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."
Emma's face hardened at Severa's words. "You think my life is a cakewalk just because I study photography? You have no idea what I go through, Sev. Just because I don't talk about it doesn't mean I don't have my own battles."
Severa crossed her arms, her frustration still boiling over. "Oh, come on. What do you want me to think when that's how you act?! I mean, you say it all the time your life is easy!"
Emma's eyes flashed with anger. "My parents sent me here so they could have 'summer couple time' in Rome, But sure, tell me more about how easy my life is."
Severa gaped at her words, was this girl for real? "Emma, I'm trying to make a life for myself and you don't have to worry bout that. you said it yourself, you're gonna go off and do what you love with your family behind you every step of the way. I didn't get that."
Emma stared at her before grabbing the cups of coffee and pouring them all over her work space and designs. Severa's eyes widened in shock and anger as the coffee splashed across her workspace, soaking into the fabrics and ruining the designs she had worked so hard on.
"What the hell, Emma?" she yelled, her voice trembling with rage. "How could you do that?"
Emma's hands were shaking, her own anger mingling with regret. "You think I have it easy? You think I don't understand pressure or struggle? You don't get it, Sev! I'm tired of you acting like my life is perfect just because I don't complain all the time."
Severa's anger boiled over. "I needed those designs, Emma! They were my chance to prove myself. Do you have any idea what you've just done?"
Emma's face twisted with a mix of guilt and defiance. "Maybe now you'll understand that you're not the only one dealing with crap. Maybe you'll see that I'm just as lost and scared as you are."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension thick and suffocating. Severa stood there, her chest heaving with the effort to control her emotions. Emma's outburst had left her reeling, but beneath the anger was a deep well of hurt and betrayal.
"You know what? Forget it, it's clear I dreamed too big. I mean, to think I finally had a friend who... who listened instead of making everything about them. Fuck you, Lily 2.0."
Emma's face crumpled at Severa's words, the comparison to Lily—Severa's ex-best friend who was very self-centered—cutting deep. "Severa, I didn't mean to—"
"Save it," Severa snapped, her voice trembling with both anger and hurt. "You ruined my work, Emma. You don't get to play the victim now. I thought you understood me, but clearly, I was wrong."
Emma stood there, tears welling up in her eyes, but Severa didn't give her a chance to respond. She turned her back on her, focusing on the ruined designs, trying to salvage whatever she could. The weight of betrayal and disappointment hung heavily in the air, suffocating any remaining hope for reconciliation.
"Sev, please," Emma's voice was barely above a whisper, thick with regret. "I messed up. I know I did. But please don't throw away our friendship over this."
Severa didn't turn around, her hands trembling as she picked up a soaked piece of fabric. "You threw it away first," she said quietly. "Now leave."
Emma hesitated for a moment, then, realizing there was nothing more she could do, she quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. Severa was left alone with the remnants of her work and the echo of their shattered friendship.
The silence was deafening as Severa tried to hold back tears, focusing on cleaning up the mess. She knew she had to keep moving forward, no matter how much it hurt. She had worked too hard to let this setback define her.
As she salvaged what she could and began to think about new designs, a sense of determination took hold. This was her chance to make sure she made a life for herself and her mum without anyone's help, to show that she could rise above any obstacle. Emma's betrayal would not be the end of her dreams.
International Young Designers Contest
Severa stood there nervously, her eyes darting around as she watched other contestants mingle and showcase their work. The other kids all looked more confident, their designs more polished, and their families around them providing unwavering support. She couldn't help but feel a pang of inadequacy.
Fleamont had come with her, promising to be her moral support, but he had wandered off somewhere, leaving her alone in the crowded venue. She fiddled with the edge of one of her dresses, trying to calm her nerves.
"Sev!" a familiar voice called out, breaking her anxious thoughts. She turned to see Sirius walking towards her, his expression filled with excitement and encouragement.
"What are you doing here?" Severa asked, her voice tinged with surprise and relief. Sirius came up to her and wrapped his arms around her, picking her up off the ground in a tight hug.
"I couldn't let you do this alone, could I?" he said, setting her back down but keeping his hands on her shoulders. "You're going to be amazing."
