Chapter 61
Roselle’s P. O. V.
Tonight was the night of Rebecca’s fashion show and I was at the backstage getting ready.
I left home after Samuel had given his consent of course. Infact, he actually made drove me to the venue himself and instructed James to wait until I was done.
This sudden firmness in security Is something that I’m fail to understand.
Samuel and I had tried to patch up our relationship with going out, spending quality time together and the bast of ecstatic
sex.
He was not in my bad books anymore and he in turn had warmed up to me.
I got comfortable in the makeup chair, feeling the gentle pressure of the make up artist’s skilled hands. She worked meticulously, with different products that I couldn’t even mention.
I never liked bold or loud make up so I really had high hopes that it should not be that bad.
As she lined my eyes, I stared at the backstage that was full of activity. Models were literally dressing up and running around in their beautiful gowns.
There were around twenty of them and I did not have the idea that there will be so many of us, but this makes it all the more better.
The more, the merrier.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I suddenly caught the gaze of a particular lady on me.
It looked as though she had been observing me for some time now.
When the makeup artist, turned to pick something from the table, I turned to look at the lady.
She appeared to be walking in my direction while slightly smiling.
“Roselle?” she uttered uncertainly.
She looked rather delighted to find me here.
I didn’t know if have ever seen her before. But, when she smiled at me, I returned the smile with a “Hi,” waving my having.
She does seem friendly and had a beautiful smile.
“I’m Lily,” she said as she sat next to me. “We were classmates,” she offered aiming to jog my memory.
I could recall her face but not in specific, which made it all puzzling.
In a bid not to offend her, I pretended to remember her and her smile told me that she was pleased that I could still recall.
We talked for sometime and I liked her very much.
It suddenly seemed like I did remember her now for real because I concurred on everything she talked about school and the good old days.
W
It’s been such a long time, how have you been?” she asked sounding very keen and sincere.
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Her expression and honesty in her voice even made her more warmly.
“I am good.” I told her. “What about you?”
“Same,” she replied.
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But life have been hectic,” she said with an off tone.
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I didn’t know what else to say so I just went ahead to compliment her hair.
“Your hair looks beautiful,” I remarked.
Lily showed her full teeth with a grin.
She had beautiful dimples on both sides of her cheeks and that complimented her look.
“Thanks, I just finished doing it.”
Our talk transitioned from high school memories to fashion where my interest towards her grew as I learned that she is into fashion.
She kept talking about her love for fashion and how she was inching closer to owning her label someday.
Her ecstatic dream and ambition impressed me.
“Your gown is stunning, and I love it. Rebecca’s latest design, right?” She pointed to my dress, which was hung nicely on the rack next to me.
“Yes,” I replied. “She’s incredibly talented.”
Lily gave an enthusiastic nod. “I admire her work.”
The cosmetic artist soon returned and started working on my lips.
Since Lily’s make up was already done, she sat beside me and we had a more in–depth discussion about fashion trends. “What do you think of this season’s styles?” She asked eagerly.
When I said, “I love the bold colors,”
“Yeah and the statement pieces!” She spoke joyfully, as though she were seeing it in her mind.
As our chat continued, it eventually become personal.
“Life’s taken unexpected turns since school,” Lily sighed.
She appeared to be deep in thought.
“Really?” The only reason I asked was to avoid coming out as nonchalant, because I wasn’t too keen on personal level conversations.
“I dropped out,” she continued, “and I’ve been having trouble getting my feet firmly planted ever since.” However, modeling is assisting me in getting back on my feet.
I sympathized with her right away.
”
I’m sorry about your situation. That sounds difficult.”
She flashed a bold smile at me. “I’m doing okay now though.”
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It was time for us to puron–qur clothing as the makeup artist had finished her work.
–
3
We were assisted by the personnel in getting dressed. Lily’s curves were accentuated by the flawless fit of her black gown.
Rebecca entered at that exact moment.
She appeared to be quite busy and very energetic.
“Everyone all set?” She questioned the woman in charge of cosmetics.
“Yes ma’am,” the young woman quietly said.
Rebecca’s eyes glistened with amazement as they met mine.
“Wow, Roselle, you look amazing.”
I gave a bashful smile.
“Thank you,”
Before Rebecca departed, Lily observed us as we spoke for a little while.
Her eyes were curious and I knew she had questions.
“You know Rebecca that well?” she asked leaning closer.
“Yes,” I replied.
“Rebecca’s like family.”
“Ohh,” she murmured, nodding her head as though she was trying to comprehend everything, but she stopped asking questions, which I was relieved she did.
The makeup was flawless, the gown shimmered with such elegance, and I felt pleased with myself when I looked in the mirror.
Lily gave me a smile. “You look amazing Roselle.”
“Thanks,” I responded.
“You too.”
The announcer’s voice calling out to the models over the microphone signalling that the runway show was about to begin.
After exchanging well wishes, Lily and I parted ways.
“Break a leg,” she added in a friendly manner.
“You too,” I said.
Alongside the other models, we stood in line.
There was a gentle tune playing in the background.
