Chapter 5: The Girl Who Took Credit for My Mother's Hands
The opening ceremony began at two o'clock.
A host walked onto the stage beneath a spotlight.
"Welcome to the Young American Designers Competition, where creativity, craftsmanship, and imagination meet.""
The audience applauded.
I sat in the contestants' waiting area with my hands folded over my portfolio.
Across the room, Brianna was surrounded by Vanessa and two women who appeared to be professional photographers.
One of them adjusted the collar of her gown.
"You're going to look incredible onstage.""
Brianna smiled.
"I know.""
Vanessa touched her daughter's shoulder.
"Remember to speak slowly. Tell them how much work you put into every detail.""
Brianna nodded.
Then she noticed me watching.
She raised her eyebrows and mouthed two words.
Good luck.
I looked away.
The first contestants presented their designs.
A young man from Massachusetts showcased a collection inspired by industrial architecture.
Another contestant created a series of dresses using recycled denim.
The judges asked questions about construction, materials, and inspiration.
Each presentation lasted approximately eight minutes.
I tried to focus.
But my attention kept drifting toward Brianna's garment rack.
She had placed my dress under a protective cover.
Every time someone walked near it, Vanessa moved closer.
At 2:25 p.m., a volunteer approached me.
"Miss Carter, you're next after contestant eleven.""
I nodded.
She glanced at my portfolio.
"Do you have your garment ready?""
I hesitated.
"No.""
Her eyebrows rose.
"You're presenting without a physical garment?""
"I'm presenting my original design documentation.""
She looked uncertain.
"All right. I'll inform the stage manager.""
I could feel several contestants looking at me.
One whispered something to another.
I ignored them.
I had no dress.
But I had created one.
And I wasn't going to let anyone convince me otherwise.
At 2:32 p.m., Brianna's name was announced.
"Please welcome Brianna Reed, presenting her original design, Celestial Grace.""
The audience applauded.
Brianna stepped onto the runway.
The spotlight caught the silver embroidery.
The gown shimmered beautifully.
I hated that.
Not because the dress was ugly.
But because I remembered every hour I had spent creating it.
I remembered pricking my fingers while attaching the tiny crystals.
I remembered falling asleep at my desk.
I remembered holding my mother's lace and whispering that I hoped she would like what I was making.
Now Brianna stood beneath the lights, accepting applause.
The host approached her.
"Brianna, tell us about your design.""
She smiled.
"I wanted to create something that represented the beauty of individuality.""
I clenched my hands.
"Where did the inspiration come from?"" the host asked.
Brianna lifted her chin.
"From my fascination with the night sky. I've always loved astronomy, and I wanted to translate that into fashion.""
I stared at her.
She had never shown any interest in astronomy.
Not once.
The host gestured toward the skirt.
"Can you explain the embroidery?""
Brianna smiled confidently.
"Each constellation represents a different stage of personal growth. The pattern begins at the waist and expands toward the hem, symbolizing how our dreams become bigger as we grow.""
I almost laughed.
That was my exact design explanation.
She continued.
"I spent months developing the embroidery technique. I wanted every stitch to have a purpose.""
One of the judges leaned forward.
"Interesting. What technique did you use to secure the crystals without damaging the organza?""
Brianna blinked.
"I used a special hand-stitching method.""
"Which one?""
She looked toward Vanessa.
Vanessa smiled encouragingly.
Brianna cleared her throat.
"French... embroidery.""
The judge exchanged a glance with another panelist.
"French embroidery is a broad term. Could you describe the stitch structure?""
Brianna's smile tightened.
"Well, I would need my technical notes.""
Adrian Cole leaned toward his microphone.
"Perhaps we can discuss the construction of the bodice first.""
Brianna nodded quickly.
"Of course.""
He studied the dress.
"Your waist seam has an unusual internal reinforcement. Can you explain how you achieved that?""
Brianna looked down.
"With careful stitching.""
Adrian remained silent.
Then he asked, "Did you construct the foundation yourself?""
"Yes.""
"All of it?""
"Yes.""
He nodded slowly.
"Interesting.""
Brianna smiled again.
