T H R E E: Shattered reflections

Tega's eyes snapped open, the blaring sound of his alarm jolting him awake. His heart was still racing, the remnants of last night's nightmare clinging to the edges of his consciousness. Outside, the soft glow of streetlights filtered through the blinds, casting faint, eerie lines across his room—a stark contrast to the suffocating darkness he had just escaped.

He exhaled slowly, rubbing his face as if to shake off the lingering dread. It was just a dream, he reminded himself. But as his hand brushed against the mirror on his nightstand, he hesitated, glancing at it out of the corner of his eye. The reflection was normal now—just his tired eyes staring back at him.

A knock on his door pulled him out of his thoughts. "Tega, are you still up? It's late!" his guardian's voice called from the hallway.

Night. Right. A sliver of relief washed over him. The night meant routine, quiet—hours where the outside world slowed down. A world far removed from the haunting images in his mind.

He threw off the covers and got dressed, his movements automatic.

---

Hi, my name is Tega, I think to myself, staring into the mirror. And as I'm sure most of you already know, I'm the world's leading idol. Forcing a smile, I try to convince myself—try to believe, if only for a moment—that I'm okay. But deep down, there's a knot in my stomach, tightening with every second I hold that expression. Last night, I had a panic attack... The thought lingers, heavy and unwelcome, and I try to shake it off. But I'm over that now. Don't I look like someone who's okay?

The smile falters for just a moment, and that's when it happens. The mirror cracks—right where my face is reflected. The jagged line splits my image in two, and the sound of shattering glass snaps me out of my thoughts. A shiver runs down my spine as I gaze at the broken mirror, the fractured pieces reflecting the faint glow from the streetlights, casting fractured rays across the room. For a split second, it feels like the world is trying to send me a message—a bad one.

"Reagan!" I shout, spinning around just in time to see his twin nephews, giggling and holding a ball. The culprit.

"Sorry, Tega!" one of the twins calls out, his voice a mix of guilt and mischief.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair, still staring at the broken glass. There's something wrong with this mirror, I think, but deep down, I wonder if it's more than just the mirror. "Reagan, can you get these two under control?" I yell.

Reagan appears in the doorway, chuckling as he takes in the scene. "Boys, what did I tell you about playing ball inside the house? It's late, you should both be asleep by now."

The twins mumble their apologies, eyes wide with innocence, before scurrying away. Reagan turns to me with an amused look, shaking his head. "Sorry about that, Tega. Hungry? There's some leftovers from dinner."

I nod, following him to the kitchen, though my mind is still replaying the crack of the mirror. The smell of reheated pasta fills the air, but my appetite seems to have stayed in the other room. I sit down, picking at the food on my plate. "How long are the twins staying?"

"Just until next week," Reagan replies, settling into his seat. His tone is light, but my focus is elsewhere, my thoughts still lingering on the broken mirror, the crack that seemed to appear right when my smile slipped. I manage to force down a few bites, but the taste barely registers.

I hope the week goes by fast.

After picking at my plate, I step out into the cool night air for my jog. The neighborhood is quiet, with only the occasional sound of cars in the distance. The wide streets and towering trees usually provide a sense of calm, but today, my mind is miles away. I try to focus on the rhythm of my footsteps, the chill breeze against my skin, but the unease lingers. Finally, I pull out my phone, my thumb hovering over the screen before I dial Stella's number.

The phone rings, each tone stretching the silence between us, and when she picks up, the night feels even quieter. For a long moment, neither of us says anything, both searching for the right words.

"Hi," we both say at the same time, the awkwardness breaking the tension for just a second before it settles back in.

"Hi," we both say at the same time, the awkwardness breaking the tension for just a second before it settles back in.

