The school's courtyard was alive with the rhythmic beats of music and the chatter of excited students as the arts and entertainment club gathered for their rehearsal. The tension that had once gripped the school had dissipated with Nadia's departure, and the students were now focused on showcasing their talents at the Annual Music Festival.
The courtyard was transformed into a mini-stage, with colorful lights and a large screen behind the performers. The students were busy rehearsing their dance routines, perfecting their moves to the latest trend.
Gabriela, with her new short, curly hair, stood out and students couldn't stop complimenting her looks.
Gabriela ordered dresses from Barcelona, Spain and jewelry worth a billion for each of her friends to be delivered to their doorsteps.
The outfits had been carefully selected from the best shopping mall, with special attention to detail for each girl.
The sound system boomed, and the music changed to a lively tune. The girls gathered on stage, their movements synchronized as they performed a high-energy dance routine.
The crowd of students watching cheered and clapped along, urging them on.
As the rehearsal came to a close, Gabriela smiled, satisfied with the progress they had made. The Annual Music Festival was going to be a grand affair, with people from far and wide attending. The rich parents' donations had ensured that the event would be nothing short of spectacular, and Mr. Flores' generous contribution had set the bar high.
Claudia's dress was inspired by the Greek Goddess, matching with her mom's. They twirled before the mirror as they discussed the special day.
The D-day of the Annual Music Festival had finally arrived, and the school was buzzing with excitement. Students looked stunning in their outfits, and the premises sparkled with decorations, lights, and the starry night sky. Upbeat music filled the air, especially for the students from affluent families.
Everyone eagerly awaited Gabriela Flores' arrival, whispering among themselves about how she had single-handedly put a pause to the bullying in school since she joined.
When Claudia and Sandra appeared in their fancy dresses, they were met with indifference, a stark contrast to the attention Gabriela commanded.
Meanwhile, Gabriela was running a bit behind schedule. She had made a special stop at the hospital to visit Daniela before heading home to get ready for the festival. Her father had spared no expense, sending the best makeup artists, nail technicians, and hair stylists to give Gabriela and her friends a pampering session like no other. The stage was set for a star-studded night.
The girls couldn't help but notice how stunning they all looked after the makeover. Carissa's ocean-inspired dress was a showstopper, a blue unique armless corset decorated with sea creatures that seemed to shimmer in the light. Diana's turquoise mermaid-themed dress was equally eye-catching with fancy details.
Isabella's fairytale dream wedding dress was breathtaking, while Michelle's green free dress with ruffles and no sleeves was a standout.
Their heels clicked on the floor as they moved, the shiny surface reflecting the light.
Gabriela emerged from her room with her long, slit red gown.
The dress swept the ground as she moved, and her short, perfectly curled hair framed her face, making her look dazzling.
The girls spent an hour taking 100 photos, and chose 27 to post on their Instagram handles, tagging it with The White's Music Festival, which was currently going live on social media.
As they left in a black Mercedes, the city lights blurred past them, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds.
The chatting died down when each girl was on their phone, Carissa and Diana excitedly reading out comments.
"Oh my God, Gabriela cut her hair!"
"They look so stunning!"
"Carissa Connor, marry me!"
"Where did you get these dresses?"
"I want that ocean dress!"
"Kisses to my girls!"
"They looking better than the arts and entertainment students I've seen!"
"Its gonna be a perfect night"
"Michelle is so beautiful"
"Michelle, you're my crush!"
"Diana's single dimple is so cute!"
"I want a photo with Damien White please!"
Gabriela, Michelle and Isabella replied with smiles, typing away on their phones.
Michelle sent a selfie she took with Isabella to Damien and he was mesmerized.
[You make my heart beat faster]
Michelle saw the text and chuckled. Diana wanted to peep but she turned her phone screen down.
"What are you hiding, lady?" Diana was curious.
"Its rude for you to peep into her phone like that." Gabriela spoke, making Diana roll her eyes.
Forty-five minutes later, they arrived at The White's Academy, their lips forming an 'O at the beautiful sight.
They heard some guests saying it was the 15th and the most expensive Music Festival that had ever taken place in The White's Academy, because of Mr. Alejandro's influence and excessive donations.
