Lindsey's POV

"Look what came in the mail today."

My brother's voice suddenly spoke, startling me from my position on the couch. I was doing my homework on a peaceful Sunday afternoon until a piece of paper landed on my notebook.

"What is it?" I asked, adjusting my glasses and picking up the paper.

"Read it."

"Miss Hiddenville 2015. All previous contenders over the age of 16 are eligible to compete in this years beauty pageant. If you are interested in competing please contact us ASAP and fill out the form that is attached. If you win this pageant you will be allowed to compete in the State Pageant and possibly qualify to the national competition where Miss California was crowned."

(I know it's 2019 but I'm going off the year of when the show aired and stuff)

I lowered the paper and looked at my brother. He knew I didn't like these pageants and this confused me on why he informed me about this.

"Why?"

Daniel shrugged at my response to this. "It came in the mail and I had to ask you. It'd be rude not to."

I placed the paper down on the table and let out a sigh. "I would've been alright if you kept it from me. You know I don't like these type of things."

"Yeah, but at the last one it looked like you were having fun." Daniel remarked and I chuckled, standing up.

"It's called fake smiling and pretending to enjoy something I hate. I do that every time I hear dad sing." I admitted to my brother. "I'm not doing it."

I started to walk away and my brother continued talking.

"Fine, but the winner wins a ten thousand dollar reward and a free trip to Hawaii."

I froze in my spot and slowly turned to my brother.

I let out a small chuckle and grinned. "The winner wins what?"

Daniel noticed my face and smirked. "You heard me. I wouldn't be pushing you into entering this thing if I didn't know what the winner gets."

I began to think about it. I hate pageants but I could win and get a free trip to Hawaii. This would involve all the drama and fighting backstage but I know how to deal with it.

Daniel stared at me anxiously for my response.

I let out a sigh and smiled. "I'll do it."

Daniel smiled with satisfaction and picked up the paper.

"Great. I'll inform the pageant your competing."

"If I don't win this thing, I'm blaming you." I threatened my brother with a glare, walking passed him and up the stairs.

"Why?!"

"Because this was your idea, nitwit!"

——

The next day, I decided to message Ali Baker, my old jazz dance teacher for help. This year I wanted it to be a contemporary piece and Ali is capable of doing that but it's just not her favorite.

I can ask Phoebe as well for help but she is a ballerina and not a full on contemporary dancer. She can help with my costume.

I messaged Ali and waited for her to reply. She's usually busy on Monday's but she is pretty quick at replying on time.

My brother already signed me up for the pageant so no backing out now. This pageant is much more serious then the others so it will involve one or two more sections. We have the introduction, question and answer, the talent portion, a gown and swimwear showcase, Miss California will be performing, and then the results.

They are allowing us to pick out our swimsuits but our gowns are already picked beforehand. Not a fan of that, but it's a pageant it's rigged and unfair. The judges are so bias sometimes and it bugs me so much. Thankfully, this time all the competitors are experienced and the judges have seen us before.

Anyway, I was currently at school and walking down the stairs. I spotted Phoebe and went up to her.

"Phoebe."

She turned to me and greeted me with a friendly smile.

"Hey, Linds."

"I need you help with something." I told her and pulled out the pageant paper Daniel gave me." The pageant is back and I entered."

Phoebe skimmed the paper and gave me a confused expression.

"I thought you hated these things?" Phoebe asked me and I let a faint smile slip out.

"I do, but the reward is what made me enter." I remarked. "The winner gets a free trip to Hawaii."

Phoebe's mouth fell open with shock. "Seriously?!" I nodded and she wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "You know I love you right?"

I folded my arms and rolled my eyes. "You get to come to Hawaii with me if I win."

"Yes! Thank you!" She giggled, unwrapping her arm from me.

"So, can you help? I asked Ali to help with my dance but I need help with my costume. I have an idea." I told Phoebe and she gave me a nod.

"Of course and we can ask my mom too, she's great at that stuff." Phoebe replied.

"Thank you, Pheebs." I smiled with relief.

"Anytime. You're my best friend and partner, I'll always help you." Phoebe smiled softly.

