YOU AND ME, NO MATTER WHAT

Chapter 4 : Morose Is The New Black

During the open house orientation at the Art Institute (AI), Ally crossed paths with an unforgettable character. He exuded confidence and style. He had an affinity for vintage fashion and adorned himself with dazzling accessories. Despite their contrasting personalities, Ally was drawn to him from the moment they met. They became instant best friends and partners in crime, embarking on adventures both on school days and weekends. Like spirited siblings, they often engaged in playful arguments, only to reconcile and embrace shortly thereafter. Barry became a trusted confidant, someone with whom Ally could share her deepest struggles. Acting as an older brother figure, he never hesitated to call her out on her past behaviors and push her toward growth.

As the next quarter began, Ally and Barry found themselves waiting in the hallway, eager for class to commence. Their attention was captivated by an exotic and elegantly dressed black woman who stood in the center of the hall. Without hesitation, Ally and Barry approached her, simultaneously grasping one of her ample breasts and exclaiming, "Oh, look at these fabulous boobs!" The trio erupted in laughter, forming an instant bond. The enigmatic newcomer introduced herself as Celeste, adding another unique and vibrant presence to their circle. The friends Ally made at AI were in their mid to late 20s, bringing prior schooling and degrees to the table compared to the fresh high school graduates.

Celeste was a remarkable fashion designer hailing from Israel. Celeste had already established herself as a successful and experienced designer, with her handmade garments garnering recognition in the industry. However, when she moved to the United States to be with her fiancée, her work experience didn't meet the requirements for the job she desired. Determined to continue pursuing her career goals, Celeste made the decision to return to school and pursue a degree in fashion. Despite her wild and fun-loving nature, she remained grounded and committed to her long-term relationship.

Ally also found solace and deep conversations with Celeste, often turning to her for comfort and guidance regarding life, her past, and the future. If Ally were to be completely honest with herself, she would acknowledge that she wasn't inherently suited for design school. Her friends often teased her, claiming that she charmed her way through her courses. She lacked artistic and creative abilities, struggling with tasks such as sewing or patternmaking. However, when it came to writing or delivering presentations, Ally truly shined and felt alive. To compensate for her shortcomings, she relied on her charm to partner up with friends who possessed the skills she lacked. She often joked, "I should have learned how to pattern from taking several pattern classes, but talking was much more fun."

Ally possessed a remarkable talent for transforming mundane topics into engaging conversations. While her classmates diligently worked on their tasks, she would captivate them with her stories and lively demeanor. There were moments when she collaborated with Celeste, who would playfully chide her, saying, "Girl, I have done five different patterns, and you haven't done anything." 

In response, Ally would playfully retort, "I bring the wine, and I bring the entertainment girl!" Ally herself was a bundle of joy, always wearing a radiant smile and ready for new adventures. She had an infectious zest for life, adding a touch of fire and spice to every moment. Dullness was banished whenever Ally was around, and her laughter had a way of spreading to everyone. Her hugs were warm and encompassing, as if she never wanted to let go. With her sense of humor and love for dressing up, she always brought a vibrant energy to any gathering. 

During Fashion Week in San Francisco, students were given the opportunity to participate in the show and be part of the team responsible for curating the event. Various roles were assigned to students, allowing them to contribute to this grand annual affair. Ally's strength lay in her vision and her ability to see the bigger picture. When it came to organizing and stylizing the shows, she had a keen eye for how design elements should look and how they should be presented. She yearned to pursue her dream, but she often found herself frustrated by the uncertainty of what that dream actually entailed. Ally seized the potential to curate and oversee an entire fashion show on her own if she desired. However, when assigned tasks that required responsibility without the opportunity for socializing or delegation, she found herself disinterested. While she excelled at generating innovative ideas, she struggled with the process of translating those ideas into tangible results. Instead, her true strengths shone through in her writing, modeling, directing, managing, and curating significant events and fashion shows. It took her a while to find clarity and determine her true passion in school.