California Love

Chapter 28. Competition

Arcane Atelier, Design Studio

Severa had been in the studio all day, working non-stop, ignoring any and everything that might distract her. The looming deadline for the International Young Designers Contest had her pushing herself to the limit. Sketches, fabric swatches, and half-finished designs surrounded her as she meticulously sewed the final details onto her latest creation.

Her phone buzzed on the table, but she didn't spare it a glance. She was in the zone, every fiber of her being focused on completing her entry. The hum of the sewing machine and the rhythm of her movements created a steady, comforting background noise.

Hours passed, and the light outside began to fade. The studio's overhead lights flickered on automatically, casting a warm glow over her workspace. She paused for a moment, stretching her back and rubbing her tired eyes. The sound of the front door opening and closing barely registered until a familiar voice called out to her.

"Sev, you still alive in here?"

Severa looked up to see Emma standing in the doorway dressed in her pajamas, her hair tousled from sleep. "Barely," she replied with a tired smile. "Just trying to finish this piece."

Emma walked over, taking in the chaotic state of the studio. "You've been here all day. Have you even eaten?"

Severa shook her head, too focused to remember trivial things like meals. "I'll eat later. I just need to get this done."

Emma sighed and set down a tray she was carrying. "That's why I brought you a midnight snack. Ezra told me you were here, and I figured you'd need some sustenance." She revealed a plate of sandwiches, a thermos of coffee, and some fruit.

"Thanks, Emma. You're a lifesaver," Severa said, gratefully taking a sandwich and a cup of coffee.

Emma sat down on a nearby stool, watching her friend eat. "So, how's it coming along?"

"Like a dumpster fire," Severa mumbled between bites. "I've made three dresses, two bags, and four hats, and they're all complete shit."

Emma frowned, leaning forward to look at the pieces scattered around the room. "Come on, Sev, it can't be that bad. You're your own worst critic."

Severa sighed, pushing the empty plate aside. "I don't know, Em. I just... I can't seem to get it right. Every time I think I'm close, it falls apart."

Emma stood up and walked over to one of the dresses, examining it closely. "This is amazing work, Sev. You just need to step back and take a breath. You've been at this non-stop."

Severa's frustration boiled over, her exhaustion and stress finding a target. "No, Em, you don't understand. The deadline is so close and I can't afford to mess this up. Not everyone has a future planned out by their daddy's money!" Her voice was sharper than she intended, but she couldn't hold back the bitterness.

Emma's face fell, hurt flashing in her eyes. "Sev, that's not fair. I'm just trying to help."

"Help?" Severa snapped, throwing her hands up. "How can you help when you don't get it? You don't have to worry about proving yourself because everything's already laid out for you!"

Emma took a step back, her hurt turning to anger. "You think I don't get it? Just because my family has money doesn't mean I don't have my own struggles. But at least I'm trying to support you!"

"What struggles? you take photos all day! You walk around here and brag that your life is easy, you tell me every day I should have taken photography instead of wasting my time on what I love."