She Outshines 328
As the lively chatter in the living room began to fade, a peaceful hush settled over the room.
The Donovan family, known for their skills and worldly experience, had an innate sense of style and
sophistication.
When they heard that beautiful song, sung by one of their own, they were captivated, their faces
lighting up with awe and delight.
Once thest note faded, the guests seemed to snap out of a delightful daze.
Athena turned to Josie, her surprise evident. “Wow, you sound even better than I remembered!”
During Advent Sunday, Josie had wowed the crowd at the Donovan family’s farm stay, catching the
eye of Katie Limbert, the co–director of the Kitmore City Children’s Art Troupe.
Katie had been genuinely enthusiastic, spending half an hour talking about her troupe and showing
off videos of their performances.
Josie watched the clips in awe. “If I join the troupe, can I sing and dance like them?” she asked, her
eyes sparkling with hope. “Definitely!” Katie replied with a warm smile. “Our instructors are amazing
and care about the kids. With your talent, as long as you get the right training, you’ll be singing and
dancing better than anyone in no time!”
Josie’s face lit up with excitement. “Then I want to join the art troupe! I want to learn to sing and
dance!”
Ever since she was little, she had admired the kids who danced and yed sports effortlessly,
especially because of her limp. Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.
The Kitmore City Children’s Art Troupe was highly respected across the country, having nurtured
many stars and artists, making it a credible and authoritative institution for the arts.
Recognizing Josie’s passion, the Donovan family took her to tour the troupe after the holiday break.
After seeing everything firsthand, they helped Josie enroll.
From that moment on, Josie jumped at the chance to rush to the troupe whenever she had free
time, diving headfirst into singing and dancing lessons, quickly finding her ce.
However, Athena had been traveling for work since the start of the year and hadn’t realized just how
much Josie had
grown.
Holding her Hello Kitty toy bashfully in front of her face, Josie said, “Katie said I could try out for Star
Quest, so I’m going to do it!”
Athena gently ruffled her hair. “Star Quest is a huge deal! There will be so many people watching
you perform. Aren’t you nervous about singing in front of all those people?”
“I’m super nervous!” Josie admitted, shaking her Hello Kitty toy adorably. “But Katie said I can take
Dolli on stage with me. With Dolli by my side, I won’t be scared!”
“That’s a clever idea,” Athena said, lightly tapping Josie’s cheek, charmed by her cuteness. “Dolli is
great, but why not bring Hello Kitty instead? Isn’t she your favorite?”
Hello Kitty had always been a source offort for Josie since she could remember.
Josie replied, “Katie said I can bring Hello Kitty when I make it to the national finals.”
Everyone exchanged amused nces.
Star Quest was one of the three most popr variety shows in the country, open to everyone
without any talent restrictions,
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making it a true celebration of national talent.
Those who made it through the tough selection process were exceptionally skilled.
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Six–and–a–half–year–old Josie was thinking aboutpeting at the national finals for her first
talentpetition outside of
school.
Yet, that was the spirit of Star Quest—anyone could join and achieve the extraordinary, so who was
to say that Josie couldn’t create her miracle?
The room erupted into apuse. “Way to go, Josie! We’ll be there to cheer you
“You’re going to crush it, Josie! I know you can do it!”
“When are the finals?” someone asked.
on!”
Josie tilted her head, thinking hard. “I can’t remember exactly, but Katie said each province can only
send ten representatives to the nationalpetition. My next contest is in two weeks!”
As the lively chatter ebbed, thetest episode of Star Quest wound down on the TV.
The host announced the names of the contestants from the West End region who had made it to
the national finals, and there it was—Josie’s name glowing like a beacon.
Even though this was a rerun and the Donovan family already knew about Josie’s aplishment,
the thrill in the room was infectious.
ire couldn’t help but p her hands. “Josie, you were amazing! We’re all so proud of you!”
“Now, let’s switch gears and catch Zayn’s show, Steel Battalion,” someone suggested, eyes
sparkling with anticipation. Steel Battalion aired justst week during prime time, dominating the
ratings on all three major streaming tforms. Zayn had snagged the role of the third male lead,
and while his character didn’t have a ton of screen time, he delivered a convincing performance as
a military instructor, earning solid reviews along the way.
Athena was munching on some fruit when she turned to Zayn. “So, what are you filming these
days?”
Zayn leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I just wrapped up a cop–and–robber
flick where I yed one of the leads. We finished shootingst month, but I haven’t found anything I
love among the scripts I have.”
