Runaway

Chapter Eight: The designer

                          Chapter Eight: The designer

                                    Elvira Jones

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Today we had another appointment with Alex and Olive. I'm wearing blue jeans and a black sweater, with a hoodie. I'm wearing my black Adidas campus underneath and have my black handbag on my shoulder. We are standing in front of the desk. "Come on!" Lexi says enthusiastically. The moment Lexi and I enter the fashion agency, I immediately feel those same nerves rising again. The space is a lively mix of creativity and hustle and bustle. All around us, people are sitting behind laptops, people are making phone calls, and there are fabrics and sketchbooks scattered around. Lexi looks around with wide eyes, as if she wants to remember every detail. I know this is her dream, but it still feels a little surreal to me. We walk further to Alex and Olive's office, and as soon as we enter, I see their enthusiastic looks. Alex looks at us with a broad smile, and Olive leans relaxed against the desk, but her eyes betray a certain excitement. "Alright, ladies," Alex begins as he invites us to sit down. "We have big news." I glance at Lexi, who can barely contain her excitement and is already on the edge of her seat. "What's going on?" I ask, my voice a little nervous. Olive smiles at me and says, "A designer saw your photos and was very impressed. She wants you on her next show." I feel my eyes widen and the words seem to slowly sink in. "On the show? As in... as models?" Lexi lets out a squeal of joy, and I can tell she can barely stay in her seat. She takes my hand and squeezes it. "Elvira, this is it! This is our chance!" I nod, a little overwhelmed by her enthusiasm and by Olive and Alex's words. "But... I don't even know if I want this," I say softly, my eyes on my hands. Olive smiles kindly and comes to stand next to me. "Elvira, it's okay. No one expects you to make a decision you don't want to make. It's just an opportunity to try. You don't have to do it just for yourself—it can also just be an experience." Alex nods in agreement. "You have a certain appearance, Elvira. Something natural that you cannot learn. It would be great to see that on the catwalk. But only if you are ready." I look at Lexi, who is looking at me with a big, beaming smile. For her, this is clearly a dream come true, something she has longed for for so long. And somewhere deep inside I feel that maybe it would be good to share this opportunity with her, even if only to support her. "Okay," I finally say, and I see Lexi's face light up with joy. "I think I want to try it." Alex and Olive smile happily, and Alex gives us an encouraging nod. "Great! Then we can soon introduce you to the designer and start the preparations." We get up and Alex and Olive lead us to another room in the fashion agency.

As we walk, I feel the tension rising in the air. The walls are decorated with beautiful photos of previous fashion shows and fashionable outfits, and I can't help but absorb the atmosphere. It's a world I've only seen from a distance, and now it seems so close. "Okay, girls," Olive begins as soon as we enter the new space. "Today we are going to teach you a few important things about photo shoots and catwalks. This is essential for your development as models." Lexi nods enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling as she prepares for class. I feel a little nervous, but also curious about what's to come. "When you walk on the catwalk," says Alex as he leaves us standing in the room, "it's important to feel confident. You have to take every step with precision and flair. This means that you have to control your posture and your movements well." Lexi takes a few steps in the heels she is wearing. She walks well, but then, just when she is a little less elegant, a small, awkward jerk comes through her body. "Oops!" she laughs, as she regains her composure. "That's the point!" Olive says with an encouraging smile. "Everyone makes mistakes. It's about how you recover and keep going." I look at Lexi and see her starting to feel comfortable again. Then I decide to take a few steps myself. As soon as I walk on my heels, I feel confident. It seems to come naturally, and I like to see that I'm doing well. The height of the heels gives me a little extra height and I feel stronger than ever.