Against all odds

KIARA'S POV I entered the dressing room after the big show, and all heads snapped toward me. Some of the girls looked at me with envy, while a few seemed genuinely proud. I sashayed toward my best friend, Dayana, who immediately pulled me into a hug and kissed both my cheeks. "Oh my God, Kiara, you were spectacular out there! I'm so proud of you," she exclaimed, holding my hands and smiling like a Cheshire cat. I laughed softly and reached out to touch her afro. Dayana shot me a warning look, and I already knew what she was about to say. "Kiara, now you know never to touch a Black woman's hair," she said with an exaggerated sigh. I rolled my eyes playfully. "Girl, please. I'm a Black woman too. I'm just admiring your afro, that's all." "Well, you did amazing out there. Before you know it, you'll be the highest-paid Black model in the world," she said dreamily. "And you won't have to share a dressing room with all these envious bitches." She said it loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear, earning us several irritated stares. I sat at my designated vanity while Dayana returned to hers. Picking up a makeup wipe, I slowly removed the layers of makeup from my face. Suddenly, the dressing room door swung open, and the assistant to the host stepped inside. The chatter in the room died instantly. Her eyes scanned the room until they landed on me. "Kiara, please come with me." I stood up and followed behind her until we stopped in front of an office door. She opened it for me and motioned for me to enter before quietly closing the door behind me. A beautiful, tanned woman sat behind a large desk. She gestured for me to take a seat, and I did. She cleared her throat before speaking. "I knew I made the right choice by having you close the show," she said, flashing a smile with pearly white teeth. "Usually, we use supermodels, but the board decided to take a chance on you, and our sales have multiplied already." The pride in her voice was unmistakable. "I'm honored that you all decided to take a chance on me," I replied with a genuine smile. "And I'm glad you're not disappointed." "Kiara, congratulations. After tonight, I'm sure your name will be everywhere." "Thank you so much, ma'am." She stood, and I quickly did the same so we could shake hands. "You may go now." "Thank you again." I left the office and headed back toward the dressing room, only to run into my assistant, Bella, halfway there. I immediately wrapped my arms around her. "Okay, Kiara, I think you should let me go now," she joked while trying to free herself from my grip. "I understand you're happy, but you're cutting off my circulation." I laughed and finally released her. "I'm just so happy. And thank you for everything. After this show, I'm sure I'll start getting more gigs." Bella gave me a strange look. "Hmmm... about that." My smile faded instantly. "Oh God, what happened?" "Girl, my phone has been blowing up ever since you stepped off that runway. Brands are already asking for you." I screamed excitedly and hugged her again, much gentler this time. "This is the best news ever!" "It really is," Bella laughed. "Well, let me go clean up, and I'll meet you in the car. I need to get home ASAP because I'm exhausted." "Take your time. You earned it." I returned to the dressing room, changed quickly, and soon found myself sitting comfortably in the backseat of the car while Bella sat in the front beside my chauffeur. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely at peace. As the city lights blurred past the window, my thoughts drifted back to three and a half years ago, right after I graduated high school. My mother had wanted me to go to college and become something respectable - a doctor, a lawyer, anything stable. But I wanted none of it. Ever since I was little, I had dreamed of becoming a model like Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. My mother never understood it. She used to tell me that Black people were already stereotyped enough in entertainment and that I should choose a more secure career since I had opportunities she never did. My father had never been in the picture. My mom got pregnant with me right after graduating high school, and he denied I was even his. She lost her scholarship because of it. Her parents weren't wealthy either. My grandfather was a preacher, and my grandmother stayed home to care for the family, so paying for college wasn't easy. Eventually, my mother attended community college and became a social worker. I understood why she wanted something different for me. But that life just wasn't for me. After tonight's show, I was certain my name would spread even further, and maybe - just maybe - I could finally prove to my mother that this dream was worth chasing. My phone suddenly rang, interrupting my thoughts. The second I answered, I heard my mother and grandmother talking excitedly over each other. "Oh, Kia, I'm so proud of you! You looked stunning out there on that runway," my mother said emotionally. I could already tell she was crying. I smiled warmly. "I'm glad you're proud of me, Mom... even if this wasn't the path you wanted for me." "Nonsense," she replied immediately. "I'm happy you're doing what you love, baby." The sincerity in her voice made my chest ache. "I always knew you were destined for greatness," my grandmother chimed in proudly. "With all that beauty you possess, people would be foolish not to appreciate it." I burst out laughing. My grandmother never missed a chance to compliment me. "Well," my mother continued, "I think you should come home for Thanksgiving this year. We'd really love to see you." "Thanks, Momma. And Granny too. I'll come if my schedule allows it." "Wow," my grandmother gasped dramatically. "So now your family has to fit into your schedule?" I laughed softly, already knowing she was trying to guilt-trip me. "Alright, alright. I'll be home for Thanksgiving." Immediately, I heard clapping and laughter from the other side of the phone. "Now that sounds better," my grandmother said proudly. "Take care of yourself, baby. We love you." "I love y'all too." After the call ended, I looked up and realized we were finally in front of my apartment building. I hugged Bella goodbye, thanked my chauffeur, and headed upstairs, completely ready for the best sleep of my life.