Mirage

CHAPTER FIVE

Gemini regulated her breathing to calm the nervous flutter in her stomach. Either she was experiencing nervous gitters, or the delicious pancakes drizzled with maple syrup that Grant made for her, had a bit of his irritating nature in it.

She resisted the urge to drum her fingers on the metallic gold counter as she waited with her team and others outside the huge mahogany doors of the auditorium. For a moment, Gemini wished she had her best friend there with her. Emily always had a way of alleviating her stress. The ping of an incoming message on her phone startled her.

' Incoming message from Emily. Hey girl, i decided not to call, in order not to interrupt in case you're in your usual channel of inspiration for designing. Don't roll your eyes, Gemi😒, I know how competitive you get. However, I want you to know that, I'm rooting for you. Knock em' dead babe!"

Her worried lips widened in a grin that spread from ear to ear. She was ready.

"Did your boyfriend text?"

Gemini turned around ready to reprimand Grant for being nosy but stilled at the sight of Mina leaning over her shoulder.
"Not a boyfriend. It's my best friend, Emily. She texted to wish me luck."

Mina looked nostalgic for a second.
" She sounds awesome. Anyways, I can't wait for the competition to start."

Mr Erwin from the previous night walked into the midst of the small gathering and began to address them. He looked stylish in a maroon suit. Gemini approved.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I hope you all had a good rest last night. Once again, my name is Mr Riola Erwin. I trust you are all ready for the main event?"

They nodded.
"Great. Kindly follow me into the auditorium for further briefing. The competition starts in a few minutes."

He opened the door to the auditorium with classy finesse. It was vintage, just like the 80s films. The competition was set in a large room with work areas spread out in four sections.

"Now listen closely to the rules. Each group will be given fabrics of the judges choice. You have an hour to make a winning outfit. You can only use the items provided. Final rule, Good luck."

He laughed at the relieved expression on the face of the contestants. They thought there would be another rule.

The grandfather clock in the auditorium, struck 11:00 am when Team '4' huddled around a large table to survey the items (various fabrics and accessories) they were given. In the work area, were assortments of Mechanical, Electronic, Computerized or Automated, Embroidery and Over lock sewing machines. The competition had begun.

Gemini searched her brain for ideas.

'How do I make a thirty thousand dollar worth outfit from these provided materials?'

"How about this, we fit them together to make a plain coloured knee length skirt and a body fitting jacket using the Ankara fabric for the top?"

Gemini snorted in amusement.
"Great idea Mina. Let's just go home now instead of awaiting the judges verdict of another group as winners while we rock our outfit in last place."

Grant moved between the two women to play intercessor.
"You don't have to be so harsh about it, Kanobe. She just made a suggestion."

Gemini placed a hand on his chest to move him backwards before realizing her action and taking two steps away from Grant.
" Look Mina, I am sorry for shooting your ideas down that way but we have an hour to make a winning outfit. You and Grant could do the sewing to speed things up. I'll make a quick design of what will be sewn. Remember guys, a thirty thousand cash prize is on the line."

Mina acknowledged her apology with a smile. Gemini picked a pencil and writing pad as a zap of inspiration hit her, hard.
She had an idea. A pant suit.

"Mina could you come over here for a minute please."

Gemini gave the slim woman a once over before grabbing a tape measure. She called out the measurements to Grant. The waist, high hip, full hip, upper thigh, crotch length, crotch depth, calf, ankle length, collar and bust.

Gemini smiled. Her masterpiece was complete. She handed her sketch to her team. It was her best design yet.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Have a great week ahead. (Lots of love😘)