CHAPTER SIX

School had resumed, my identity was out. I felt naked, bare and relieved. I did not have to hide anymore but the stares… they were so much to handle. I was back in the public, every step of mine scrutinized. I had mixed feelings about everything. The girls were a huge support system as well as Tim.

I was no longer being bullied. Everyone acted nice and it freaked me out. Jay was a more flirt than ever while Leo gave me a cold shoulder.Mindy tried so hard to frustrate me but the weak Chloe was gone

TWO WEEKS LATER

The competition had started. The first round was to take place in the bloom hall,the most beautiful hall in Starlight high school. Each contestant was given a room filled with make up kits, shoes, clothes and other accessories. Trina was obviously the one in charge. She was the fashion diva.

Kaffy went out to get some coffee when she bumped into Cole. They got engaged in some argument. The already caffeine-deficient, cranky Kaffy was irritated. She hissed at him voraciously.

Somehow, she managed to tick the ever nice Cole. They continued to argue about who bumped into who. The unfortunate spat ended up with a cup of coffee emptied on Cole, an irritable Kaffy walking away angrily, leaving a baffled Cole behind. *********************************************************************

The girls made me up. I was wearing a long gown hugging my hips with a not so high slit and my hair was tied in a bow style. I was impressed when I looked into the mirror. No, that was an understatement.

Trina and Kaffy received strange calls and left to see what was going on. Few minutes later, I heard the door being locked. I panicked and ran to the door, hitting it with all my might and screaming, “Open the door. Somebody, please open the door.”

NB: I have decided to introduce the point of view of the other characters.

LEO'S POINT OF VIEW

The programme was about to commence. I looked around, hoping I would see Mara around but I could not find her. I saw her best friends but she was not with them. I walked up to them to enquire. I greeted,“Hey girls, where’s Mara? Oh! Sorry, I meant Chloe.”

They looked at each other before replying, “She should be with the other contestants.” I nodded negatively to which they responded with fear.Trina dialed her digits but the phone rang in Kaffy’s purse.

The competition was about to start and Mara was nowhere to be found. I took my phone from my pocket and called the master of ceremony, “Delay the commencement of the programme by any means possible.”

“Young sir, I could try to delay the commencement of the programme by fifteen minutes. I, unfortunately, cannot promise any more than fifteen minutes.” Grateful, I thanked him. I had only fifteen minutes to find my Mara.

CHLOE'S POINT OF VIEW

Have you ever felt like you were in a little garden, having fun when darkness descended and now, all you could do is gasp for air. That was exactly how I felt.

I felt so frustrated like I wanted to die. I clutched my dress and got on my knees, scared with my hands on my chest. My eyes were dropping while I struggled against it. Suddenly, the door swung open.

LEO'S POINT OF VIEW

Exasperated, I swung the door open. I saw Mara, she looked so weak and helpless. I could not control myself. I ran to her and took her in my arms. “You are gonna be okay, sunshine.” She hugged me back, to my greatest surprise.

Kaffy and Trina came in with the latter almost in tears. “Babe, we’re so sorry. We weren’t thinking. We should have made sure you were with the other contestants before leaving.”

CHLOE'S POINT OF VIEW

The girls hugged me, apologizing. They made sure I was composed and fixed whatever needed fixing. They held my hands firmly to reassure me. That assuaged my fears and I took a deep breath. I was Mara Dawson, the pageant star. I had gone through worse and emerged victorious. This was nothing.

The announcer had called my name twice. I was about to be marked absent when I screamed, “Present”.

LEO'S POINT OF VIEW

To be honest, she looked stunning. In some eerie, twisted fate, she looked like her mother. She exuded this confidence I had never seen, even during her former pageantry days.

The judges were stunned. Everything about her from her posture radiated pageantry royalty. I noticed suddenly that her smile wavered. I moved my eyes to the cause of her predicament.

CHLOE'S POINT OF VIEW

I saw her. She was gorgeous as ever and in some twisted way, I still carved a hug from her, however I was not going to mope and whine about it, crying for her attention.

She had this smirk on her face. Normally, I would have cowered and shivered in fear but that Chloe was gone.

I smiled, “I am Chloenathra James from the prestigious Starlight High School. I would be 17 in three months time.I live at Minnesota. I love to sing and dance. I am practically being raised by my brother. Without him and my best friends, Kaffy and Trina, I would not be here. I love you guys.” The audience cooed, “Awww”

One of the judges smiled, “Show me what you got.” I walked to the center of the stage and took the microphone. The judges were Ann Lopez, a Pageant goddess; Lara, a fashion mogul and Bryan, an etiquette coach. They were all professionals in their fields and hard to please, especially Ann Lopez.

I smiled, “I would be singing Girl in the mirror by Bebe Rexha." I started with a lower pitch so it would not affect me as I continued singing. I felt alive and happy. When I was done, the judges were excited except Ann.

Bryan hooted, “I give you a 9.5. I love the way you carry yourself, your walk, poise. Everything exudes confidence.” I smiled at the compliment.

Lara clapped, “I love your dress and the way you wear it. Damn! I am speechless. You get a 9 from me.”

“You get a 4,” I heard a sultry voice say.

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