The Beauty Queen

The Beauty Queen - Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Is it just me, or did it seem like Penelope wants me to win?

Out of all people, me. She picked me out of all those other more fashionable, girlier, skinnier, richer girls... even over her own daughter.

Maybe I'm just overthinking it. She probably just wanted to remind me of that mini dignity lesson she gave me so I wouldn't make a fool of myself onstage.

"Are you ready?" Katy whispered excitedly, nudging me with her elbow. I was still a little dazed from thinking too much, so I only managed to smile half-heartedly. "'Course I am."

Katy squealed, clapping her hands. Oh, these are the times when she really does resemble a mouse. I chuckled. "Don't explode," I told her quietly. But once I saw the spotlights flicker on, one at a time, I had a hard time not exploding myself. Katy offered her hand for a low-five. I slapped it, and we shook them, wishing each other the best of luck.

"And now," the announcer's deep voice echoed, "presenting the Miss Junior New York Beauty Pageant contestants!"

~~~

After the march across the stage to the National Anthem, we were all shoved into a tiny dressing room backstage. Well, at least it seemed tiny, since all the contestants of all age groups were in the same room. It's pretty scary.

First up was the day fashion portion. I had no idea that was even part of the pageant. Oh crap, I have no idea what I was wearing.

My stylist, Jill, came running up to me with a little sundress in his hands. His green-streaked bangs flopped around as he jumped excitedly. Is it just me, or does it look like he's just had ten cups of coffee...? I hope it's just me, because ten cups of coffee at a time could probably kill someone.

"This dress will flatter you so well! It'll hug your curves in all the right places, and you'll look so adorable in it!" Jill exclaimed, shoving the peach-colored dress into my arms. He bounced up and down, clapping his hands. If any normal guy was talking to me about my curves and how flattering this dress supposedly is, like Nate for example, I would be blushing like crazy by now. But since I wasn't even sure Jill liked women, I let it slide and returned his giant grin with a small smile. Then he started shooing me into the changing area to change into my dress.

~~~

The day fashion portion went awesome. I probably slouched over a little, but I didn't trip on my heels. It isn't a first, but I was sure that something bad was going to happen during the show. But it didn't! Well, not yet.

Next up was the swimsuit competition. To my dismay, Jill handed me one of the skimpiest bikinis I've ever seen. It looked like it would barely cover my... lady parts.

Nonetheless, I tried shoving every single one of my insecurities aside and changed into the stupid thing. It wasn't hot pink, like my practice swimsuit. This one kind of resembled a--much less expensive--version of the million-dollar bra, or however much that Victoria's secret diamond bra cost. The bikini top was covered completely in silver sequins over white cloth. The bottom was the same.

I decided against looking in the mirror as I passed by. I didn't feel like criticizing my looks today. I needed the money for my family, and I was going to win this thing.

I was third in the line onto the stage. The first girl actually stumbled on her heels. I bit my lip. She was the tall ballet girl. If that graceful swan of a girl almost tripped, who knows what would happen to me?

The second girl to model was Krista, and of course, she walked onstage, swaying her hips in such a way that looked almost impossible. It looked like she would snap from all the overexaggerated movements. I was silently hoping she would trip, but of course, she didn't.