From the Start

Chapter 4

Paprika's

It's the Freszha House Runway Fashion Week and we're all hands on deck. Since Freszha House has a lingerie collection, it's always necessary for them to have at least 15 Fairies to give life to the said collection. I was assigned to be a part of the 15 fairies who needed to slay and walk through the runway as well as Pyre. However, I was assigned to another and different collection and so is she. We're pretty occupied the whole week because of the fittings and rehearsals. It's a little bit exhausting but it's worth it. Especially because I get to work with other professional models in the industry. It felt like I was on cloud nine, once again.

As per usual, Tristan Finch always managed to send me breakfast and coffee before my rehearsals. He always sends motivational words and quotes written on a card to cheer me up. He always says that he can't wait to see me on the runway for the first time. I do appreciate his effort and I always remind him that he doesn't need to do those kinds of gestures. Unfortunately, my colleagues harbor suspicions about Tristan and I. They assume that we're in a relationship but I always told them that he's just a friend and he's technically my boss. Some of them believed what I said but most of them obviously didn't. But most importantly, they're not my friends so I don't care about what they say and what they actually think about me. I'm not living and breathing just to impress them.

A few days of rehearsals and were almost done and we were getting nearer to the big event. The fittings are still in the adjustment process so basically, we will have dress rehearsals after a day or two.

I was in the auditorium's pantry when Pyre approached me. She gets her phone in her hoodie's pocket. "I've been messaging you. Is it that busy from the classical collections?" She said and then she drank from her insulated tumbler.

"Yeah, it's kinda like that. Fittings are still not finished and they plan to switch some models from that collection since I guess the piece won't fit them," I explained while I fetched my phone through my pants' back pocket. My heart skipped a beat when I saw another text from an Unknown Number in my notification. I showed the notification to Pyre and she gladly volunteered to read the message for me.

"Oh." She gasped a little. "It's actually from Gale." She showed me the message saying,

"Hi, Anika. You're invited to my party on Saturday, 9 pm onwards. Make sure to be dressed properly. Click the link for the QR code invitation that should be presented to the reception. See you at the Colours and Grey Bar."
- Gale Visser

I chuckled a little, "Oh wow.. Whose birthday is it?" I asked then I turned to Pyre while fiddling with her phone.

"Oh.." She chuckled as well. "There's no birthday, he just closed another deal. So, Gale throwing a party is pretty normal." She blinked and excused herself afterward. She also confessed that she gave my number to Gale since she knew that I wouldn't go to a party without a personal invite. That's why I received a QR code invitation from Gale's number.

I laughed and sighed when Pyre exited from the pantry. I realized how paranoid I am when it comes to unknown numbers and how meticulous I am when it comes to party invitations. I really don't feel like going to a party where I'm not invited. It's too awkward, I guess.

Before I went back to the auditorium, I saved Gale's number and I texted him from his message.

Me:
Thanks for the invite. Will surely come to your party. Wouldn't miss it.

And then I hit send.

It's not that bad to make friends. Especially if those people are already connected to my best friend. I'm really lucky and blessed to have Pyre as my best friend. I suddenly remember the first day we ever met.