Page 109 of Made for Wilde

We finish with spray, do a final check, and step back. The crown braid circles Jade’s head like a halo, flawless and smooth, with romantic waves cascading over her shoulders.

“Time!”

I step back and raise my hands, breathing hard. The baby gives one final, triumphant kick.

We did it. We actually finished, and it looks incredible.

The judges make notes, their expressions neutral. As soon as we’re backstage, Jade throws her arms around both of us.

“That was amazing!” she squeals. “I feel like a movie star!”

I collapse into a chair, adrenaline draining away all at once, leaving me exhausted and trembling.

“Holy shit,” I whisper.

“You and baby girl did great,” Sarah says. “Seriously, Charlotte. Your mom would be so proud.”

The tears I held back during the performance threaten to spill over now. “You think so?”

“I know so.” Sarah squeezes my hand. “You’re carrying on her legacy. Can’t you feel it?”

Maybe I can. Maybe that certainty in my fingers came from her. Maybe she was with me up there after all.

The next thirty minutes crawl by as we watch the remaining teams perform. Some are flawless, others struggle. One team’s braid comes partially undone, and I watch them scramble to repair it with my stomach in knots, grateful that wasn’t us.

Finally, all the teams have performed. Professor Lowell takes the stage with an envelope, and the room falls silent. My heart starts hammering all over again.

Sarah’s hand finds mine, both of us squeezing tight.

“This year’s Friends and Family Showcase has demonstrated exceptional talent,” Professor Lowell begins. “Every team showed skill, creativity, and professionalism. However, judging is based on technical execution, time management, and overall aesthetic vision.”

Get on with it, I think desperately.

“I’ll now announce the top three teams. In third place, for their beautiful waterfall braid with vintage waves... Emma Rodriguez and Tyler Jackson!”

Applause fills the auditorium.

“In second place, for their intricate fishtail braided updo... Melissa Wong and David Park!”

More applause. Which means we either got first place or we didn’t place at all.

My grip on Sarah’s hand tightens. The baby gives a little flutter.

Professor Lowell smiles. “And finally, in first place, for their flawless execution of a braided crown with cascading curls, demonstrating exceptional technical skill and artistic vision... Charlotte Palmer and Sarah Smith!”

For a split second, I can’t move. The words don’t compute. First place. We got first place.

Then Sarah screams and throws her arms around me, and suddenly I’m crying and laughing at the same time. We did it. We actually won.

The auditorium erupts in applause. Sarah pulls me to my feet, and we make our way onto the stage together, both of us grinning so wide my face hurts. Through the blur of happy tears, I see Koda on his feet, clapping and whistling louder than anyone else.

We won. We really won.

Professor Lowell hands us our certificates, and the weight of that piece of paper makes everything real. The photographer positions us for the official photo, and I can barely stand still, my whole body vibrating with joy.

The applause continues as we step off the stage. Jade rushes over to hug us both again, and then classmates are surrounding us, offering congratulations.

I feel like I’m floating. The baby moves inside me, a gentle roll, and I press my hand to my stomach.