Episode 2: The School Showdown

A week after the city showcase, Irene couldn’t help but feel like a mini-celebrity. Teachers, students, and even janitors complimented her designs. She should’ve been riding high, but trouble was always right around the corner.

The Stirring Drama

In the crowded school hallway, Mackie and Lillie were at it again. This time, they were whispering loudly enough for Irene to hear.

“She thinks she’s a star now,” Mackie snorted.

Lillie smirked. “BigRed just felt bad for her. That’s the only reason she won.”

Irene stopped in her tracks, spun on her heels, and stared them down. “Jealousy looks real ugly on y’all, you know that?”

Before Mackie could clap back, a familiar voice interrupted.

“Is this what y’all do all day? Talk trash about people?”

It was BigRed, walking over like she owned the hallway. Right behind her, Melly strolled casually, hands in his pockets, looking like he had nowhere to be but everywhere to go.

“Y’all beefin’ with Irene again?” BigRed raised an eyebrow, staring down Mackie and Lillie. “Let it go. You’re embarrassing yourselves.”

Mackie opened her mouth to protest, but Melly leaned against the lockers and smirked. “Y’all don’t want this smoke, trust me.”

Irene grinned. “Yeah, listen to your seniors. Might learn something.”

Mackie and Lillie huffed and walked away, mumbling under their breath.

The Announcement

That afternoon, the principal made a school-wide announcement:

“The annual School Clash competition is coming up! This year, it’s a talent, fashion, and dance showcase combined into one. Sign-ups are open!”

Irene’s ears perked up. “Fashion competition?”

BigRed, sitting beside her in class, nudged her. “You already know we’re signing up, right?”

“‘We’?” Irene asked.

Melly, from his seat in the back, said, “Yup. BigRed’s dancing, I’m rapping, and you’re designing.”

“I didn’t agree to this,” Irene said, pretending to protest.

“Oh, come on,” BigRed teased. “You’re the best designer in this school, and you know it. Imagine what we’ll pull off together!”

“You really think we could win?” Irene asked.

Melly leaned forward, grinning. “We don’t ‘think.’ We know.”

The Plot Twist

The next day, as Irene and BigRed brainstormed outfit ideas in the art room, Jessie ran in, breathless.

“Irene! You’re not gonna believe this—Mackie and Lillie signed up for the School Clash.”

Irene’s jaw dropped. “What?”

Jessie nodded. “They’re doing a dance routine…with custom outfits.”

“Whose outfits?” Irene asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Mackie’s been bragging that they got some senior designer from another school to help them,” Jessie replied.

BigRed snorted. “Please. They’re desperate. Ain’t no way their outfits will be better than yours.”

“Still,” Melly said, leaning in the doorway with his usual chill vibe, “sounds like a challenge to me.”

Irene grinned. “Oh, it’s on.”

The Late-Night Work

For the next week, Irene worked harder than ever. She designed an entire line of matching outfits for BigRed’s dance group and Melly’s rap performance. She stayed up until midnight every night, stitching, cutting, and perfecting every detail.

BigRed and Melly would drop by to check on her progress.

“You’re a beast at this, Irene,” BigRed said, admiring a glittering jacket.

Melly nodded. “Your designs are too good. Mackie and Lillie don’t stand a chance.”

“You better win that rap battle,” Irene teased. “I’m not working this hard for nothing.”

“Don’t worry,” Melly said with a smirk. “I got bars for days.”

The School Clash

The day of the competition, the auditorium was packed. Students were buzzing with excitement, and teachers sat on the edges of their seats.

BigRed’s dance group went first. They stepped onto the stage wearing Irene’s sleek black and red outfits, with sparkly accents that glittered under the stage lights. Their routine was flawless—a mix of hip-hop, flips, and synchronized moves that had the crowd on their feet.

“BigRed’s killing it!” Jessie shouted from the audience.

Next up was Melly. He walked out with his mic, wearing a custom jacket Irene had made—red with gold lettering on the back that said Legend in the Making. He performed his rap with energy and swagger that got everyone hyped.

Even Irene couldn’t stop cheering. “That’s my design up there!”

Mackie and Lillie’s Turn

When Mackie and Lillie’s group came out, Irene had to admit their outfits weren’t terrible—gold with black stripes. But they were nowhere near as creative as hers.

Their dance routine started strong…until disaster struck.

During a flip, Mackie’s pants ripped right down the middle. The entire audience gasped, and someone in the back burst out laughing.

“Oh nooo!” Jessie whispered, covering her mouth.

BigRed smirked. “That’s what happens when you try to copy the queen.”

Melly leaned over to Irene. “Did you do that?”

“Of course not,” Irene said with a grin. “But karma’s my best friend.”

The Victory

At the end of the night, the judges announced the winners:

“First place goes to…BigRed’s team, with designs by Irene!”

The crowd exploded into cheers. BigRed and Melly lifted Irene onto their shoulders, carrying her across the stage like a champion.

“See?” BigRed said. “Told you we’d win.”

Melly grinned up at Irene. “You’re unstoppable. Keep this up, and you’ll be running your own fashion empire.”

Irene laughed. “One step at a time. For now, let’s celebrate.”

As Mackie and Lillie sulked in the corner, Irene shot them a wink. “Better luck next time.”

To Be Continued…