Severa felt a rush of gratitude. "Thanks, Sirius. I needed that."
Before she could say more, James and Remus appeared behind him, each carrying a small bouquet of flowers. "We brought these for the star of the show," James said with a grin, handing her the flowers.
"You guys didn't have to do this," Severa said, feeling tears prick the corners of her eyes.
"Of course we did," Remus replied, his smile gentle. "We're here to support you."
Fleamont reappeared just then, looking relieved. "Ah, there you are, Severa. Thought I'd lost you in this crowd."
Severa laughed, her anxiety melting away in the presence of her friends. "I'm glad you're all here," she said, clutching the flowers tightly.
The announcement for the presentation round echoed through the hall, and Severa took a deep breath. "It's time," she said, glancing at her friends.
"We'll be right here," Sirius said, giving her a reassuring nod. "Go show them what you're made of."
Severa nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. She stepped forward, ready to present her designs to the judges, knowing that no matter the outcome, she had the best support system in the world.
As she walked onto the stage, her mind was clear and focused. She glanced back at her friends one last time, their encouraging smiles giving her the final boost of confidence she needed. Taking a deep breath, she began her presentation, her voice steady and filled with passion for her work as the models walked out, showcasing her designs.
The room was filled with the soft hum of admiration as each model displayed Severa's creations. The designs were innovative, blending modern aesthetics with a touch of classic elegance. She spoke about her inspiration, the countless hours of work, and the story behind each piece. The judges watched intently, their expressions a mix of curiosity and appreciation.
As the last model took her place on the stage, Severa concluded her presentation with a heartfelt thank you. The room erupted into applause, louder and more enthusiastic than she had dared to hope for. She took a moment to soak it all in, feeling a swell of pride and relief wash over her.
Stepping off the stage, Severa was immediately surrounded by her friends. Sirius pulled her into a tight hug, lifting her off her feet. "You were incredible, Sev!"
"Absolutely amazing," James added, handing her a small bouquet of flowers they had bought from a vendor outside.
"You did it," Remus said, his eyes shining with pride. "You really did it."
Fleamont clapped her on the back. "Well done, Severa. You've made us all very proud."
Severa beamed, her heart full. "I couldn't have done it without you guys," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for being here."
As they made their way back to their seats, the judges walked onto the stage, their faces solemn yet expectant. The room fell silent, every eye trained on the podium.
"In Third place..." the announcer's voice echoed through the room, sending a ripple of anticipation through the crowd. Severa held her breath, her pulse pounding in her ears.
"Anastasia Ivanov!"
A murmur of applause filled the room as Anastasia Ivanov made her way to the stage, her face a mix of surprise and delight. Severa clapped along with the rest of the audience, genuinely happy for the third-place winner.
The announcer continued, "And in Second place..."
Severa's heart raced even faster as she waited for the next name to be called. This was it, the moment of truth. She glanced at her friends, their faces reflecting her own mix of nerves and excitement.
"In Second place..."
The tension in the room was unbearable as the announcer paused for dramatic effect.
"Mia Long!"
Severa's heart sank as Mia Long was announced as the second-place winner. Disappointment washed over her, and for a moment, she felt defeated. All the hard work, the sleepless nights, the sacrifices she had made seemed to culminate in this moment of loss.
As Mia Long accepted her award with tears of joy streaming down her face, Severa couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. She had come so close to winning, yet victory had slipped through her fingers.
Severa nodded, taking solace in his words. She knew he was right. Despite the initial disappointment, there was still a glimmer of hope lingering in the air. She squeezed his hand back, grateful for his unwavering support.
As they stood there, waiting anxiously for the final announcement, Severa felt a sense of calm wash over her. Whether she won first place or not, she knew that she had given it her all. And with Sirius by her side, she felt ready to face whatever the outcome may be.
The tension in the room was palpable as the announcer took the stage once more, the anticipation reaching a fever pitch. Severa held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest.
"And now, the moment we've all been waiting for," the announcer's voice boomed through the venue. "The winner of this year's Young Designers Contest is..."