**Stella:** *"No, it's fine—go first."* *(She's breathing heavily.)*

**Tega:** *"Why are you breathing so hard?"*

**Stella:** *"I'm jogging."*

**Tega:** *"Oh, what a coincidence. I'm jogging too. Where are you?"*

**Stella:** *"Somewhere you're not."*

**Tega:** *"Hah, funny."*

**Stella:** *(Pauses)* *"So, why'd you call me?"*

**Tega:** *"I just wanted to check up on you."*

**Stella:** *"You're not fooling anyone, Tega. Why did you really call?"*

**Tega** *Okay, fine—I wanted to say thank you. Reagan told me how you helped look for me."*

**Stella** *(Chuckles)*

**Tega:** *"Why are you laughing?"*

**Stella:** *"It's just funny. You'd rather do anything than actually say thank you."*

**Tega:** *"I just did, didn't I?"*

**Stella:** *"Technically, you didn't."*

**Tega:** *"Alright, thank you. Happy now?"*

**Stella:** *"A little. So, how are you feeling?"*

**Tega:** *"Honestly? Not great, but better than before."*

**Stella:** *"Better is better. And what about that nurse you mentioned?"*

**Tega:** *"The hot young one?"*

**Stella:** *(Laughs)* *"They're all hot and young. It's like a marketing strategy now. So, did you make a move on her?"*

**Tega:** *"No, I didn't."*

**Stella:** *"Let me guess, she turned you down?"*

**Tega:** *"Never. I asked for her number, and she said, 'I don't usually do this.' Then she gave it to me."*

**Stella:** *"And?"*

**Tega:** *"And I didn't call her."*

**Stella:** *(Mock understanding)* *"Ah, I get it. No shame in it. You can always use, you know, those blue pills."*

**Tega:** *"No thanks. It's not that—I just figured it would be bad press."*

**Stella:** *"Sure, sure. Anyway, how was your trip to Nigeria?"*

**Tega:** *"Didn't we already talk about that two nights ago?"*

**Stella:** *"We did, but you didn't get into the details. Plus, I've never been there, so I'm curious."*

**Tega:** *"Why should I? If I did, there wouldn't be enough time to talk about myself."*

**Stella:** *(Laughs)* *"That's the Tega I know. But seriously, how was it?"*

**Tega:** *"It wasn't terrible, but it could have been better."*

**Stella:** *"Better how?"*

**Tega:** *"For starters, my grandad never really died."*

**Stella:** *"What? Plot twist!"*

**Tega:** *"Right? I had my dramatic speech all planned out, tears ready, and then—nothing."*

**Stella:** *"Can't you be happy he's alive?"*

**Tega:** *"Not when he's still an ass."*

**Stella:** *"Okay, but why did they lie to you?"*

**Tega:** *"My dad knew I wouldn't come if he told the truth, so he said grandad died to get me there. The real reason was to see him get baptized."*

**Stella:** *"And how did that make you feel?"*

**Tega:** *"Angry. First, he lies to me, then he gets dunked in water like that'll wash away all his sins. It's bullshit."*

**Stella:** *"Sorry. That's messed up."*

**Tega:** *"It is. But thanks anyway."*

**Stella:** *"So, what else happened?"*

**Tega:** *"The rest of the trip wasn't too bad if you ignore the fact that I spent most of it with rich relatives and family friends who've done nothing to earn their money. Myself included."*

**Stella:** *(Laughs)* *"Stop it. You're killing me."*

**Tega:** *"And to top it off, they took me to church."*

**Stella:** *"Church? How's that bad?"*

**Tega:** *"You've clearly never been to a Nigerian church. The guy next to me was speaking in tongues, and the dude on the other side was shouting 'Die! Die! Die!' the whole time."*

**Stella:** *"Wow."*

**Tega:** *"Right? Some people have real problems."*

**Stella:** *"So, did you have to do anything else?"*

**Tega:** *"Oh, yeah. When the music started, everyone started dancing. The pastor kept telling us to dance more—especially my row."*

**Stella:** *"And?"*

**Tega:** *"And I was in the front row."*

**Stella:** *(Laughs)* *"Give me a minute to breathe. Okay, enough about your dad. Why are you jogging? I know your manager hates it when you exercise in the morning."*

Tega:"He'll have to deal with it. See, in Nigeria—"

**Stella:** *(Groans)* *"Enough about Nigeria."

Tega:"Listen, it's not about my dad. In Nigeria, my relatives made me eat so much I gained a pound or two, so now I'll have to exercise and not eat at all for a day or two.

Stella:(Laughing)What makes this funny is that you're serious and not joking

Tega:"Stop! It's not that funny."

