"How are you feeling?" Peter asked as he looked at you through the mirror in your dressing room. He stood behind you and put his hands on your shoulders, lightly massaging it. You took a deep breath and looked up at him with a small smile, "I'm alright. It's just a bittersweet moment. That's all."
"That's true, but you're letting another person fulfill their dreams. Besides, just because you don't have the crown anymore, doesn't mean that you have to stop helping the world."
"You're right." You looked at your reflection and nodded.
"No one will forget what you did and you'll always be Ms. Universe in my eyes." Peter said sweetly and you giggled.
"Thank you, Pete."
He leaned down and kissed your cheek, making your worries go away. "Well, I'll go back to my seat now. Good luck." Peter said before leaving.
You looked at yourself in the mirror as you stood up from your chair, smoothing down your red dress.
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It wasn't wrinkled, but you liked the feeling of the material. Before you knew it, you were being called on stage for your final walk as Miss Universe.
You took a deep breath before walking on stage with a big smile on your face as you waved at everybody. The place was packed and you could see Peter with your friends and family and you waved at them too. Then, as if your final walk wasn't emotional enough, your voice over for the final walk started playing.
"Growing up, I saw different people at their lowest and I've always wanted to do something about it. Our generation is so powerful that we, as a society, remove the stereotypes and stigma, especially for women. I believe that women can do more and be more than what society dictates them to be. I wanted my year to inspire young girls; to be who they want to be without anyone telling them otherwise. I used my voice and platform for the good from helping the homeless to providing education for the youth, especially to those who are unable to go to school."
"Thank you to: my parents who have been very supportive of me since day one, my mentors, the Miss Universe organization, to my friends, to my outstanding team, and to Peter who always kept me grounded and on track. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart."
"And to my beloved country, this has been a wild ride and I am forever honored to be your Miss Universe. You inspire me and give me hope all the time. Thank you so so much!"
"Last, but not the least, thank you God. I lift everything up to you as I close this chapter of my life with a grateful heart."
"To all the dreamers, all your dreams are valid and in your journey to fulfill your dreams, you are in control."
You walked to the center of the stage and waved again, trying not to cry. The crowd erupted into cheers and it made you smile.
"Y/N Y/L/N, everybody!" The host said and you walked to where you're supposed to stand as they announced the winners.
The top 3 ladies, Ms. Haiti, Ms. Romania, and Ms. Vietnam, stood in the middle with their hands together. You were admittedly nervous for them, but you know that whoever will be in your place is going to do a great job.
"The second runner-up is..." The host looked at their card and said, "Ms. Haiti!"
You smiled and clapped as Ms. Haiti received a bouquet of flowers and a sash was put on her.
The lights dimmed and you knew they were going to announce the new Miss Universe now. Your heart was beating fast and you were just as eager as everyone else.
"One of you is about to become our new Miss Universe. If for any reason the winner is unable to fulfill her duties, the first runner-up will take her place. Good luck to you both." The host said.
Then there was a long pause. You could hear a few people shouting the names of Ms. Romania and Ms. Vietnam as they stood facing each other and holding hands.
"The new Miss Universe is..." The host said as they opened the card to reveal the winner. "Vietnam!" The host announced excitedly as the crowd cheered.
You all clapped for Ms. Vietnam and the lights were all bright again. The bouquet was handed to her and one of the staff members handed you your crown to give to Ms. Vietnam.
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Once Ms. Vietnam was all sashed up, you walked to her with a big smile on your face as you put the crown on her head.
"Congratulations!" You squealed excitedly. She turns to you with a grateful smile, "Thank you! You're my inspiration."
Your heart warmed and you pulled her in for a quick hug before the host announced that she shall now do her first walk as Miss Universe. You stayed where you are and you had a proud look on your face. This chapter of your life may be closed, but you are excited for what the next chapter of your life awaits you.
