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Chapter_77
The morning was already shaping up to be eventful for Yvette and Bonnie, though neither of them realized how much the day would stir things up.
Bonnie, still half-asleep and desperately trying to stay awake, took a deep sip of her orange juice and leaned against her desk. She’d almost forgotten about the Art Festival and the bet that had started circulating around the university. The thought of the upcoming festival seemed far more exciting now, especially with Yvette involved. “Yve,” she began, her voice muffled by the sandwich she was munching on, “there’s this rehearsal for today’s Art Festival opening ceremony. I heard the rules are different this year. Everyone participating needs to attend.” She let out a yawn, oblivious to the fact that her words were making Yvette’s mind race in a completely different direction.
Yvette, however, wasn’t listening intently. Her thoughts were clouded by more pressing matters. Jeremiah was on a mission in South East Aploth, and Eagle King—her father—had rushed there the day before. Both men were usually tied up with military matters, but something about this mission seemed different. She felt a gnawing unease in her gut, something she couldn’t shake off.
“Yeah, I heard about that,” Yvette said, her voice distant as she twirled her pen between her fingers. Her mind was half in class, half somewhere else, far removed from the mundane chatter about the Art Festival. Her gaze flitted to the window, watching a few students passing by. It was as if her brain was trying to piece together the connection between Jeremiah’s urgent mission and her father’s sudden departure. Both were too quiet about their movements, and Yvette could feel a storm brewing on the horizon.
Bonnie noticed the faraway look in Yvette’s eyes and raised an eyebrow, slightly concerned. “You okay?” she asked, nudging her friend.
Yvette blinked, shaking off her thoughts. She hadn’t even realized she was zoning out. “I’m fine,” she replied, her voice almost mechanical, though she wasn’t quite convincing. “Just… things are happening, that’s all. Anyway, about the festival… Winona’s probably going to win. Everyone’s betting on her.”
Bonnie frowned, looking around. “Betting? Really? That’s just dumb. People should focus on the art, not how much money they’re throwing around.”
Yvette smirked lightly, knowing her friend was right. “That’s how people are. Always looking for an easy win. But we’ll see how it goes. I’m not worried about winning.”
“Yeah, because you’re already a genius,” Bonnie teased with a wink, half-joking but also half-proud of her friend. Yvette was more than just talented at painting—she was one of those rare people who could make something seem effortless even when it wasn’t.
Yvette grinned, though the expression didn’t reach her eyes. “I wouldn’t say genius. But I don’t mind the challenge.” The words were meant to sound casual, but there was an edge to her tone. She wasn’t exactly thrilled about the pressure, especially with the rumors swirling around Winona’s inevitable victory. But it was her art, her style, and the last thing she’d do was let anyone dictate her value based on others’ expectations.
Bonnie, sensing the change in Yvette’s mood, nudged her again. “Hey, Yve, relax. We’ve got this. Who cares about what others think? You’ve got way more up your sleeve than anyone realizes.”
Yvette nodded absently, grateful for the reassurance, but her mind wandered back to Jeremiah and Eagle King. What was going on? And why was she so unsettled?
As the day went on, Yvette tried to shake off the unease gnawing at her. The rehearsal for the opening ceremony wasn’t far off, and she still had to get ready for that. At least something was normal about the day. As Bonnie babbled on about the ridiculous betting pools and how Jolin had placed all his savings on her, Yvette couldn’t help but smile.
“Tell me again, why do you all think I’m going to win?” Yvette asked, genuinely curious. She didn’t quite understand why people were so eager to bet on her in the first place.
Bonnie grinned. “You’re the wildcard, Yve. People love an underdog, and with Winona being the obvious pick, everyone’s rooting for you to shake things up. You’ve got this in the bag.”
“Well, I hope they enjoy the show,” Yvette replied, her tone a little more relaxed. If she was going to win, it would be on her terms, and if she lost—well, at least she would have had fun. Either way, she wasn’t letting the pressure get to her.
Meanwhile, Andrew, back from his early morning escapades and still sulking about being stuck in the library cabin, received an unexpected message that snapped him back into reality. The note from Jeremiah had been his only task for the day, but now that it was done, Andrew was left wondering if he’d be stuck playing the “struggling worker” role forever. A message from his superior appeared on his phone, jolting him out of his self-pity.
“Stay on standby as a librarian. You’re needed for something important,” the message read.
With a resigned sigh, Andrew pulled himself out of the library chair, swearing under his breath. “No rest for the wicked.” He had been so close to enjoying a little vacation, but his life had other plans.
As the hours passed, the Art Festival rehearsal came and went, with everyone buzzing about the upcoming event. Yvette, however, couldn’t shake the feeling that something bigger than the festival was looming on the horizon. Whatever it was, she wasn’t sure, but she was certain it had to do with Jeremiah, her father, and the world they were all so deeply involved in.
The calm before the storm was always the hardest part to endure. But Yvette knew one thing for sure: when the storm hit, she’d be ready.
