The Present Is You (You Series #1)

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 23 - "I GOT STABBED ON THE SIDE OF MY STOMACH."

"Do I need to wear this?"

"Yes, please. It will look good on you once you wear it. I promise."

"I guess I have no choice."

It's 5 in the afternoon and I'm currently here at Xylem's house. The classes have ended already and she practically dragged me all the way here the second I set foot on the exit of the school.

I couldn't even turn her down since we already made an agreement. I conformed to be her model for the photo shoot and she'll pay me for my working fees.

I do not intend to ask her for too much because she's still a student like I am but she insisted so it can't be helped. She even told me that she'll win the contest for sure. Her confidence is overflowing and I just hope it won't backfire. Comforting others is what I'm scared the most.

I silently stared at the dress that I am wearing right now. It's a long white silky dress with thin straps. I'm not sure if I can pull this off but with my long legs, I guess it will suit me the least.

I wore it hesitantly and went outside.
Xylem is comfortably sitting at the end of the sofa in her room while staring at me intently. My hair's in a bun and I'm barefooted.

Dahil tiles ang sahig ng kwarto niya, masyadong malamig kapag nakapaa lang. Nakabukas pa ang aircon at sa suot kong ito, hindi na kataka-taka kung lamigin ako.

"I love it. This is it." I saw how her eyes sparkled.

She stood up and then went straight from my behind. I gasped when she suddenly twirls me around, continously spinning which made me feel dizzy, I'd puke.

"It's gorgeous! I knew this was the one. It's perfect for the theme and the background of the location. One with nature. Forest and trees. Rivers and falls. Fallen twigs and dried leaves. Can you feel it? Can you hear it?" She's leaning forward to me. Our cheeks are already touching.

"Uh, no." I said while shaking my head.

She chuckled. "Of course, you'll be changing clothes during the photo shoot. I want all of it plain and simple. With a touch of intimacy and pureness in every design. I want it to be raw but eye-catching. Ordinary at first sight but exquisite when you give heed to it." She said it as though she's reciting a poem.

Wow, she sure knows her words.

"I'm okay with this. It doesn't look too revealing and you said that there is still one person who will be joining us for the photo shoot. May I know who it is?"

I turned my head in her direction as I wait for response. She cleared her throat before answering.

"It's Aiden."

What?

Did I hear it right?

"Huh?"

She sighed. "Aiden Valenzuela. Alex's twin brother. He also knows how to use a camera and he'll be my assistant for the upcoming photo shoot."

Lumayo siya sa akin at naglakad pabalik sa sofa na kinuupuan niya kanina.

Aiden?

Seriously?

Why him?

Can't she find somebody else?

"Does it really have to be him?" I don't want to complain but I'll feel uneasy if he's with us during the photo shoot.

Xylem took something on top of the table near her. It's a brown envelope. She opened it.

"Come here for a sec, Brooke. I wanna show you something." Said her while revealing the content of the envelope.