run away and never look back (open)

Layla was skirting the edges of the gym, looking for someone she could talk to. She felt very awkward there by herself, and it had taken her ages to get ready. Piles and piles of discarded 'maybes' were over the floor of her dormitory, and the outfit that she'd settled on was actually very simple. It was a knee-length, pale yellow dress that was billowy as she walked. She didn't like to wear anything tight or restrictive. Everyone looked like they were having fun... she just hoped she could start having some fun, too.

Haven had a while before the beginning of her set. She had convinced the headmistress to allow her to perform a few songs so she could keep her voice proper. It was her job after all. She looked around for someone to talk to since she didn't see her sister there yet. She saw someone walking around and decided it couldn't hurt to introduce herself, "Hi there. I'm Haven."

@Layla Cartwright

Her eyes rounded.

Although she was aware that Haven went to the school, it was always a shock to see her so close by. Layla sometimes watched what she chose to eat in the great hall, then chose that dish herself. She contemplated buying something similar that she wore, although Layla couldn't pull it off like she could.

A flush of embarrassment crossed her cheeks. She'd been staring...

"Er - um - Hi! I - I know who you are. I'm a big fan, by the way. And you're really pretty. I love what you're wearing, you look so cute and good in it. Of course you would though. You're Haven." She blathered at her like this, and only felt more embarrassed. "Oh! Um, it's nice to meet you! I'm Layla..."

@Haven Munroe

"Oh are you?" She was surprised the girl was a fan of hers. She laughed when she got called pretty, "Oh please. But look at you. I could never pull off yellow the way you are right now." She smiled, ""It's nice to meet you too. If you're a fan, then tonight's gonna be a good night for you. I'm performing a new song later."

@Layla Cartwright

Layla was staring at her, mesmerised as her mouth moved to form words. Her voice was as nice as her singing one. Was she seriously complimenting her? Layla felt a sudden glow of pride and confidence in her choice for the dance.

Just as she got over the flattery though, Haven announced her surprise and Layla screeched.

"Really?! Is it the one you released a few months ago or is it a whole, new exclusive one? Eeee I'm so excited! Are you gonna perform more for us? I'll still buy tickets for your shows of course!"

@Haven Munroe

"It's something I wrote when I was on tour a few months ago. This will actually be my first time performing it. I hope it's as good as my past ones. I'm a bit nervous really." She didn't know why she was nervous performing in front of her peers. It was what she did for a living. But these people were different. They weren't devoted fans who spent money to see her live. They were just teenagers. "I plan to perform as often as I can. I gotta keep my voice in shape, you know."

@Layla Cartwright

"Whaaaat? You get nervous? As if! You know you'll do great. You always do!"

It was strange to hear that someone she considered utterly fearless was nervous about performing on stage. Perhaps it was different doing in front of a room full of students than a room full of strangers? Layla just hoped everyone behaved themselves. Some of the students at Hogwarts could be disrespectful.

"So it's like the same as your body, you have to exercise your voice too?" Layla giggled. "That's so funny! I can't sing at all. Not even a little bit. I just mime words when I have a song stuck in my head. Emery hates it when I start singing. It's like cat wailing."

@Haven Munroe

"No it's true. I get plenty nervous before I perform." She knew the girl saw her as some form of amazing god when it came to performing or something. All of her fans did. "Yes. It's the exact same as your body. You're voice has to be preserved and protected." When she said she could not sing even a bit, Haven chuckled, "Well maybe I can help. You know, it's never to late to teach yourself to sing. That's what I did. And look at me. I didn't start vocal lessons until I was 9. Most famous singers start at age 3 or 4. So I was late to the game."

@Layla Cartwright