In Pieces
Country: Aurivelle
City: Auremont
Alvara
When Mrs. Alexia finished calling the names, she closed the file.
“These are the selected designers,” she said, her voice steady as her gaze moved across the room. “The top ten who will represent this set in this year’s runway showcase.”
“They worked hard to be here.”
Her eyes shifted slightly, taking in the rest of the students.
“And if your name was not called, it does not mean you are not talented,” she continued. “It simply means there is something these ten designers are doing differently…something you are not.”
The room remained quiet, every word landing.
“You will still receive startup funding to launch your brands,” she added.
A ripple of relief passed through some parts of the hall.
“But at the end of the runway showcase…” her tone sharpened slightly, “the top three designers will receive additional rewards.”
A pause.
“Full startup funding for their brand.”
“Direct investment from Hawthorne Luxury and Fashion Division.”
That did it.
The room erupted into noise.
Excitement.
Shock.
Disbelief.
Mrs. Alexia didn’t raise her voice…but somehow, silence returned.
“The remaining seven designers,” she continued, “will still receive startup funding… along with a cash prize.”
More murmurs followed, though quieter this time.
Then her expression hardened.
“Most importantly,” she said, “while this is a competitive environment, we do not tolerate bullying of any kind.”
The room stilled again.
“You are not permitted to photograph another designer’s work without consent. All regulations are clearly outlined in your handbook.”
Her gaze turned sharper.
“I strongly advise you to review it.”
“Because every violation has consequences.”
Another pause.
“And we will not hesitate to expel anyone who poses a threat to others.”
Silence.
Heavy.
Final.
“And finally,” she said, her tone easing slightly, “you have three months to design your three pieces, as previously stated.”
She glanced toward the selected designers.
“Your weekly workload will be reduced. Attendance is no longer compulsory…unless you choose otherwise.”
A few surprised looks were exchanged.
“And if you require anything not currently available within the institute,” she added, “you may approach me or any of the senior designers. It will be provided.”
A final pause.
“I wish you all the best.”
With that, she turned and walked out.
And just like that…
The room exploded.
The selected designers buzzed with excitement, voices overlapping, laughter breaking through the tension.
Across the hall, others stood in silence.
Some were disappointed.
Some are frustrated.
Some simply… resigned.
But in the end…
There was nothing anyone could do about it.
I turned slightly…and caught Leonora staring at me.
Of course.
That was all she ever did.
Glare.
She walked toward me slowly, arms crossed over her chest.
“Well,” she said, her lips curling slightly, “I know your hopes must be very high right now…”
“But they shouldn’t be.”
I didn’t move.
“Winning Designer of the Month twice doesn’t mean anything.”
I stepped closer.
Slow.
Then crossed my arms too.
“Maybe you should try winning something,” I said calmly, “instead of collecting participation trophies.”
A few people nearby turned.
Leonora scoffed.
“I’m not here to trade words with a loser,” she said, her tone dropping. “I just came to give you a little advice.”
Her gaze hardened.
“Watch your back.”
“Ask about me.”
She leaned in slightly.
“I don’t lose.”
“I always win.”
“Are you threatening her?” Isabella cut in sharply.
Leonora smirked.
But she said nothing.
She simply turned, walked back to the others and they left together.
Isabella exhaled sharply.
“Alvara, she just threatened you.”
“She can’t do anything,” I said simply, walking past them.
They followed.
A Month Later
I stepped back from the mannequin and studied the design in front of me.
Then I nodded.
Satisfied.
I had finally finished my first piece.
It hadn’t been easy.
For weeks, I started… and stopped.
Sketched.
Scrapped.
Started again.
Over and over…until I got it right.
And now…
This?
This was a masterpiece.
A small smile touched my lips.
True to Mrs. Alexia’s words, things had changed.
We no longer participated fully in institute activities. Sometimes we showed up at the general studios…but most days were spent here.
In our personal studios.
Working.
Pushing.
Perfecting.
Everyone wanted the same thing.
Top three.
And I….
I wasn’t an exception.
I had to be one of them.
After Leonora’s threat, I had expected something.
Anything.
But there had been nothing.
Just silence.
Not that I trusted it.
They still watched.
Still glared.
Still waiting.
But they hadn’t moved.
Yet.
We had made a plan…Isabella, Mila, and I.
One month for each design.
No distractions.
No excuses.
And today…
Marked the end of the first month.
Our first pieces… were done.
“Alvara, let’s go.”
I turned to see Isabella walking in, Mila just behind her.
“Yeah,” I replied, reaching for a few things I needed to take back.
Isabella’s gaze moved to the mannequin.
“You always surprise me,” she said. “Your design is beautiful.”
I glanced at her.
“Thank you, Isabella. Yours is beautiful too.”
I looked between the two of them.
“And if we keep this up for the next two designs… we’ll all win.”
She nodded, though I could see the doubt flicker in her eyes.
They never quite believed it when I said that.
But I did.
After dinner, exhaustion caught up with all of us.
No lingering.
No conversations.
Just quiet goodnights.
And doors closing.
Everyone retreated to their own space…
To rest.
To think.
To plan.
Because tomorrow…
We start again.
The next morning, I stood in front of my mirror, tying my hair into a loose, messy bun.
When I was done, I picked up my tote bag from the bed and stepped out of my room.
Right on time…
Isabella and Mila were already walking toward me.
I raised a brow.
“You two are really early birds,” I said.
“Can’t you let me come to your rooms and wait for you for once?”
Isabella smirked.
“Well, we’re not lazy like you. Some of us are actually punctual.”
I smiled.
“Keep telling yourself that.”
Mila only smiled quietly beside her.
We headed out together.
After breakfast, we made our way toward the studios.
“I added chips to my snacks today,” Isabella announced, completely unprovoked. “I’m always starving when I’m working…and today I really have to rack my brain for ideas.”
I glanced at her.
“You don’t need to explain. Even if you weren’t doing anything, your bag would still be full of snacks.”
Mila let out a soft laugh.
“Alvara, you know that’s not true,” she said gently.
“Yes,” I replied flatly.
That made her laugh.
We stopped in front of our studios.
“See you later,” I said. “Break by twelve?”
“Yeah, bye,” Isabella replied.
Mila gave a small wave.
I smiled, turning to my door.
Then I pushed it open.
And stepped inside.
The smile on my face disappeared instantly.
My gaze locked onto the mannequin.
And for a second…
My mind refused to process what I was seeing.
The design…
My design…
Was gone.
No.
Not gone.
Destroyed.
Cut into pieces.
Fabric scattered across the floor like something had been torn apart without care… without mercy.
My breath caught.
My chest tightened.
“No…”
The word came out weak.
Then louder…
“No!”
My voice broke as the sound echoed through the room.
Footsteps rushed in behind me.
“What is it?” Isabella asked, hurrying inside.
Then she stopped.
Mila stepped in right after…
And froze.
Silence fell.
Heavy.
I couldn’t speak.
Couldn’t move.
I just stood there…
Staring at what used to be a month of sleepless nights, endless sketches, and careful stitching.
Now lying on the floor.
In pieces.