"Yes, she does. But Miwa, focus on yourself, okay? Don't let this shake you. You did your best, sweetie." Her smile faltered for a second as she followed my gaze.
"Mama, but—"
"Miwa, just stop! Even if you don't win first place, you're still a winner to me sweetie, "she interrupted.
I saw the way her eyes narrowed when she saw the lady that almost looked like my mirror reflection. She looked just as surprised as I felt, still she acted like the girl was nobody important.
I really hope Mum is not keeping secrets from me. Nah, she wouldn't. We are both on the same page.
"And now, the top two finalists!" The announcer's voice startled me, and I rushed to the front stage.
It was me and her. The girl who looked like me stood on the opposite side of the stage with a stiff posture.
Well, it's unbelievable that I made it in this round, and if I had lost? It would hurt me, but I can vouch that this lady highly deserved it. Her voice is worthy of a lot.
"And the winner is.....Miwa!"
I froze for a moment before the sound of applause snapped me back. I'd won. I couldn't believe it. I'm the winner.
This happened so much faster than I imagined.
Tears filled my eyes as I looked at my mom, who was clapping and cheering the loudest. Here she goes again, always doing the most, but I liked that about her.
When I turned to the girl in the mask, I felt really sorry for her. She was standing alone, which means no one actually came for her.
As I was guided forward to make my winner's speech, I realized I didn't even plan ahead or memorize a speech.
I fucked up this time. I probably was too busy that I didn't actually think through my next steps if I won. Maybe I didn't believe I would win.
This was a life-changing opportunity for me.
A dream come true! I'm definitely getting the prize money for Mum's health and some basic needs.
After my speech, I ran straight to the backstage area, searching for the masked girl. My eyes scanned every corner, but she wasn't there.
I couldn't brush off the image of her standing alone on the stage. I imagined how I would have felt if I hadn't won, if I were the one left standing without my mum cheering me up. It.... it's a sad experience for a young teenager.
I had an idea, and the only way forward was to meet the competition organizer, and I was quick to see him the moment he was about to leave the hall.
"Can I have a word with you, sir?" I asked, panting, because I jogged my way down here.
"Oh Miwa, congratulations to you! I'm so, so sorry, I won't be staying for your after-party," he smiled as he leaned forward.
"No need for that!" I interrupted. "Please, I need to know the name of the second-place winner! Who is she?"
The man raised an eyebrow. "All participant information is confidential. Congratulations on your win, but I can't disclose personal details about anyone else."
"But I need it! You don't understand. I need to know who she is. Even just her name." I begged, but this man didn't look like he was going to help me out. His serious face looked exactly like those royal nobles who stumble on beggars and pretend to be nice on special occasions.
"I can't help you, and frankly, I shouldn't be entertaining this. She wore a mask the whole time. She registered with an alias. There's nothing else to share. Now, if you'll excuse me, I shall take my leave!" he uttered.
"Sorry to bother you, sir. I....I understand." I mumbled. But as soon as he left, I immediately got an idea.
The registration book was still on the wooden desk, and it was within arm's length from me.
Bunzaai! Luck was on my side.
I scanned around to make sure no one was watching. And by the looks of it, one might think I was a thief trying to steal property documents. I shuffled through the registration forms of all the contestants and discreetly pulled out the tiny passport image attached to her file. I flipped through the pages and found her name, or maybe the alias she used.
"Serena." I whispered.
She had a beautiful name, but her life might not be as beautiful as it sounds. And if I remember clearly? She was barefoot.
I spotted my mum approaching me with a red face.
I knew my mum would be mad at me, and....I was right.
"Miwa! I told you not to wander off!"
"Mom, I'm a grown adult, I wasn't going to get lost."
She huffed but then smiled. "Let's go home and celebrate. I don't think we should wait for any after-party. As you can see, people are already leaving the venue. I think a fight is about to happen."
I looked around and saw that she was very right. Was it because I won?
I smiled back, hiding the load of shitty thoughts in my head. That evening, our neighbors came by to celebrate my victory.
Everyone was happy, but my mind was elsewhere.
The only thing that pushed me to investigate further was the identical mark on her neck. I'm sure with a full chest that it is not a coincidental birthmark, and it looks more like an X-shaped tattoo. I had one on the right side of my neck, while hers was on the left. The symmetry couldn't be a coincidence.
I remembered that creepy stranger I met earlier today and freaked out. I immediately stood up to shut down my see-through windows and drew the curtain closed.
I didn't tell my mom about him, because I don't want her to worry.
After everyone had gone back to their respective homes, I changed into a overall black outfit, pulling a dark scarf over my face. I had found the address listed in the book earlier, and I was determined to find her.
After a road that took forever to reach, I was finally at the street.
The area wasn't what I expected. The street was so scary looking, with groups of people loitering, smoking, and eyeing me the hell out of me.
Breathe in and breathe out, I would be fine. They're no monsters that would smash my head to dust.
Every instinct tickled me to turn back, but nah, I'm already here.
I approached people, showing them the picture of her.
"Have you seen her?" I asked.
Most people shook their heads and walked away. Others gave me strange, almost frightened looks, retreating as if I were someone dangerous. It didn't make sense.
Why were they scared of me?
The deeper I went, the worse the vibe became. People avoided me and refused to answer. Some even whispered as I passed. Is it the way I had dressed?
I bumped into two drunk men who reeked of cheap alcohol and sweat. They were built like bricks, with scars marked into their faces and bruises decorating their knuckles. Their bloodshot eyes scared the fuck out of me.
"How dare you, punk?" one of them growled.
Before I could blink, one of them grabbed my collar and roughly pulled me forward, then slammed my damn back against the wall. My scarf fell off, and my long red hair tumbled out.
I do not know how to fight. I do not even know how to stand right in a fight.