Sarah didn't sleep that night. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the poster.
Her name. Her face. Her doom.
By morning, her nerves were raw. Walking into school felt like stepping into a lion's den. People she barely knew were smiling at her, whispering as she passed.
She caught pieces of their comments:
"She's performing? Didn't even know she could sing."
"Maybe she's trying to impress John."
"Hope she doesn't choke."
Her stomach twisted.
She found John by his locker, leaning casually like he didn't just throw her life into chaos.
"We need to talk," she said, her voice sharp.
He grinned. "Good morning to you too—"
"Don't," she snapped, slamming her books down. "You had no right to sign me up. You didn't even ask me!"
John's smile faded. "I was trying to help you."
"Help me? By putting me on display like some… school entertainment?" Her voice was rising, and now other students were watching. Exactly what she hated.
"Sarah," he said slowly, "you're hiding. I've seen the way you sing when no one's watching. You're incredible. Why should the world be deprived of that?"
"Because I'm not you!" she shot back. "I don't need a crowd's approval to feel worth something!"
For a moment, John looked hurt then his jaw tightened. "This isn't about approval. It's about you believing in yourself."
She shook her head. "No, John. This is about you deciding what's best for me."
The tension between them was electric, sharp enough to cut. Before he could reply, a voice rang out from behind:
"Well, this is interesting."
Sarah turned and froze.
It was Naomi Hayes, the school's reigning queen bee and John's ex.
She smirked, eyes flicking between them. "Didn't know you two were… this close. But I guess the showcase will be fun to watch. Especially when the pressure gets to you."
She winked at Sarah and sauntered off, leaving a trail of perfume and trouble.
Sarah's chest tightened. Was Naomi hinting at something? Or was this just another way to mess with her?
John put a hand on her shoulder, but she stepped back. "Just… leave me alone for now."
She walked away, her mind spinning about the showcase, about Naomi, about the fact that part of her was more afraid of losing John than of facing the stage.