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Rome would be Paul’s and my time. Our chance.
“Yes, I am. Totally ready.”
The line of white tents in Bryant Park was a signature of Fashion Week.And I’m here!The end of my first year had finally arrived. Wild excitement coursed through me, mixing with my already jittery nerves. News cameras from all over the world lined up to capture the attendance as much as the collections. Some took photos and impromptu interviews backstage.
For years, I watched the shows online and dreamed of my work being shown to the masses.
I rechecked my model, Hiba Bol, who was wearing my copper dress.She’s perfect, and the fit is perfect. I can’t do any better.The phrase had become my mantra to move forward and stop making any changes to her hair or makeup.
“Nadia, seriously, I feel beautiful in your dress,” Hiba assured and wiped the tear from my cheek. “I wish I could walk a collection from you. Keep going.”
Hiba was one of my favorites, and I’d watched her on the fashion channel since her first Dolce and Gabbana show five years ago. And she was even more stunning in person. She had modeled for everyone that was anyone. She was at the top of her game, and hearing her encouragement meant a lot to me. “Thank you so much.”
Professor Elan stopped over and moved around Hiba with her hand on her chin as I held my breath.
“Relax, Nadia,” she murmured to me. “Hiba, this dress is you.”
Hiba laughed. “It is so me. I love it.”
“Excuse me.” A host approached Professor Elan, and without hesitation she walked over to do an impromptu interview on camera. She had done a press circuit, sharing that the school had designers everyone needed to watch. Her reputation and word brought the press, celebrities, socialites, and influencers. Everyone came to see who among the new designers was a standout.
“Petition.”
Was it in my mind, or had someone said it aloud?
I turned my head to see a few students chatting behind me. They quickly turned and moved over to where another top student was adjusting her design due to a model change.
A hand tapped my shoulder, and I turned to see Xander. He hugged me. For so many years, we dreamed of being here together.
“Come let me put a video together for your parents,” he said.
I posed next to Hiba and my dress with the fashion show sign projected on the screen above the stage, then twirled in a circle. My heart was pounding hard in my ears. Through all the hardships, I persevered and achieved a win. Something so few could do. Their petition was a failure. Nothing stopped the school from rewarding me for my design and show. I said as much to Xander.
He pursed his lips. “That’s right. The losers lost. You won. That’s all that matters now.”
A flashback to when Professor Elan announced my dress as one of the chosen winners came into my mind. “But what if no one claps?”
Xander put his free hand on his hip. “Then I’ll stand up and shout the loudest out there. Fuck it all, Nadia. You worked hard, and you deserve this chance. Agata’s going to want more photos, so let’s get to it.”
We posed for a selfie with the dress. Mom and Dad were traveling to Texas in a few days. They’d sent me a bouquet and pictures of them in party hats. I took out my phone to look at their messages again.
Mom: We always believed you would succeed. See why we pushed you to go?This is your fate. We love you.
Dad: Hope now you believe there’s nothing you can’t do. I’m grateful that I’m here to see you win after all you’ve been through. We are there in spirit and love you, princess.
I swallowed hard. I wished they could be there, and most of all, I wanted Paul. But he feared he’d overshadow the event since his upcoming show and new music productions were getting much more press. I understood, but at the same time, I wanted him to be here so that I could share my art with him on the grand stage. We were leaving for Rome tonight, and I didn’t know what would happen, only that he was giving me more of himself. That was what I wanted the most.
The introduction music and applause started, marking the beginning of the show. The models walked first, and I would come out at the end. Xander kissed and hugged me then left for his seat.
I went to each of the other students to admire their work and wish them well before returning to my spot near the stage entrance.
“Congratulations, Nadia.” I turned around to see Yin Xao.
“Congratulations to you, Yin. Your collection is spectacular.”
He gave me a bow and smiled.
Yin would graduate this semester. He was top of the class, and because of his honors and status, he was allowed to present not only his designs from this year, but a collection. He had a job as Fashion Manager for Maxim Motion Pictures studio. He was already doing two costume productions for movies on streaming platforms. I was in awe of his designs. They were a fresh take on old Hollywood glamour.