So glad I have a best friend who will always have my back.

The bell rang shortly after and Phoebe and I shared our goodbyes before we went to our classes.

The hallway was empty and I went up the stairs but I stepped midway when my phone beeped.

I looked at it and it was Ali. She agreed with help me and has already started to choreograph my dance. I let out a giggle and replied saying something along the lines of how she doesn't know my song choice yet. She probably won't care and the dance will conveniently go with song. It's Ali, she's a magical person with a crazy brain.

(Literally, I'm basing Ali off my actual dance teacher Ali Baker. She's weird and nutty and wants a t-shirt that says 'Your Whining Fuels my Fire.' I love her though)

I suddenly felt hands touch my waist and I let out a small yelp. I immediately knew it was Max because he does this almost every day.

Max chuckled and gave my waist a squeeze. "It gets funnier and cuter every time."

"Max." I groaned but felt myself smile. "Do you enjoy hearing me squeal?"

"It's adorable, baby." Max cooed and wrapped his arms fully around my waist. I felt myself blush and my heart fluttered at his words.

I giggled and Max kissed my temple. If anyone else was around, Max wouldn't do this but since we're alone he will cuddle me all he wants.

"Come on, we gotta go to class." I told Max attempting to escape his grasp but he didn't budge.

"I have a different idea." Max said and I could sense a smirk on his pretty face.

"Max, this is the third time this week we've skipped class to make out. Unlike you, I care about my grades." I explained to Max and I heard him scoff.

"I care about my grades."

I turned my head and gave him a look.

"Is what I tell my parents." He finished and I let out a small laugh. "But please baby."

It's impossible for me to say no to him especially when he looks like a total babe.

I thought for a moment and sighed. "Fine."

Max let out a small cheer.

"Yay." He released me and grabbed my hand.

I giggled and Max and I left school.

——

After school or making out with Max, Phoebe and I went to her house to discuss my costume. Barb was with us as well.

"Lindsey, I find it hard to believe that you want to enter this pageant, despite the reward." Barb told me and I gave her a cheeky grin.

"Phoebe said the same thing, but I've always wanted to go to Hawaii." I spoke with a shrug.

"Linds said she'll take me with her if she wins so I'm all in on this." Phoebe smiled and I giggled.

"Alright." Barb grinned with amusement. "So, what type of costume are you thinking?"

I pulled out my sketchbook from my bag and flipped to the page of the costume I drew. "Yesterday, I drew the costume I wanted."

Barb looked at the drawing and Phoebe glanced over it.

"I can definitely see you in this." Barb commented and I felt myself smile.

Nora walked over and looked at my drawing.

"Oh! That's so pretty!" Nora beamed. "But it definitely needs a bow."

I playfully rolled my eyes and gave her an amusing look.

"Nora, this is Lindsey's costume not yours." Barb told her youngest daughter.

"I know, but I'm just saying." Nora shrugged before walking away.

We ignored Nora's suggestion and continued discussing the costume.

"I will work on this tonight and tomorrow and I should be done by then." Barb told me with a smile and I returned it.

"Alright. Thanks, Barb and you can keep the book for now."

"Anytime, sweetie." She replied before she stood up and went upstairs.

The door suddenly opened and Max walked in. I gave him a smile and he returned it when he saw me.

"Hey, baby." Max greeted but he groaned when he saw his sister. "Ugh, you're here."

Phoebe rolled her eyes and I shook my head with a chuckle.

"Like seeing your face brightens up my day." Phoebe remarked and Max stuck his tongue out at her.

"Hey, can't my best friend and boyfriend get along while I'm here?" I asked the twins. "It would make me happy."

"But it's Phoebe." Max protested, walking behind the couch to stand behind me.

I whacked his arm and Phoebe let out a scoff.

"Yeah, asking us to get along is like asking Nora to get rid of her bows." Phoebe explained. "Never gonna happen."

I playfully rolled my eyes. "I'm not asking for much, but when this pageant comes up can you both not argue? Please."

I gave the twins my puppy dog eyes and I heard Max sigh.