The host thanked her.
The audience applauded politely.
As she walked offstage, Vanessa jumped up and embraced her.
"Perfect, darling.""
Brianna whispered something into her mother's ear.
Then she looked toward me.
Her expression said she had won.
I didn't respond.
My name was announced next.
"Please welcome finalist number twelve, Nia Carter.""
I stood.
The stage lights seemed brighter than before.
I walked onto the runway carrying my portfolio.
There was no music.
No model.
No flowing gown.
Just me.
The host looked at the folder.
"Nia, I understand you have chosen to present your design through documentation.""
"Yes.""
"Would you like to explain why?""
I took a breath.
"Because the physical gown I created has been submitted by another contestant under her name.""
A murmur moved through the auditorium.
The host looked toward the judges.
Adrian Cole leaned forward.
"Miss Carter, please continue.""
I opened my portfolio.
"This design is called The Last Light. I began developing it four months ago. The original sketches were completed on March 12. I submitted my registration on March 26.""
I displayed the first sketch.
A photograph appeared on the large screen.
Then the construction photographs.
The bodice.
The silver embroidery.
The layers of organza.
Every detail.
I heard someone in the audience whisper.
"That's the same dress.""
I continued.
"The design was inspired by my mother, Eleanor Carter, who was a seamstress. She taught me that clothing should tell a story.""
My voice trembled.
I looked toward Adrian.
"She also taught me that the person behind the work matters just as much as the finished piece.""
Adrian nodded.
The host asked, "Are you claiming that the other contestant copied your design?""
I looked toward Brianna.
She was sitting beside Vanessa.
Her smile had disappeared.
"Yes.""
The room became silent.
I explained how Brianna had accessed my files.
I showed the original registration.
I displayed the dated photographs.
Then I presented the alteration receipt.
"The dress was taken from my bedroom. It was altered for Brianna before today's presentation. The antique lace from my mother's wedding dress was removed.""
A woman in the audience covered her mouth.
Vanessa suddenly stood.
"This is ridiculous!""
The host turned toward her.
"Ma'am, please remain seated.""
Vanessa ignored him.
"My daughter created that dress. Nia is simply upset because she wasn't selected for the same opportunity.""
I looked at her.
"I was selected. I'm finalist number twelve.""
A few people laughed nervously.
Vanessa's face flushed.
Brianna grabbed her mother's arm.
"Mom, sit down.""
But Vanessa had already made the situation worse.
"She has always been jealous of Brianna. This is a family matter, and she shouldn't be allowed to embarrass us publicly.""
Adrian Cole pressed the microphone button.
"Mrs. Reed, this is not a family gathering. It is a design competition.""
Vanessa sat down.
I continued.
"I also have a copy of a document signed by my father, declaring that Brianna created the design.""
The judges exchanged looks.
Adrian leaned forward.
"Miss Carter, may I see that document?""
I handed it to the stage assistant.
He examined it carefully.
Then he looked toward the competition coordinator.
"Have both original submissions been preserved?""
Patricia nodded.
"Yes.""
"Then I recommend we suspend the scoring of this category until the ownership dispute is resolved.""
The host looked surprised.
"Are you suggesting an investigation?""
"Absolutely.""
Brianna stood.
"That's unfair!""
Adrian turned toward her.
"Miss Reed, you have already presented your design. You will have an opportunity to respond.""
"But she's lying!""
"Then the evidence will establish that.""
The audience was silent.
For the first time that afternoon, Brianna looked genuinely frightened.
The host announced a short recess.
I stepped off the stage.
Mrs. Ellis was waiting near the curtains.
She embraced me.
"You did beautifully.""
I shook my head.
"I don't know if it was enough.""
"It was the truth. That's enough for now.""
Across the hallway, Vanessa was speaking angrily into her phone.
Brianna sat on a bench, wiping her eyes.
Dad approached me.
"Nia.""
I turned.
He looked pale.
"Can we talk?""
"About the document?""
He nodded.
"I need to explain something.""
I folded my arms.
"Then explain.""
He lowered his voice.
