Chapter 4The Ugly Duckling's Revenge

Bella's delicate face was flushed with excitement.

"This is special admission! If you get in, you get a tenure-track job and perform with Winter!"

Winter. The city's most famous piano artist.

Performed in Vienna at 7, world-renowned by 14, exploded in popularity at 18 on a music show.

At 20, he returned as a celebrated artist.

Because he had a face like a CGI model, he was plagued by stalker fans. Annoyed, he moved back to our hometown for peace.

This unconventional choice shocked everyone.

But it gave him the quiet he wanted.

Bella clutched the flyer tightly, face red.

"That's Winter... How many girls dream of playing with him? Even if I'm just a background dancer, I'd be willing!"

A girl nearby reached out. "Bella, let me see the flyer!"

My deskmate slapped her hand away. "Stop dreaming, toad. Can't you see Bella has it? Only she has a chance. You ugly girls wanting to be on stage with Winter? Hilarious."

Bella lifted her chin proudly, as if victory was hers.

"If you want signed photos later, just ask. I have that much pull."

My deskmate bowed and scraped. "Yes, Sister Bella. Don't forget us when you're famous."

Suddenly, Bella seemed to notice me.

"Jane, you're here too."

She smiled, braids framing her face, looking gentle and kind.

"Do you want to go? The flyer says every girl in school has to audition. If you want to go, you can sign up with me."

Before I could speak, my deskmate jumped in. "Huh? Her?"

He sneered. "The Dance Company is looking for dancers, not gargoyles to ward off evil spirits. Jane shouldn't go and embarrass us!"

Bella smiled sweetly. "True, people should know their limits. Maybe Jane shouldn't go on stage. What if Winter is there? We don't want to scare him."

I treated their words like farts.

I opened another practice test, ignoring them.

But Liam suddenly asked me.

"Jane, do you want to go?"

"No."

I answered without looking up.

My pen scratched across the paper.

"Why?"

"I have problems to solve."