A huge stage...

A large audience...

And all the time she needed to entertain the crowd.

Once the audience settled down in the chairs, the lights onstage brightened as a young girl of average height approached the stage from the side curtain. Her short-sleeve lavender dress went down to her shins and stood out beautifully against the yellow hardwood floors. Her fair skin glowed radiantly under the lights, and she brushed her orange hair aside to rest her violin on her left shoulder. After tilting her head down to secure her instrument, the young girl lifted her right hand and pulled her bow skillfully across the violin strings.

Music was her passion. If she could, she would lose herself in daily solo performances with just herself in a room large enough for all sound to echo.

However, tonight required her full attention and had no room for mistake. She put in all her concentration and effort to play her piece perfectly.

And she did.

Upon finishing her solo piece, she pulled her violin away from her chin and placed her hands behind her back to bow. The audience applauded passionately as the as the curtain closed before her. The stage lights shut off, and the house lights turned on, lighting the way for the audience to exit.

"She's very talented for her age."

"It takes much stamina and practice to achieve that level."

"I look forward to seeing Miss Gehabich perform again."

Behind the stage, the redhead placed her violin and bow on her vanity table and sat down to wipe her face and neck. As workers went in and out of the dressing room, a tall woman with blond hair and glasses approached the violinist. "That was beautiful, Alice! Always above and beyond!"

"No, it wasn't." Alice placed her instrument in its case. "I messed up the vibrato, Aunt Clara."

"The audience didn't think you. You should've heard all the good comments that the people outside had on you, Alice."

"I suppose." The redhead zipped her case, but let go of the zipper halfway. "Are we really moving?"

"Unfortunately...yes." Clara pulled a chair next to her niece and crossed her legs. "Alice, I'm sorry that things are like this, but we have no choice. Nobody saw that freak accident coming. Nobody expected it to happen to the exact train that your parents and grandfather were on."

"I know. Expect the unexpected. But if we move, what about my private tutor? And don't we have a lot of money from my previous public performances?"

"To save on costs, I decided to have one funeral date for all three of them, but it's still a lot to pay for, especially with three people. Today's performance was planned weeks in advance, and none of us wanted to cancel. We can't stay in our big house anymore, since it's just the two of us, with barely any money left to pay off the mortgage and other bills. Also, the reason we're moving to Wardington in the first place is because I found someone in who can help you manage your future performance schedules. But, she has a dependent son of her own, and can't reasonably move or commute to here. Since I can't afford you a private tutor either, I've enrolled you into the best public school in Wardington."

"But didn't Mother, Father, or Grandfather leave anything behind in their wills? Didn't any of them open life insurance policies? And why do I need a manager or housekeeper if can't afford anything else?"

"They all did, but you're the beneficiary who will receive mostly everything. Your grandfather left me some money too, but since you're underage, we can't touch any of that money. Besides, you're going to college soon. We'll need all that money later. As for your manager—however you'd like to call it—she's mainly here to help you plan future performances and watch over you until I get off from work. I also landed a new job in Wardington that pays higher than my current job here."

"You had everything planned all along..."

"We always need to be prepared and act quickly, Alice. Also, your new manager's son is at the top of his graduate class, so he can most certainly help you with anything you don't understand at school."

"Fine." The violinist stood up and packed all her belongings. "When are we moving?"

"Next week, after the funeral." By the way, this is for you." From her purse, the blond woman pulled out and opened a leather box, revealing a gold locket inside. "We've had this for ages and planned to gift it you on your next birthday, but accidents happened." Clara stood up and kissed her niece on the forehead. "We'll get through this, just like always.

"Thank you, Aunt Clara."

"You're welcome, sweetie."

After her aunt left, Alice put everything down and opened the locket. On the left was a picture of her parents. On the right was a picture of her grandfather. Mother, Father, Grandfather...thank you for all your support. I wouldn't be where I am today without you all.

-x-x-x-x-x-

"...And that is why solar power is a very practical approach to solving our energy crisis."

A raven-haired high school student ended his slideshow in the ballroom of a large convention center as the audience applauded. At the front row tables, a panel of judges quickly wrote on their evaluation sheets. After some exchanged glances, one female judge asked, "Shun, how would you promote solar power to residents who cannot and may not buy solar panels on their own? "

"Some solar panel providers are collaborating with power companies to generate their own solar-powered electricity for those type of residents to use. This is still a work in progress primarily because of legal and administrative concerns."