People noticed Gabriela and her friends walking into the school building and photos were taken.
Paparazzi followed them, cameras clicking behind and in front of them.
When they set foot into the school building, students rushed towards them, especially boys, offering them bouquets and gifts that were too much for them to carry.
Luckily, Mr. Connor, Mr. Flores and Mr. Jackson had sent staff and bodyguards to protect and care for their needs.
Mr. White's staff were from Italy, cooks, cleaners, waiters and waitresses just to serve each student with the best.
The cafeteria was filled with more students who were yelling their orders impatiently but were controlled by guards who ushered them to their seats.
Damien was wearing a blue tuxedo, sitting alone in a lecture room, grinning at his phone, scrolling through Michelle and her friend's photos.
Michelle's heels were making clicking sounds and when she noticed a lecture room open, she went in.
"Damien!" She called and ran towards him.
Damien stood up and she flew into his arms.
"I was just staring at you."
"Really?" Her eyes twinkled. They broke the hug and she sat next to him, admiring the selfies and joy-filled pictures.
"Why did you take so long? I was waiting." He faked a frown.
"The party hasn't started. I think we made it just in time, right?" She pouted.
"Just in time? I've been here since evening. Being away from you is torture."
"Really?" She laughed. He nodded.
"Where's Miguel?" Her expression switched. She turned to leave but he pulled her back, possessively grabbing her waist.
"Forget about Miguel." She blushed at his commanding voice.
"Have you had anything to eat?"
"No, what about you?"
"That's the reason I've been waiting for you. To have your lips as a refreshment." Michelle's gasp made her lips part and he slid his tongue in.
Her eyelids closed and her heart raced.
The feeling of his lips meeting hers and his tongue gave her unexplainable sparks.
His fingers caressed her waist and she wrapped her arms around his shoulder, savoring his taste. His hands moved down to her butt but the sound of someone walking in startled them and he pushed her slightly breaking the kiss.
Michelle's heart was hammering in her chest and her eyes looked like it was about to pop out when she saw Miguel.
"What the fuck?" Miguel looked bewildered and Damien's eyes were on his shoes, wondering what he would think about what he just saw.
Miguel walked in and Michelle ran out of the lecture room. He wanted to hold her wrist but he missed. Her face was red with embarassment and she licked her lips.
"Damien. What's happening?" Damien didn't respond and Miguel's angry chuckle made his legs shake. He was tensed.
"Damien!" He flinched.
"What's going on between you and my sister?"
"Speak!" He flinched again.
"Um...its..its what you think it is. I told you guys how much I liked her, and I couldn't help it. I just needed to do something to get her attention. When Gabriela was enrolled in our college, I had to tell her about it. I had to tell her to help me with Michelle. Gabriela put a smile on her face. Gabriela made her know how special, how beautiful and what a great girl she was. I really didn't mean to – to do all this without telling you. Michelle was feeling insecure about the whole dating stuff, that's why I texted Dad that I needed Nadia out of this school. Then, proceed by telling you guys about it. I've been in love with your sister, for years. And now that she's finally mine, I won't let anyone – not even you end our relationship. I love her, Miguel. I want her to feel like a queen, with me. Please." Miguel closed his eyes and hugged his friend.
"I was only kidding with my expressions," Damien smiled, glad to hear that.
"I'm really happy you want to do this with my sister. Michelle deserves to be happy. I feel so bad that I let her go through so much, just because she wasn't my mom's child."
"She's all...yours." Damien's heart danced.
They broke the hug.
"Wait, are you getting married to my sister?" Damien laughed when he raised his voice.
"Sure thing." Miguel's eyes widened in excitement.
"You just said, she's mine. And I won't let any other guy have her for a second."
~~~~~~
Mr. Frederick Thompson, the head of college, stepped onto the stage, adjusting his glasses as the audience erupted into applause. He smiled warmly, greeting the students, teachers, and guests who had gathered for the 15th Annual Music Festival of The White's Academy.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members, honored guests, and students of The White's Academy, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to today's spectacular celebration of music and dance," Mr. Thompson said, his voice booming through the auditorium. "Without further ado, I would like to invite our school's founder, the one and only Mr. Eric White, to say a few words."
