Haley enters her house with her parents and sister. It's a small, suburban Toronto home in an "average" part of the Riverdale neighborhood.
"This place is fantastic, we're so lucky to live here!" She mumbles to her family. Haley was on a natural high, and her parents were surprised about it. You see, Haley had just been told that her show's audience would select the new Instant Star after a fierce, competitive duet between the two finalists, Haley and her grade school rival, Kristen. This was because the judges could not decide between the two up-and-comers, and so they created a new, "Speed of Sound" round where the two competing finalists would be given a song to perform together. After which, for the first time, the fans would decide the new Instant Star.
Haley walks through her living room toward the television to check on the MuchMusic's coverage of the show, which had now become a ritual for the Grade 9. Once Haley hit the "On" button, a young Asian woman came onto the television.
"Today's final round of the Instant Star Universe competition was the fiercest yet. After a fantastic original song performance by finalist Douglas Garrett, a contestant dawning from the U.S., he was cut in favor of two local Canadian up-and-comers who will perform in a special duet segment called the 'Speed of Sound.' This new segment will give fans the opportunity to determine and vote for their favorite Instant Star contestant. Stay tuned for more details."
Haley frowned while turning the television off, there was no mention of her performance or of the two final contestants, just a reminder of the added stress she'll have to endure, and the revival of her friends' betray in her head.
"Everything will be okay, I promise that." Haley's mom walks over to her, holding her by the shoulder.
Haley's expression did not change.