Stella: (continues laughing)

Tega:"I'm serious. Now I'm running my butt off to lose it. Though I've always exercised, so what's your excuse?"

Stella:"I just jog for fun sometimes. It doesn't hurt to do a lap around the block."

Tega:"The block? And sometimes?"

Stella:"Yeah, sometimes. Got a problem with that?"

Tega:"Nope, no problem."

Stella:"My dad would be super pissed if he knew. I actually left home last night."

Tega:"So, you're a delinquent runaway now?"

Stella:"Don't exaggerate. It's nothing like that. He just pissed me off with what he said."

Tega:"What did he say? Something hurtful?"

Stella:"Worse—something truthful."

Tega:"Ouch."

Stella:"He went on about how lucky I am to be his daughter. He said there are millions of people out there more talented than me, but they're not lucky enough to be seen. Hearing my own dad say that made me feel awful."

Tega:"I'm sorry. But hey, now we both have daddy issues. My dad's no saint either—got married again this year after his divorce, and another one of his ex-wives had a kid for him."

**Stella:** *"Again?"

Tega:"Yep, again. Some things never change."

Stella:"Don't say that. Change is constant."

Tega:"This is reality, and in reality, my dad's never gonna stop being a child factory."

Stella:"You may have just jinxed yourself. So, how many kids does he have now?"*

Tega:"Six that I know of, but I'm sure there's more coming. That's why I pulled out of that place—unlike he who'll never pull out of anything.

Stella:"Okay, enough jokes. Your dad can't be that bad—he donated over million dollars to our charity event last year. Hold on, I just saw a restaurant. I'm heading in."*

**Writer's POV:**

Stella didn't put Tega on hold, so he heard everything happening on her side. She approached the counter, where a waiter greeted her and showed her to a table.

*"Welcome to Bistro Bliss! Today's specials include our signature burger, loaded with three types of cheese, bacon, and a fried egg,"* the waiter said, his voice enthusiastic.

Stella raised an eyebrow. *"What, are you trying to kill me?"*

The waiter chuckled. *"Uh, no ma'am. We just like to offer our customers a hearty meal."*

Stella scanned the menu, her eyes widening. *"I'll have the grilled chicken salad instead. But hold the croutons."*

Tega, who couldn't help but overhear, chimed in. *"That's too much fat."*

Stella shrugged. *"I'm not you, Tega. I don't need to obsess over every calorie."*

Tega smirked, feeling a familiar spark of friendly competition. *"Someone's gotta keep you in check. Don't you women always say 'a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips'?"*

Stella:"Save that for anyone who's over fifty and cares to listen.

Tega:You'd be surprised that there's alot of people like that. Anyways tell me how life is at Kira academy being popular and all.

Stella: (sighs deeply) Seriously, sometimes I just don't know what to say. Normality wasn't too bad, but when you rise into fame, it's like the whole world is watching and waiting for you to fail. It's unsettling—kinda like you have a target on your back all the time.

Tega: (nodding on his end) Yeah, it's like that sometimes. That's why they say somethings you have to get used to either by force or by choice, but listen, just don't give them what they want. Remember what I always tell you.

Stella: (smiling slightly) The secret is to act like you're always on camera. You're right.

(At this moment, someone approaches Stella.)

Stranger: (flirtatiously) Hey there, didn't catch your name.

Tega: (hearing this from the phone and speaking loudly) Cause she didn't throw it, piss off!

(The stranger looks startled and quickly leaves. Stella chuckles.)

Stella: (shaking her head) Did he not know who I am?

Tega: (smirking) Probably didn't, considering it's still early in the morning and you're wearing a mask.

Stella: (laughs) Damn, people are creepy.

Tega:They really are

Stella:I'm talking about you, how'd you know I was wearing a mask

Tega: Why wouldn't you and yeah, I also wanted to ask you about Kira Academy. Anything I should know before I head there today?

Stella: Honestly, the place isn't too bad. But it's filled with stars like us, so when you put that many people in one building, what do you think happens?

Tega:They try to establish a hierarchy.

Stella: Exactly. And a lot of people fall victim to that. They make others feel really small. Everyone around you is a threat, and the stakes are always very high. We've got superstars and several other celebrities watching, ready to sign you—or judge you.