"Fine, but only because you look irresistible when you do that." Max agreed and I gave him a cheeky smirk.

"Since you're my superhero bestie. I guess," Phoebe added.

"Good. This pageant is very important to me, so I want everything to be perfect." I informed and I heard Phoebe scoff.

"You told me this pageant was stupid and you only want the reward."

"I know but I have to pretend I like it so the judges believe it." I told them and Max chuckled.

"That's my girl." He kissed the top of my head and I grinned.

"Besides, I know for a fact that most of the girls entering are just in it for the trip." I continued and loosely added, "and the possibility of becoming Miss California, but that's not a big deal."

Phoebe's face lit up and Max rose an eyebrow.

"Miss California? You could become Miss California?" Phoebe asked and I nodded

"Yeah."

"That's huge!" Phoebe beamed and I rolled my eyes. "Why didn't you tell me that before?"

"Because I don't have any desire for that title and it's optional for the winner to enter the national competition. It's so much work and I'm a superhero, I wouldn't have time for it." I explained and Phoebe nodded her head in understanding.

"I understand that, but it would be so cool to be Miss California." Phoebe giggles and I saw Max roll his brown eyes.

"I'm bored." Max bluntly stated before he kissed my cheek and walked away.

Phoebe rolled her eyes at her twin brother. "Are you seriously asking us get along? I can't handle that."

I chuckled and placed my hand on her shoulder. "Only for the pageant. I don't care how much you argue right now."

She let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

An Hour Later

About an hour had passed and Phoebe and I were just hanging out and chatting about nonsense. Ali texted me saying if we could meet right now and get started on my solo.

Phoebe wanted to tag along with me and watch me learn my solo. I haven't picked a song yet but Ali has a few ideas in mind for me.

Ali agreed to meet us at the local dance studio to practice. She doesn't live in Hiddenville but she visits when there is pageant. She usually helps out around behind the scenes and helps the girls with makeup and such.

Once we arrived at the studio, I texted Ali that I was here. Phoebe and I got out of my car and walked in.

(Lindsey got her license btw)

"Is she here?" Phoebe asked as I opened the door. A young woman sat at the front desk and I assumed she was the receptionist.

My phone buzzed and it was Ali.

'I'm in the downstairs studio!'~Ali

The receptionist noticed us and greeted us with a smile.

"Hello. How can I help you two ladies today?"

"We're here to see Ali Baker." I informed and she gave me a nod.

"She told me you would be coming. She's down those stairs over there, first door on the left." The woman pointed to a set of stairs to our left.

"Thank you." Phoebe and I said simultaneously before walked down the stairs.

Once we reached the bottom steps, we walked down the hallway and peeked in the first door. Phoebe and I saw Ali going over choreography.

I knocked on the door and Ali paused, turning to us.

"Hey girls!" Ali greeted with a huge grin. I gave her a wave and Phoebe smiled.

"Heya, Ali." I greeted as we walked into the studio and I shut the door.

Ali looked at Phoebe. "Phoebe, right? I remember you from the last pageant."

Phoebe nodded. "That's me. It's good to see you."

"Likewise." Ali smiled, before turning to me. "Linds, go ahead and stretch and I'm gonna go over some ideas I have for you."

"Got it." I said. I placed my shoes by the mirror and put my hair up in a ponytail.

Ali sat down on the floor with her computer and a few pieces of paper with choreography. I sat in my butterfly position and Phoebe joined us.

"So, I quickly put together a beautiful contemporary piece for you in two days." Ali began, spreading the papers out. "I think you'll love it and it's not the most difficult dance because we only have a week."

I simple nodded and let out a small laugh. "Good, because I don't want to be stressed."

"Exactly and this dance does involve flexibility." Ali began. "I know you're flexible. I've seen you."

I chucked nervously and Phoebe gave me a smirk.

"How much flexibility?" I asked.

"Most of the dance will involve you putting your feet over your head and some hand balancing." Ali explained and I pursued my lips together nervously.

Phoebe's eyes went wide. "Are you that flexible?"

"When I was younger and practiced everyday. I'm not sure anymore." I remarked unsure of Ali's choreography.