Still standing in line with the other models, I tried to take in deep breaths to calm my nerves.
I’d never been in a runway and most certainly had never needed to pose in front of an audience before.
Although, I didn’t think I had stage fright because one time, I organized a conference for our school and I was the lead
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speaker.
I did well and made my team win but this was definitely different
1 practiced my calming therapy by taking in long breaths, feeling my lungs and slowly letting it out.
This seemed to work as I was soon feeling less apprehensive.
We arranged ourselves in a two line pattern, the model at the right goes off before the next.
Lily was standing beside me.
She didn’t seem nervous in anyway and I think she noticed my nervousness because she smiled reassuringly at me. “You’ll do great.”
I returned her smile, grateful for her kindness.
The announcer’s voice echoed through the microphone, introducing one model at a time and soon I was the next model to be called upon.
My heart beat steadily, as anticipation built up inside me.
After the previous model had walked off the runway, the emcee announced, “And now, please welcome Roselle!”
I took my time to savor the moment.
Lily whispered beside me, “Go, Roselle!”
With confidence, I stepped onto the catwalk.
The lights enveloped me, and I owned the runway.
I glided effortlessly with an air of confidence I didn’t think I had.
My silver gown shimmered under the bright lights and the audience’s gaze followed me.
I could hear their whispers and gasps as it filled the air.
I reached the end of the runway, fortunately without a falter in my step.
I struck a pose, radiating confidence from my smile.
The crowd erupted in applause and I walked back, with the same catwalk as I had walked in with.
Lily awaited me, beaming. “You nailed it!”
She was soon called upon by the announcer.
The remaining models took their turns. Everyone was just looking very wonderful with their dress and poised on the runway.
Finally, the show concluded.
The backstage buzzed with excitement.
Lily hugged me tightly. “We did it!” She said happily.
“Oh yeah, we did,” I said patting her back.
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The arrival of Rebecca mad us part away from each other.
Rebecca looked at Lily curiously and I thought I should introduce her.
“She’s my old school classmate, such a small world, we found each other today,” I explained with a smile.
Rebecca smiled at Lily good naturedly.
“Hello,” she said before turning to look at me.
“Roselle, that walk was stunning! You brought that gown to life!”
I blushed with gratitude.
“And uhm…Lily, you were amazing with the poise as well.”
Lily seemed very pleased with Rebecca’s compliment.
“Thank you ma’am”
“Tonight was magical!” Rebecca exclaimed with delight.
“Come let me introduce you to someone,” she grabbed my hands and pulled me along.
I managed to slip a short note containing my contact to Lily before we left.
As Rebecca guided me through the crowded area, she greeted several models and designers.
We came up to a tall, thin man who smiled warmly.
“Meet Marco, the famous fashion designer,” Rebecca said.
Marco’s eyes glistened with excitement as he faced me.
“I have to admit, Roselle, you had a mesmerizing presence on the runway. Even though I’ve worked in the fashion industry for years, your aura was very captivating to me.”
I smiled.
“Thank you, sir. That is very significant.”
Rebecca apologized to me and excused herself when her attention was called.
I assured her that everything was fine with a nod of my head.
In the meantime, Marco leaned in closer speaking excitedly.
“I’m constantly searching for fresh talent for my fashion brand in Paris.
I love finding hidden treasures like you, and the city is alive with inventiveness.”
As I listened in awe, excitement grew in me.
“Paris is the center of fashion innovation,” he added. I work with prominent models, and my creations are displayed all over the world.”
Fascinated by all he was saying, I nodded. “That sounds incredible.”
Marco’s enthusiasm was infectious.
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“I’m always looking for new people to help me realize my projects. Would you be open to collaborating with me?
I was thinking about how amazing the information he had just provided would be while my mind raced.
That thought didn’t last long, though, because I thought about Samuel.
He would never let me.
Marco rattled on, seemingly oblivious to my uncertainty.
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“My fashion house provides opportunities that are unmatched. You would walk the most sought–after runways and appear on the covers of leading fashion magazines.
Excitement was building inside of me as I pictured myself in such situations.
I was awakened from my fantasy world by Marco’s voice.
Roselle, what are your thoughts? Would you like to join me as we explore the world of fashion?
Tempted, I inhaled deeply. “That sounds amazing, Marco, but I don’t know, I just can’t…”
“I get it,” he interrupted me.
“You have to think about it, of course I’ll give you time.”
Rebecca momentarily returned and smiled warmly at Marco before apologizing once more to tend to another visitor
“I would be thrilled to have you come see my fashion house in Paris. We would talk about possible joint ventures. However, I’m not in a rush, so take your time and let me know what you think.”
My mind wandered to how Samuel would vehemently object if I ever brought up the subject with him.
Marco’s remarks conjured up images of glitzy gatherings, fashion presentations, and photo sessions.
After I promised him I would call him, he gave me his card before he left.
I approached an empty table and took a seat to observe the crowd.
I didn’t want to bother Rebecca because she was still occupied with other people.
I looked up to see a familiar face after noticing a shadow over me.
It was Katherine!
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