Dropping a Stitch

Chapter 13 – Designed to Restore

Jane cringed as she stepped out of Ben's car and prepared to approach her worst nightmare: school.

The last two days after the interview had been a whirlwind of activity. The shopping trip in Florence had been like a fairy-tale, following Gray as she moved from shop-to-shop and booth-to-booth as the hawkers promoted their wares. Florence was a truly beautiful city, and decorated for Christmas, it seemed magical.

Then they were back in Rome, where Jane found a chauffeur and car waiting to escort her to Shock & Awrsenic's concert. Xavier had once again demonstrated his hidden gentlemanly qualities: he knew that she didn't like loud, so he found her the best seat near the rear instead of in front. Then, after they pumped up the crowd for over an hour, Xavier had actually given Jane a call-out… as a "friend," or course. But when she was escorted backstage afterward, Xavier stepped very close and softly told her, "I'll go with 'friend' for now, little miss designer… but if that idiot hasn't stepped up to the plate by this time next year…" he grinned hungrily in a way that made Jane's knee's weak, "… then all bets are off."

That was five days ago. Now everything that happened in Rome seemed like a long time ago and Jane was back to reality… and right now reality didn't look too appealing.

Ben had told Rita the truth. It hadn't gone well. It must have been a very long and tense drive home from Vermont. Jane watched her brother remorsefully as he locked his car and trudged toward the school. This is my fault. I have to fix this.

But first… her fellow students. It didn't really matter what the rest of the planet thought of Jane's sudden elevation to notoriety; school was its own world… and Jane had shown the audacity to jump out of the neat little pigeonhole that her peers had put her in… which probably wasn't acceptable. Jane flinched as she took her first step up the short flight of stairs leading to those double doors. Here goes…

"Jane!" Two girls were waiting for Jane at the door. She almost reeled back in shock as Lulu and Harper, instead of attacking her, practically embraced her in their enthusiasm. Beyond them were even more students, all with enthusiastic and even awed faces.

"You have to sign my copy of Fashion International!" Harper gushed, taking one of Jane's arms as if they had always been friends. Lulu, attempting to project more dignity than her sidekick, took Jane's other arm and said, "Don't smother her, Harper. She must be tired from all of her travels. Tell me, what was Donatella Versace like? That must have been incredible!"

Jane found herself borne along by the adoring crowd… the same crowd who had basically ignored her since elementary school. Everyone had questions about Donatella, or Aden, or Piper, or Xavier. Surprisingly, only one or two asked about the new Princess of Denmark; probably because she seemed so far beyond everyone's reach. The crowd was shooed away by the homeroom teachers, but the questions continued, disrupting every class and driving Jane to distraction. Finally, Jane saw an opportunity and ducked into the School Counselor's office.

Rita looked up from her laptop in surprise and then her eyes narrowed. "Welcome back, Jane."

Jane searched her mind for the right words until finally she just blurted out, "Please, Rita; don't push Ben away again. He loves you and he was only trying to be a good brother!"

Rita's expression was a mix of pain and anger, "We're in school right now, Miss Quimby… which means that you are my student and I am 'Ms. Shaw.' I am also the person who is in charge of you internship…"

Jane flinched at the emphasis on that last word. There was no give in Rita's eyes as they met hers. Jane opened her mouth to speak, but Rita forestalled her by continuing, "… and therefore, the person who has to ensure that you fulfill the requirements. It is pretty obvious that your employer is satisfied with your work. It is also obvious that a one-semester internship… which ends in the middle of this month, by the way, will be insufficient. The principal and I have discussed extending this in your case, but I will need to meet personally with your Ms. Gray." Rita looked down at her laptop, clearly dismissing Jane, "That will need to happen soon. Since you have acted as her 'Personal Assistant,' I am sure that you can handle the details."

After an extended silence while Rita pointedly ignored her, Jane turned to the door. She opened it partially, then turned, "Ms. Shaw… Rita… please be angry at me… fail me if you have to… but don't hate Ben. He has been brother and father to me for so long… and I took advantage of that. He didn't want to support my deception when he discovered the truth… I had to beg him. But that's how Ben is: He would run into a fire to save me… or take a bullet for me… and he would do the same for you. I think you know that. He loves you. And I promise you that I will never ask him to lie for me again. And think about this: After that interview, he could have just pretended that everything was fine… but it killed him to lie to you... so he told you the truth rather than let the lie remain."

