Torn

XIII

Chapter Song: About You - The 1975

June

Hi dear reader, care for a sad story?

Months ago, my current manager Sara, scouted me through social media because the agency she worked at wanted to sign me as a model. For a full week I didn't reply, thinking it was a scam, but she didn't give up, so I actually started considering it.

It was either give that modelling gig a chance or stay in the small town I grew up in, where everyone knew everyone, and privacy was a luxury no one could afford. You know what they say, small town big hell. Adding to the fire, my future in particular wasn't very promising. I knew if I stayed I'd be forever known as the deviant lesbian no girl wanted to get close to, because they were all convinced that if we talked for more than five minutes I'd get an obsessive crush on them. Don't make me laugh. I guess my freaky appearance didn't help at all.

As for my family, I was the cursed middle child. Incapable of reaching the greatness of my older brother and dull in comparison to my younger sister. I knew I'd be the odd one out my whole life, but maybe if I moved really far away, into a city so big that my mind would always be busy, the reminder would be less painful. Once I realized that, it wasn't hard to say yes.

The day I moved out, there were no tears on sight, just empty good wishes and hopes I wouldn't have to come back. So, I got on the train and didn't look back, but as soon as we left the station I broke down in tears. I felt so stupid because I didn't have any reasons to cry.

The last stop of the train was my destination. I got off and looked around like a lost tourist, in awe of the scale of a capital of the world. It didn't take me long to find Sara, she was holding a sign with my name in the middle of the busy crowd. She took me to a tiny apartment where I'd be staying on my own. The following day I went to the agency to meet the rest of the team and for my first photoshoot.

That unforgettable day was when I meet Nina. I already knew her, because even in my small town, her face was everywhere, but I had no idea my first ever job would be with her. I guess they wanted to keep it as a surprise until the last minute. When we got to the studio Sara started talking to the photographer while I was taken to get my hair and makeup done, that's when I saw her sitting in the chair next to me.

She had her eyes closed as the makeup artist put on the finishing touches, I couldn't hear what they were saying but her blinding smile and soft laugh were enough to make my heart race. I knew I had to look away, but I couldn't, so to make it less obvious I settled for admiring her reflection in the mirror.

Once they were done she turned to me. "Hi, nice to meet you. My name's Nina." I found it funny how she stated her name, politely extending her hand to me, as if every single person around didn't know who she was. "I heard today's your first day."

I panicked when I realized it was my turn to speak. Oh God, what do I say now. "Yeah, first day." I nervously reached out my hand to stretch hers, I couldn't believe she was talking to me. "And also, nice to meet you, my name's June." I looked down at our hands and realized I was still holding onto hers, way to make a good first impression. "Sorry, I'm just a bit nervous."

"It's okay, but don't worry too much. If you're here it's because they saw something especial and they really liked you. I'm sure you'll be great."

I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks. "Thank you."

She smiled again, holding my heart in the palm of her hand. "I'll see you in a bit then."

"See you." I watched her walk away with my jaw on the floor, wondering what had just happened.