My first full day of classes feels like a whirlwind. We meet our professors, get introduced to the schedule, and are shown the classrooms where we’ll be studying. I try to soak it all in while also getting to know my classmates, and I catch myself thinking that most of them seem pretty normal and down-to-earth.
Vicky is scoping everyone out too, but she sticks by my side. I’m not sure why she picked me—we’re total opposites—but I’m glad I’m not alone among all these new faces.
I really like our vocal instructor. She’s incredibly knowledgeable, and I’ve read a lot about her online. I can’t wait for her to hear me sing and give her feedback. I’m terrified that my so-called talent is just a lie my family told me. Maybe there’s nothing special about me… What would I do then?
“You heading to work again today?” Vicky asks as we leave the classroom after our last lecture of the day.
“Yeah. I’ve got Sunday off, though. We can hang out,” I reply.
“Awesome!” Vicky beams, then suddenly stops and grabs my arm. “Do you hear that?”
“Hear what?” I listen closely and sure enough, I catch the sound of music drifting from the auditorium.
“It’s the ‘Free Spirits’ rehearsing. They must have a concert coming up soon,” Vicky says excitedly. “Oh crap, I left my bag in the classroom!”
She really did come out without her bag and only just noticed. She heads back to get it, while I listen to the faint melody echoing through the hallway. Unable to resist, I walk over to the auditorium doors and crack them open just a little.
Yesterday, I completely forgot to look up Yan and his band online. I’m hoping to make up for that tonight.
I like the music. It sounds like a slow song, but for some reason, no one’s singing.
I get so lost in my thoughts that I don’t notice when the doors swing open right in front of me. Caught off guard, I step back, and my feet somehow trip over each other. I realize I’m falling, but then someone grabs my arm and pulls me upright.
“You again?” It’s Yan who saves me, and he looks just as surprised as I am. “Still mute?”
Wow, he remembers me! And why is my face burning up so fast?
“I’m not mute!” I blurt out, and he lets go of my arm. His hair is messy again, and his eyes study me with curiosity.
“No kidding!” he smirks. “I’m glad you can talk.”
For a moment, I think we might actually have a conversation, that he’ll ask my name or something. But then I remember who Yan is—and who I am.
He doesn’t say anything else. He just walks past me, like I’ve suddenly become uninteresting, and heads down the hallway. I watch him go, unable to figure out why he stirs up such weird feelings in me. Goosebumps race across my skin again, and my heart pounds against my ribs with all its might.
Sure, he’s gorgeous, and his voice is incredible. But I’m not here to fall for him. That’s the last thing I need! I’ve got a dream, and that’s why I’m here!
Adjusting my bag on my shoulder, I head outside. I don’t have much time before my shift starts, and I still need to call my mom. As I pass the parking lot, I spot Yan again. This time, there’s no crowd of fangirls—just one. A tall, leggy blonde smiles brightly as he opens the door of his black car for her, and she slides inside.
Yan closes the door, walks around the car while twirling his keys in his hand, and hops into the driver’s seat. The car peels out with a screech. I don’t know why I’m still standing here, staring after him. I’ve got so little time, but right now, I’m not thinking about that.
There’s a strange feeling inside me, one I don’t like at all. My mom always says I’m beautiful, but she’s my mom… Every morning, I see a green-eyed blonde with a button nose and bow-shaped lips staring back at me in the mirror. If I had makeup like Vicky’s and the right clothes, maybe I could compete with the woman who got into Yan’s car. But do I even want to?
I like being ordinary, blending in. Being pretty on the outside doesn’t mean you’re pretty on the inside! I’ve got a soul. A pure, bright, gentle one. I believe in feelings, and I know that someday I’ll have a big, happy family. All of that will come later, though. Right now, I shouldn’t be thinking about this.
I’ll get Yan out of my head and focus on what matters. He doesn’t belong in my thoughts. We’re like night and day. If we collide, it’ll be the end of the world.
Work drains all my energy again. By the time I get back to the dorm, I’m not even thinking about Yan. Just a shower, some hot tea, and bed. But the next morning, I see him again—with the same blonde. They arrive at the university together, and I notice she’s wearing the same outfit as yesterday. Yan, though, is in different jeans, and his T-shirt today is black instead of white.
