Unmasked ≫ J.G

XIII. Big News

Two Days Later

"Brielle honey, can you come here for a second?" My mom ask from the dining room as I jog my way down the spiral staircase.

Without replying, I shuffle my fuzzy sock feet into the dining room and take a seat across from her, covering my mouth as I yawn, "Yes?"

She takes her glasses off her face and closes them, sitting them next to her laptop on the mahogany wooden table with lace covering ontop. It's funny how we never eat in here, everything on the table - A black vase with a beautiful bouquet of red and pink flowers, scented candles and antique plates - was simply for decor.

"So I have a modeling job set up for you if you'd like to take it." She spoke softly, gripping the handle of her steaming tea and bringing it to her red lipstick stain lips.

I nodded slowly, "Okay, what would I be doing?" I inquired.

"Walking on a runway in fashion week." She said nonchalantly.

My eyes nearly bulged out my eye sockets, "A runway?! Fashion week?! And they want me?!" I exclaimed, completely shocked.

My mom tittered softly, "Don't be so surprised, you're gaining more acknowledgement ever since that video came out yesterday."

I furrowed my eyebrows, "It came out already? Why wasn't I informed?" I asked, more to myself than her.

She shrugged, "I don't know but anyway, back to the point." She dismissed, "Fashion week is in two days so if you're truly willing to do this — which you should because that's great endorsement — then I need to know today so I can book you a flight." She explained.

"Where is it?" I asked, pursing my lips to the side as I bounced my knee up and down.

"New York. I'll have to get you a flight for tomorrow afternoon. Do you want to do it?" She questioned, hopefulness in her eyes and her voice.

I licked my slightly dry lips before nodding, "Yeah I'll do it."

My mom clapped her hands happily, "Great, I'll get to finding a flight. Make sure you pack for a week."

I nodded, "Is that all?" I asked

She nodded and grabbed her laptop, sliding on her reading glasses then she began quickly tapping on her laptop. I sighed and stood up, walking out of the dining room and back up the stairs.

I immediately grabbed my phone once I made it up into my room and dialed Marie's number. I chewed on the peeling skin on my chapped lips and bounced my foot on my tippy toes.

"Hello love!" She answered cheerfully.

"Come over asap, I have some surprising news."

* * * *

Not even thirty minutes later, Marie came barging into my room with a look of determination on her face. Her sudden burst through my door scared my half to death, almost causing me to poke myself in the eye with my mascara.

"Goodness Marie, what the hell was that for?" I exhaled, placing my hand on my chest as I regained my breathing.

"What's the news?!" She ignored my question and went straight to her own, sitting beside me on the dresser.

I chuckled, "Well first off, the video with Jack and Jack dropped yesterday without my acknowledgement." I started off, continuing with my mascara.

"Did you watch it yet?" She asked, gasping lightly.

I nodded, "It's cute, I liked it."

"Remind me to watch it later, what's next?"

"Well," I sighed, placing down the mascara.

"Please don't tell me you're pregnant!" She begged, a look of disappointment overlooked her face.

I furrowed my eyebrows, "Last time I checked, you have to have sex in order to get pregnant which I have not." I clarified.

Marie exhaled in relief, "Okay then spit it out!"

"I'm going to be walking on a runway show in New York in two days." I said slowly, still trying to let it all soak in.

Marie's jaw dropped and she quickly covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes nearly bulging out like mine earlier.

I nodded with a tilt of my head, "Yeah I know, basically my same reaction."

"Brielle this is huge! This could be the start of your career!" She exclaimed, holding her outstretched hands.

"It's also frightening. Marie I'm walking for fashion week. So many celebrities are going to be there" I informed her, fumbling with my fingers.

"But it's also great for you, this will get your name out there Brielle! This is what you've been dreaming about since we were little." She placed her hand on my shoulder.

I nodded, "I know, I just don't wanna mess up anything."

"You won't, this is where Beauty pageants come in handy. You know how to walk, talk and act. You got this, don't over think it and stress yourself out." She rubbed my arm in comfort.

I took a deep breath, "You're right, this is huge. I'm excited I'm just nervous."

"Which is acceptable. I can't believe my best friend is going model at fashion week." She muttered, a smile on her face.

I laughed, "Neither can I." I hopped down from my dresser, sliding on my converse.

"Have you told Jack yet?" She asked.

I stopped and face palmed myself, he was last thing on my mind. I forgot he had asked me to go out with him tomorrow, I feel bad having to cancel.

"I'll take that as a no." She chortled.

I groaned, "I have to cancel on him. He asked me to go out with him and I said yes but now..." i trailed off.

She hopped down from the dresser, "Don't stress it Bri, he'll understand and if he doesn't then it doesn't matter. This is a great opportunity." She gripped my shoulders.

I nodded, "You're right, I'll just call him now."

I grabbed my phone off the dresser and unlocked it, searching for his name. Before I could click his name, my phone began ringing.

"What a coincidence, I was just about to call you." I answered with a slight smile.

"Looks like two great minds think alike." He chuckled, "How are you?"

"I'm great actually, I have some good and bad news I have to tell you." I pulled my lips into my mouth.

"Um, alright. How about over lunch?" He suggested.

"Sounds great, Panera in 20? My treat."

"Brielle, I can pa-"

"Nope, I'll see you in 20. Bye!" I interjected, quickly hanging up before he could say anything.

I sighed loudly, moving hair out of my face, "Time to get this over with."