Chapter 7
As the time for the contest approached, Judy's anxiety grew. Behind a red curtain, the contestants were lined up, waiting for their chance on stage. Earlier, they had been introduced by Miss Benita, the brunette-haired manager dressed in black palazzo pants and a smart suit shirt. The manager seemed to had taken an interest in one contestant,she wondered if it was her petite figure or her cute little self but it was Judy's creativity that captured her attention; Judy's fashion styling (on Alice) made the other contestants look less impressive in comparison.
The contestants were anxious as they anticipated their numbers being called, particularly because the CEO of the firm would be among the judges—a stern perfectionist they had all heard rumors about but had yet to meet. Alice, Judy's best friend, noticed her growing nerves and tried to offer comfort to her bestie, placing a reassuring hand on Judy's shoulder. "Chill girl, you've got this," she said, encouraging Judy with a smile. She reminded Judy to focus on her speech, mentioning that the intimidating CEO hadn't arrived yet and that the two other judges on seat seemed friendly. She shook her shoulders to a side, hinting on one of the contestants that was just coming from the stage all smiles.
Judy sighed, relieved to have Alice by her side. However, she jokingly asked Alice to stop gripping her shoulders so tightly, claiming it was causing her outfit to become rumpled. They both shared a light laugh, momentarily easing the tension. Judy reminded herself that she could do this: all she needed to do was introduce herself, describe her brand and style, and share a little story about her choices—simple enough, or so she thought.
As the girls waited, it became apparent that Judy would soon be called to perform her presentation. Just moments later, a fellow contestant burst back into the room, visibly upset and crying. This sudden display of emotion made Judy exchange a concerned glance with Alice. The other contestants were similarly curious about the situation.
Before they could get an explanation, Miss Benita reappeared, announcing Judy's name. As Judy stepped forward, Miss Benita met her gaze and offered a supportive smile, sending an unspoken message of encouragement and caution. Feeling a mix of nerves and determination, Judy took a deep breath, ready to face the judges and showcase her hard work.
Despite her anxiety, she reminded herself that she had prepared well and hoped her passion for fashion would shine through. She stepped onto the stage, enveloped in the spotlight, ready to deliver her speech, share her vision, and express her creativity. It was a moment she had anticipated for so long, and now, it was finally her time to shine. With a confident stride and a heart full of hope, Judy embraced the opportunity, willing to take the chance that could define her future in the fashion industry.
As Judy stepped through the red curtain, she caught snippets of conversation from her fellow contestants, particularly a distraught competitor lamenting, "Jones disqualified me for wrong fabric blending." Just before disappearing behind the curtain, Judy exchanged a glance with Alice, who gave her an encouraging smile while already moving into position.
The auditorium was less crowded than Judy had anticipated; only a few acquaintances and company workers filled the seats, with the judges' table set up at the far end of the stage under dim lighting, making it difficult for Judy or her fellow contestants to discern their expressions. Noticing that all three judges were in their seats, Judy surmised that the stern boss must be present and decided to treat the dim lighting as a comfort rather than a source of anxiety, allowing her to perform with less pressure.
As they had rehearsed countless times, Alice gracefully took center stage, showcasing the stylish outfit Judy had designed with elegant movements. When Alice stopped behind Judy, it was her cue to pick up the microphone and begin her presentation for the competition.
Judy started off strong by introducing herself and revealing her upcoming brand. She delved into a meticulous description of the dress she designed, focusing on the intricate patterns displayed on the outfit. Her confidence shone through her speech and body language until an unexpected moment caught her off guard; as Judy turned her attention to the judges, her eyes widened in shock and her words faltered.
A tense silence enveloped the stage, stretching into what felt like an eternity. Finally, the familiar deep voice of a judge broke through the stillness, snapping her back to reality. "What is wrong Miss Wilson?" he asked, prompting her to continue. Judy recognized the voice—was it really him? There was an unexpected mischievous smile on his face, his presence suddenly illuminated as the stage lights appeared to brighten around him. This shift left Judy momentarily stunned; what was he doing here?
Caught between elation and confusion, Judy struggled to focus. The dirty blonde-haired man before her was not just any judge; he was well-known and respected in the industry, and his presence was both intimidating and exhilarating. Flashes of uncertainty crept in as she grappled with the realization that she had to regain her composure. The weight of the moment pressed upon her, yet she was determined not to let it derail her performance.
Judy took a deep breath, recalling all the preparation and hard work she had poured into her designs. She reminded herself of the passion that fueled her creativity and the hard-earned experience that led her to this stage. Perhaps this unexpected twist was an opportunity rather than a setback. With renewed determination, she gathered her thoughts and was ready to push past her initial shock.
Taking another calming breath, she began again, speaking with clarity and conviction but couldn't keep up with his piercing gaze on her. The atmosphere around her shifted as she embraced the challenge of performing in front of such a pivotal judge. The stakes were high, yet the moment propelled her forward as she sought to impress not only the judges but also herself. Armed with her vision and the intricate designs she had crafted, she can't miss it now.