"Hey, if you can't do it, we'll change it. This is your solo not mine." Ali assured me and I gave her a small smile. Ali changed the subject and turned her computer to us. "Now, music. Any thoughts?"

"I don't remember the name, but let me search it up." I told Ali and she allowed me to use her computer.

I typed in the song lyrics from the song on YouTube and scrolled the results page.

"Where is it...no...no...There!" I chirped and clicked the song. "Paint the Pictures by of Verona."

I clicked the song and the song started. We listened to the song for a few moments and I saw Ali thinking for a moment.

"I've heard this song." Phoebe suddenly spoke.

"Me to but I just never listened to the entire thing." Ali added.

"I really wanna use this one." I told the girls.

"I like it and you like it. Let's use it!" Ali declared with a happy grin.

"Yay!" I cheered and they both chuckled at my enthusiasm.

——

Two Hours Later

After two hours of learning my solo and practicing it until I got it without Ali's help, I finally got it down. When Ali mentioned flexibility she was serious, this dance involves most of my body in unnatural positions.

"I can't believe how many ways the human body can bend." Phoebe chuckled as I laid on the floor, exhausted. I had sweat dripping down my face and I was breathing heavily.

"I like to use my dancers as guinea pigs because I can't do all that anymore." Ali joked and I gave her a playfully glare.

Ali just laughed at my expression and I slowly sat up to my knees. I undid my hair and ruffled it a bit.

"If the judges don't like this then something is wrong with their eyeballs because girl, you are going to rock it." Phoebe smiled at me, joining me on the floor.

"Yeah. I'm literally bending over backwards for them." I added and both girls chuckled.

Ali got serious for a moment. "So, are you good? You can practice on your own."

I nodded. "Yep. And if I need help, I'll just call you."

"Perfect!" Ali beamed. "Well, I gotta run and meet my boyfriend at the gym. I will see both of you at the pageant next week."

Phoebe and I stood up and Ali gave us both a hug. It felt awkward because Phoebe and Ali are both tall and I'm just down here at 5'1.

Short people problems.

We shared our goodbyes and Ali walked out of the room with her bag and computer.

"Oh!" I turned to Phoebe, startling her in the process. "This pageant includes a swimwear section. Wanna help pick out a bikini."

Phoebe beamed at this. "Yes!"

——

A week had passed since I had learned my dance and it was the day of the pageant. Not gonna lie, I'm nervous. All the girls came in yesterday to rehearse and they are all talented. A few of them were singers, some played instruments, and some of them were dancers. They were all also very pretty and tall. I was the shortest of all the girls and it annoyed me a bit.

My costume was done and Barb did a fantastic job on it and I loved it.

(Her costume is the one at the top. Her hair isn't down, it's in a fishtail braid for the dance)

I was able to see my gown and Phoebe and I bought my bikini. I loved both.

The Thunderman family and my brother were coming, obviously, Phoebe wasn't gonna be backstage this time because she confessed that it scares her to go backstage. I don't blame her for being scared.

Ali was gonna help me with anything I needed backstage.

All contestants had to arrive at the pageant at 9:00 am and it started at 5:00 pm. It was chaos backstage and it wasn't the fighting I was used to, this time it was chaos to get all the girls ready in time. There were twenty girls competing and we all had to be ready to go on at 5:00.

It was currently noon and I was marking my solo with my costume on. The costume worked pretty well with my dance and I thought it looked extremely good on me. My hair was gonna be in a fishtail braid with a purple flower at the end. My makeup wasn't to crazy because makeup isn't my favorite thing in the world. It consisted of brown/gold eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, fake eyelashes, foundation, blush, and pink lipgloss.

Okay, maybe it was a lot but it's a pageant, we're required to wear this.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ali approach me. I gave her smile and turned my attention to her.

"Hey, Ali."

"Hey, Phoebe texted you asking what time she and her family should get here. Want me to reply?" She asked, showing me he text Phoebe sent.

"I got it, thanks." I responded and Ali handed me my phone before walking away.

'Pageant starts at 5:00 but doors open at 4:30 so arrive around then.'

She replied moments later.

