

I groaned, pushing them off me. "I know! But I figured… I don’t know. Maybe it’s time I push myself a little."

Camila gasped dramatically. "Who are you, and what have you done with Ivy?"

I rolled my eyes. "I just don’t want to be the girl who hides in the background forever."

Lila’s expression softened. "That’s actually kind of inspiring."

Camila nodded. "Yeah. Dumb, but inspiring."

Before I could retaliate, another voice entered the conversation.

"So, what’s the plan?"

I turned to see Elena leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, that signature smirk playing on her lips.

My stomach did a weird flip.

"Uh—plan?" I echoed.

Elena raised an eyebrow. "You know, for your performance. Or did you just sign up and hope talent would magically appear on stage?"

Camila snorted. "That sounds like Ivy’s plan, honestly."

I groaned. "I hate all of you."

Elena chuckled, walking further into the room. "Come on, Little One. You need to practice, and lucky for you, I’m feeling generous."

I frowned. "Generous how?"

Elena smirked. "I’m going to help you, obviously."

My stomach did another flip, and I wasn’t sure if it was from panic or something else entirely.

Lila and Camila exchanged glances before Lila whispered (not so quietly), "Oh, this is gonna be fun."

Practice Sessions – Ivy’s POV

Practicing with Elena was both the best and worst decision I had ever made.

Best, because she was actually really good at coaching. Worst, because every time she leaned in close to adjust my posture or whisper "breathe, Little One" in my ear, my brain short-circuited.

"You’re too stiff," she said one evening as we sat in the empty music hall. "Sing like you mean it."

I huffed. "I am singing like I mean it!"

Elena smirked. "Yeah? Then why do you sound like you’re afraid the microphone is going to bite you?"

I glared. "Maybe because I am afraid."

Elena studied me for a moment before stepping forward. "Close your eyes."

I blinked. "What?"

"Close your eyes," she repeated. "And just sing. Forget the stage, forget the audience, forget everything except your voice."

I hesitated but obeyed.

At first, it felt ridiculous. But then, as I started singing, the nerves melted away, and for the first time, I actually felt the song instead of just performing it.

When I opened my eyes, Elena was staring at me with something unreadable in her gaze.

"Better?" I asked hesitantly.

She tilted her head. "Yeah. That was…" She trailed off before shaking her head. "You’ll be fine."

And coming from Elena, that meant everything.

The Talent Show – Ivy’s POV

The night of the show arrived way too quickly.

Backstage, my hands trembled as I clutched the microphone.

What if I forgot the lyrics?

What if my voice cracked?

What if—

A familiar, warm hand landed on my shoulder.

"Breathe, Little One."

I turned to see Elena standing beside me, looking as calm as ever.

"You’ve got this," she murmured.

I swallowed. "What if I mess up?"

Elena smirked. "Then you mess up. And we’ll make fun of you later."

I groaned. "You are the worst."

She chuckled. "And yet, you’re still listening to me."

Before I could respond, the host called my name.

I felt a wave of nausea hit me.

Elena gave my shoulder a squeeze. "Go show them what you’ve got, Carter."

I took a shaky breath and stepped onto the stage.

The lights were blinding.

The crowd was massive.

But then—I spotted Elena, Lila, and Camila in the front row.

Camila was waving dramatically. Lila gave me a thumbs-up.

And Elena…

She just smirked.

It was steadying, in a way.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes like she had taught me, and began to sing.

Elena’s POV

Damn.

I had known Ivy had a nice voice, but this?

This was something else.

She started out nervous, but then she found her rhythm, and suddenly, it was like she belonged up there.

Lila elbowed me. "Dude, you’re staring."

I scoffed. "I’m appreciating talent."

Camila snickered. "Right, right. Talent. That’s what we’re calling it."

I rolled my eyes but didn’t take my gaze off Ivy.

When she finished, the auditorium erupted into applause.

I stood and cheered louder than anyone.

Ivy’s eyes found mine, and for a brief moment, she looked stunned.

Then, she smiled.

And damn, if that didn’t do something to my chest.

After the Show – Ivy’s POV

I nearly collapsed backstage, adrenaline still coursing through my veins.

Before I could process what had happened, Camila tackled me in a hug. "Dude, you were AMAZING!"

Lila grinned. "Seriously. Who knew you had that in you?"

I laughed breathlessly. "I still can’t believe I did it."

"Believe it," a familiar voice drawled.

I turned to find Elena standing there, arms crossed, smirking.

"Told you you’d be fine."

Something warm bloomed in my chest. "Thanks to you."

She shrugged. "I just helped. You did the hard part."

Camila wiggled her eyebrows. "Awww, look at this wholesome moment. Should we leave you two alone?"

Elena rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Camila."

I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in days.

I had done it.

And with Elena, Lila, and Camila by my side, I felt like I could do anything.

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