Mirage

CHAPTER SIX

The sun was high in the sky when the countdown began. Team 4 stepped away from their work area with satisfied grins. It took fifty minutes to get the outfit done.
Gemini felt anxiety overshadow her like a cumulus cloud. Awaiting the judges' decision was nerve wracking. After three hours of nail biting and knee tapping tension, Mr Erwin walked in.

"My sincere apologies to all of the contestants, but there has been a change in schedule of events due to unforeseen circumstances." His eyes scanned the faces of his audience to gauge their reactions to his next words. "Every contestant is expected to go home and return at 12 noon tomorrow."

The grumbles that followed his words made him pause.
"I know it is upsetting. Silix Fashion World picked each of you for a purpose. That motive in mind, and the fact that you all live within close proximity of our headquarters. You all accepted our invitation to this competition with hopes that results would be concluded immediately, but the choice of a winner is inconclusive for today. Your projects were awesome. Thank you for your cooperation and see you tomorrow. Good luck."

Gemini muttered curse words under her breath that could make a sailor blush as she stormed out of the auditorium unceremoniously. This was one of the most anticlimactic moments of her life.

'Except that time when I got drunk in Senior year during school hours and twerked to Snoop Dogg's Wiggle song in front of the principal's office.'

She combed her fingers through her auburn locks to suppress her thoughts. This was a wrong time to reminisce about the time she almost got suspended in high school. She needed to get out of there before she did something she would regret.

"Gemini wait!"

Gemini made a dash for the door to the suite that housed her carry on. The only reason she was still on Silix Fashion World premises. She picked up her bag and turned in time to see Mina stagger into the room.

"What do you want, Mina?" Gemini asked.

Running after Gemini was the most exercise she had in a year. Her heart was playing a samba in her chest. Mina took deep breaths to calm the organ.

"I know." She began. "You're not the only one feeling cross, Gemini. I wish I could find out which group wins the money today too, but think about it. What is the worst that could happen? You said earlier during the main event and I quote, ' lets just go home now instead of awaiting the judges verdict of another group as winners...'

Gemini was stunned. "How did you say all that in one breath?"

" Forget my breath, Gemini." She rolled her eyes. "I think your words are coming true. Not the part about another group winning, but going home to await the judges verdict."

Gemini thumbed her key card.
"Do you think my words caused some kind of dramatic twist in events... Like bad luck?"

'My God, what am I saying? I need to get out of here! Maybe start by calling Emily"

She dialed Emily's number as she moved to the reception area. Her team mates trailed behind her. Grant was unusually silent.

"Hey girl, how did it go? I've got costly champagne for us to pop and roll tonight. Did you win? What am I saying? I know you won!"

"The results are inconclusive, Em. We are coming back tomorrow for the judges verdict. You know how these hob nob, snooty rich companies do things..."

"That's strange, Gem. I don't feel too good about this one..."

"Don't worry about what feels good or bad, bestie. I bet it's just your lunch talking to you. I need a ride home right now. Are you close by?"

'I'm sorry Gem. My boss at the restaurant needed me to fill in for an injured chef. I'll be at your place for movie and tacos after my shift. Okay?"

"No problem. I'll take a cab. See you later."

Gemini sighed softly as she rearranged her bag over her shoulder.

"Need a lift? I brought my sweet ride, ladies. We could hangout. Get to know ourselves. Mina lives a few blocks away so we'll make a pit stop at her apartment. "

Grant leaned on the bonnet of a 2014 Maserati Alferi Concept. It was an impressive picture.

"I will have to take a rain check on your offer but thank you, Fenoma. Perhaps we could get together after the winner is announced tomorrow. I don't know." She smiled at him as her eyes slowly cut to Mina. "Have a good night, you too. I'm taking a cab. See you tomorrow guys."

She hummed to an upbeat tune as she flagged down a taxi. Like Mina said, "what is the worst that could happen?"

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

What's the worst that could happen?

The weather is sweltering here. I hope your day went great. It's alright if it didn't, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. (lots of love ❤️)