The Hurting Kind

Paris Fashion Week Ends - With a Bang

Waiting was never one of Maya's strong suits. 

But as she heard the chats of her grandfather's name ring out in the crowd, Maya willed herself to remain behind the curtain. She didn't know how they found out the name she was given at birth, but each time she heard it shouted out into the crowd made her want to disappear forever.

"Marvin! Marvin! Marvin! Marvin!"

That name wasn't used in Bill Spencer's expose, and part of Maya was thankful for that. Though now as tears threatened to leave her eyes, she realized just how naïve that was. If the expose had released her past name, at least Maya wouldn't have been caught off guard like like this. 

Why? Why won't they let me be?! 

Her knees buckled underneath her, causing Maya to find comfort in the cool tile as it made contact with her skin through the gown she wore. The beautiful gown that her friend felt inspired to make for this event. Lightly touching the beading along the sheer fabric, a single tear fell, wetting it. In place of the despair she felt seconds ago, anger quickly begin to take place. 

Why won't they let me live my life? Just who are they to make me feel this way? 

As she rose up from the floor, Maya heard quick footsteps coming toward her. Steading her breathing, Maya brought her eyes forward and sighed at the sight of Carter and Nicole. Her little sister throw herself into Maya's arms, and she hugged her tightly.

"I'm okay." Maya told her evenly, locking eyes with Carter.

"Apparently, a few individuals, " Carter spat out before continuing, "Managed to get past security with fake new press badges. They are being escorted out."

"Are you really okay Maya?" Nicole asked gently, peering up at Maya.

When she nodded, Maya cleared her throat, "I wasn't at first, but I am now. I promise."

From the corner of her eye, Maya spotted Caroline and two staff members heading their way. Seeing the fire in Caroline's eyes as she reached them, Maya knew that someone was going to pay for this incident. The thought of how her favorite frenemy would deal with those individuals later, Maya felt her lips turn upward. The two locked eyes with one another and Maya released Nicole.

"Touch ups - now." Caroline snapped.

The staff immediately went to work and Maya straightened her back as she held Caroline's stare. Once they finished, the staff members returned to Caroline's side. Reminding herself to relax her jaw and shoulders, Maya took two steps forward and ran her hands along the sides of her gown.

"How do I look?" Maya managed to ask Caroline evenly.

The two women shared a small smile as they heard Thomas address the audience at the front of the building. Once he finished, Caroline closed the distance between them. "You look majestic."

Taking Caroline's hand in hers, Maya nodded, "I know. That must be what all the commotion was about."

Caroline's laugh slipped out before she could cover her face with her hand.  Hearing Nicole and Carter chuckle behind her, Maya graced them with a smile as Caroline spoke again.

"Then let's give them more to talk about. Follow me."

                                                                                            *  *  *

Since Maya had no official contract with Forrester Creations International, she was fine with not being the lead model for this show. It was Thomas that came up with the idea of her being the guest model, featuring the 'encore' gown that he created for after the lead model and others walked the runaway. Caroline and Stephanie loved the idea when he pitched it to them, and for the sake of secrecy, no one else was given the details of Maya's participation in the fashion show.