Sun-kissed

Chapter 15

The streaming sunlight from the balcony door burned a path along the small bedroom floor and across the back of its occupant. But it was the incessant buzzing sound against the nightstand that roused Amina from her deep sleep. Unable to ignore the nagging sound any longer, Amina opened her eyes and immediately wished she hadn't.  She felt like she was amongst the clouds, the sun was so bright.  She closed her eyes and reached out like a blind man towards the source of the vibration. Clasping her purse, Amina pulled it open and grabbed her phone, quickly glancing at the caller id.  It was Hanna.

"Yoboseyo?" Amina groggily answered the phone.

"Yah! Are you okay? You sound like you smoked a few packs today!" Hanna's vibrant voice rang loud and clear from the other side.  It was almost too much for Amina to handle.  No one should be this chirpy in the morning - at least, not on this particular morning.  Amina turned the volume down slightly.

"Ah..." came the gritty reply.  Amina cleared her dry throat and reached for the water bottle next to her purse.  She took a quick swig before noticing a bottle of pain reliever directly behind it.  Uncapping the medicine bottle, she continued, "What's going on?"  She sat up and took out two Advil pills for her impending headache.

"I need your help.  What do you have planned for today?"

Amina looked around the room. The balcony door was closed, her dress and shoes were still scattered on the floor.  Except for the extra rumpled bed sheets, the tell-tale signs of their passionate make-out session from last night were nowhere to be seen.  I must have been really knocked out if he left without me knowing Amina thought to herself.  She suddenly missed not being able to kiss him good-bye.

"Amina!"

"Ah?" Amina replied.  She blinked a couple of times to clear the foggy haze.  Trying to remember the question, Amina replied, "I don't have anything planned for today.  It's Sunday."

"Yes, I know it's Sunday, but some of us still have to work," came Hanna's smart reply. "Look, I'm in deep shit.  The model that was supposed to be here for my photo shoot bailed out on us.  I don't have time to find a replacement.  I need you to cover."

"Wae? What about the other back-up models? Sophie or Su-Bin?"

"They're all at the hair collection show.  I can't get them to squeeze me in and I only have this crew for today.  Please?"

Amina shoved hair out of her face and sighed.  "You know how I feel about this.  I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea." And by anyone, they both knew she was referring to her parents.

"I know... but," Hanna stalled.  "Whether you like it or not, you're already a spokesperson for the business.  I just need to borrow your face again... just one more time."

"Well, since you said it like that..." Amina sarcastically replied.

"Please, please, please?!" Hanna begged.  "I promise to never ask you again!"

Amina hedged. She wasn't in the mood to play dress up today. But she knew Hanna would never call her to step in if it wasn't an emergency.  "Okay," she replied and smiled slightly when she heard Hanna's relieved whoop on the other end of the line.  "Where am I supposed to go?"

"One o'clock at the Mapo Art Center. You know the place?"

Of course Amina knew the place.  She had been traveling on that side of town for the past week.  "Neh, I know the place."

"Good.  I'll see you later then.  Annyeong!" With a click, Hanna hung up.

Amina stared at the phone for a second before she noticed her message indicator light was blinking.  An unread message?  It came from an unrecognized number.