Tega: (smirking) Well, lucky for me, that's an environment I can actually thrive in ,I'm also not one to be made small in the midst of others who dare think to be competition. In a food chain, I always stay at the top, no matter what and no matter the cost.

Stella: (laughing) You sound like you just walked out of a movie.

Tega: (grinning) Well, I did just land a leading role in one that's coming soon.

Stella: Wow that's impressive so do you play an egotistical maniac.

Tega:Haha very funny, actually I play the protagonist who seems all bad at first but ends up to be a real selfless softie at heart.

Stella: That must be very hard, seeing as they're making you play your exact opposite. And isn't that an overused movie idea?

Tega: Again with the unfunny jokes. But you're right about it being overused. However, you're wrong about me being the opposite of the MC—I have plenty of selflessness and softness.

Stella:I beg to differ. You are—

Tega: But as an actor, I can't complain as long as I get paid and gain popularity. You may not know this, but many actors and actresses are forced, due to one reason or another, to play roles they don't want. And when the show gets trashed, all the blame falls on us. It's unfair, but what can we do?

Stella: I guess you're right about that, but not all movies are like that.

Tega:Well, yes, but actually—

Tega paused his jogging as his phone buzzed in his hand. He checked the screen, and a sense of unease rippled through him. Another message, from the same unknown sender who had texted him a month ago at the helicopter. He barely heard Stella over the phone.

Tega: I think I'll call you later. Bye.

Stella: Are you tired already?

Tega: You wish. Catch you later. Bye.

He hung up without waiting for her response, staring at the cryptic message on his phone. Now, what to do about this? The thought gnawed at him as he resumed jogging, but his mind wasn't in it anymore.

---

**Stella's POV:**

As I chow down on my grilled chicken salad, I think to myself, I am Stella Powers, first of my name, rightful heir of my family, and bred to perfection. Damn, what am I? A Game of Thrones character? I shake my head and refocus. I've got to be more serious. I'm already stepping into a world that's bigger than me.

Kira Academy... now that's serious shit. I sincerely hope things go well for Tega. That academy is filled with snakes and spiders who'll do almost anything to outshine anyone who stands in their way. And just as someone once said, "The brighter the light, the darker the shadow." That's what I see as the whole concept of Kira Academy.

Kira Academy—undoubtedly the best school in Japan, with a passing rate of less than ten percent. Not just anyone gets in; only the elite, the best of the best, those lucky enough to have fortune shine on them, are ever graced with the opportunity to enter such a prestigious school, housing some of the world's most talented prodigies.

Although it may look perfect—and it is—that doesn't change the fact that it's filled with folks I now like to call demi-humans, ready to do whatever necessary to outshine everyone else. And that's the point, when you think about it. This academy teaches us to fight for what we wish to have, and there's nothing wrong with that. But the students? The students play dirty. Only an animal can survive among those I call enemies.

Tega, though—Tega perfectly fits the description of your typical top-tier Kira Academy student. I wouldn't blame him for being so confident. After all, he's the world's top idol, and as far as he's concerned, nothing's ever getting in his way. Meanwhile, I'm just holding on by a thread—a really thin one, soon to be cut by anyone who cares to do so.

I'm not like the rest in the entertainment industry. I'm not interested in bringing people down; rather, I'm interested in lifting them up and helping those who need it. Yeah, I get that sometimes healthy competition isn't bad when it comes to bringing out that fire we all have deep within. But, like I said, that place is for animals ready to devour each other. They're all carnivores—or should I say cannibals? All the herbivores, which I'm not sure even exist at this point, like me, are just walking prey, soon to be devoured by those we thought were our own kind.

I take a deep breath as I replay Tega's words: "Some things you have to get used to, either by force or by choice," and "You should also always act as though you're on camera." And someone on camera wouldn't be here, so I think I'll take my leave.

That guy... I wonder why it's his words I remember at a time like this.

I push my chair back, the legs scraping against the floor, and stand up. The restaurant's chatter fades as I step outside, a warm breeze brushing against my skin. The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the city. I'm lost in thought as I walk down the street, the memory of my first day at Kira Academy replaying in my mind.