'Okay! See ya then!'

"Hey, Lindsey." I turned and saw one of the contestants, Brooklyn, standing there. She was a singer and super sweet and shy.

"Hey, Brooke, what's up?" I asked.

"Can you help with my eyelashes? My mom won't do them because she thinks I have to." She politely asked me and I gave her a soft smile.

I've gotten to know most of the girls and they are all really nice. Brooke's mother is very strict and expects her daughter to win this thing or else Brook is a 'disappointment.' It's sad that a lot of pageant parents are like that, I'm glad my dad or brother aren't like that.

"Sure."

She handed me the eyelashes and glue and she sat down on a chair so I can reach. Brooke is 5'10, one of the tallest girls here.

I carefully put on her eyelashes and waved my hand over her eyes to dry it. She giggled causing me to chuckle.

Once it looked perfect, I gave her a smile.

"Done."

She opened her green eyes and looked in a mirror.

"Thanks, Linds." She smiled before giving me an anxious expression. "Good luck today. I hope you win because you're beautiful and extremely talented."

I rubbed my arms self consciously and grinned. "Thanks and I know you don't like hearing this but I'm sorry about your mom. She's way out of line about this whole thing."

Brooke shrugged, sorrowfully. "I guess but my sister was successful and she wants me to be just like her."

I placed my hand on her shoulder and her green eyes looked up from the ground.

"But you're Brooke Paige, not Rachel Paige. You are beautiful and amazing in your own way." I assured her and her lips formed into a beautiful smile.

"Really? My mom doesn't think so." She remarked and I rolled my eyes at that.

"Your mom doesn't know anything than." I said, before letting out a small sigh. "So, whatever happens today, win or lose, you are no disappointment."

Brooke wrapped me in a hug and I smiled softly at this and returned the hug.

"Thanks, Linds. I'm so glad we are friends."

She pulled away and walked out of the room. I gave her one last look before working on my solo again.

——

Over four hours had passed and it was currently 4:45. All of us were ready to go on for the introduction, which involved a small dance
we all learned to 'Fancy' by Iggy Azalea.

All of use were dressed in simple and pretty black dresses for the introduction and we were gonna introduce ourselves to everyone by saying our name, age, and our talent.

I peeked our from behind the stage and saw almost all the seats filled. I spotted my brother and the Thundermans in the front row.

Nerves filled my body when I saw the amount of people in the audience. There were over 500 seats here and most of them were filled and people were still filing in.

I felt hands touch my shoulders and I jumped.

I heard a giggle and recognized it as Ali.

"Sorry. I forget how jumpy you are." She laughed and I turned to her.

"What, Ali?" I asked and she could sense my nervousness.

"Somebody's nervous." She teased and I rolled my eyes. "No need to be nervous. You've been in front of a crowd before."

"Not this big." I remarked, looking at all the people in the audience.

"You'll be fine." Ali assured me, giving my arms a good rub.

"I hope so." I muttered, biting my bottom lip.

Time passed and it was a few minutes till 5:00. All of girls lined up front shortest to tallest, with me in front, despite my heels, and everyone else behind me. Being first means I get to speak first and get it out of the way.

"Alright, girls." The manager, Oliver, approached us. "Good luck and remember to smile!"

We all nodded with a smile before the announcer walked on stage and I let out a shaky breath. I got this, it's just a pageant.

"-and please welcome our 2015 Miss Hiddenville contestants."

The song started I moved onto the stage. We did our dance and the crowd cheered as we danced. Mostly boys cheered and wolf-whistled at us.

After our dance, the music continued to play and we lined up in the order we walked out in and stood in front of a microphone.

"Lindsey Earnest! 16 and I'm a dancer!"

The crowd cheered and I gave them a huge smile. I saw the Thunderman family and my brother cheering for me which made me smile bigger.

All the other girls introduced themselves and after the last girl went we all walked backstage to get ready for the talent portion.

I was up fourth in the talent so I had some time to get ready.

About ten minutes had passed and the first girl went. It was an eighteen year old girl named Quinn who was a singer. She saw 'Can't Blame a Girl for Trying' by Sabrina Carpenter and she nailed it. She was amazing.

