The red sun had just ascended over the horizon, blanketing a single farm with its invigorating rays. It was the weekend, and sixteen-year-old Valara "Val" El was working on her latest fashion creation while singing an original song with her irresistible voice. "Hmm, let's see. Should the neckline be a little lower? Or should I switch out the colors? They don't seem to be blending well. I've not even begun on the accessories! Oh! Why is my creative flow blocked?" she whined for a moment.
Unexpectedly, Brainiac chimed above her head. "Incoming holo-message for Valara. Syncing up in forty-five seconds."
"What?! Why didn't you tell me sooner, you worthless piece of garbage?" as she bolted to her holo-computer and accepted the call. A gorgeous teen girl with long, cascading black hair, fair skin, and sparkling green eyes answered. "Hello, Val! How are you doing? Are you making any progress on your entry for the design competition for the school festival at the end of the month?" her best friend questioned.
"Sadly, I've hit a roadblock, Lucia! I don't know what it is, but I can't figure out how to make this outfit work! I've reread the latest fashion trends a dozen times through my design files. But my imagination just isn't flowing today!" Val replied miserably.
Her best friend since forever gave her an encouraging smile, "Maybe you should take a break and do something else for an hour or two. You're stressing out way too much," Lucia replied honestly.
"Lucia, you know how crucial this contest is to me! If I'm going to be admitted into the Krypton University of Creative Arts after finishing high school, I need to impress them with my skills!"
"I understand that, Val! You know I want to study there as well! But you won't impress anyone if you try to force creativity!" the green-eyed girl and her friend took a few moments to calm down. Finally, Lucia made a suggestion. "Just take a break and work on your singing for a while. Everyone at school knows you've got the most alluring voice!
Your aptitude for singing is only second to your mastery of designing! Why don't you work on composing some original songs for a little bit? Perhaps that will motivate you?" Lucia suggested kindly.
The stunning teen closed her vivid purple eyes and sighed. "Perhaps you're right, Lucia. I require a break. I'll take you up on your suggestion. I'll work on my singing for an hour or two. By the way, are you working on your talents? You're the best damn actress in school!"
"Yes, I'm practicing for the original play at the end of the month. I've already got my lines memorized. But since you are my best friend, I thought I saw how you were doing," Lucia smiled.
Valara felt warm inside from her best friend's compassion. "Well, thanks for checking up on me. Before we disconnect, I wanted to know if you knew what that brat Mira is up to. She's so full of herself, and she keeps making eyes at my boyfriend!"
Lucia sighed in disgust before answering her best friend's question. "Mira Tang has been a spoiled brat and bully her entire life, Valara. Nothing will change, given that her parents are wealthy and have spoiled her since infancy. Regardless, it would be best if you didn't agonize about her seducing Dev. That boy only had eyes for you since nursery school!" her friend reminded her as she tossed her long hair over her shoulder.
"I hope you're right. Well, I call you back after dinner," Val promised her best friend.
"Okay, see you in four hours!" as the hologram disappeared. Valara took a deep breath before going to her keytar to work on her musical talents. Of course, her thoughts were cluttered with the school's mean girl, Mira.
Mira may've had the looks and money. But she was sallower then even shallows of the nearest ocean. She never had anything nice to say and was always putting people down by spreading false rumors. She kept flirting with all the other girl's boyfriends, doing all she could to humiliate their younger classmates.
Valara didn't know WHY, but she seemed to have it out for her. Still, she tried not to think about her nemesis for the next hour as a song came to mind. As she finished the song, she immediately knew how to complete her outfit.
Working nonstop, she soon produced a rose-red gown with multiple embellished blossoms. She looked over her work and was satisfied with the narrow waist and the sparkling rubies she had added. Finally, all the accessories were shades of pink and red, making it perfect!
When Lucia called again, she asked how things were going. Valara happily told her best friend she'd composed a new song and finished her outfit. She also complimented Lucia's costume, which was a gold and silver gown with an empire waist and skirt with a gold pendant. "You'll knock them dead in that outfit!" Val squealed happily.
"Thanks, Val. I hope this play goes over well. The drama teacher's son wrote it. So we have a play about star-cross lovers from two planets at war. I'm the princess of one kingdom, and the drama teacher's son is the prince of the other planet. I'm not sure if I like that there is a death scene at the end. Where I've to pretend to drink poison and die dramatically, but that's how this play goes. So let's hope for the best at the end of the month."
"Yep! The school festival will be incredible without a doubt!" which was true. Lucia's play was a hit. Val triumphed in her design competition, and both friends sang Valara's new song to finish their school's festival. All in all, it was a great day to be alive!