Rita continued to look at her screen, her mouth set. Jane waited another half-minute before she turned and left the room. When she was gone, Rita lifted a trembling hand and wiped the annoying moisture that had formed in her eyes.

oOo

Jane buried herself in her sketches as the subway car carried her into the heart of the city, hoping against hope that nobody would recognize her. It had been a very long morning and she was craving anonymity.

Thankfully a new edition of Fashion International had just come out, focusing on a huge fashion extravaganza in Monte Carlo. This meant that Jane was already old news, except that her name was mentioned in passing in a two-page article about the upcoming Rising Designers Competition there in New York City. All that the article had said concerning Jane was that the "newest 'girl-to-be-watched,' Jane Quimby of Donovan Decker, would be among the competitors.

Jane wished that even that had not been written. Gray had mentioned the competition as they travelled home, pointing out that all of this notoriety might actually damage her chances in the competition. Of course, being Gray, she didn't permit that as an excuse, "I personally signed you up for this, Jane. I would be very disappointed if you don't win."

Jane sighed and reached up to rub her temple, only remembering just in time that she still held her pencil. I suppose that the vacation is truly over.

Nevertheless, Jane had her reasons to embrace her tight schedule. Almost everyone in school had celebrated her sudden celebrity, though Jane suspected that most just wanted a piece of the fame. There were a few jealous girls who made the usual snide remarks. There were a few guys who made more than a few suggestive remarks about the photo of her in the Versace dress. But for the most part, everyone seemed supportive, or at least friendly. Nick was in her second period and he wasted no time in congratulating her. Jane had felt a little of the of fire surge through her as he looked at her.

But Billie, when he saw her, seemed to have trouble meeting her eyes. Over and over again, throughout the day, she felt his eyes on her. Several times she thought that he was going to approach her and speak. Yet, by the end of the morning they had not shared a single conversation. I guess that it is truly over.

Ten minutes later, Jane stepped out of the subway tunnel, crossed the busy street and entered Donovan Decker. She saw Carter first and started in his direction, but Gray's voice rang out, "Jane! Eli! Upstairs!"

Throwing Carter a sheepish smile and a wave, she headed toward Gray's office. Eli's footsteps sounded behind her on the staircase, catching up. Instead of Eli passing her, Jane jumped when she felt the young designer's warm breath near her ear, "Welcome back, Jane. Wanna make a small wager?"

Before Jane could respond, Gray called out impatiently, "Up here, both of you."

They entered the office together and stopped in front of Gray's desk. The older woman extended two identical folders, "These are the competitor packets for Rising Designers. As of today, you are both to hand over your current projects to the design team. You will report to the address on the front of the folder in…" She checked her watch, "… seventy minutes. Thankfully it is close-by." As usual, Gray turned her attention to other issues and the pair knew that they were dismissed.

Eli twitched his head to the side, indicating that Jane should precede him. Once they were heading down the stairs he looked down and smiled at his shorter companion, "Actually, this is only three blocks away. Let me grab my coat and we'll walk. While we wait I'll treat you to coffee and a dessert." He sped ahead down the stairs toward his office, not giving Jane an opportunity to protest.

Jane stopped by Carter's table, "Hey Carter. I'm supposed to turn over any projects…"

Carter smiled and winked, "Don't worry, Jane. I got it. We'll miss you, but we'll also all be rooting for you."

Jane glanced towards India's office and grimaced, "Not 'All'."

Carter quirked his mouth to one side, "Actually… I'm sorry to tell you this…"

Jane sighed and braced herself, "Go ahead. What terrible thing don't you want to tell me?"

"Well… since Donovan Decker is the host for this year's competition…" he winced and Jane figured out the rest.

"Let me guess: India's in charge of organizing the event?" Jane leaned her forehead against Carter's shoulder in exhaustion.