The second girl went on and she was another singer. Her named was Jasmine and she was seventeen. She slayed her performance by singing 'Bad Blood' by Taylor Swift.

The third girl walked out and it was Brooke. Brooke is a piano player and her piano playing literally gave me chills when I listened to it. She is absolutely flawless at playing piano.

Once she finished, I clapped backstage and I spotted her mom and she was unimpressed.

"Fat witch." I muttered.

Brooke came backstage with a huge smile.

We hugged and she giggled.

"You were amazing! Flawless!" I exclaimed and her cheeks went red.

"Thanks! It felt good!" She beamed.

"Up next is Lindsey Earnest." The announcer said into the microphone.

"Good luck." Brooke told me before I took a breath and walked to the center of the stage. The crowd cheered and I spotted Max giving me a smile.

I took my beginning pose and waited for the music to start.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

(I don't own the video or anything to do with it. It belongs to Lifetime)

I finished in my final pose and the crowd erupted into cheers and I ran off stage with a huge smile. I spotted Max and he was clapping and cheering loudly for me, along with the others but he was the loudest.

Ali was the first to meet me and she tackled me in a hug.

"That was spectacular!" She exclaimed and I laughed happily.

"Thank you! I loved it! I just hope the judges did!"

"They will. I will throw a fit if they don't."

I chuckled at this before Ali led me away to get ready for the gown section of the show.

When I got to my area of the dressing room, my phone buzzed and it was Max.

'Killed it, babe. Stunning😍'

I blushed at his words and I felt presence behind me.

"You're boyfriend liked it." Ali spoke and I chuckled.

"Not surprised."

Ali grinned in amusement before handing me my gown.

"Go put it on." She told me and I headed into the dressing room.

I started to put on my gown but I slowed own when I heard voices.

"Can you believe how bad Lindsey did? She's a terrible dancer."

I recognized it that voice as Savanna. She's very competitive and is very snarky and rude. I know I said the girls were nice but Savanna isn't nice.

I ignored her rude comment. "Jealous witch."

"Savanna, don't say that." That was Jasmine. "She was good."

"Please. She's trying to hard." Savanna chuckled. I zipped up the back of my dress and waited in the dressing room. "She's not even that pretty either."

"Whatever." Jasmine spoke before I heard her walk away.

A part of me was hurt by her words but I know she was jealous. Savanna was a dancer but she wasn't the best. She's flexible but she doesn't practice enough and makes her dances to difficult for her level.

I walked out of the dressing room and Savanna was there with her back turned to me. Her curly blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail that reached her lower back.

"Jealous, much Savanna?"

She turned to me and smirked. "Not even a little. I saw your performance and I wasn't impressed one bit."

"I'm not trying to impress you." I remarked bitterly.

"If I didn't like it, then I doubt the judges did." She shot back with a snarky expression.

I let out a laugh. "You don't know the judges. They have different opinions."

"But what I do know, is how pathetic and terrible you are."

My mouth didn't open and I had to contain myself from attacking. Old Lindsey would've punched her in the face and possibly stabbed her but I couldn't do that.

"Savanna Judge!"

We both turned around and saw the manager, Oliver, standing there with Ali.

"Oliver." Savanna said and put on a fake sad face. "Lindsey was being to rude to me and-"

"Save it, Ms. Judge. That behavior is not allowed here." Oliver sternly told her and I felt a small smirk form. "You are disqualified."

Terrible things do happen to ugly people.

Savanna was in shock. "What! But I didn't do-"

"Security!"

Two security men walked in and escorted an upset and shocked Savanna.

"That's not fair!" She exclaimed as they pulled her out of the room. "I'm beautiful and deserve to be here!"

Once she was out of the room, Oliver and Ali approached me.

"Lindsey, I'm so sorry." Oliver apologized. "That was out of line and unexpectable. It won't happen again."

"Thank you and it's fine, she's just jealous." I joked and they both smile.

"The nerve of that girl. She seemed a little off to me when I first met her." Ali commented and I grinned at this.

Oliver gave me a hug before walking away.

