Then I met Jules....
It was one night I stayed late at school. I was preparing for a presentation I had. It was supposed to be a mini competition, so I really needed to win.
The competition was going to give me the platform I needed, especially when it came to my future.
I was going to present my work in the presence of Moon and Mr. Fernandez....two high-profile designers in the fashion industry, especially in the jewelry design field.
There was no way I was going to lose.
I stayed back, putting all my energy into my work.
I had stayed up all night finishing my pieces, my fingers still stained with pencil marks as I arranged my sketches on the table.
"Is this yours?"
The unfamiliar voice came from behind me. I was startled because I didn't expect anyone to be out this late.
I turned.
And for a second… I forgot what to say.
There he was, standing behind me.....confident and composed.
His gaze was fixed on my designs rather than me.
"Yes," I replied, trying to sound normal.
"I designed them."
"You have a very distinct style," he said.
"Clean… but bold."
"Not everyone recognizes talent. You're really good."
My heart shifted.
He noticed the details…
For a moment, I felt seen.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"Kimmie."
He nodded. "Jules."
We exchanged goodnights, and I packed up, heading back to my room to try and catch a little rest before class.
We didn't meet again until the day of the competition. Jules was one of the competitors.
When we got to the venue, Kelly squealed, "Oh my God, who is that fine-looking guy over there?"
I followed her line of sight...and there he was.
Jules.
"That's Jules," I replied.
"Do you know him?" she asked.
"Not really," I said. "He's just someone I met one night when I was out sketching."
"You know he's really good-looking, Kimmie."
"Well, you're in a relationship, Kelly," I said, reminding her.
"True, but this is a hard pass... I still have my eyes on him. And moreover, you know my parents would never approve of my relationship. I'm just using him to pass time."
"You never can tell, Kelly. After all, you haven't introduced him to your parents."
"Enough about this," she said. "Let's go inside. You know the competition is about to start."
"True. Let's go."
The competition started shortly after we got inside. Each contestant presented their work.
Eventually, it was my turn.
"Contestant number 10, please step forward."
My heart pounding, I moved forward.
I can do this, I whispered to myself.
Gathering courage, I began my presentation.
"Good day, everyone. As we all know, the theme of today's competition is 'Resonance.'
My piece is called Echoes of the Soul.
This concept is inspired by resonance as an emotional connection.
This design tells the story of a person whose pain, strength, and choices continue to echo...affecting lives long after the moment has passed.
My statement piece is this ring."
I held it up slightly.
"The ring has a circular ripple design at the top. The ripples expand outward in layers, slightly uneven to show natural movement.
The central sapphire represents the origin of a moment—an action, a feeling, or a decision.
The surrounding diamond ripples symbolize its lasting impact across time and relationships.
The split band reflects duality and interconnected consequences, emphasizing that nothing exists in isolation."
I paused briefly.
"This is a high-end luxury piece that individuals who value meaning, depth, and artistic symbolism in jewelry would love."
"Thank you."
As I finished speaking, my heart was still racing.
The hall was silent.
Pin-drop silent.
I turned to Kelly for reassurance, but she was busy touching up her lipstick.
I turned back to the judges.
They were staring at me.
I was the last contestant.
The others had finished presenting,including Jules.
Then Moon spoke up.
"As you all know, the theme is Resonance, and you have all done well as growing designers. However, according to the rules of the competition, only the top two selected contestants will be able to sign a part-time deal with my brand and receive sponsorship and a global platform to display their work at my next fashion show."
"This fashion show will be the determining factor for entering smoothly into the upper class of designers."
"Without further ado, we will take a short break. When we return, the winners will be announced."
"Good luck, everyone."
After she finished speaking, I went to find Kelly.
"How did I do?" I asked.
"You did okay," she replied.
"Are you sure? You weren't really paying attention. I caught you touching up your lipstick."
"I'm sure, Kimmie. And you know I have to look presentable everywhere....especially now that Jules is here."
"You know he looked good up there."
"Oh no, I think he's heading this way," Kelly said.
"How do I look, Kimmie?"
"You look good, as always."
"Thank you. I needed to hear that."
"Hey… Kimmie, right?"
"Yes, Kimmie."
"You were really good up there," he said.
"You were good too," I replied, smiling sheepishly.
"Well, good luck," he said. "May the best person win."
"Kimmie, you didn't introduce me," Kelly grumbled.
"Oh.....this is Kelly, my best friend."
"Nice to meet you, Kelly. I'm Jules."
"Nice to meet you too," she replied.
"I think they're about to announce the winners," I said.
"Let's go in."
We returned to the hall and took our positions.
Mr. Fernandez stepped forward.
"Welcome back. My fellow judge, Moon, and I have completed our evaluation and have reached a decision."
"A decision that will change lives,one we have all been waiting for."
My heart raced as tension filled the room.
Pin-drop silence.
"The winner of the Resonance competition goes to…......