He patted her head in sympathy, "Got it on your first try. Sorry Girl. You can't seem to shake her."

"And here I thought that only superheroes were issued a nemesis," Jane groused.

Carter playfully pushed Jane off of his shoulder, "You are a superhero, Jane. Somebody just forgot to tell you."

Eli stepped into the cutting room and grinned, "Ready, Princess?"

Carter pushed her towards the door, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Jane looked over her shoulder as Eli took her arm, "And what won't you do?"

"Haven't figured that out yet," Carter replied, scratching his chin, "But I'll call you when I figure it out. Good luck to both of you."

They waved as they stepped out of the building. Eli guided Jane to the right and they started walking. For half a block they were silent. Then Eli said, "About that wager."

Jane noticed that Eli still hadn't surrendered her arm that he had tucked into his. "Wager? Ohhh, on the stairs, right? What's the wager?"

"If I win this thing, you have to go on ten dates with me. If you insist, I'll wait until your next birthday," Eli declared.

Jane laughed. She really liked Eli. He was handsome, a gentleman, and a person who had helped her on numerous occasions… still, there wasn't the same spark as… No! That's over. It's time to move on. Ignoring the ache in her chest, Jane asked, "And when I win?"

"When!? Oh, how big that pretty little head has grown!" He grinned and held her arm firmly as she tugged away, "If you win, my dear lady, you get my office for a month."

Jane gave Eli a mock-scowl, "Only a month? When you say that it is so impossible for me to win? Six months!"

"Hah! Don't get greedy. Two months."

"Three! And I'm going to win."

"Impossible!"

"Why?"

"Because your only incentive is an office," he answered smugly, "MY incentive is much greater."

Jane blushed as she looked past Eli's teasing smile and saw the sincerity in his eyes. He truly does like me. At least… no, don't go there.

"Fine, Sir. You have a deal." They shook on it and then Eli led Jane into a cozy little Swedish pastry shop only a block away from the contest headquarters.

oOo

"Rita?" Ben pushed away from his car as Rita entered the parking lot.

"Ben, I don't want to make a scene here at school."

"I know… and I have to get back in the gym to coach basketball, only…" Ben's eyes pleaded with Rita as he left the rest of his sentence unspoken.

Rita seemed to hesitate, then nodded, "Fine. Tonight at seven. Not your place. Someplace neutral."

Ben smiled hopefully, "Anywhere, Rita. Just, please…" He was stopped by Rita's abrupt slashing gesture.

"Not here, Ben. We'll talk… at the park. At seven. Bye." And with that she made a beeline to her car. Ben watched her go, nodded determinedly, and headed toward the gym.

Unbeknownst the either of them, Billie heard and saw the whole encounter as he leaned against a column. He was avoiding Zoe at the moment, acting the coward. She had only flown in from France late the previous night and had missed the first half of the day due to jet-lag. But she had attended for the second half and now she was looking for Billie… only he wasn't sure that he was ready to meet with her. Leaning his head against the column, he closed his eyes and cursed himself for his own stupidity.

If he had only completed his confession at that fashion show! If he had only answered Jane properly when he got out of Juvie! If he had only been honest with himself and not pursued a relationship with Zoe! You're an ass, Billie! You care about one girl and you get involved with another. And this isn't the first time. It wasn't fair to Lulu, even though she was playing her own games and it definitely isn't fair to Zoe! Why can't I just love Zoe and forget about Jane? After all, it's not like I'm in her league anymore anyway! He lifted his head off of the column and dropped it back again without opening his eyes. Ignoring the pain, he did it again. Why can't I just forget how I feel about her and go back to being her friend?

"Billie?" Billie opened his eyes and saw Zoe studying him with an indecipherable look in her gaze.

Billie pushed himself off of the column and stepped forward to embrace Zoe, but she stopped him with an extended hand. "I think we need to talk." Her tone was both firm and sad.

oOo

"Welcome to the International Fashion Consortium's 'Rising Designer's Competition'," The fastidious and upright looking gray-haired man intoned. "Every year the IFC holds this competition. Every year the competition is hosted in a different city, a different country, and by a different host. This year we welcome all of you to New York City." The man paused as spectators, reporters, and competitors applauded enthusiastically.

