Chapter Nine

*ENCHANTRESS IN DISTRESS*

*SHE IS SHY, HE IS CRUEL*

*ROMANCE AND TRAGEDY*

*Episode Nine*

....

Golden Cloves High

Two weeks later, the school hallway and every passage were abuzz with activity. Students rushed to and fro, some heading to the library while others gathered around the notice board, their faces tense with anticipation. The air was electric, and a single topic dominated every conversation: the upcoming events and competitions.

The school hallway pulsed with energy, the din of chatter and shuffling footsteps filling the air. Students rushed past, their faces set with determination, clutching folders and books. Rosanna arrived at school, taken aback by the sea of faces. The hallway was more crowded than usual, with new faces sprinkled among the familiar ones – a sure sign that exams and competitions were looming.

Her eyes scanning the crowded corridor, Rosanna spotted Caterina standing in front of a notice board. A spark of excitement danced in her eyes, and Rosanna couldn't help but smile. She snuck up behind Caterina, the soft rustle of her backpack giving her away. She tickled her, eliciting a joyful laugh.

Caterina spun around, her eyes locking onto Rosanna's. Her laughter died down, replaced by a flush of embarrassment. She gently removed Rosanna's hands, smoothing her blouse and composing herself, apologizing to the surrounding students.

Caterina's gaze remained fixed on the flyer:

_Golden Voice Singing Competition_

_Open to all students_

_Cash prize: €100,000_

_Recording contract with Starlight Music_

_Auditions: Next Friday_

_Finals: End of semester_

Rosanna leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, "You're thinking of joining, aren't you?" Caterina's cheeks flushed, and she nodded, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I have to try. This could be my chance."

Rosanna's grin spread wide. "You'll crush it! You have an amazing voice." Caterina's face lit up with a mix of excitement and nerves. "Thanks, Rosie. But what if I fail?" Rosanna's reassurance was instant. "You won't. And even if you do, we'll face it together."

As they shared a warm smile, a booming voice echoed down the hallway, sending a shiver through Caterina's frame. "Champions, champions, champions!" The chant grew louder, with other students joining in. The basketball team strode confidently towards the changing room, their footsteps electric.

The crowd parted, with some students gazing admiringly, while others chanted alongside. Aurelio, the team's charismatic leader, initiated the chant. His piercing gaze locked onto Caterina, and he winked before disappearing into the changing room with his teammates.

The gesture didn't go unnoticed. Some students shot Caterina resentful glances, their eyes burning with envy. Rosanna noticed Caterina's blush and discreetly nudged her by the shoulder.

Caterina swiftly composed herself, aware of the surrounding gazes. Rosanna sang playfully, "So this is love, hmmm?" Caterina blushed and hit Rosanna's shoulder, and she winced playfully.

"I am still trying to understand his sudden siding and attraction towards you," Rosanna said tactfully. "Remember, he was one of those who bullied you." Caterina bit her lips. "I know, I don't like him. We are slowly becoming friends, and besides, he doesn't really bully me."

"Friends! Just because he saved you from Ryan that day," Rosanna said, "but he does look like a nice guy, and I hope his intentions are pure." Caterina mumbled, "I do too."

The noise was cut short when the vice principal and some teachers stepped into the hallway, chasing students to their classes. The hallway slowly became less crowded as the students left for their respective classes.

Caterina and Rosanna walked into their class and settled down alongside other students, followed by their class teacher, Miss Adeline, who sat down on her chair, watching the students keenly. She was known for being jovial, but right now, her face looked strict.

"Bring out your books and start reading," Miss Adeline instructed. Some groaned, but none dared disobey. "I know you're all excited about the basketball game, which will commence in the next five hours, but your examinations are more important."

Miss Adeline continued, "Some of you saw the other flyers hanging around – the upcoming competitions: drama, art, literature, debate, dance, singing, and more. If any of you are interested, come and put down your name and the competition you'd love to participate in."

She paused to catch her breath before continuing

"...But you must be in the school club for the competition you're registering for. You must first join the club before participating. If you're already in the club, come and sign up," Miss Adeline said.

Some students left their seats, obeying the queuing culture. Rosanna stood up, expecting Caterina to follow suit, but she remained seated.

"Why aren't you standing up?" Rosanna whispered.

"I'm not in the singers' club," Caterina mumbled.

Rosanna sat back down. Caterina looked at her with a questioning gaze.

"Why aren't you going? You love debating, don't you?" Caterina asked.

Rosanna shrugged. "I do, but I want to do it with my best friend. I'll follow you to meet the singing club leader."