He paused with a hint of excitement in his voice. “So, I decided to write my own story. I’m thinking of
bringing in a professional screenwriter to help turn it into a film script—kind of a coboration.
“Once the script is finished, I want to find my investors and team up with some experienced
producers and veterans to create an authentic military action film.”
He hesitated, then asked, “Athena, would you have some time to look at what I’ve written?”
“Of course!” she said, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “Just send me your script once I’m done
eating, and I’ll dive right in. If I have any thoughts or questions, we can discuss it.”
-Zayn was usually the type to handle everything on his own, never wanting to impose on anyone
unless it was necessary.
Knowing he was reaching out for help made Athena determined to give her all.
“Thanks so much,” Zayn said, a genuine smile lighting up his face. “Here’s to you! I’ll take a drink,
and you can enjoy your juice.”
“Cheers!”
Once they all had their fill, they gathered around for a few rounds of cards and some singing.
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Theyughed and yed until the sun dipped below the horizon, and eventually, the members of
Vission Group said their goodbyes.
Athena prepared to head out to meet Matthew.
ric called out, eager to join her. “Athena, I want toe with you! We haven’t seen each other in
six months; we need to catch up!”
Arthur chimed in, “I’m in too! I can’t let ric have all the fun.”
But Jaden grabbed ric’s arm, and Zayn held back Arthur.
“What are you guys doing?” ric asked, confusion etched on his face.
Jaden sighed softly. “Let’s not crash Athena’s personal time.”
Zayn nodded in agreement. “She’s twenty now; she deserves her own space.”
ric’s brow furrowed, still puzzled. “But it’s her birthday! She can have friends over to celebrate.
Why would she run off when there are candles to blow out?”
Arthur chimed in, “Isn’t it better to all be together? Why sneak away for something private?”
Jaden and Zayn exchanged nces, opting not to exin, and gently ushered the two back into the
living room.
Brandon stood on the front steps, watching Athena fade into the distance, a long sigh escaping his
lips. “In the end, we can’t stop her…”
Meanwhile, in Vredo City, the news channel was reporting the day’s highlights. “Inst night’s Star
Quest finals, six–and–a- half–year–old contestant Lori Pittman captivated the audience with a
stunning aria from the opera Nessun Dorma, earning her spot in the national finals.
“It’s reported that Lories from a musical family, steeped in music from a young age. She
began singing at just two years old and took up opera at four, earning her the nickname ‘angelic
voice…”
The news spent a solid three minutes shining the spotlight on Lori’s story.
The Pittman family settled into their plush leather sofa, feeling a sense of pride wash over them as
they watched the broadcast.
When the segment ended, Saanvi leaned down and nted a gentle kiss on Lori’s cheek, her
voice brimming with warmth. “Lori, you are such a genius! At your age, you sing opera like a pro.
I just know you’re going to outshine me one day.”
With her chin held high, Lori beamed and proimed, “I’m a genius! I’m going to win the national
championship for Star Quest!”
Saanvi smiled and ruffled her daughter’s hair. “That’s the spirit of our Pittman family—always aiming
high!” She nced over at Paityn, who was sitting nearby, and asked, “You’re a judge for Star
Quest, right? So tell us, do you think Lori deserves to take home the championship?”
Paityn nodded earnestly. “Honestly, at just six and a half years old, Lori’s talent is off the charts.
Her ability to sing at this level shows she’s got what it takes topete for the championship.”
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Lori had changed her name from L just six months ago.
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It had be a necessity after her reputation took a hit in Vredo City and Kitmore City, where she
faced bullying in kindergarten that left her with emotional scars. The Pittman family decided it was
best not to send her back to kindergarten. Instead, they focused on private tutoring at home, honing
her singing skills.
The Pittman family had enrolled Lori in Star Quest with a clear purpose: to help her snag the
championship title, gain recognition, and ultimately clear her name so she could attend the best
elementary schools in Dichester or Valemont City.
“It’s vital that Lori wins the national championship for Star Quest,” Saanvi said, her tone
commanding, like a queen making an important announcement. “She has the talent, and as her
mother, it’s your responsibility to help her achieve her dreams.”
Paityn nodded. “Of course.”
Saanvi continued, “So, make sure to set up a dinner for our family with the show’s producer and
director.”
Paityn wasn’t thrilled about this kind of arrangement.
Lori had the potential to win on her own merits, so they didn’t have to resort to behind–the–
scenes tricks. But knowing better than to argue with Saanvi, she simply replied, “Yes.”
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