A male judge asked, "How would you promote solar power to places that don't receive much direct sunlight?"

"Some solar power systems currently use multiple mirrors to redirect incoming sunlight to a central tower that has solar panels on all sides. This is a very good way to capture all light and conserve resources in geographical areas with low direct sunlight."

After a couple more minutes of Q&A, the announcer's voice echoed through the speakerphones. "A warm thank-you to Shun Kazami of Wardington High School for his presentation. Judges, please gather in Meeting Room No. 9 for final evaluations."

...And that was the end of a video clip on a brunette student's phone.

While entering the lobby of the same convention center, he elbowed his raven-haired friend. "Shun, you were perfect. Were you nervous at all? Were your hands shaking?"

"Of course I was nervous, Dan. Not enough to have trembling hands, though. I just never competed alone at the national level before. And why did you even record me? Your camerawork is very shaky—literally."

"It's your first time competing solo at the national level of STEM-FX, after all! And this just happened a couple hours ago today! I'm sharing this to the rest of our high school teammates."

"You do you." Shun continued walking until saw a girl with blue pigtails standing by the ballroom entrance. "Runo, do you know where—"

Suddenly, a bunch of girls ran over to the trio, but ultimately gathered around Shun. "Hi Shun! I'm Angela from Cedar Creek High School!"

"I'm Akemi from S. A. Kajioka High School! It's so nice to finally meet you in person!"

Another girl even shoved Dan and Runo aside, "I'm Raehyang from Pleasant Meadow High School! Can I take a picture with you?"

After recovering, Dan pulled Runo aside and whispered, "Since when did Shun gain a bunch of fangirls?"

"Don't get me started. Those girls were here all day."

Shun found his friends and broke away from the female crowd. "Sorry, but I have a meeting with my high school teammates to attend." He proceeded to drag Dan and Runo into the ballroom with him. "Finally! Now that I watch my own presentation again, I realize that it didn't go as well as I thought. I placed first at regional and state level, but today's judges asked the most detailed questions ever."

Runo shook her head. "Shun, you spoke perfectly! Sorry that Dan and I can't compete in a team with you, since he and I needed to present our yearly power consumption report."

"Runo, that's beyond our control," Dan insisted. "Shun, I always have your back. You'll get first place. Besides, the awards ceremony is in half an hour. Let's find our school's assigned seats."

"You guys sit down first. I'll be back." Shun exited the ballroom and leaned against a railing outside, checking his watch and phone. Nobody messaged me back. Not surprised.

Minutes later, Shun received a message, but it was from Dan. "Dude, the ceremony is starting early! I saved you a spot."

"Thanks," texted the raven-haired student as he returned to the ballroom.

STEM-FX, short for Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Future Experts, is a career and technical student organization comprised of high school students who are passionate about the STEM fields. Every year, there are many competitive events for members to compete in against peers in respective events. Regional and state competitions occur during early spring, and national competitions occur during early summer. Since tonight was the awards ceremony for the national levels, there were more even awards to give away.

Shun was shocked when his name was called up for his event, and even more shocked to have placed second overall. It's not bad, but I could've done better. Shortly after the awards ceremony was over, his friends gathered around for a massive hug. "Guys, stop! I can't breathe!"

Everyone let go, but Dan hugged even more tightly. "You won second place! How can we not be—"

Suddenly, the second-place winner saw someone in the distance and pushed Dan away. "Give me a moment, Dan. I need to find someone."

Along the way, a tall man in a suit approached Shun and introduced himself. "Hello Shun. I'm a representative from the Alternative Energy and Technology Association. My name is—"

"Sorry, but my grandson is too busy!" interrupted an angry voice.

Shun looked up and groaned. Grandpa, can you not? "Sir, please excuse my grandfather. I've heard a lot about AETA, but since I'm representing my high school today, all communications need to go through our chapter adviser and my parents and guardians. Sorry for the inconvenience."

After the representative left, Shun's grandfather continued screaming. "You didn't need to waste your breath with him. A simple 'no' would've sufficed." Then he stared at the plaque in his grandson's hand. "Second place? I didn't raise you to uphold low standards."

"Grandpa, what's your point? I placed second in an individual, presentation competition. Next year's my last chance to place first, if that's what you really want."

