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I clutched my churning stomach.The students want to create a petition against me?
“Her only claim to fame is fucking Paul Crane.”
“I hear he already dumped her. A Thunder Media interview said she was just his friend.”
“Who cares? Let’s just look at the facts. Her dress wasn’t ground-breaking or even pretty. I mean, did you see what Olin turned in? It could walk on any runaway tomorrow and kill it.”
The person wasn’t wrong about Olin’s work, but I couldn’t remain in the bathroom for the whole class. I took a deep breath and then pushed open the door to exit the stall. There was a small group of four students standing there. Two I recognized as Kelsie and Nate who sat behind me in Professor Elan’s class. Kelsie had said she loved the Jardin dress I designed inspired by my trip to Paris after Nate insulted it.A dress of mine being elevated to best is where Kelsie draws the line.
I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin.
“We’re not scared to tell you to your face. Remove your dress from the year’s best and turn down the internship,” Kelsie said in a harsh tone.
“I will do no such thing,” I hissed.
“Then you’ll face the consequences.” She crossed her arms, but the other students with her remained silent. “We’ll have you removed and thrown out of the school.”
I grimaced and placed my hand on my hip. “Thrown out for what, exactly?”
She curled her lip. “For inappropriate contact with a trustee’s family member.”
That sounded made up, but the other students nodded and echoed her ruling.
I blanked my face.If someone repeats a lie enough, it becomes a false truth.Instead of speaking to Kelsie and her group again, I walked out of the bathroom and to my next class. The whispers were around, and suddenly, since the first time I arrived in New York City, I didn’t want to go to my classes. Paul’s voice echoed in my head.“But the world is cruel and heartless. It can never be pleased.”
And we hadn’t even announced we were officially together yet.
Buzz.My phone had a new message from Dad. Mom sent me message updates every day, but I missed talking to him. The new kidney, and the anti-rejection medicines were working, even his fever was gone.
Dad: Guess who is out of the hospital a few days early? Me.
My heart lifted with utter joy, and I quickly typed back.
Nadia: Yay! I’m so glad for you, Dad. But don’t overexert yourself.
Dad: The boss said the same thing. How are you doing, princess?
Nadia: My copper dress was selected for one of the best of the year!
Dad: Of course, it was! We never doubted your talent.
My body filled with warmth and happiness.
Nadia: Oh, Dad.
Dad: Can I tell your mom, or do you want to?
I hesitated. Mom and I weren’t exactly on good terms, but still she would want to know I was doing well.
Nadia: Yes. You can tell her.
Dad: We’re so proud of you. Keep up the good work and talk to you soon. We love you.
Nadia: I love and miss you both.
I put down the phone and smiled.Dad’s not giving up. He’s fighting every day, and neither will I.Everyone knows Professor Elan would never consider supporting someone without talent.So a few naysayers think they can take it from me? Screw that.As Paul would say, I need to be stronger than what comes after me.
My phone chimed with an incoming call from Mom.
