Chapter 4 THE D-DAY

EPISODE FOUR

It's just two days left. The contest is knocking on the door already. All my outfits were ready. I had already practiced my promotion show with my juniors. The rehearsal went well and it's almost perfection. My banner was already designed and I have gone to the spa for my makeover. If there's anything I am so interested in, it's fashion. I just love the glamour, the attention For my promotion show, Maya and Gabriel are the ones that would be using the Oriflames product to show that it can be used by both gender while the other two students Maya brought are going to act as my personal assistants. I'm going to act as the influencer. It's going to be like a mini drama. I just can't wait.

The D-Day is finally here. I had made my hair the day before. My makeup artists are also by my side packing their equipment and preparing to follow me to school. The bouncers that would be parading and displaying the banners are also getting ready. I also got three acrobatic dancers to display their moves as a form of entertainment, wearing an Oriflame customized dress immediately after the drama. Today is going to be perfect m I had my breakfast, bade my mum goodbye and was driven to school.

I got to the school hall and it was designed to the fullest. Everyone was busy arranging and doing different things. I saw Paige and wished her good luck ." You are looking really beautiful" she said . " So are you" I replied. " Hope you are not mad at me" I asked even though she already told me that she wasn't mad at me. I just wanted to be sure. We've been friends for four years now and I don't want to spoil our relationship. " Rose, really? I have told you I am not angry. You are my best friend. " She replied hugging me. " Thanks Paige" I replied . I did a final rehearsal with my team and gave them their outfits. The contest would be starting in thirty minutes time and the fashion parade show would be the first event. I went to greet Louis I first before heading to the styling booth to get my makeup done . "Well, isn't it the richie rich, Roseline. "Susan said as she stopped and stood before me. "Susan, this is an important day, please don't ruin it* I said to her "Just because you are getting richer doesn't mean you can win this contest" she sneered. Information travels fast, I guess. I didn't give her any reply as she walked past me.

"Welcome everyone to the first Deluxe High School beauty pageant contest. I greet everyone for honouring this great event. Last week, I gave you all a preview of how this contest would go. First, we would have the beauty parade known as the fashion parade, then the promotion show and finally the top 10 models would contest in a fashion quiz, after all these, just three would be selected as winners." The principal, Mrs Hope said. We were bit told about a quiz, why the sudden change? I really hope to win but we were not informed about a quiz earlier, so I didn't prepare. I looked around me and saw that others were confused as well.

The fashion parade started and all the contestants were doing quite well. Paige was looking very attractive in her dress and she paraded wonderfully. I cheered for her and she smiled at me from where she was. I also did my best trying to impress the crowd. I got cheers and I was so happy with myself. I've got a nice curvy shape so my dress fits me perfectly. After the fashion parade, we were given a short break to gather our stuffs for the promotion show. "Roseline, you look so amazing and your parade was very beautiful." Louis said as he walked over to where I was. "Thanks Louis I really wish to make it too the final round". I said. " Of course, you will, the performance was lovely, keep it up. " He said as he walked to the cafeteria. I was really happy that he noticed me. "You all have five minutes more to get to the backstage. The principal voice rang and boomed from the speakers.

The show began and everyone was doing so well, I was wondering who would drop at this stage. I am performed quite well and I got an ovation for the performance. Soon, it was time for the principal to announce the finalists. I, Paige , Susan and seven others made it to the final stage. "Congratulations

Rose" , I turned and saw Louis walking towards me with his arms widely opened. I ran into his arms, into his warm embrace. "You made it to the final stage, well done" He said. I just stared at his curly hair, dark full eyebrows, his long lashes and his pink lips. Damn, how could someone be this perfect. I am so lucky to be his friend but deep down, I knew I wanted to be more than a friend to him but I couldn't fully admit it. "Rose, Roseline are you okay?" I snapped out of my thoughts. "Emm, yes, you called me." I stammered. I hope he didn't notice that I was staring at him. "Are you okay? You seemed lost." He said worriedly. " I am fine, thanks I -I need to go now, bye" I said and rushed to the girls' bathroom. Geez, why do I feel so hot? I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my cheeks blushed red. I have to get myself together."Rose what's wrong with you ? " I asked myself as I patted my cheeks. He doesn't like me that way. He just sees me as a friend and even though it hurts, there's nothing I can do. I came out of the bathroom and headed to the hall.