The pair splits up at the entrance, and Yan heads over to a group of guys standing off to the side, deep in conversation. I recognize the blond guy who was with Yan during our first encounter.
The blond is pretty attractive, with a mysterious vibe. His light hair is slicked back, there’s a tattoo of a hieroglyph on his neck, and he’s got several rings on his fingers.
When Yan approaches, they shake hands, and the whole group heads off somewhere behind the building.
“What are you staring at?” Vicky asks, appearing beside me.
“Oh, nothing,” I mumble. “Why do you look so dressed up today?”
I look her up and down, noting that she’s wearing a super short dress and makeup that’s way too bold for my taste.
“Seriously, Dasha!” Vicky scoffs. “The ‘Free Spirits’ are debuting a new song today! In the auditorium after classes. By the way, are you coming? Oh, right! You’ve got work!”
Vicky puts her hand on my shoulder, and we walk toward the classroom together. Yeah, she’s right: I’ve got work. I can’t skip it, so I won’t get to hear the ‘Free Spirits’ song. That bums me out a little, but not enough to ditch my job and run to the auditorium.
I forget all about the concert the moment our vocal instructor calls us up one by one to hear us sing. I’m insanely nervous and have no idea what to expect.
Vicky goes before me, and I have to admit, her vocal skills are pretty average. Nothing special, but I’m definitely not going to tell her that.
Maria Vasilivna looks unimpressed after hearing almost half the group. When it’s my turn, my knees are shaking. I don’t even know how I manage to walk down to her.
“Ready to surprise me, Daryna?” she asks, and it seems like she doesn’t believe in me.
“I’ll try,” I reply. Maria Vasilivna starts playing the piano, and I close my eyes and sing. I sing the way I know how, the way I feel it. The fear doesn’t go away, but while I’m singing, it seems to dull a little.
I don’t sing for long since there are so many of us and she needs to hear everyone. I open my eyes and realize the room is completely silent. Everyone’s quiet, even Maria Vasilivna.
She’s looking at me in a way I can’t quite read, and I don’t know if she liked it or not.
“Who taught you to sing, Daryna?” she asks.
“I taught myself,” I answer. “There was no music school in my village, and the nearest town was too far away.”
“I see,” she nods and glances at the list to see who’s next. “Go back to your seat. Kuvalova, you’re up!”
Honestly, I was hoping for some kind of feedback, but her silence throws me off completely. I can’t sit still for the rest of the class. I’m tempted to go up to her during the break and ask what she thought, but I hold myself back. I know I shouldn’t.
“Daryna Zozulya, stay behind!” Maria Vasilivna calls out as the bell rings. The other students whisper among themselves as they leave the room, and I walk back to her, unsure why she’s asked me to stay. “Dasha, do you love singing?”
Her question catches me off guard. What does this mean? Is she preparing me for the news that I’m a failure and should only sing in my little village?
“I do,” I reply.
“It shows,” she smiles, and that’s probably a good sign. “You have an incredible voice. I’ve never heard anything like it. Of course, there’s work to be done, but I’m ready to help. Are you?”
“I am too!” I blurt out emotionally, and I think I might start crying.
“Why the tears, sweetheart?” Maria Vasilivna laughs. “No need to cry. You’re very talented.”
I practically float out of the classroom. I know I need to hurry or I’ll be late for work, but I can’t move any faster. As I walk down the hallway, I hear that same melody from yesterday and stop dead in my tracks.
Today, it’s not just the melody. I hear Yan’s voice, and it’s… magical. I take a step toward the auditorium and pause. I don’t have time for this…
I’m torn in two, and I can’t do anything about it. I decide that being a few minutes late won’t hurt, so I head to the auditorium anyway. It’s impossible to push my way inside, but I don’t need to. I can see Yan at the center of the stage, microphone in hand, and the blond guy with a guitar. Behind them are a drummer and a keyboardist.
The music is beautiful and emotional, but Yan’s voice layered over it—it’s something else. I even close my eyes in pure bliss.
Goosebumps race across my skin again, and my heart pounds wildly against my ribs. I think I’ve fallen in love with this voice. Is that even possible? I was supposed to get Yan out of my head, but now… I doubt I’ll be able to.