The Socialites. [✖]

(REVISED) 4. Model Behavior

Revised Version: Model Behavior 

Tiana Pierce portrayed by Laura Harrier

Four years ago...

Tiana

New York City

It had been one hundred and thirty days since I last heard from Marilyn...

One hundred and thirty days since Casey and I's disastrous winter season headlined by designers Vivienne Westwood and Ted Baker.

The beginning of our tragic karma began once I failed to meet my weight requirement. After numerous unsuccessful diets and extensive training, my hips were classified as 'too wide' compared to my non-ethnic counterparts.

Casey on the other hand received her first ever chance to perform as the opening model for the show. What is commonly known as the 'eye catcher' for the season in the fashion industry, dressed in what was meant to be representing Westwood's incoming seasonal fashion went up in flames when Casey's heel caught into a snag in the fabric of her chiffon skirt which resulted in a nasty fall that covered the face of tabloids and social media outlets.

It wasn't surprising when our manager Marilyn sent us home that night promising a call that never came. Our dreams in modeling were practically over and we might have as well have bought one-way tickets back to California.

If it weren't for us still being enrolled in university at NYU, our second chance of redemption would have never come at such a beckoning call.

It was there in a moderately busy lobby at the NYU library I rushed into to take Marilyn's call inviting Casey and I to an exclusive event out in the Hamptons for the weekend. She didn't get into much detail, but I knew that this was the second chance I've spent months praying for.

And it was finally happening...

One of the things I've always adored is New York City in the springtime...the budding dandelions spread wildly through central park as the light rain tamed the heat from the day. People roamed the concrete jungle no longer prisoner to their homes as they were throughout the winter.

Unlike spring in the city, springtime further down the island held a profound freedom different from the city. Instead of feeling clustered there was more room to wander.

I peered my head outside the window as the chauffeur drove down rural roads past the never-ending green pastures. The familiar scent of sea salt present in the air beating against my face and flowing through my hair. I closed my eyes feeling warmth from the evening sun.

Casey glanced up from her phone looking directly at me. "Someone's looking mighty peaceful".

"You would be too if you put your phone down for a second".

"In my defense I was trying to scout out more information about this 'exclusive event' everyone seems so tight-lipped about, including you Paul!" Casey explained as she cut her eyes at our driver who only chuckled in response.

"Do you know of any designers or producers who live out in the Hamptons?" Casey asked, causing me to snort. "Here's a better phrased question, name a well-established designer who doesn't own property in the Hamptons?"

Casey went to answer before she realized she was back where she started slouching further down into her seat. I leaned beside her feeling tension from anxiety looming in the air.

"Do you really think we can do this?"

"What do you mean?"

"It's just that...I never worked this hard for something in my life. Not to say I shouldn't work so hard but it just feels like I've been stagnant these past two years. Like when we flew out to Paris after graduation, I thought we would have had our big break by now instead of being tossed around with these sideline shows and little shoots instead that never gain attention....It's just..I dunno" Casey played with the tips of her fingernails avoiding eye contact.