The First Cut

The First Cut — page 3 — Design Diva auditions last week In the five days since the auditions the local papers have been calling nonstop about interviewing us One newspaper even started a blog called The Sweethearts of Santa Cruz so they can keep everyone updated about our progress in the competition I’m not sure what they’re going to do if Nina and I don’t make it to New York City Probably start another blog to chronicle our downfall Nina clearly isn’t worried The way she’s acting blowing kisses to anyone within two feet of her you can tell not making it is not an option for her I wish I had some of Nina’s confidence but there are still have two more rounds of auditions to go The second one is supposed to revolve around accessories while the

The First Cut — page 4 — third one is some mystery rodeo challenge No one seems to know exactly what the final challenge will entail especially since the massive California Rodeo which is held in Salinas usually isn’t held until the third week in July I heard a rumor that they might be holding a special event to promote Teen Design Diva and increase the rodeo hype but so far it’s just that a rumor I guess it makes sense for the local media to milk it for all it’s worth now If Nina and I do make it to New York City everything will be taped and kept strictly under wraps The new set of rules I got is very explicit about keeping everything hush hush during the two weeks of taping Like OMG says Alex in a high-pitched voice as she walks up to my locker on Friday

The First Cut — page 5 — after school Are you Chloe Montgomery Like for real Amazing fashion designer and future star of Teen Design Diva Can I get your autograph Cut it out I say feeling myself blush Alex has been getting a huge kick out of my newly minted celeb status Not only does she get to laugh at my discomfort but because we’re usually joined at the hip she also gets to enjoy all the perks without having to suffer any of the embarrassment Aw come on You should be enjoying this a little more Nina sure is Alex says nodding down the hallway Sure enough I turn and see Nina strutting toward us fake smile firmly in place A crowd of mini-Ninas trails adoringly behind her Ugh I can’t deal with her right now I

The First Cut — page 6 — mutter Nina and I may have called a truce for the time being but I still don’t want to be BFFs I’m sure she doesn’t either but the reporters who have been hounding us seem to want us to be friends rather than rivals so she’s playing that up for them I just do my best not to grimace every time she hugs me Chloeee Nina squeals as she runs to me How have you been girl She leans in and air kisses me on both cheeks Hey Nina You feeling ready for the next round I ask The mini-Ninas immediately perk up They love hearing about anything that has to do with the competition Almost says Nina smiling There’s an art fair tomorrow I’m planning to hit up for some inspiration See you there Maybe I say keeping my answer

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