“Inhale. Exhale.” Before the start of the pageant, Jez calmed herself.
We were backstage when we were told to line up for the introduction number by the emcee. Melissa had been going to and from the school’s gate, but Aviel was still nowhere to be seen.
She kept on stomping her feet outside the dressing room. Our adviser, who was nervous as well, was also there with Wanwan.
“Sir, he’s not answering the call.” There were traces of anxiousness in Melissa’s voice. Both her face and back were sweaty. Wanwan volunteered to fan Melissa herself and brushed the latter’s hair as well.
“What are we going to do? Aviel doesn’t have a substitute to replace him,” our professor voiced, his tone filled with traces of nervousness. His other hand was on his waist, whilst the other was holding his phone—busy dialling a certain contact number.
Jez cupped my face. “Don’t let yourself worry if you don’t have a partner. Go, girl! I know you can do it!”
“It's as easy as ABC. With the beauty I have, they will certainly look pale when compared to mine.” I raised a brow and walked just like how the models of Victoria’s Secret do.
“Beautiful ladies! Position yourselves!” the organizer announced. He was wearing a white tuxedo which made him look like a prince. His hair was obviously waxed because it was undisturbed despite the organizer moving around a lot.
The music started, indicating that the program has officially started. Along with it were the confetti and the smoke. The cheers of the students were deafening. Each one of them was shouting the names of their departments.
Right after the fourth contestant went back inside backstage, I entered the main stage. The first thing that caught my eyes were my friends, Wyn, Latrelle, Marcus and Jez. Wyn gave a thumbs up, causing me to smile.
“Look! Her smile is beautiful!” shouted Bruno, which made my classmates go wilder.
I can’t believe they have props made of bottles that match the gown that I am wearing. Its colour was blue paired with yellow. Some of my friends started to play the drums before I took the microphone.
“I’m Kaoree Rogen, 19 years old. Jasmine from the Social Science Department!” I did different poses and heard Latrelle whistle.
His perfect, white teeth were visible the moment he smiled widely.
“You’re gorgeous.” It was just a simple movement of his mouth, yet I could still understand it.
Marcus playfully bumped Latrelle with his body. They seemed like they were teasing each other.
Although the four were seated along with the other audiences, they were still able to attract the attention of the other students. Especially when Latrelle whistled yet again and even dared to shout, that made me shocked.
It was as if the world turned slowly.
“You’re pretty, my Jazmine!” Everyone’s eyes were looking at him. It seemed like the stares were nothing to him because he still had the audacity to make loud noises through the bottles he was holding.
We went down from the stage and posed for the last time. After this, we went back to our dressing room.
“Next is casual wear!” Jez was in a hurry when I met her.
We looked for the black bag where the clothes were. The things on the table were scattered, and some even feel as we searched for my clothes.
Jez roughly scratched her head. “Where was it?! My gay friends and I personally designed it!”
I was even confused while searching for the bag. I walked back and forth. The other contestants were done preparing, and here I am, I don't even know what to do.
Melissa handed Jez a glass of water. “Calm down, Jez.”
Jez sat on the chair as she fanned herself.
Melissa excused herself as she put down the glass on the table. “I’ll be right back, Kaoree.”
Her eyes looked downhearted.
She hurriedly left the room while I played with my fingers. I can’t be mistaken. I was certain I put it here! Inside the big bag that Lucky gave me.
“What’s the problem?” asked Sasha. I don’t know why it was Sasha whom Melissa decided to bring in here.
We looked at each other. I must think hard. “I’ll just go to the comfort room,” was what I said as I excused myself. I didn’t wait for their response.
I saw Wanwan laughing with Bruno. Wanwan waved her hands at me and smiled.
I entered the comfort room and heaved a deep sigh. Of course, I expelled, you know, first. But it wasn’t the call of nature.
I washed my hands. I wiped it with tissue to dry my hands and threw it in the trash bin. My eyes widened in shock upon seeing what was inside the trash bin.
I gulped, and my eyes started to feel warm as I took out a certain thing.
I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. It’s fine if I won’t be able to participate in the casual wear contest, but for them to destroy the things that my friends exerted a lot of effort to make, I can’t accept that.
My hands were trembling. Who would dare to do this?! That person is envious!
“Kaoree—,” Melissa’s footsteps were heavy as she approached me. She took the thing I was holding.
Her eyes flew in rage when we went back to the dressing room. Sasha wasn’t alone, and she was with her two friends.
“Here! Devour it yourself!” Melissa shouted at Sasha right after she threw the ruined clothes to the latter’s face.
Sasha’s eyes widened. “Do you have a problem with me, Melissa? You’re so brave!”
Before I could intervene, Jez beat me to it.
“Ladies, calm down. It’s not right for you to fight.”
But Melissa didn’t smooth down at all.
“I won’t sober up! You, Sasha! You’re so good at pretending! I called you here to help us, but it seems to me that you were here to sabotage my friend’s clothes!”
I touched Melissa’s shoulders. It seems like her voice was so loud that it could be heard from the other rooms as well. It was because I noticed that the make-up artists from the other rooms were outside our room as if watching a drama.
“Wait! Do you have any evidence?” Sasha’s hands were both on her waists. Drianne and Vanna shook their heads as if agreeing with Sasha.
“No. But amongst the people here, I know it was you who didn't like Kaoree. Thus I am certain it was you.”
Jez’s knees weakened. She leaned her back on her seat, looking exhausted.
I approached her. “Jez, I’m sorry. I wasn’t careful enough.” I gently caressed her shoulders.
She held my hand. “It’s okay. Don’t worry. I know it wasn’t intentional.”
“Let’s go, ladies! I’ll extend my help! I was told I am suspicious,” Sasha thundered.
Because of the weight of their wedges, their footsteps were noisy.
Wyn knocked at the door. My face lightened up for a short time. “Hmm. I’m sorry for disturbing you. Maybe this will suit you.” He slowly leisurely put down the paper bag he’s holding onto the table in front of me.
“I’ll get going.” Before I could send him my thanks, he hurriedly left the room.
I stood. Along with Melissa, we both approached the table to look at what's inside the paper bag.
Upon seeing the chiffon dress and beret hat inside the paper bag, Melissa curved up her mouth, and she was grinning widely.
“It really is in a different level when you have a lot of princes charming.” My whole face flushed upon hearing what Melissa said while I was admiring the things Wyn brought.
“Sana all!” Melissa and Jez shouted in unison.
I softly chuckled because of their words. At least for a short time, my feelings lightened.