She Outshines Them All

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 the last 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 played sports effortlessly, especially because of her limp.

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 place.

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 of comfort 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 glances.

Star Quest was one of the three most popular 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 about competing at the national finals for her first talent competition 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 applause. “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 national competition. My next contest is in two weeks!”

As the lively chatter ebbed, the latest 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 accomplishment, the thrill in the room was infectious.

Claire couldn’t help but clap 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 just last week during prime time, dominating the ratings on all three major streaming platforms. 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 played one of the leads. We finished shooting last 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 collaboration.

“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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They laughed and played 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.

Alaric called out, eager to join her. “Athena, I want to come 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 Alaric have all the fun.”

But Jaden grabbed Alaric’s arm, and Zayn held back Arthur.

“What are you guys doing?” Alaric 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.”

Alaric’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 glances, opting not to explain, 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. “In last night’s Star Quest finals, six–and–a- half–year–old contestant Lorelai Pittman captivated the audience with a stunning aria from the opera Nessun Dorma, earning her spot in the national finals.

“It’s reported that Lorelai comes 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 Lorelai’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 planted a gentle kiss on Lorelai’s cheek, her voice brimming with warmth. “Lorelai, 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, Lorelai beamed and proclaimed, “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 glanced over at Paityn, who was sitting nearby, and asked, “You’re a judge for Star Quest, right? So tell us, do you think Lorelai deserves to take home the championship?”

Paityn nodded earnestly. “Honestly, at just six and a half years old, Lorelai’s talent is off the charts. Her ability to sing at this level shows she’s got what it takes to compete for the championship.”

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Lorelai had changed her name from Lola just six months ago.

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It had become 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 Lorelai 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 Lorelai 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.

Lorelai 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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