Chapter 4 The Sister Flair

The awaited school competition was just on the verge of beginning. It was just a day to the competition. Candi enrolled for the contest and she criticized each and every other participant.

Very many things had happened the previous days which left her disturbed and confused.

How could it be? She tried flashing back and remembered Liana was one time out with a guy. No doubt, Chris was that guy.

Was Liana really involved with Chris? She wished this could not be true. Chris had moved out with Liana again, ignoring her and this left both her heart aching and mind racing.

" Hey, Candi what's up? You look totally lost."asked her friend.

" No Leila I am not. I am just thinking about the contest." Candi lied.

" I know t's something more than that, you look so pale, dear." Leila protested. But before Candi could reply, the bell went and they hurried off. Leila was Candi's best friend. The bell called for everyone to assemble.

Everyone was very excited and Candi being new was confused.

" What's the excitement all about?" Candi asked.

" Oh! It's just a message being passed by the principal about the contest."

" Okayy!"

" Yaaah!"

" But Leila, there is one thing confusing me."

" What's it?" Leila asked concerned.

" The poster had one person already in the semi finals. Yet the competition was just held in small groups and now we're to go for the semi finals."

" Yeah, that's the mystery girl, the school's treasure. She was the winner last year and in international contest was beaten in the quarter finals. It's a routine that she doesn't need to begin from scratch as the rule says.She will perform today and I pray you don't meet her for the semi finals..."

" Hold it, we will see the real queen soon."

The principal moved to the podium and started to speak to the gathering. Short and brief he brought forward the music mistress who was in charge the contest.

Meanwhile Liana who was always cool remained restless. Chris had actually met Candi before and he didn't tell her anything about that even when she hinted. He had just ignored her.

But how was he able to discover her?

Looking at the Miss Annet step on the podium, she became even more nervous. Then she remembered how Candi had criticized her the days before and asked for a challenge back home. She felt so stupid then.

Suddenly, she felt something was missing around her, that was her confidence! She rushed into her locker and started looking for something which she had no hope in getting. She pulled everything out but seemed not to have got it.

" Madeline! Madeline! What have you done to me?" Tears rolled down her eyes before she heard what she was hating most at that time. It was the name, ' Mystery diva ' as she came to be nicknamed. But Madeline had the mask, only her knew where the mask was and she was always around every time she was to perform. But today, she was no where to be seen.

Liana stood and took a deep breath and moved out in to the hall way back in the assembly ground.

Miss Annet was now furious and more impatient than ever.

" I am going to call you one more time. Let us have.. The Mystery Diva!!!"

There was silence as everyone looked around waiting for a figure to emerge but there was no one.

" I'm going."

" What? Wait, Candi you can't." Diana said but Candi was already climbing on stage.

Miss Annet turned and looked at her from toe to hair.

Are you the diva? She asked.

It happened as Liana was moving out and she stopped observing the scene. Was Candi trying to take the identity as the diva?

Candi looked up as if to gain confidence and proudly said, "no I am not the diva. I am instead an aspiring challenger but as she prepares." She made a hand gesture to set the stafe.

Miss Annet was about to turn her down but her charms had already gotten everyone head over heels and they started cheering. And miss Annet had no choice. Liana breathed but how was she to go now. She wished Madeline could just appear out of the blue and pull her hands.

Just then suddenly, someone pulled her and her heart skipped a beat. She turned only to find Chris looking at her.

" Mystery one! Are you not going to reciprocate that challenge." Chris whispered close to her ears.

" If I were her, I wouldn't hesitate. I would go for the challenge. She already left and she didn't look back even when I begged, but I am her friend instead, the other girl and even now I won't hesitate."

Liana said determined and freed herself off Chris' grip and moved towards the podium.

Candi had really gotten the whole school roaring and was really feeling herself. Liana moved and picked a piece of cloth that hung on her neck and covered her face tying it around her nose and mouth. She made for the steps and started grabbing attention their and then. The school started roaring and cheering for her but as they realised the great difference between ' The Diva' and the one who was now moving to the stage. Liana too realized and she knew what to do exactly. She had to forge the walking style of the star and then she did one of her most rare strokes that left everyone waiting for more.

The cheers left Candi feeling jealous, the girl had actually not yet done anything but she was getting a treat like some kind of goddess. Liana moved and smirked at Candi. Miss Annet was lost and didn't bother to confirm the presence. She handed over the microphone.

Liana instead smiled at her. Miss Annet realized the great differences, she knew the mystery girl too well.

" Wait were you not prepared for the day?" Miss Annet asked suspiciously.

You are right. It's a surprise.

" Are you the mystery diva?" At this question, the whole school was silent. Liana scanned all around and laughed maniacally.

Annet was confused.

" I am not her, she left. I am her friend."

This was like a real hit on Annet and every one else, so the school's treasure was gone.

" But if you can give me a chance, I can prove the diva." Annet was about to say no but all students were already clapping. What they wanted was entertainment and competitions, after all nobody knew the diva.

Miss Annet had no choice.

Candi had been critically observing this girl, something about her was repelling and she felt she knew her to the bone.

Liana began to sing, everyone was silent and lost in oblivion. This girl took them deeper than ever. It was just an introduction.

Candi came in and got the crowd cheering with the sweet melodious voice. As if she was waiting for her to bring out all she had, she came with the same style. Candi's turn came and as the saying goes' Pride comes before fall '. She was really bragging and abused Liana.

" Sister! You never change." Liana thought and as if just stung, she went back with the real madness. Just like the mystery diva and left everyone wondering. She proved herself and turned to move away and removed the piece of cloth as she disappeared behind.

Candi almost saw that face, her challenger.

Annet was also lost in wonders, this girl had the vibe just like the mystery girl. Something in her still had the same connection and how she speaks.

They drew, none won was the principal's ruling and it was left for the judges to decide their fate and name the winner.

Was she the real Mystery Diva or someone else?