The talent portion ended and the gown portion was next.

It had to he announced that Savanna was disqualified for terrible behavior before we could start. My hair was down and looked beautiful. I don't usually like the way I look but this is one of those rare moments where I will say it.

I look absolutely amazing.

The gown portion was just walking across the stage and showing off our dresses. It lets the judges get a good look at us.

I was the first to go.

"First up, is Lindsey Earnest."

I walked out and I heard the crowd lightly cheer and many boys wolf whistled at me. I gave the crowd a soft smile and made sure to make eye contact with one for the judges and winked at them. I saw Max and his eyes looked like they were popping out of his head and his mouth was open.

I made my rounds across the stage before I walked off and heard the crowd cheer lightly before I was out of sight.

All the girls went and it was time for the question and answer.

-Skipping the Question and Answer because it's boring and I'm not in the mood to think of questions and answers-

The swimwear portion was the final part of the pageant. All girls put on our swimwear and some redid their hair. I kept my the way it was because I like having my purple tips free and be able to show them off.

I did the same thing as before and walked across the stage and modeled my bikini. Max's face was priceless. I feel bad for torturing him like this but it as also really fun for me.

That portion went by quickly and the end of the pageant rolled around. We all quickly changed back into our gowns for the conclusion.

The winner will be announced along with some special rewards that the judges will be giving out.

The announcer talked as we got ready before we all walked out and were ready for the winner to be announced.

"Tonight, the winner of the Miss Hiddenville 2015 pageant will be announced."

The crowd applauded and cheered for them.

"All these ladies did absolutely amazing and every single one of you deserve to win and get the opportunity to go to the national competition for a chance to become Miss California!"

All of us clapped and Brooke and I smiled at one another. She looks so happy but I know her mother doesn't approve of what she did.

"Before we announce the winner, the judges want to award the contestants that they really like and enjoyed."

There were four judges and they each had a trophy with them.

"Hi, everybody." The first judge, who was a younger female. "So my award is given out to the girl who I thought looked the most passionate and just loved what she was doing and I hope she never ever loses that passion because it's very special. This award goes to Brooke Paige."

My face lit up and I immediately clapped for the shy blonde. The audience cheered for Brooke and I spotted her sister who was on her cheering as well but her mom didn't move a muscle.

Brooke happily received the award from the judge and they took a picture together. I could see tears in Brooke's eyes and she was smiling from ear to ear.

Brooke returned to her spot and I gave her a side hug.

"Good job." I whispered and she flashed me her huge smile.

The second judge came up and it was a guy.

"Hello everyone, so my award goes out to the girl who I thought had great poise and beauty in them. Not just appearance wise, but within them as well. This award goes out to Lindsey Earnest."

My mouth fell open and I giggled.

The crowd and all the girls applauded me and I went up to the judge who gladly gave me my award. We took a photo before I returned to my original spot in the line.

I was beyond happy right now. I'm glad a judge enjoyed my entire performance.

The the other two judges handed out their awards. One was for sassiness and the other was for adorableness.

"Now, its time to announce the winners!" The announcer said and we all cheered and applauded. "All these girls here tonight did absolutely amazing and they all deserve to win but that can't happen, unfortunately. So, we will be awarded first and second runner up and then the winner."

Three of the judges took the trophies and flowers up from the table and stood to the side.

"Alright, here we go." The announcer said and looked at an envelope. He opened it before speaking. "The second runner up is... Stacey Higgins!"

We all cheered for her and Stacey accepted her trophy and flowers with a huge smile.

"Well, done, Stacey! You win a $100 gift card to Forever 21 and this gift basket." The announcer said and we all cheered once against before she returned to her spot. "Alright, moving on. The first runner of Miss Hiddenville 2015 and will
receive a whole new makeup kit from Sephora is....

The second judge held a brand new makeup kit in hand allow with flowers and a trophy.

"Brooke Paige!"

Brooke put on a huge smile but I could feel her true emotion. Fear. Her mother is gonna be upset and I know the anger that will go down after this.

"Good job." I told her and she glanced at me before taking the gift, flowers, and trophy from the judge.

