“... It's Payback time”

≠≠≠THE ART HALL≠≠≠

After pondering for a minute,The female judge spoke up

"Why do you say something is wrong?Just like what we analysed it's likely that Bertha did better than you..since that's the case,let's not waste any more time here"She spoke to her fellow colleague.

"Bertha, make sure you practice well,I will come watch you perform on stage on the D-Day"She placed her hand on Bertha shoulders

Bertha smiled proudly:

"Okay ma,Thank you for being just with your judgement..and I'll be expecting you in the concert"

Christy stood there perplexed,but there was one more thing the judges didn't ask them to do

"Wait,before you go..it clearly shows that a female lead must know how to sing perfectly,how bout you try our vocals"Christy glanced at Mr Malcolm"Whoever sings well becomes the female lead"

The female judge looked at Bertha then stared at Christy angrily

Although she might have helped Bertha win with her performance,but if Bertha isn't a good singer there's no way she can help her

"I see no reason why a test for the vocals is necessary"The female judge spoke sharply

"Actually it is"Mr Malcolm walked to the judges..they've done their own judgement it's his turn now

"There is a scene in the drama where the female lead will sing,the one with the best voice will be the female lead"He added

"Yes,I think that would work"One of judge spoke up

Bertha eyed the female judge, urging her to do something.She couldn't say anything with her lips so she beckon her with her eyes because she has given her a lot of money and she won't let her money go to waste

"Well I see no reason for that, Bertha has won and that's final"The female judge spoke up

"Correct me if I'm wrong,but the movie is mine"Mr Malcolm glared at her

"I only called you guys here to help judge..because 2heads are better than one"He added.

"Bertha,you perform first"One of the judges spoke up

Bertha was dumbstruck..this wasn't part of the plan.

I'm not a good singer,what should I do??She thought

"Go on Bertha,the stage is yours"Christy smiled at her sheepishly

"Damn you Christy!"Bertha gritted her teeth.

She went on stage to perform.Her first verse was perfect,but heading towards the second verse she started flopping.

Her tone started to degenerate,and she started singing off key and was sounding funny.She herself knew she was going off key but she kept her composure.

When she was done singing everyone were so embarrassed and shocked they didn't want her to feel bad so they applauded her.

"That was good Bertha,"Mr Malcolm said in a cunning way.

"Thank you sir"She smiled with joy

"Christy,let's have you"He called Christy out

Christy mounted the stage and started performing.she sang in a beautiful key and voice

The song she sang was melodious that everyone was speechless

When she ended the applaud they gave her was roaring

"Wow,that's excellent Christy"One of the judges said beeming with joy

"Well,I guess we know who our female lead is Malcom"The second judge spoke up

"Well,I want to thank you for your support and good judgement...I really appreciate it"The drama group leader spoke up

"Without much words said,the female lead for the movie the drama group will be presenting is Christy Lembeck"He smiled at her"I will be seeing you tomorrow for our rehearsals"He tapped her shoulder

"But I was the winner"Bertha spoke angrily

"Yes,you were but your vocals are bad so that's why you failed"One of the judge replied her

She walked over to the female judge "Say something"She shook her aggressively.

The female judge stared at her helplessly.Inasmuch as she paid for her to speak in her stead,in this situation there is nothing she can do

"Just accept the judgement Bertha,I'm sorry"With that she left quickly.She didn't want Bertha to say she paid her money to speak for her,so she left before Bertha would blurt anything out in the midst of anger

"So I guess we will take our leave then"The remaining judges spoke up

"Let me see you off"Mr Malcolm walked out with them

Christy noticed Bertha expressions..she was so delighted to see Bertha beaten down

"Bertha are you okay?"She asked in a coy voice

"Just stay away from me!!!"Bertha yelled at her and left angrily.

Christy laughed so hard a tear dropped from her eyes.

"Enough of you stepping on me..it's Payback time"Christy said triumphantly

≈≈≈THE INFLUENCER CORNER≈≈≈

".....So I guess this little briefing will make you guys know the steps you need to take for your videos to come out outstanding and also go viral...and maybe also be on the billboard"Scott spoke to all the influencers.

"Alright,you guys can all disperse"He clapped his hand and with that he left the hall.

The chattering and murmuring continued.Some student left the hall,but some waited behind to discuss how their video will be like with their friends.

Ken noticed Anna was tensed so he walked up to her

"Are you good?"He asked curiously.

Ken voice brought her back to planet Earth.She jerked up

"You seem tensed"He sat down beside her

"I see no reason why I should tell a stranger my problems"She eyed him

"I'm not a stranger,I'm more like a colleague to you so that makes us friends"He smiled

"WHY DO YOU KEEP SMILING,GOD!!!!!"Anna couldn't stand his smile..it was making her feel uneasy

"Stop smiling,I hate it"She said sharply

He looked at her frantically and he couldn't tell what he did wrong to get on her bad side..his eyes twitched enduring the harsh outburst from her but he deliberately shifted his focus to the pamphlet in her side

"You friend is auditioning today isn't she?"He asked

"Yes,I don't know how it went..I'm just worried maybe she didn't make it"Her voice was shaking

"Hey"He reached out to touch her hand "Why are you bothered?,seeing how feisty your friend is,I'm sure she'd make it"he said reassuring her

"You want to go check her out?,besides I have someone I meeting over there"He asked curiously

Unable to deny his offer because she was bothered as it is,she nodded and randomly walked with him to the Drama center

Looking at her worried look he didn't know how to lighten her mood but thank goodness they approached the hall.

Anna couldn't shake the possibility of Christy losing in her mind.Ken turned to her and asked:

"Are you gonna call her out or we'd go in?"He stared at her blankly

"I don't know"Anna voice was hesitant and unsure like a little cat

Christy tidied up her hair,walked out of the drama hall,and saw Anna and Ken standing next to eachother at the entrance.

She didn't know why Anna was with him but she's sure Anna had her reasons

"Christy,did you get in?"She said with her mind buzzing

"Yes"Christy shrieked

This statement made Anna relieved.

Ken felt as if the worry that had been building up inside her all day had been suddenly released.

"Really?,Tell me about me"Anna smiled brightly

Christy explained what happened to Anna..each and every details.

"That was quite a close save"Ken said

Christy had totally forgotten that Ken was with them,she eyed him..his clothes were definitely all high-end brands

His shoe were tidied.

Christy walked over.

Ken stared at her.

"It's you?"Trip asked surprisingly."What are you doing here?"

Ken turned to see Trip and noticed he was with Anna and Christy

"Hey"He greeted the both of them."Is'nt today your audition?"He stared at her curiously

"Yes,She aced it"Ken replied him"Meet your female lead"

Trip stared at her and smiled..he wanted her to be the female lead that way he would get to know her better and maybe even remember where knew her from

"Thats good to hear"He smiled.."I guess I'd see more of you then"

He glanced at Anna, Ken then Christy again...