Page 41 of Small Town Sash

"Is that what this is about? You've been unhappy?"

"Unhappy?" Hadley laughed, but there was no humor in it. "I've been a mannequin with a sash for as far back as I can remember, Mom. A pretty thing on a pedestal that you've forced me to be my entire life."

"Being pretty pays," her mother retorted, her hands reaching out to pat Hadley's hair into place.

"Being me pays more." Hadley yanked away, feeling the weight of her heavy gown and costume jewelry like shackles. She unclasped a bracelet, letting it clatter to the ground. "I want more than this."

"More than a chance at Miss Hero, the legacy you were born to have?" her mother's skepticism was almost comical.

"Legacies like that fade, Mom. I want to shine because of something more." Hadley shrugged off the gown, standing in her simple slip. "And not because of some tiara."

"Fine," her mother huffed. "Try to shine your own way. But when you're scraping by without a crown or title, don't come crying to me."

"Deal." Hadley nodded firmly, her blue eyes alight with the chance at freedom. "Besides, who says I can't make my own titles?"

"Like what?" The question was a challenge, a gauntlet thrown.

"Miss Free Spirit has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" Hadley twirled, the fabric of her slip swishing around her. "Or Miss Independent." Hadley took a deep breath, the air around her never tasting sweeter. "No more pageants means no more pretending. No more being told who to be."

"Who will you be then?" Her mother's tone softened, curiosity replacing the edge of disappointment.

"Me. Just Hadley." She pulled on her jeans and black sweater, the comfort of the familiar enveloping her. "The girl who loves books, hates high heels, and can eat a whole pizza by herself."

"Sounds...charming," her mother said sarcastically with a roll of her eyes.

"Charming enough without a crown," Hadley stated firmly.

"I'm going home, and when you're ready to admit what you did was wrong, you can come meet me there and apologize forreal this time." Her mother didn't wait for her response. She simply turned and walked away.

Hadley slumped into the metal folding chair, its cold touch seeping through her. She stared at her reflection in the nearby dressing room mirror, a stark contrast to the vibrant competitor who had prepped there just minutes before.

"Ignore your mother," a soft voice said from behind her. Hadley turned to meet Candace's warm eyes. "You did what most people wouldn't dare to do. You stood up to Matilda Shomacker."

Mrs. Shomacker was infamous for causing problems around town, especially for Jenesa and the Bumblebee Bed and Breakfast. She was glad she had done it in the moment, but now, as the weight of her choice settled in around her, she wondered if it had been worth it.

"But I lost my crown because of it," Hadley whispered, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"And gained your wings," Candace responded, handing her a tissue. "A lot of us are proud of you for making the decision to stand up for yourself."

"Really?" Hadley asked, looking surprised.

"Absolutely. Especially Avery." Candace laughed. "She said she could kiss you."

Hadley blushed but smiled. At least not everyone thought she had lost it. "And my mom?"

"Your mom will need time," Candace admitted, her eyes kind but truthful. "But she'll come around. She loves you, which means she's going to want what's best for you."

"I hope so." Hadley chewed on her lower lip.

Candace patted her shoulder gently. "Just remember, you've won a different kind of crown today."

She nodded. "Thanks, Candace. I appreciate your friendship so much."

Hadley cleaned up her dressing area, took a final look around the backstage, and then shouldered her bag stuffed with pageant paraphernalia for the last time.

As she walked home that evening, she felt lighter and freer, but there was a small part of her that also hated hurting her mom. She decided that going home wasn't an option yet. She needed to go somewhere else to clear her head.

Up ahead, the familiar lights of the B&B beckoned. As she neared the old Victorian, Avery darted out, her cheeks pink, and she caught Hadley in a tight hug.

---