"Well done, Brooke. Very well deserved." The announcer said and Brooke returned to her spot.

Brooke's eyes showed fear and I gave her a side hug.

"Ignore your mother." I told her and she nodded. Brooke set down the makeup kit and trophy but held the flowers.

"I'll try." She remarked with a shaky voice.

"Alright! The moment you've all been waiting for. The winner of the 2015 Miss Hiddenville and will be receiving a free trip to Hawaii and the chance to go to the national competition to earn a chance to become Miss California is..."

He did a dramatic pause for effect and we all stood in anticipation.

"Lindsey Earnest!"

My hands flew to my mouth and the crowd erupted into cheer. I saw the Thunderman family and my brother on their feet and cheering.

All the girls applauded me and Brooke was beyond happy with me.

"Congratulations, Lindsey! You are the new Miss Hiddenville of 2015!"

I received the trophy, flowers and the tickets to Hawaii.

"How does this feel?!" He asked me and I giggled with happiness.

"Really good." I responded and I heard small laughter in between the loud cheers.

"Well, congratulations once again." He repeated before turning to the crowd. "Thank you all so much for attending this pageant and being such an amazing crowd. If you want to take pictures with our runner ups or our winner, come to the stage, otherwise go outside and take your pictures!"

I had actual tears in my eyes. I know I said I hated pageants but being Miss Hiddenville felt really good.

All of us girls congratulated one another and I got many congratulations from the girls.

I met with Brooke and we immediately hugged. I heard a sniffle and I pulled to arms length.

She was crying and I gave her a sad look.

"Don't cry. You are amazing." I told her as she wiped her tears away. "Don't ruin your makeup. I did those lashes, girl."

She giggled and I saw her smile form.

"Thanks, Linds." She said and swallowed. "I'm so glad you won and I got to be second to you."

"Same here."

Stacey came up to us and asked us to take a photo together. We took a few together before Stacey and Brooke walked off to their families.

My brother came walking into my vision with the Thundermans behind him.

"My sister won us a trip Hawaii!" He cheered and picked me up. I yelped and hugged him back.

"Yeah, I did but can you put me down, please?" I asked him kindly and he put me on my feet.

Daniel took the tickets from me and grinned. I ignored this and turned to the Thundermans.

"Congratulations, Lindsey or should I say Miss Hiddenville?" Barb smiled and I giggled.

"Why not both?" I remarked an she laughed. We hugged and Hank congratulated me next.

Nora hugged me along with Billy.

"Yay, I know Miss Hiddenville!" Nora cheered and I laughed at this.

"I'm not sure what Miss Hiddenville is but congrats?" Billy added and I gave him a smile.

Phoebe immediately tackled me in a hug and squealed.

"Omg, you won! I knew you would win! So happy for you! My bestie is Miss Hiddenville!"

Phoebe squeezes me tightly and I grunted in her strong grip.

"Thanks...but you're squeezing me to tight."

She released me and I let out an airy laugh.

"Sorry, but I'm just so happy." She smiled and Max came up behind her.

"Hey, Hey, don't take all the attention." Max interfered and gave me a smirk. "Congratulations, babe. You were amazing."

We hugged and kissed. Max stood behind me and wrapped his arms around me with his chin on the top of my head and we took a photo like that and one with my head turned back to him with us kissing.

Once we pulled away, Max whispered in my ear.

"You look so sexy in this gown and that bikini."

His voice sent shivers down my spine and I blushed deep red.

"Thank you, baby." I replied.

"I should be thanking you." He remarked. "It really excited me."

It look me a moment to realize what he meant and I gave him a look of shock. He just smirked at me. Guess I didn't just excite Max himself.

Despite my hatred towards pageant, I'm glad I am now known as Miss Hiddenville of 2015.

——

Just to clarify something, Lindsey being Miss Hiddenville won't affect this story that much or at all. I don't want to add any drama that will annoy me personally, because you all know Lindsey doesn't like drama and I will try my best to stay away from any of that.

Old friends of Lindsey may come in at some point but it won't be a big deal...possibly.

See ya in Floral Support.