Segment 1 — First Impressions of Darin
The Southlake Debate Circle screening room smelled faintly of coffee, paper, and the faintest hint of polish. Avery stepped in, backpack slung over one shoulder, hair in its usual ponytail, hoodie comfortably loose.
Rows of students were scattered across the room, some pacing nervously, some reviewing notes, some whispering quietly. Avery's gaze immediately landed on Darin Raval, the debate president. Tall, composed, confident—everything a leader should be.
He was reviewing papers, lips pursed slightly, eyebrows furrowed in concentration. Avery felt the familiar flutter of nervousness she hadn't experienced in years.
Okay, she thought, this is not the time to overthink. Observe, analyze, perform.
Darin looked up, his gaze sweeping across the room, landing briefly on her. His eyes were sharp, assessing, but not unkind. Avery straightened instinctively, stiffening in her usual posture.
"Welcome," he said, voice calm but carrying authority. "We're evaluating new candidates today. Show me your best, and let's see what you can bring to this team."
Avery's analytical mind immediately kicked in. She noted his tone, his stance, the subtle cues of confidence. This was her mentor, the one who would guide the debate circle. Respecting him meant understanding him first.
Segment 2 — Analyzing the Candidates
The screening began. Students were asked to introduce themselves, present a brief argument, and engage in quick rebuttals. Avery listened quietly, scanning every candidate.
Some fumbled with words. Some spoke too quickly, their nerves unraveling their points. Some tried to impress with volume, missing clarity. Avery noted each one mentally, comparing their structure, logic, and style against her own knowledge.
When it was her turn, she walked calmly to the front. Heart steady. Hands firm.
"Good morning," she said, voice clear, neutral, and confident. "I am Avery Manuel-Liman. Today, I'd like to present on the importance of structured critical thinking in academic discourse."
She laid out her points succinctly, anticipating counterarguments before they were even voiced. Her voice didn't waver. Her eyes scanned the "audience," which mostly consisted of Darin and a couple of senior members observing silently.
Every rebuttal was precise. Every pause was measured. Avery felt the flow of logic in her own mind, connecting past experiences with the present situation.
When she returned to her seat, she noted the expressions of the other candidates—some impressed, some overwhelmed. Avery smiled faintly, inwardly pleased. Focus, skill, composure. She had it.
Segment 3 — Paul's POV: Observing Avery
From the corner of the room, Paul leaned against the wall, notebook clutched in his hands.
He watched Avery walk to the front like a quiet storm. The room went silent as she spoke, her arguments neat and measured, her confidence understated but palpable.
How does she do it? Paul thought, rolling his eyes…She's just… there. Calm, precise, perfect. And she doesn't even try.
He scribbled notes, partly to remember, partly just to keep himself from interrupting the sheer brilliance unfolding before him. "Okay, wow," he muttered under his breath. "If she gets into this club, it's going to be unfair for everyone else. But fine… you do you, Avery."
Paul noticed the subtle way Darin's eyes lingered on her—not judgmental, not harsh, but assessing. He smirked. "Ah, the mentor thing. Classic. Watch this guy fall for her quiet genius."
He leaned back, shaking his head. "I swear, she doesn't even notice half the awe she generates."
Segment 4 — Leaving the Screening
The screening wrapped up. Avery returned to her seat, packing her things neatly, composure intact. She felt a quiet satisfaction, a sense of achievement she hadn't felt in months.
Paul sidled up next to her as they walked out. "You know, for someone who claims to be 'just okay,' that was… not okay. That was impressive."
Avery shrugged lightly, cheeks faintly warm. "I just… did what I needed to do. Observed, planned, executed."
Paul grinned. "Right. Calm, analytical, brilliant. You always make it sound so easy. You really don't see it, do you?"
"I'm not interested in… that," Avery said firmly, misinterpreting Paul's teasing. "I just want to focus on growth. On improvement."
Paul raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. Focus on skill, focus on growth. But don't let anyone tell me you don't radiate brilliance."
Avery rolled her eyes, but inside she felt a quiet thrill. She was back in college. She had knowledge, foresight, and a clean slate. The debate club was just the beginning.
Darin watched from the doorway as Avery left, a faint, approving smile on his lips. She had composure, analytical skill, and a subtle spark that set her apart. He made a mental note to mentor her carefully; she had potential he didn't want to waste.
As Avery walked down the campus path, backpack light, head held high, she felt something rare: confidence.
She could see herself growing. She could see opportunities. She could see… a second chance unfolding.
And this time, she would take it fully.