Cherry
Things were much easier with Chris and Heather coming back. I could now focus on the competition with them taking care of the pack affairs.
The next few days were spent preparing my entry.
It was inspired by the love story between Dylan and me, Heather's outfit I wore during our mating ceremony, and the design of our wedding ring. It was a beautiful woman's gown, a spaghetti-strap dress that shimmered like a starry night, with a glossy finish. I adorned it with numerous pure white, translucent, hand-sewn flowers.
“You've been working too hard, Cherry.” Bert came over to check on me now and then. “You need to take a break.”
I looked up from my sketchbook, my eyes tired but determined.
“I can't stop now, Bert. This design means everything to me.”
“I know it does, but you need to take care of yourself as well. You won't do your best work if you're exhausted.” He sat down beside me.
I sighed, knowing he was right. Reluctantly, I closed my sketchbook and took tea from him.
“Okay, since you insist, I will take a few minutes break. So is there something that you want to talk to me?”
“No. Nothing really. I only want you to relax a bit,” he said. I leaned against my swivel chair and nodded.
***********
Soon, after passing the initial screening and selection rounds, my design made it to the final competition.
“Cherry, I know you are going to make it.” Bert was brimming with excitement, his face lit up with a wide grin.
“I've never doubted your talent, not even for a second.” Bert and Karson came over to congratulate me.
“Cherry, your work is absolutely stunning! You're a surefire winner tonight!”
“Oh, Bert. You're flattering,” I said while looking towards Karson.
“What's with the grim look on your face? Is there something wrong, Karson?” I asked.
“Cherry, there's someone you need to know about. Her name is Avery. She's one of your strongest competitors.”
“I heard about her. I can't wait to meet her in person.” I was looking forward to meeting her.
“One of her designs, a woman's gown, is remarkably similar to yours. It's as if she took your concept.” Karson paused for a moment.
I couldn't hide my shock as Karson showed me Avery's design sketches.
“Oh my… it really like my design.” My eyes widened when I glanced at the drawings. "How is this possible?”
“Things are tricky now, Cherry. Avery's design is a major contender, and it's raised eyebrows among the judges and the audience. The final competition is tonight, and this has thrown us a curveball.” Karson's expression grave.
“I can't let this shake me, Karson. I've worked too hard for this.” I took a deep breath, trying to process the unexpected turn of events.
“Don't worry, Cherry, your talent will shine through. Your design has that special touch.” Bert tried to comfort me.
I nodded, trying to muster some confidence.
“I know, but I just can't believe how similar Avery's design is to mine. It's like she copied it…"
“It's a tough situation, but we know you can pull this off. Your work speaks for itself. The story behind is no less important than the work itself. Your work is unique in this sense!” Karson chimed in, trying to convince me that I could do it.
As the evening approached, I couldn't shake off my unease.
Night fell quickly, and I arrived at the final venue.
Models strutted down the runway in various designs, and the tension in the air was palpable.
“I've heard no one has ever seen Avery in person,” someone commented.
“She's shrouded in mystery.” Another responded in agreement, “Rumor has it that she studied in France, and her designs have caused quite a stir in the fashion world. She earns the title of a genius designer.”
Curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but listen a little closer.
“Avery's work is truly unique,” They continued, “I heard her designs redefine elegance and sophistication.”
Those were the last words I heard before I took my place backstage, waiting for my turn to present my design.
The room was abuzz with anticipation as the first model walked down the runway.
The audience's reaction was a mix of awe and applause. As the evening progressed, the anticipation grew.
Finally, it was Avery's turn to present her design.
The lights dimmed, and the music swelled as the model walked down the runway. Gasps of amazement filled the room as her gown was revealed. The crowd erupted in applause.
Then, something unexpected happened.
“What's going on?” I asked myself as I saw Dylan showing up with Chelsea, who was in a stunning red gown.
“Who is this woman beside our Alpha?”
“Aren't he here to support Luna Cherry?”
“That's probably not the truth...Look! It seems that they're really intimate!”
“What about Luna Cherry then? What will happen to her?”
I could hear hushed conversations around me, as people talked about Chelsea and Dylan.
I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure.
“I can't let their presence derail me. You can do this, Cherry.”
The host was introducing the work of Avery, “Pure Love”.
As the host's eyes fell on Chelsea, they lit up. The next minute, he announced that Chelsea was actually the renowned designer Avery.
Shock rippled through the audience, and I was just as surprised as everyone else.
Chelsea stepped onto the stage, quite confident.
“Good evening, everyone. It's really a huge honor to share the story of 'Pure Love' with you,” Chelsea began.
The room fell silent.
“This design was inspired by my very own love story.” As Chelsea spoke, her voice was filled with warmth and emotion.
...
“Our journey together has been a beautiful one, filled with ups and downs, but it's the love we share that has give life to this design. It was in the small moments, the shared laughter, and the comforting embraces that I found my inspiration.” Chelsea continued.
I watched as the venue remained in rapt silence, not sure how the audience would respond to the similarity of my work to Chelsea's.
Following Chelsea's presentation, the host moved on to introduce the next design, which was mine.
“Wait a minute! This is just like Avery's design!” Someone exclaimed as soon as the model and I showed up on the stage.
“This is a plagiarism of Avery's work!” Everyone started to buzz their speculations.
The entire room erupted in amazement and discussion.