Caterina smiled.

Rosanna asked a girl standing beside them, obviously on the long queue, "Do you know who leads the singing club?"

"Yes, that's my club! The leader is Brielle," she replied casually.

"Brielle?" Rosanna and Caterina exclaimed in shock.

"Stop with the noise, girls!" Miss Adeline warned, hitting her hands briefly on her wooden desk.

---

The School's Stadium

The stadium's seating area was dimly lit, with only a few flickering fluorescent lights illuminating the polished wood floor. Sounds of squeaking sneakers, sandals, and chatter filled the air, mingling with the aroma of sweat and snacks.

Students from rival schools, invited guests, and Golden Cloves High students packed the stadium. Some enthusiastic fans held boards with their favorite players' names and schools emblazoned on them.

Caterina and Rosanna entered, each clutching ice cream and popcorn, and gasped at the overcrowded scene. They had expected a full house, but this was something else.

After a brief search, they found a spot and settled in. The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, introducing the basketball teams: Golden Flyers from Golden Cloves High and Eagle Wings from Elite Dominion High.

The crowd erupted into cheers, with each school chanting their slogan.

"Champions!" Golden Cloves students and supporting schools chanted.

"Soaring Higher!" Elite Dominion students and their supporters responded.

Teachers joined in, fueling the excitement.

The stadium electrified as the game began.

The game tipped off, and the electric atmosphere in the stadium energized the crowd. Golden Cloves' Champions and Elite Dominion's Soaring Higher clashed on the court, each team determined to emerge victorious.

Caterina and Rosanna cheered alongside their schoolmates, waving banners and chanting "Champions!" But despite their team's valiant efforts, Soaring Higher pulled ahead.

As the game intensified, Aurelio, Champions' captain, led the charge. "I dedicate this shot to my coniglio piccolo," he said, locking eyes with Caterina before sinking a crucial three-pointer.

The crowd erupted, with gasps and whispers spreading like wildfire. "Coniglio piccolo?" people murmured, wonder etched on their faces. Who was Aurelio referring to? Caterina's blush deepened, and Rosanna glanced at her, noticing her friend's sudden flush.

Ryan, Golden Cloves' star player, struggled to find his rhythm. His usual sharpshoots clanked off the rim, and his drives were hesitant. Aurelio tried to rally his team, but Ryan's subpar performance threatened to derail their chances.

Just before the final buzzer, Aurelio took matters into his own hands. With precision passing and sharp shooting, he led Golden Cloves to a stunning comeback. The final score: 65-58 in favor of the Champions.

As the buzzer sounded, Golden Cloves celebrated their victory. Soaring Higher's players slumped in disappointment, their championship hopes dashed. Aurelio approached Ryan, concern etched on his face.

"Hey, man, what happened? You weren't yourself out there," Aurelio asked.

Ryan shook his head, frustration and guilt written across his face. "I don't know, Aurelio. My mind just wasn't in the game."

Caterina and Rosanna exchanged happy glances. "Tough loss, but we're the champions anyway! Better luck next time, Elite Dominion!" Rosanna exclaimed, sparking cheers from their schoolmates and disdainful glances from the opposing school.

The students and teachers rushed onto the field to celebrate. The announcer presented the trophy to Aurelio, who lifted it high before kissing it. As the crowd chanted "Champions," Brielle and others joined the team to celebrate.

Students began exiting the field, heading to their classrooms, each chanting their school slogan: "Champions!" The mystery of "coniglio piccolo" still buzzed in the air.

Rosanna turned to Caterina, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Spill the beans, Cat. What's going on with Aurelio?"

Caterina's blush returned, but she just smiled, leaving Rosanna intrigued. "You have to tell me, and don't forget we have to meet Brielle," Rosanna shouted.

---

Villa Rodriguez

A manor stood adjacent to the main building, shrouded in mystery. A woman in her late forties, clad in black, emerged from the shadows. Her gaze was icy, frightening, and eerily lifeless.

From the manor's window, she fixed her eyes on the Rodriguez mansion, fury and sorrow warring within them. A determined glint hardened her expression.

A faint, sorrowful smile flickered across her face before twisting into a malevolent glare. She departed the manor, veiled and holding a black flower. Her stiletto heels left impressions in the ground as she walked toward the graveyard.

Ricardo, observing from his office window, wore a blank expression. Their eyes met, exchanging hostile glances. She smirked, and he reciprocated, but she looked away, continuing toward her destination.

Ricardo closed the window and curtains, settling into his office chair. He pondered the enigmatic woman but pushed the thought aside, focusing on the files before him.

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