The rehearsals for the pageant is in full swing because they only have two weeks left before the pageant.
Their call time is 8 am, and Aila is already running late; she was walking quite fast when she suddenly bumped into someone, it's the hooded guy! Aila's books fell, and the hooded guy helped her in an instant.
"Sorry, sorry... I didn't mean to"
The hooded guy sounded sincerely apologetic.
"It's okay, don't worry."
Aila continued on her way, she knew she would appear rude to others again because of what happened, she didn't even thank him for helping her.
Upon arriving at the auditorium, she sighed with relief that she was in fact a few minutes early. On her way to the dressing room, she heard Glenda chatting with other girls;
"Have you heard of the rumor? Aila is sucking up to the judges to win this pageant."
Hearing that intrigue made Aila's blood boil, but her composure emerged; she entered the room with poise and talked to them while she was fixing her things in the dressing room.
"Really? I wonder who that blabbermouth is; she clearly had the story wrong."
Glenda and the other girls were shocked to see her there.
"Relax girls, I'm not going to bite; you can tell me, do you honestly believe that there is a need for me to suck up to the judges just to win?"
Aila's statement was oozing with confidence it made the other girls feel inferior.
"Sis Aila, don't be too high up on your horse, you will hurt yourself more when you fall."
Glenda's words did sure feel like a threat to her. Aila was determined to solve this on her own, but threats like that on her security was another matter to be handled by her staff.
"Oooohhh, wrong choice of words my dear, make sure you don't just throw empty threats because I don't get defeated just like that; I get even."
Aila left the dressing room with her very intimidating attitude.
Glenda let out an image like she was bullied; she suddenly turned into a victim.
"I can't believe that Aila will bully younger contestants."
"Yes such a bit*h"
The other girls blurted out after Glenda told them her version of what happened.
Hearing those words made Aila realize one thing; Your character will always be judged, so you just have to put your best foot forward to make them realize their mistakes on their own.
During the practice, Aila was not putting in much effort; she wants to reserve the wow factor for the main event. Because of her experience in modeling and pageants she no longer has many difficulties with the requirements of the instructor when it comes to walking on the ramp and projecting for the audience.
"Wow, this girl should be the country's representative; she has such poise and beauty."
The instructor can't help but exclaim when he saw Aila on stage. This comment made the other girls again feel mediocre, Aila saw the expression on the other contestant's face; but the best part is seeing Glenda frown, it lifted her mood. As soon as they went on a break, she tried to talk to other contestants;
"I am a professional model, I think it is my experience that the instructor is seeing; I don't mind sharing tips with you guys if you would allow me."
The other candidates felt ecstatic with her offer, except for Glenda and some of her minions. Aila made use of the break time to help out other contestants. The first day of rehearsals was productive for Aila, she was satisfied with her relationships with the other girls.
"How was your day princess?"
Reese called Aila to check up on her.
"Hey girl what's up? my day went generally well, however, I think you would need to install some surveillance device for my safety."
Aila was proactive in her safety and security.
"Got it, I will report it to the staff; is it Glenda?"
Reese was dying of curiosity.
"Uh-huh. She told me I'll get hurt if I continue to ride on my high horse" Aila clarified with Reese.
The days passed by fast, Aila enjoyed the company of the new friends she made. Glenda on the other hand was more cautious of her actions; Aila can definitely sense that she was brewing something big.
"Listen, ladies, good job on the last day of practice please take your beauty rest so that you'll be ready tomorrow's pageant. Aila can I talk to you before you head home?"
The instructor asked for Aila directly which made Glenda feel more insecure. Aila obliged and walked towards the instructor;
"Aila, I want to ask you if you would like to join my pageant group, Queens and Aces; I train girls for the international arena, I personally believe, you are on that level at this point."
Aila was out of words, she was candidly overwhelmed by the praise she received, but nevertheless, she was able to reject the offer humbly.
"Aila, you were really good, I wish I can be good as you. I don't even have decent makeup for tomorrow."
One of the candidates sighed in despair;
"I'll see what I can do with that problem, for now, let's just enjoy this time and rest for tomorrow.
Aila was determined to help the other candidates.
"Girl, can you ask the principal to provide the other candidates with makeup artists for tomorrow?"
Aila was pleading Reese to help her sort out the trouble.
"Sure, how about you?" Reese was happy to be of help to her friend.
"I already got in contact with my personal glam team and stylists.
On the day of the pageant, Aila arrived with her glam team. She was wearing a pair of sunglasses, a white T-shirt, denim skirt, and white sneakers; her long brown hair was styled in big curls.
From afar, she saw Ken was in awe watching her walk towards the auditorium, he was holding some stems of red roses. Aila walked passed Ken like he was invisible to her.
Vince appeared in front of her as she was about to enter the auditorium,
"This is for you my beautiful lady."
He handed her a bouquet of pink roses, Aila smiled at Vince;
"Thank you for this Vince" she held the bouquet and smelled it.
"I don't have to wish you luck anymore because I'm sure you will win; just enjoy this experience, have fun okay?"
As always Vince was straightforward and mature with his words.
"I will, thanks". Aila answered Vince with a smile.
"Did you see my boyfriend outside? He is so sweet, I saw him bringing flowers for me."
Glenda was boasting her boyfriend to the other girls. She wanted to get Aila's attention when she mentioned her boyfriend... But she got a bigger surprise.
Aila was bringing in a big bouquet of flowers herself.
"Wow, you already received flowers from your admirer.!"
The other girls were happy to see Aila.
She just smiled, not wanting to be too proud of it.
"Just you girls wait, my handsome boyfriend will hand me the flowers he brought for me."
Glenda does not want the spotlight taken away from her.
"Who's your boyfriend?" the other girls were eager to know.
Glenda sneered and glared at Aila. "Kenneth Sacramento"