Trials Of Thelma: Unbroken

Trials and Triumphs

*****Thelma's POV*****

The days following my clash with Ava during the school council meeting were rough. Whispers follow me in the hallways, and I can feel eyes on me wherever I go. Ava is very influential, her influence seems to stretch across campus, and it feels like everyone is just waiting for my next move.

The big campus event, the Annual Cultural Fest, is approaching fast. As part of the organizing committee, I’ve been assigned to be in charge of the fashion show—a task that should allow me to showcase my leadership skills as this will help my future interest in an official position on the student's council.

I hope this works out as I can't afford to make any mistakes that may ruin this event.

The week leading up to the event is hectic. Every evening, I stay late to make sure everything is perfect. One night, as I review the final details, Liam and Meghan came to check on me.

“You’re still here?” Liam asks, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, just making sure everything is in order,” I reply, trying to sound less exhausted than I feel. “Why don’t you take a break? We can handle some of this,” Meghan suggests, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it.” I smile gratefully.

The night before the event, I could barely sleep. I keep going over everything in my head, worried I might have missed something.

As the models start arriving, everyone is excited and a bit nervous, but we’re ready to put on a great show. Models are running around, makeup artists are setting up, and the stage crew is finalizing the decorations. I’m running on adrenaline, trying to ensure every detail is perfect.

"Hi Thelma" Liam approaches me with a warm smile. “You’re doing great, Thelma. Don’t worry.” “Thanks, Liam,” I reply, appreciating his support. Meghan joins us, her energy infectious as always. “Alright, team, let’s get this show on the road!” Meghan says, clapping her hands together.

Backstage, the models are getting into their outfits when I hear a gasp. “Thelma, you need to come here!” one of the girls shouts.

******Ava’s POV******

-Flashback to a Week Ago-

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Sarah asks, her voice seems to be trembling. She’s always been a bit wary of my schemes that one. I smirk, flipping my hair over my shoulder and Sarah shrunk back. “Of course it will. Thelma thinks she’s so perfect, always getting in the way. We’ll see how she handles a real challenge.”

“What’s the plan exactly?” Tanya inquires, her tone is more curious than concerned. She’s always admired my cunning, this one is my favourite. “We’re going to ruin the fashion show,” I say, a mischievous glint in my eye. Thelma’s show will be a disaster, and she’ll look like a complete fool.”

“But what if we get caught? This could get us into serious trouble.” Sarah bites her lip, "Ugggh... this girl, I could fuc.king slap the heck out of her." I roll my eyes, my patience wearing thin. “Seriously, Sarah? You’re such a coward. We won’t get caught. Everything will go perfectly if you just follow my instructions.”

“And what exactly are we supposed to do?” Tanya asks. My voice is sharp as I detail the plan.“You two are going to create a distraction while I take care of things. It’s simple. Just act like you’re supposed to be there, and no one will suspect a thing.”

“I don’t know, Ava. This seems really risky.” “Stop being such a baby, Sarah,” I snap. “Do you want Thelma to keep outshining me? Do you want her to keep getting all the praise and attention? I need to put her in her place.” Tanya, sensing my rising irritation, steps in. “Okay, Ava. We’re with you. Just tell us what to do.”

My face softens slightly. “Good. Now listen carefully. We need to make sure no one sees us. Timing is everything. If we do this right, Thelma will be humiliated, and we’ll be the ones everyone looks up to.”

My plan is risky, I will admit that but they’ve come this far under my lead, and backing out now seems even more frightening than going through with it.

Later, as we sneak into the venue, my demeanor shifts to one of complete control. I’m in my element, Tanya and Sarah can’t help but follow my lead. My eyes dart around, making sure no one sees us. I gesture for Sarah and Tanya to move to their positions.

Sarah’s hands are shaking as she distracts one of the organizers and Tanya looks a bit more composed.

In the dressing room, I work quickly doing what I came to do. To be honest, I feel a mixture of fear and exhilaration, but as I imagine Thelma’s face when she discovers what I did, and a cruel satisfaction fills me. “Remember, not a word about this to anyone,” I hiss as we part ways. “If we go down, we go down together. Got it?”

Sarah and Tanya nod, too scared to voice their doubts. They know my wrath is something they don’t want to face. I walk away, a satisfied smirk on my face, already anticipating the chaos I’ve set in motion.

***** Present Day*****

Thelma’s POV

I rush over to find the clothes in tatters. The beautiful dresses and suits we had painstakingly prepared are now unusable. My heart sinks, and for a moment, I feel completely overwhelmed, gosh I want to cry so bad. I can see all my dreams going down the drain and I can only think of one person who is able to pull this kind of stunt on me. “What are we going to do?” one of the models asks, panic clear in her voice.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. “Okay, we need to come up with a new plan, suggestions everyone! We can’t let this ruin the show.” “What if we go for a more avant-garde look? Use what we have and create something new and bold.” Liam suggested.

“Yes! We can use different materials and accessories. Make it more about the creativity than the clothes themselves.” Meghan enthusiastically chimes in.

"Okay people, let's get to work!" We set to work, transforming the ruined clothes into unique pieces of art. We use scarves, belts, and other accessories to create new outfits. The models are hesitant at first, but they quickly get into the spirit of things.

Backstage, the atmosphere shifts from panic to excitement as everyone throws themselves into the new concept and embracing it.

It is finally time for the show. The models start walking the runway with confidence. God please let this work, I say a silent prayer in my head.

The audience is silent, unsure of what to expect. But as the models strut down the runway, I could see whispers of admiration ripple through the crowd. By the end of the show, they’re on their feet, clapping and cheering. I didn't even realize that I said "Thank God" out loud. The highlight is when the vice chancellor stands and gives a special commendation. “Well done, everyone. This was an impressive display of ingenuity and teamwork,”

I beam with pride, my earlier frustration melting away. As the applause dies down, I spot Ava in the crowd. Her expression is a mixture of shock and anger. She knows I’ve just turned the tables on her.

But I won’t forget. Ava may have won a few battles, but I’m determined to win the war.