Fashionista

Chapter 15

"The test is going to be in two parts: first written then oral. The written will consist of 50 questions that will test your knowledge on local and foreign designs ranging from type of fabric to its use. The time given will be 40 minutes and after that, the oral yet will be given."

As the lady at the podium said this, blank sheets with questions were being distributed to 500 of us seated. I nervously bit my nails as they signaled for us to start.

'What fabric is most commonly used for evening gowns?' Easy, it is cotton.
'What colour is most desired for evening wears?' Mmmm, Black.

The questions were fairly easy and I was done with the test having 10 minutes to spare. That's when I began to notice the other students. Some were already done like me, others were visibly struggling with the questions and some were yet to finish. I quickly cross checked my paper to make sure I didn't make any mistake.

With about five minutes remaining, I looked up and saw Lily. At first, she seemed normal but then she kept on glancing down at her palm and...

"Gosh!" I quickly covered my mouth but not before some eyes turned to look at me. I mouthed sorry and turned back to Lily. She was cheating, possibly with a piece of paper.

The same person who behaved like she was the best. I shook my head and turned away just as the lady signified that the test was over. The invigilators took our papers and packaged them in a box to take out of the hall.

"Everyone, settle down. The first phase of the exam is over, and I hope it went well for all of you. In about three hours, the best 100 from this written exam will be interviewed. That means 400 unlucky students will go home." This earned gasps from all of us, 400 seemed too much to remove at once.

The lady continued undisturbed, "From the chosen 100, 50 lucky ones will be taken to Rome to achieve their dreams. So sit tight and await your results. Refreshments will soon be served."

I stayed in my seat and uttered 'Hail Mary, Glory be to the father and The Lord's Prayer' continuously. I had to make it to Rome. I had dreamt of this for so long.

*********

"Mummy, look at what I made." I ran into my mother's room with a dress for for a doll in my tiny hands.

"Awnnn, cookie. What did you make? Oh, a dress for Jenna. Have you tried putting it on her to see if it fits? "

Jenna was the name of my doll and my first self-made dress was for her. Mummy helped me wear Jenna the pink beaded dress I made.

"Alia dear, it fits her so well. Did you take her measurements? "

"Yes mama, I did. I wanted it to be perfect for her." I said, twirling the newly dressed Jenna in my arms.

"It truly is perfect, and so are you. Alia, I know you'll be a big star one day. Always work hard and believe in yourself, nothing is more important than that." Mama said and kissed me on the forehead.

"Wake up, the lady is here with the results." A feminine voice said as she continuously tapped me. I quickly sat up to see the lady walking up the podium.

"Students, listen up. The results have been released. The students I call should go into the hall adjacent to this one. If you don't hear your name, please quietly move out of this hall."

Suddenly, the hall became so quiet as the lady started reading names out of the paper.
Naomi Beckham
Chidubem Nwafor
Dylan Fox
Beverly Campbell
Ngolo Diwzani...

As she called the names, the students called moved into another hall happily while the rest of us sat still with our hearts in our mouths. Soon Lily's name was called and as she left her seat she smiled at me oddly as if to say 'I got in but you won't'. I ignored her and continued listening.

My name was at number 72, Amelia Sanders. I smiled and made my way into the other hall to wait for the 28 others.

I quickly found Mrs. Martins and Vanessa in the hall, however Lily was talking to them.
"Vanessa, Mrs. Martins, I made it. I'm one of the top 100." I said, smiling and clapping my hands together. Lily looked at me and walked away, she seemed really annoyed. That was her problem.

Vanessa laughed, "That's good, Amelia. Like I was telling Lily, the next phase is going to be tougher as your designing skills will really be put to the test. You could be asked to design anything, just remember all you've learnt and you'll be fine."

I nodded as I smiled nervously and moved to the 99 others. I recognized a few of them from the just concluded exam. Some even waved or smiled at me, but Lily and the others were no where to be found.

A loud voice was heard, "Welcome to the second stage of the competition. Here, the lucky 100 will have to do an oral test. What you will be given to answer depends on the question you pick which is from 1 to 100. You will be called in according to the order in which you need into this stage. Good luck to you all."

That meant I was going to be number 72. I uttered one 'Hail Mary' silently and prayed for success. I spotted Lily and the other 8 interns, and I quickly walked over.

"Hi guys." I said, trying my best to curb my nervousness. Half of the interns seemed to also have that plan as they smiled, a little forcefully as Lily and another girl walked away.

Daisy, one of the interns with blonde hair replied, "I'm number 10 and number 8 is already inside. I'm feeling so afraid right now. I wonder what they're going to ask."

"Daisy, you'll be fine. Just do well and you'll pass."

She looked at me oddly as she replied, "But wouldn't me passing mean you having a lesser chance of passing as well?"

I just smiled, "It would, but I would rather you pass and we go to Rome together than me going with some unknown person."

She simply nodded and smiled as her number was called and I mouthed 'Good luck' to her.

Please remember to vote and comment ❤❤