Hiding behind a facade

Chapter 20-Catwalk gone wrong

"Aunty, why am I here?" I asked. Today after school, my aunt texted me to come to her office along with the Quantic kids.

After the contract has been signed yesterday I thought for sure that my job here was done, but nooo!

She just has to call me here.

Sure we don't have classes today since the teachers have a seminar or something, but that doesn't mean that she can just take that little happiness of mine and call me here.

Boo!

My aunt only frowned. "I asked you yesterday to help with the preparation for the fashion show and you agreed, but clearly you were not listening." She was handing me clothes that were supposed to be the ones that The Quantic kids were about to showcase.

I took it while Sophie seemed to jump in circles around me looking excited. "Oh my gosh! This is so exciting!!"

I ignored her as I pouted at my aunt. "But I did not agree to help!" I whined. It's not that I don't want to help my aunt, it's just that I have to spend time with them if I stay and help.

"Yes, you did. Don't you remember?" My aunt insisted. The look on her face told me she was serious that I decided to think of the events that happened yesterday.

Yesterday? What happened yesterday?

My mind started to wander off to yesterdays 'events.

"Look, I know I should have told you sooner, should have given you a warning, and most o f all, should NOT have meddled with your business. But can you really blame me for wanting to help you?" I told my aunt. After she had woken up, she had asked to talk to me privately, so the others were dismissed from her office.

The Quantic kids were giving me hesitant looks before they followed the others out of the doors . And because she specifically asked t o talk to me alone, I immediately thought of the worst-case scenario. That is why I was rambling and gave her a stern look.

My aunt looked at me weirdly before reaching out and gently held my arm. Although I have no idea why you just said that, I'm going to agree." She said. "It's true that you should have told me these things sooner."

I lowered my head in embarrassment.  " Sorry," I muttered.

"It's alright, Marinette. You were only trying to help and I am happy." She smiled kindly at me and I couldn't help but give her one in return. "But because of this, I have to call my friend to cancel our arrangement."

"Arrangement?"

My aunt nodded. "Yes. I called a friend of mine yesterday to ask her a favor. See, her son has a band and it is well known. I was thinking that since it is impossible for us to take The Quantic kids maybe her son's band can do the trick. They are supposed to arrive here today from London. I was planning on introducing them to the sponsors in case they would change their mind when they see the band." My aunt smiled at me as she added. "Oh and I forgot to tell you, he is about your age too. Maybe you want to meet him."

I see darkness and despair in my future.

Here I was making stupid deals and agreements with The Student council when aunt already has a plan. What does that make of my sacrifice!!?!? It was like everything that I have planned was written down on a sheet of paper before it was crumpled up and thrown in the trash.

I suddenly felt limp. So I could have avoided all of this trouble if I had just let my aunt take over?! Urgh!!! Idiot!! That's what you get for meddling with things when you don't even know what's going on!