"Vanessa told me the competition had a rule about family collaboration. She said the document was just an acknowledgment that Brianna could use the design as inspiration.""
I stared at him.
"You signed it without reading it.""
"I know.""
"You didn't ask me.""
"I know.""
"Then why are you explaining it now?""
He looked toward the stage.
"Because I just realized how serious this is.""
I laughed bitterly.
"Only now?""
He flinched.
"I made a mistake.""
"You made a choice.""
He looked down.
Before he could respond, Patricia hurried toward us.
"Miss Carter, Mr. Cole would like you and Miss Reed in the judges' conference room.""
I nodded.
Dad tried to follow.
Patricia stopped him.
"Only the contestants and authorized representatives, please.""
Vanessa appeared behind Brianna.
"Marcus, come with us.""
He hesitated.
Then he looked at me.
For once, he didn't ask me to be patient.
He simply said, "I'll be outside.""
The conference room was smaller than I expected.
Five judges sat around a long table.
Adrian Cole occupied the center chair.
Brianna sat across from me.
Vanessa was permitted to remain as her guardian.
Patricia placed two folders on the table.
"Both contestants will have an opportunity to answer questions regarding the ownership of the design.""
Adrian opened my folder.
"Nia, when did you first develop the concept?""
I gave him the date.
"What materials did you use?""
I explained the silk, organza, crystals, and embroidery thread.
"How did you determine the placement of the constellations?""
I opened my sketchbook.
"I started with the waistline and worked outward. The pattern represents a night sky becoming brighter toward the horizon.""
He nodded.
Then he turned toward Brianna.
"Miss Reed, when did you begin developing Celestial Grace?""
"January.""
"Can you show us your earliest sketches?""
Brianna looked at Vanessa.
Vanessa immediately answered.
"They were on her laptop.""
Adrian didn't look at her.
"I'm asking the contestant.""
Brianna swallowed.
"I don't have them with me.""
"Can you provide them to the committee?""
"Yes.""
"Excellent. Now, can you explain why your submitted design contains the same unusual embroidery pattern as Miss Carter's registration?""
Brianna's eyes filled.
"We had similar ideas.""
"Similar ideas?""
"Yes.""
Adrian opened another page.
"Then perhaps you can explain why the construction photographs submitted by Miss Carter show the dress in its current form weeks before your application was received.""
Brianna said nothing.
Vanessa leaned forward.
"Mr. Cole, with respect, Nia has been helping Brianna for months. It's entirely possible she has photographs of the dress because she was involved in its creation.""
Adrian slowly closed the folder.
"Mrs. Reed, I have one question for you.""
Vanessa lifted her chin.
"Yes?""
"Why does the original design registration belong to Nia Carter?""
Vanessa froze.
Then she answered.
"Because she helped with the paperwork.""
Adrian looked at her.
"And why does the design description use language identical to Miss Carter's original portfolio?""
Vanessa's mouth tightened.
"Perhaps they discussed it.""
"Then why does the application identify Brianna as the sole creator?""
Nobody answered.
Adrian turned toward Patricia.
"Please bring up the original registration photographs.""
Patricia opened her laptop.
The first image appeared on the screen.
Then the second.
Then the third.
Adrian leaned closer.
"Stop there.""
Patricia froze the image.
He pointed toward the neckline.
"Can you enlarge that section?""
The photograph expanded.
The original lace was clearly visible.
Adrian stared at it.
Then he looked at Brianna.
"Who removed this?""
Vanessa answered quickly.
"It was an aesthetic decision.""
Adrian's expression hardened.
"No. I asked who removed it.""
Brianna lowered her head.
"Mom arranged the alterations.""
Adrian nodded.
Then he asked something that made the room go completely silent.
"Miss Reed, do you know why this dress is called The Last Light?""
Brianna looked confused.
"No.""
Adrian turned toward me.
"Because Eleanor Carter began a collection with that name before she died.""
He reached into his briefcase.
He removed an old leather-bound notebook.
And when he opened it, I saw a familiar handwriting style.
My mother's.
May you like
Adrian looked directly at Brianna.
"Perhaps it's time we discussed who originally created the design that inspired both of you.""
