A Spark of Hope

Chapter 10- Jasmine's Strike

Finally after a week of never-ending work, the day came. It was more than just a day. It was the moment she would finally prove herself. To Hope. Maybe even to her own father.

Layla stood at her locker, waiting for Hope. She had just turned in her artwork, so all they had to do was wait for the results. 

Hope came rushing towards her, jumping up and down with excitement. "I can't wait to see your art up there!" she exclaimed.

"We don't even know if I've won yet." Layla reminded her, not wanting to get her hopes up.

"Who else would have won? Your the best artist in this school!" 

They made their way to the cafeteria, where the winner was to be announced. They sat near the back before turning their attention to the front of the room. The principal entered, carrying a portrait, but it was impossible to know who's since everyone had used the same size.

"Before I announce our winner, I would like to thank everyone for participating. I was astonished by all the talent this school has." she held the painting higher, still not revealing the front. "Unfortunately, I can only choose one winner... and that is..."

She flipped the painting around, revealing Layla' artwork. (Picture at the top, I take no credit for it, I found it on the internet)

Hope leaped to her feet, just as Layla did. "I knew it! I knew it!" she shouted out of delight.

"I-"

"Jasmine Kalf!" the principal finished, glaring at the loud students.

"What?!" Layla and Hope looked at each other in total shock.

Jasmine made her way up to the front, sticking her tongue out at the two girls. She shook the principal's hand, smiling brightly. "Thank you so much! I was inspired by this school and-" she paused, glancing back at the artwork. "uh and the stars!"

The audience clapped, seemingly delighted she won. 

Hope wasn't having it. She marched right up the principal, growing very defensive. "That's Layla's art!"

The principal raised an eyebrow, startled by this news. "Pardon? I do believe it was signed by Jasmine and therefore, entered as hers."

Layla, who had followed Hope, still trying to process what was happening, spoke up. "Hold on! I signed... wait I forgot! How could I forget to sign my own artwork?" 

"You have to believe us!" Hope insisted. "Layla painted this-"

Jasmine was not about to allow the principal to see the truth, so she pulled the only card she knew. The victim card. "They're lying! They have no proof! They're trying to take away my win! Just like last time!"

Layla pleaded, "I have the first sketches, the paint! Isn't that proof enough?"

"This is unfair!" Jasmine stomped her foot. "Can't you see I clearly painted this?"

The principal thought for a moment. "I suppose if you can come up with the evidence then I will deem you the winner."

"She's trying to take away my win!" Jasmine continued to whine, sensing her mission was in danger.

"I'll go get them now! They're in my locker!" Layla took off, wanting to get back as quickly as possible. She was thankful she always kept the sketches she's working on with her. So her father wouldn't find them. She had learned that the hard way.

"I'll come too!" Jasmine piped up, adding, "To make sure it's legit!"

Layla made it to her locker in record time, grabbing the sketches and turning to run back. But Jasmine stood in her way, shaking her head in disappointment.

"You couldn't make it easy, could you? You just had to open your mouth, didn't you?"

"What? Didn't have enough money to bribe the judges?" Layla rolled her eyes.

"You're going to go back in there and say you made a mistake."

"And why would I do that if I can just prove it's my work?" Layla questioned, not set on this idea. "You know I have the evidence."

Jasmine stepped closer, speaking quieter so that only they would hear the conversation. "It's simple really. I'll make Hope's life miserable. Do you not remember last time? Don't think I won't do that again."

Layla stiffened at her words, knowing her threat would hold true. "Why do you have to bring Hope into this? She didn't do anything!"

"Apparently she's the only way to get through to you." she growled. "You would do anything for her, which makes her an easy weakness."

Layla hesitated, knowing she couldn't let Hope get hurt from this. She couldn't stand to see her best friend like that again. At least this way she would be safe. "If I don't say anything... you'll leave Hope alone?"

"I believe that was the deal." Jasmine rolled her eyes.

Layla put her sketches back in her locker, looking down. She had to protect Hope. She just couldn't let her go through that again. Especially when she had the power to stop it.

Besides... no one would have believed her anyway.

And just like that the voices caught up to her, full of venom like they always were.

"Loser!"

"You seriously thought you would win?"

"You let Hope down!"

"Now your father will never support you!"

"You're a disappointment, a dishonor to the family!"

Were they right?

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Hope you liked it!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

-Snowy