The sun shone brightly over the campus, and the fresh air carried with it that peculiar aroma that only Stanford could offer: a mix of freshly cut grass, old books, and the echo of academic conversations. We were walking along the campus paths, Lindsay by my side and Olivia leading the group as always, talking nonstop about Physics 41.
—It's like Newton had a prophetic dream while sleeping under a tree! —exclaimed Olivia, gesturing dramatically—. But what if it wasn't an apple? What if it was… an alien meteorite that transmitted cosmic knowledge to him?
Lindsay rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile.
—Olivia, gravity has nothing to do with aliens.
—How do you know? —replied Olivia with feigned seriousness—. Maybe Newton was a secret agent sent from another galaxy to teach us the laws of the universe. It's perfectly plausible!
I sighed, trying to maintain my composure.
—Sure, Olivia. And I'm the next Einstein.
—Exactly —she said, pointing at me triumphantly—. That's why we need you here. To explain those… dense concepts. Although, honestly, your analogies usually sound more like space engineering problems than basic physics.
Lindsay laughed, and I simply shook my head. It was impossible to argue with Olivia when she was in this state. Her mind was like a runaway train, full of extravagant ideas that, though absurd, always managed to make us laugh.
As we continued walking, we arrived at White Plaza, the heart of the campus. The place was bustling with students sitting on benches, some studying, others chatting animatedly. But just as we were about to pass by, we heard news that caught our full attention.
A group of students was gathered around a giant poster announcing something exciting: America's Got Talent would be holding auditions near the university. Olivia's eyes lit up instantly, as if she had just seen a celestial vision.
—This is destiny! —she shouted, raising her arms to the sky like an epic movie heroine—. The universe is calling me to become an international superstar!
Lindsay and I exchanged an amused look.
—Olivia, you haven't even auditioned yet —Lindsay pointed out calmly.
—Details, details —Olivia replied, brushing it off with a wave of her hand—. The important thing is that I can already see myself winning. Imagine: Olivia Hart, the first billionaire woman to win America's Got Talent . My face will be on all magazine covers, and my family's hotels will be the official places where the judges stay during world tours.
I couldn't help but laugh.
—That's thinking big, Olivia. But what talent are you going to present? Honestly, I think it'll be hard to find one that represents you.
Olivia frowned, offended.
—What do you mean, "hard"? I have more talents than anyone on this campus. You just need to know how to appreciate them.
Lindsay arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
—Alright then. Enlighten us. What are your hidden talents?
Olivia placed a hand on her chest, as if about to make a grand revelation.
—First, I'm an expert in strategic organization. I could plan a gala event in under five minutes. Second, I have a gift for conflict resolution. If two people are fighting, I can convince them that they're both right. Third, I'm incredibly good at improvisational cooking.
Lindsay burst out laughing, unable to contain herself.
—Cooking? Olivia, I remember that time you tried to make soup and it ended up more like liquid cement.
Olivia pretended to be indignant.
—That was an experimental failure. Besides, my intention was to innovate. Cooking is an art, and art requires risks.
I chimed in, smiling.
—But you do have great taste when it comes to choosing restaurants. That much I'll admit.
—Exactly —said Olivia, nodding proudly—. I don't need to cook well to know what's delicious. My tongue is basically a gourmet radar. I can detect flavors you didn't even know existed.
Lindsay shook her head, still laughing.
—Alright, we'll admit you have a good palate. But that doesn't count as a talent for America's Got Talent .
Olivia paused dramatically, as if reconsidering her options.
—You're right. Maybe I need something more… spectacular. Something that will truly take their breath away.
—What if you jump off a trampoline while singing opera and juggling fire? —Lindsay suggested with a mischievous smile.
Olivia looked at her incredulously.
—Why do you always think everything has to be extreme? I don't need fire or acrobatics. I have something much more elegant and refined.
—Like what? —I asked, genuinely curious.
Olivia smiled smugly.
—If none of my other talents convince you, I can always play the piano.
Lindsay and I fell silent for a moment. We knew exactly what she meant. Olivia played the piano exceptionally well, but her performances were often filled with drama and exaggeration. It was as if every musical piece were an epic masterpiece destined to change the world.
—Ah, of course —I finally said—. Your rendition of Clair de Lune could make a stone cry. Literally.
Olivia nodded proudly.
—Exactly. My fingers have pure magic. But I don't just play classical music. I can also improvise original songs about any topic. For example, I could compose a ballad about… I don't know, the ethical dilemma of using nanotechnology in medicine.
Lindsay laughed.
—That would be… interesting. Though I doubt the judges would understand the lyrics.
—That's because they don't have my intellectual level! —Olivia exclaimed, crossing her arms—. They need someone to raise the standard of the show. Someone like me.
—Well, if you decide to audition, make sure to let us know —I said, smiling—. We want to be there to see you shine.
Olivia looked at me with a mischievous expression.
—Oh, don't worry, Sack. You two will be my first fans. You can even design a poster for me that says: "Olivia Hart: The Queen of Talent!"
Lindsay shook her head, laughing.
—I think we should focus on surviving Physics 41 before thinking about posters.
—Exactly! —I added—. Because if we don't understand mechanics, we'll never be able to calculate the speed at which Olivia will soar to fame.
Olivia pretended to be offended, though she couldn't help but smile.
—You two are impossible. But it doesn't matter. When I win America's Got Talent , I'll remember this moment and dedicate my first million to you.
We all laughed together, letting the conversation flow without rushing.
—Well, now that I've decided to audition for America's Got Talent —Olivia said in a dramatic but playful tone—, I think we should celebrate my future success. How about we go out for dinner? I know an Italian restaurant near campus that has the best pasta in the world.
Lindsay arched an eyebrow, smiling.
—Celebrate your "future success"? You haven't even filled out the audition application.
—Details, details —Olivia replied, dismissively waving her hand—. The important thing is that I've already planned it all in my head. Plus, I need carbs to keep my creative energy up. I can't play the piano on an empty stomach.
I chuckled softly.
—And what happens if they reject you before you even get to the piano? Will you still want pasta?
Olivia pretended to be offended, though she couldn't hide her smile.
—They won't reject me, Sack. I'm too impressive for that. But even if they did, I'd still want pasta. It's my comfort food… and also my celebration food. It's versatile.
Lindsay shook her head, amused.
—Only you could turn a simple dinner into a philosophical justification about life.
—Exactly —Olivia said, pointing at Lindsay as if confirming her own brilliance—. That's why I'm the natural leader of this group. Now, are we going or not? I'm starving.
I looked at Lindsay, who nodded with a smile.
—Alright, we'll follow you on this culinary adventure. But only because I want to see if you really eat as much as you say.
—Oh, believe me, Sack —Olivia replied as she began walking toward the parking lot—, when I say I eat a lot, I'm not exaggerating. You'll have to order a second round of dishes just to keep up with me.