Chains Lifted: Her Second Act

The story itself wasn't groundbreaking or a unique one that captivates you instantly, but there was something about the way it was told that made it special.

Luca knew that if it was acted out by a talented cast, it could become something even better. He thought maybe Harmony had been hiding her talent, but after she handed him the notebook so easily, he started to second-guess himself.

Was she hiding it, or was she just indifferent?

Regardless, he was sure this story would be a great choice for their class's play. Now that even Beatrice, a member of the drama club, had praised it, Luca felt validated.

He glanced over at Harmony, but she was still staring out the window, seemingly uninterested in the whole situation.

When Luca thought back, he realized how often Harmony had faded into the background.

During group activities, she barely spoke, and the only sign that she had participated was the neat handwriting on the notes her group turned in—handwriting that wasn't anyone else's.

It baffled him. She had this kind of talent, yet never joined the drama club or showcased it. And she didn't seem to be hiding it either.

It was more like, "If it's noticed, then it's noticed. If not, that's fine too."

For the first time since he entered high school, Luca found himself genuinely curious about someone.

Patricia clapped her hands, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"So it's settled. If Miss Thomas agrees, we'll use her story for the play."

She turned to Harmony.

"If you think it's useful, I don't mind," Harmony replied with a slight nod.

Luca watched her closely.

'She has confidence,' he thought.

But it wasn't the kind of overconfidence that assumed everyone would love the story. It was more like she believed in her work but didn't care too much about how it was received.

His lips curved into a smile.

'Our wallflower isn't as simple as she seems.'

"Luca, are you listening?" Patricia poked his arm.

He blinked, "What about?"

"We were saying you'd be perfect for the main lead," Patricia said with a teasing smile.

"You've got the presence for it, and since you're popular, we might even score some extra points with the judges."

Luca chuckled, "Don't talk like that. But yeah, I guess I am popular."

The class laughed along with him.

"As for the female lead…" Patricia trailed off, looking around.

"It should be Beatrice," Luca suggested without much thought.

After all, Beatrice was in the drama club and had already acted in several school plays.

"I'd love to," Beatrice replied with a confident smile.

"Then it's decided," Patricia said, clapping her hands again.

The whole class cheered.

Some of the students turned to Harmony, who had remained quiet through most of the discussion.

"That was amazing, Miss Thomas."

"I didn't know you had that kind of talent."

"You really wrote that?"

"Of course, it is her," Luca butted just as Harmony turned her head away from the window.

"Sorry to burst your bubble," Harmony interrupted the expected flood of questions about the story after Luca's words.

"…but I didn't write it. It was created by someone else."

Patricia looked worried, "Then is it okay for us to use it?"

Harmony shrugged, "It's just a hobby. It is fine."

"Are you sure about this?" Patricia pressed, still hesitant.

Harmony met Patricia's gaze with calm, indifferent eyes, which only made Patricia feel more awkward.

"I was worried… so…"

Harmony felt the slight change in the atmosphere. She knew trouble would follow if she did not clear this up.

"Miss President, I am simply thinking about how to persuade you that there is no problem with using this piece. She had it as a hobby and was wondering if her work could be good enough. I was reading it for her and now a chance presented itself. Since she wanted to know then why not use it."

Patricia hesitated for a moment longer but eventually nodded, "All right, let's start figuring out who's doing what and how we'll organize the play."

Luca watched as Harmony, once again, seemed to withdraw from the conversation, her eyes drifting back toward the window. It was as if the entire discussion had nothing to do with her anymore.

As the class buzzed with excitement, focusing on the details of the play, Harmony's presence slowly faded into the background. She seemed perfectly content to let the story take center stage while she quietly slipped back into her usual obscurity.

When the break came, Luca turned to ask Harmony something, but her seat was already empty.

"When did she leave?" he wondered out loud.

"Miss Thomas slipped out when everyone started talking," Beatrice said, coming up beside him.

"She's quiet like that, isn't she?"

Luca nodded thoughtfully.

Beatrice smiled, "You know, I've performed in a lot of plays and watched even more movies. I may be young, but I know a good story when I see one."

She gestured toward the notebook in Luca's hand.

"That's a great story. Even if she's the wallflower of our class, her presence is going to stick with me now."

Luca grinned, "I knew I wasn't wrong about her."

Beatrice nodded but added, "Still, whether it's hers or not, she's the one who introduced us to it. And I'm grateful for that. She must have known its capability that she willingly allowed the rest of us to listen to it."

One of Beatrice's friends called her from the doorway.

"Beatrice, are you coming?"

"I'll be there in a minute!" she called back, then turned to Luca with a final smile before heading out.

Luca stayed where he was, staring at the notebook in his hands.

The story had captivated the whole class, and yet, its creator had vanished as quietly as she always did. Harmony might have been a wallflower, but just as Beatrice said, her presence will surely remain to those who have truly realized what she was capable of.