Mr. Thompson handed the microphone to Mr. White, who was beaming with pride. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Welcome, everyone, to the 15th Annual Music Festival! Let's get this celebration started with a round of applause!"
The audience obliged, and the program began with a vibrant display of traditional dances. The drums thundered through the auditorium, followed by the elegant movements of the waltz and ballet performances.
A projector screen behind the stage displayed interesting facts about each dance style.
For ballet, the screen read: "Originated in Italy in the 15th century, ballet evolved into a concert dance form in France and Russia, characterized by its technical and precise movements.
"Next, the projector highlighted the waltz: "Emerging in Germany in the 16th century, the waltz is a classic ballroom dance characterized by a rise and fall movement, often performed to classical music."
The reggae performance was accompanied by a caption: "Originating in Jamaica in the late 1950s and 1960s, reggae music and dance are known for their distinctive rhythms and emphasis on social justice and love."
Finally, the projector displayed information about street dance: "Street dance originated in the 1970s in the United States, particularly among African American and Latino youth in New York City. It encompasses various styles, including breaking, popping, and locking, often performed to hip-hop music."
The audience was enthralled, and the applause was wild as the arts and entertainment department took their final bow.As the lights dimmed, the emcee announced the next performance:
"And now, put your hands together for the trend dance, with the Latinas!"
The auditorium plunged into darkness, and the crowd erupted into cheers and whistles. Suddenly, a spotlight shone on a girl.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Latinas are truly the epitome of beauty and grace," she said, her voice dripping with admiration. "I mean, who wouldn't be captivated by their stunning performances and—"
The audience began to whisper, their eyes scanning the darkened auditorium for Gabriela. But just as the girl continued to eulogize, the lights flickered back to life, and the sound system thumped to life.
As the spotlight illuminated the stage, a blur of movement caught the audience's attention. One dancer, in particular, was twirling so fast that she was almost a whirlwind, her form barely visible.
The crowd erupted into applause as she slowed to a stop, and suddenly, five other girls appeared on stage behind her, poised in perfect synchrony.The music began, and the girls launched into a high-energy dance routine, their movements fluid and precise.
Coach Ramirez scanned the stage, searching for Gabriela, and finally spotted her among the dancers. With a nod, she beckoned Gabriela to follow her, and they both sprinted backstage.
Meanwhile, Michelle stumbled off to the side, laughing and gasping for breath, and collapsed onto a nearby seat.
"I'm done," she declared, fanning herself dramatically.The lights turned off again, and the audience held its collective breath. When the spotlight flickered back to life, it landed on Gabriela, who had appeared on stage. She launched into a dynamic dance break, her body moving in perfect sync with the other dancers. The crowd went wild, clapping and cheering as she worked the stage.
Gabriela's Latina heritage shone through in her movements, and her mature stage presence earned her the adoration of the audience.
"Goddess!" the students chanted, their voices echoing through the auditorium.
As phone lights illuminated the darkness, the audience raised their devices to capture the moment. On social media, Latina descents were already buzzing about Gabriela's stunning performance.
"She's the most beautiful girl from our descent!" one comment read, echoing the sentiments of many.
Gabriela's beauty was truly ethereal – her bright smile shining like a beacon in the darkness. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds, and her skin glowed with a warm, golden undertone. Her elegant movements were like a symphony of water and music, her body weaving a spell of enchantment over the audience.
As she danced, Isabella, Diana, Michelle, and Carissa were completely absorbed in the moment, cheering and recording videos and photos.
Miguel, however, was transfixed, his eyes locked on Gabriela's. When their gazes met, he couldn't help but flash her an encouraging smile, his eyes shining with admiration. Gabriela winked and his thoughts lingered.
This girl was ravishing.
For a moment, time stood still, and all that existed was the music, the dance, and the captivating beauty of Gabriela, shining brightly under the spotlight.
Then, the twerking part began, everyone oohed and aahed at Gabriela's sexy movements.
Instagram shook with comments, views and likes calling Gabriela the masterpiece.
"What can't she do?"
"A business student but great dancer??"
"Gabriela the Latina mami."
"She's so amazing."
"Wish I could twerk like her."
"OMFG, she's so good."
"I wanna grab that ass."