"My point is that you need to stop doing extra things."

"Define 'extra things'."

"Anything but your ninjutsu training."

I knew it. "It's helpful, but it won't get my very far—"

"Shun!" A tall woman with long, silky black hair approached the high school student. "We need to talk—"

"Shiori, slow down." Shun's grandfather interrupted. "We were—"

"This won't take long. Shun, come with me."

I was wondering how and why Grandpa came to this event by himself. After stepping aside, Shun asked, "Mom, is something wrong?"

"I picked up a new job, but are you free to tutor?"

"Uh...why do you ask?"

"If you can, then let me know."

Why is everyone not getting to the point? "Mom, I'll be a senior in a couple months. You know I applied for many Advanced Placement classes and will need to complete college applications soon."

"No worries, Shun. I'll raise your allowance if you tutor. It won't take too much of your time." Shiori saw the plaque in her son's hand and kissed Shun on his forehead, which caused him to flinch. "Congratulations on earning second place! Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?"

"I..." Shun looked to the side and saw his grandfather pacing impatiently. "It's fine, Mom. I don't need the extra money, and we don't have to eat—"

"Let me ask Dan and Runo if they're interested."

The raven-haired student watched his mother approach his crowd of classmates, then stared at the second-place plaque in his hands. One more year, and I'll be out. Grandpa hasn't done anything but complain since Dad passed away.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Alice stared at her new house as workers moved belongings out from the trucks and into the front doors. Clara walked by and showed her niece a piece of paper. "This is your tentative schedule for the upcoming school year. Based on your age, you'll be in twelfth grade and graduating by next summer. Since you're excellent with most common instruments, the principal and counselors agreed to let you be a teacher's assistant for music classes."

"Sounds okay..." the redhead commented.

"I also planned a list of places where we might schedule future public performances. Of course, I'd need to discuss this with your 'manager'. She hasn't told me if her son's available to tutor, but they're coming here—"

"I left something in the car." Alice grabbed her aunt's car keys and was about to unlock by remote until she saw another car park next to her aunt's car. "Aunt Clara, we have guests."

"That's them!" Clara waved excitedly as two people got off the visiting vehicle. "Shiori, nice to meet you! Remember me, Clara Gehabich?"

"Good to see you, Clara. Welcome to Wardington!" To the young boy next to her, she whispered, "Shun, you're going to meet your tutee soon."

"Oh." I really should be working on my summer homework right now.

Clara pulled her niece over and introduced. "Shiori, this my niece Alice. Alice, this is Shiori Kazami, your new manager."

The redhead glanced between her aunt and the visitor in front of her. "Good morning, Shiori-san."

Immediately, Shiori patted Alice's head. "Nice to meet you, Alice! Now you just need to meet—" A ringing phone drew her attention. "Excuse me while I answer this call."

Shun saw the caller ID on his mother's phone and rolled his eyes. What does Grandpa want now?

Clara went inside the house to assist the workers, leaving Alice with no one to talk to. New neighborhood, new schedule, new life? What do I even do?

Eventually, the two teenagers met eye to eye, although neither one was sure on how to break the ice.

Why does Mom need to be her manager?

What do these people have to do with Aunt Clara?

Suddenly, Shiori came back and placed her hands on Shun's shoulders, scaring her a son a bit. "Have you met Alice yet?"

"No, but—"

"Doesn't matter now. Your grandfather called, and we need to go home immediately." After sending Shun back to her car, Shiori greeted everyone goodbye. "I'll see you all another time!"

"Leaving already?!" Clara rushed out and waved goodbye. "Call me when you're free! Alice, did you meet—"

"I don't feel well." The redhead ran upstairs and hid in the bathroom. Suddenly, she felt nauseous and hyperventilated over the sink. I can't do this. What did any of this have to happen?!

As his mom drove off, Shun looked out the window at the off-white, single-family house that he just visited. "So...are we coming back here anytime soon?"

"I'll call Clara after we deal with your grandfather. By the way, that young girl—Alice Gehabich—is your new tutee. She's not used to public school, which is why I need your help. I'm also her new manager for arranging her public performances. Who would've thought that she's a violin prodigy? I really couldn't tell."

"I see." Shun raised his window and leaned back in his seat. And why do I bother being the top student in my graduating class if no one cares? It won't matter once I'm in college anyway.