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The day of the exhibition was here. Eleena and I set up our painting onto the easel in the showroom.

"Cant believe this is it." She said nervously,

"Neither can I. It's been a rollercoaster the past few months."

"You must be Azia and Eleena from Stonewell

College?"

A tall woman stood before us, she wore a snug red velvet dress paired with dangly gold earrings and a dark ruby necklace.

"Yes ma'am, pleasure to meet you." Eleena stretched her hand out which the woman shook, I did the same.

"The pleasure is all mine. I was really intrigued by your art piece particularly, is there a backstory behind it?" Her soothing voice asked,

"Well we chose to do the spider, this particular spider is known to be strikingly beautiful. We wanted to represent women through this insect that we are beautiful, but also incredibly smart. As you may know, they do not attack unless in danger, in this day and age, women are always at risk of danger, in these situations they attack in order to survive, most commonly through words and if necessary, fighting." I explained confidently.

The woman never broke eye contact during this, I couldn't tell her she was impressed or underwhelmed.

"I see, good luck to the both of you and I'll see you at the judging panel." We thanked the woman, her lips curled into a smile before she strutted away.

"We never asked for her name." Eleena tapped my shoulder,

"Oh shit, and I'm guessing she's one of the judges too." Bad move for us.

"Welcome to the Victoria and Albert 2022 art exhibition. I am Bella Trent and I will be your host for tonight." The crowd clapped making me even more restless. A familiar warmth wrapped around my hand, Eleena rubbed it with her thumb to reassure me.

"I am being joined by our judges, Gordon Leon, Loid Forger..."

🤭

Both men wore a custom Dior suit embellished with gold embroidery and Swarovski crystals, they looked incredibly wealthy with an air of arrogance surrounding them.

"And Florence Sinclair."

The woman who approached us earlier walked in, the entire room fell silent with just the clacking of her heels echoing. The two men stood either side of her, they looked like ants compared to her. Eleena squirmed in her seat uncomfortably.

"Are you okay?" She nodded, giving me a small smile before looking back at her.

"Any words Miss Sinclair?" Bella stepped away from the mic allowing Sinclair access. She smiled at Bella,

"We thank each and every one of you for your efforts and creativity. It was particularly hard decision this year. As you all know the prize is £10,000 for the development of the art development in your school, as well as your piece being featured in our gallery."

Excited murmurs broke out around us. This is it.

"My collègues and I have concluded our decision." Sinclair smiled, passing a black envelope with a gold stamp to Bella then stood back in the middle of the men.

"Ladies, gentlemen and non-binary individuals, the winner of this year's exhibition is..." The rustling of the envelope can be heard from the speakers,

"Eleena and Azia from Stonewell College!"

"HOLY SHIT WE WON." Eleena squeezed me, dragging me to the stage. Sinclair handed us the massive cheque of £10,000 whilst the flashes of cameras blinded me.

"Well done ladies." She beamed,

"Thank you Miss Sinclair." Eleena smiled warmly,

"Call me Florence, here take my business card, I intend to work with you in the future."

My cheeks heated up, overwhelmed by the events unfolding.