Jane was aware of the cameras distributed throughout the room, just as she was aware that at least a few of them were cameo-ing on her, since her face was suddenly well-known. Several of the other competitors had made a point to introduce themselves to her. Some had seemed genuinely pleased to meet her. Others made it plain through their mannerisms that they found her fame undeserved. Others were clearly hoping to have some of her fame rub off. Jane suspected that she couldn't trust any of them. The stakes in this competition were too high.

The man at the podium was still speaking, "… and this year's host is New York City's own design mogul, Donovan Decker." There was more applause as Decker, looking very debonair, took the man's place at the podium. His smile charmed the local audience as well as the television viewers as he began, "It is a great honor to host this competition, and not just because I'm always looking to steal new talent." He grinned and waited for the expected laughter to subside, "The IFC has, as one of its founding principles, committed to discovering and fostering the talent of young, hopeful designers.

"The world of fashion is like no other, in that it is constantly changing, constantly adjusting, and constantly new. It is, without exception, the most interesting and exiting field of creativity existent today." Again he waited for the applause to fade, "And that is because, thank goodness, unlike other art, we do not have to wait for our artists to die before they finally become famous," Decker gave the crowd and the cameras a boyish grin and allowed the laughter to quiet. "Our artists have the joy of seeing their designs come to life, and more importantly still, our artists get to see their designs being lived in. Our designs walk on the streets, go to parties, schools, and work, ride in cars, on busses, trains, and airplanes. Our designs travel the world and lounge in living rooms. And our designs foster romance.

"And that is the theme for our competition this year, Ladies, Gentleman, and designers…" With another grin he said, almost in an aside, "Just to cover all the bases." Then he went on, "The Theme for the 2013 Rising Designers Competition is: A Night on the Town. Good luck. Now here is my assistant and facilitator… or the go-to person for this event, India Jordain."

The crowd applauded and then became more enthusiastic when India stepped out. With her sharply beautiful features she made a significant impression on the males in the group, at least those who appreciated females. She smiled her most gentile smile and glided to center-stage, making a point to take up the microphone and stand beside the podium so that her legs would be shown off to best-effect. "Thank you. Contestants, you've all received a packet which you should have already studied. Here are the basics: Over the next four weeks you will be given six tasks. With each task there will be a runway showing and our judges will pick the best and worst. The best will receive rewards. The worst will be eliminated. You will have opportunities to choose materials from the IFC stockroom. You will work within a strict schedule and you will only be allowed to work with the tools we provide. Additionally, and this is crucial: you may not receive outside assistance. If the judges suspect that you are being coached or assisted by outside designers, you will be investigated. If the infraction can be proven, you will be asked to leave.

India's eyes caught on Jane's for a moment and Jane felt a cold shiver in her spine. "Now," India gave another of her perfect smiles, "Have fun and good designing."

The first man stepped back up and said, "As this is not an in-residence competition, you will be given a task and will be allowed to work on that task only during the hours of two to eight each day. You may not take any sketches or material home and you may not bring anything in from outside. Your first challenge in the 'Night on the Town' theme is 'A First Date.' Competitors, you will work on your design today. Tomorrow, promptly at 2pm, you will begin again and will be allowed one hour in the IFC stockroom. You may proceed to your assigned stations and begin."

Jane shook Eli's proffered hand, nodded at several others who had introduced themselves, and headed to her station. It amazed her how quickly she forgot the cameras as she took her seat, flipped open the new sketchbook, and began drawing. Occasionally one of the judges would stroll by. Sometimes they would ask a question or make a comment. Always the camera crews moved around the room.

The cameramen and women were professional filmatographers, not reporters. More than one of them captured the image of the beautiful-but-dangerous-looking Event Facilitator, India Jordain overlooking the contestants. More than one shot a close-up of her concentrated, alluring, but strangely determined brown eyes.

But not one of them bothered to follow the path of her gaze as it focused with laser-like intensity on Station 6, where a pretty 17 year old native of New York sketched rapidly…

… and nobody even thought to wonder why the older woman seemed so focused.