Tommy boy | c.t.h AU

chapter 13

chapter 13- can't wait to be pretty cate

"I don't know Mali, I'm not really model material,"

My curl bounced up from where I pulled it. In the mirror the pink material of the dress hugged loosely on my arms. I had put on the lace tights and the dress and the boots because Mali-Koa wanted to practice with this new lense. I didn't really need to change my clothes but she insisted.

"What? Have you seen your body? You are totes model material,"

That's the thing. I had seen my body. I live in it. I have no choice but to see it everyday. And still I stared at my reflection, not exactly enjoying the figure looking back. I love clothes so much. Just on other people. I wasn't meant to have my picture taken. I was much better on the other side of the camera.

"Oh Winnie girl, just um here,"

My eyes lingered on the mirror as Mali dragged me away and to the center of the room. She kept a steady hand on each of my arms and I stood rigidly straight moving minimally.

"Move your arms like this... or no here um," She sighed and blew a strand of hair out of her face.

Mali bit the inside of her cheek and looked me up and down. Leaned back on her hip an idea seemed to strike her.

"You know let's go back to the reception yeah? Seat you around the couch, not this stuffy part of the studio, c'mon," She waved her hand and led the way to the front of the building.

This area was actually quite roomy, one of the bigger rooms we used for photography. Mali seemed to sense my discomfort with it all though and tried her best to accommodate.

It was brighter out here. The sun cascaded through the windows and some people passed by a few times. I felt very exposed but Mali was having none of my reluctance.

After a few awkward minutes Mali groaned.

"Cmooooon girlie, just I dunno...dance,"

"What?"

"Dance Dance Dance! Get it out. You're so stiff,"

"Mali-"

"You're fired if you don't dance,"

So basically you can call me a ballerina. That comment shook out all the dancing I had in me which wasn't high in quantity or quality. But it definitely helped me relax.

Just for a moment I wasn't thinking about my body or the people who could be watching. It was me and someone I trusted. Dancing in a place I loved.

"Ah there it is!" She held the camera up to her face before sharing the screen with me.

And you know what. It wasn't terrible. My eyes were closed but I looked like I was having fun.

"Wow Koko look at you doing your job right and shit,"

"Oh nooo not you too Adwin,"  She shuffled away with an eye roll. I followed her back to her office and she began to go through the photos.

"Not me too what?"

"That silly nickname,"

The couch squished underneath me as I plopped down onto it. The ache in my feet from these boots was becoming unbearable and I sighed as they slipped off.

"Its cute,"

"My dad used to call me that. All the time actually. Before he um he passed away back in july,"

"Calum told me, I'm sorry you had to go through that,"

"Yeah well I'm still going through it. Grief doesn't just go away for all of us."