Under the covers, I woke to a serene morning. The hall was still and quiet, but inside me, nerves stirred like a brewing storm. Would my piece be enough? What would unfold today?
For the first time in my life, I'd be working alongside a group of talented, beautiful girls. And tonight, I'd stand in front of the people of Maistown and project my voice, my thoughts. They'd see me. Maybe, just maybe, they'd see the world through my eyes. The thought filled me with unexpected joy, and I giggled under the sheet.
"Melody, you sound suspiciously happy," Nala's voice cut through the quiet as she climbed into my bed. "Anything you'd like to share with us?"
"Nala? How are you even awake? I thought you were asleep," I asked, startled.
"Well, I am up now," she grinned, wriggling beside me.
"Same here..." Cassie and Ava chimed as they joined us, piling into my bed like we were in some cozy sleepover fort. Ava yawned, then gave me a knowing look.
"I hope we find fine young noblemen today," she said, fluffing a pillow behind her.
"I already met one," I confessed, stretching out with a cheeky smile. "A few days ago. I may have snuck out to meet him."
"WHAT?!" they gasped in unison, eyes widening in shock.
"What? I didn't exactly sneak out," I said, trying not to laugh. "More like… slipped away. He's tall, has porcelain skin—manly, though. His touch is..."
"You're joking, right?" Ava said, her eyes searching my face.
"I am not." I grinned wider. "His veiny hands, his dark brown hair, and this gentle confidence… it's like he sees me, not just the surface me."
Their jaws dropped as I painted the image, tossing dramatic glances like confetti.
"No wonder you're a writer," Cassie said, dreamy-eyed. "So detailed! I never knew you had it in you."
"So...?" Nala probed, elbowing me.
"So, what?"
"No kisses?" Ava asked, hopeful.
"Nope," I said, laughing.
"You mean with all that buildup, you didn't land a kiss?" Ava groaned, tossing a pillow at me.
I shrugged. "I've been trapped in that estate like Rapunzel in a forgotten tower. I'm not allowed to meet boys or be caught talking to them. I can't wear what I want. My mother plans every moment. And the worst part? I never had friends. You girls… you're the first."
The room fell silent.
"Okay, okay, enough," Nala said dramatically, covering her face. "That's the saddest story I've ever heard."
She sat up, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I've taken it upon myself to help you. Today isn't just about fashion."
"Oh no," I muttered, wary of that look.
"Today," she declared, raising a finger with purpose, "we are going to pop those lip cherries!"
"Wait, what?" I shot upright.
"I'm in," Ava said without hesitation, raising her hand like she was volunteering for a mission.
"Me too!" Cassie sang, bouncing on the mattress.
I blinked. "You're all insane."
"Insane but helpful," Nala winked. "Consider us your kiss coaches."
We laughed until our stomachs hurt, the kind of laughter that makes you forget every shadow in your past. In that moment, I felt something shift—something soft and freeing.
We got so carried away that we nearly forgot the big day ahead. Just as we were stretching and preparing to get dressed, a knock echoed at the door.
"Are we expecting anyone?" Ava asked.
I stood up, brushing hair out of my face. "Let me check."
Opening the door, I found a long rectangular box resting on the floor. No one was in sight. I picked it up carefully.
"Who's there, Melody?" Ava called out from inside.
"Uh… no one, but" I paused, balancing the box with both hands as I nudged the door closed with my foot.
The girls' eyes widened the moment they saw it.
"What's that?" Cassie asked, practically bouncing off the bed.
"I don't know... there's a letter," I said, my fingers brushing against the elegant envelope attached to the ribbon.
"A letter?!" Nala gasped. "From who?"
"I… I think it's for me." I looked at the envelope. The name Mel was scrawled across in beautiful cursive.
"Mel as in Melody?" Ava asked, already grinning.
Nala playfully covered her face like she couldn't handle the excitement. "OPEN IT, MEL!!!"
"I was going to read the letter later"
"Nope, you will do no such thing," Ava cut in, snatching the envelope.
"Read it now," Cassie pleaded, eyes wide with anticipation.
"Fine, fine," I said, unfolding the letter with trembling fingers.
From the moment our paths crossed in that quiet part of Maistown, I have found myself haunted in the most delicate way, by your presence. There's something about you that lingers long after you leave the room. A spark. A silence that speaks louder than words.
I know this letter may come as a surprise, and perhaps I have no right to feel so drawn to someone I've barely begun to know. But the truth is, you've awakened something in me I thought long buried. There's a stillness in your eyes, a strength veiled beneath your calm that mirrors my own battles… and it's that very reflection that pulls me closer.
You may think you're just a girl from the shadows of a grand estate, but I see more. I see a writer, a dreamer, a soul so fiercely full of life and stories that it lights even the dimmest corners of this world. And I suppose this is my clumsy way of asking: may I be part of your story?
This gift is nothing grand, just a token that reminded me of you: soft, warm, and quietly beautiful. If you wear it, I hope it reminds you that even in the loneliest corners of Maistown, someone sees you. Someone believes in you.
Always rooting for you, Charles.
I blinked, unsure if I was breathing. The room was silent for a second, just the sound of the paper rustling as I folded it back.
"I think I'm gonna cry," Ava whispered.
"He's… he's a sweet man, Mel," Cassie added.
With shaking fingers, I untied the ribbon and opened the box. Nestled inside was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen—an ethereal shade of soft plum, with delicate gold thread dancing across the bodice like whispered poetry. The fabric shimmered in the morning light, fluttering like it already belonged to a dream.
We were all speechless.
"This is… wow," Nala breathed. "I mean… this is something out of a fairytale."
I pressed the dress to my chest, my eyes stinging.
In that moment, I didn't care about the show, or the pressure, or the hidden secrets of Dynasty Hall. For just a second, I felt seen. Not just as a girl in hiding, but as someone who mattered.