In the second round, there was an unexpected change that I did not expect.
Edna no longer serves as a judge for this round, but replaces her as a veteran member of the Angels group. Many of the contestants were overjoyed to hear the news, because almost every one of them was under pressure to face Edna.
I heard that Edna is sick and has to be hospitalized, I don't know if the shock at the party was so great that she fell ill or not.
In this second round, I prepared a rather new performance, completely different from the style I used to pursue. It's a blend of nobility and grace with intensity and power. Veronica was the one who gave me this idea. She really likes the creative and somewhat out-of-the-ordinary ballet style.
At first, I was a little nervous about testing this out. Of course it was because it was too risky and far from the ballet style that I was pursuing. However, thanks to Veronica's persuasion and our hard work, I finally decided to show that performance in the second round.
Things went much more smoothly than in the first round. I have regained my confidence and have a good performance. I could feel the eyes that the judges looked at me filled with love and satisfaction.
"That's quite an impressive ballet performance. From what I can see, this is not her forte. The first round she chose classical and elegant ballet, why is it so different this time. ?" The new examiner asked me a question.
"To be honest, I was hesitant at first. Trying out a new style of performance and it's not my forte was really a challenge. But I think it's even more regrettable if it's only because of fear that I don't dare to show my abilities. Although winning is important, at least I don't want to feel sorry for myself for being timid and indecisive."
After hearing my answer, Kate and Karen looked at each other and nodded. The examiner asked me a few more questions before my test ended.
Veronica waited for me in the waiting room and frantically asked if my test was okay.
"Thanks to your brilliant idea, everything is perfect." I hugged her.
"Really? That's lucky." Veronica breathed a sigh of relief. She seems to care about me more than herself.
The second round ended much faster than the first round because there were only 1000 contestants. The Royal team also did not have many representatives remaining to this round. Jade Rosaleen and her best friends were all eliminated. Veronica and I are like two people who carry the heavy responsibility that is the honor of the famous Malibu academy.
We were expected to at least be in the top 5 to enter the Finding Stars competition.
On the way back to the hotel, I stopped by a bakery to buy some pastries. The bakeries in LA are beautifully decorated and the smell of the cakes is perfect. If Dominic wasn't so busy, I wish he and I could date places like that. Unfortunately, I love a man who is so powerful and passionate about work.
"Ugh..."
The cake in my hand almost fell to the ground when I bumped into someone. Fortunately, that person quickly caught my cake.
"Thank you, really... er... you're..."
I was so surprised that my eyes widened, the hand holding the cake was also stiff from shock.
This guy, when he saw me, also froze for a few seconds, then frowned and asked me.
"Didn't we just meet a few days ago? You look like someone I've met before." His voice was warm and manly, sounding like an announcer's voice.
"Looks like we bumped into each other in the elevator of the Transparent Hotel."
"Ah yes." He put his hand on his forehead and laughed happily. "No wonder you look familiar, so we've actually met."
"That's right." I nodded and smiled politely.
"But why do we always bump into each other every time we meet? Do you have a magnet on your body that attracts me?" He laughed teasingly, a bit mischievous but did not make me uncomfortable.
"I'm not sure. But it's a coincidence. I didn't expect it at all." I shook my head and smiled, still not getting rid of the emotions of surprise and disbelief.
I don't believe in coincidences or fate, but this incident changed my mind completely.
"Wow, the cakes you chose are so delicious. I want to buy them too, can you show me?"
Seeing his bright smile and elegant and polite gesture, I couldn't refuse this offer. I just didn't expect that he not only asked me to choose the cake for him, but also wanted me to take him shopping everywhere.
At first I was going to refuse, but he said he was a tourist coming here, he didn't know anyone but me, a new friend. So he felt lonely and really hoped I could go with him.
After some hesitation, I decided to agree. Anyway, I have a lot of free time today, and I really want to go sightseeing in LA. For more than a week, my mood is not comfortable, there are too many worries and sadness so I am not in the mood to go out. Now also consider making new friends and going out to relieve stress in the past few days.
Seeing me agree, the other guy was so happy that he laughed with his eyes wide open, I also saw dimples on his cheeks.
At first, I just thought that I would play the female tour guide to accompany him. Unexpectedly, we talked freely with each other and I easily opened my heart to him.
His name is Frederick, is a successful businessman. He's 10 years older than me but he still looks quite young. Maybe it's because he doesn't have a beard and he has dimples and smiling eyes that's why I was surprised to know his age.
"Oh, you're a ballet dancer? I've never met anyone who knows ballet." Frederick looked at me admiringly.
"I studied ballet from a young age because my mother was a ballerina, and gradually it became my passion." I smile shyly, feeling quite happy when someone respects my ballet.
"Sounds great. Do you go to a ballet show? I want to come see it, I'm curious what a ballet performance is like." Frederick said eagerly.
"Oh, this... I used to follow my mother to some squares and streets. But now I don't." Seeing his eyes filled with disappointment and regret, I continued. "...But I'm participating in a competition. If I make it to the third round, you can come cheer for me."
"Of course. I'll bring your banner and picture to cheer you on."
"Oh come on. Don't do that, I'll be embarrassed." I giggled at Frederick's teasing.
It's been a long time since I talked to a guy so comfortably. He reminds me of Garrick, but the reality is that their personalities are different. Garrick was a careful and warm man, he was quiet but always kept an eye on me and cared for me in his own way, at least he used to be. But Frederick is different. He is active and interesting, likes to tease, but still makes the people who talk to him comfortable and spontaneously relaxes the mood. Being with Frederick, I had absolutely no doubts or worries about anything, because he was really honest and friendly.
Soon it was dark. Frederick was going to invite me to dinner, but I declined. So he took me back to the hotel.
"Esther Joan." Frederick called my name.
"Hmm?"
"I'm glad you accepted my offer today."
"I'm happy too."
"Can you give me your phone number? We'll see each other at the contest you're participating in, right?"
"Of course."
"That's impossible."
A low voice interrupted my conversation with Frederick.