Karlie's Secret - A Kaylor Fanfiction

Prologue

Karlie fiddled with the straps of the lacy lingerie set she slipped into moments earlier, allowing the makeup team to cover her face with their expensive products until she was barely recognizable. Voices chattered on all around her, some excited, some worried, and some just plain loud. Cameras of all kinds were either shoved into her face or not-so-discreetly waiting off to the side to catch her in a moment of awkwardness to plaster the cover of TMZ the next morning. It was, after all, the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

She loved every moment of it.

After rising to supermodeldom post-VSFS the year before, the ride had been relatively easy. Sure, it had its bumps, as all masters of their careers do, but it wasn't the hardest job in the world. Getting pampered with the finest makeup and clothing and food from around the world was, to say the least, a nice gig.

"You're all set, darling," a voice rang out from the noiseless sounds, awakening her from her daydream. Her makeup artist was two inches from her face, smiling proudly at the work she'd done. Geraldine's work was never anything less than perfect.

"Thanks, Ger. I'll see you out there."

Geraldine found Karlie's hands, her warm eyes filled with love and care for the younger girl.

"You're going to be great, love. Remember to smile."

"Of course. How could I ever forget?"

The older of the two chuckled, cupping Karlie's newly-made face with the tenderness of a feather. 

"Don't ever forget who you are, dear. That is, first and foremost, a woman. Not a model. Not an Angel. Not another pretty face. But a woman. You can get up there and strut your stuff for the world to see, but that won't fulfill your desires. You can be the best supermodel in all of history, but that won't make your dreams come true."

Karlie's nose wrinkled with giddy confusion. 

"Being an Angel was everything I ever wanted, Ger. And now I have my dream."

"No, my love, you want happiness. Who you are on that stage and in the catalogs is not who you are at home with your friends and family. True happiness lies there, with those you love. You won't get that from strangers watching your tits bounce on a catwalk."

Karlie gasped at Geraldine's characteristic uncouth words, a giggle escaping her despite it all. She tenderly laid her hands upon the other's, gently removing them from her face.

"I don't really know what you're saying. I'm happy like this. Being up there...it's what I've always wanted. My dreams already came true. There's nothing more I want in my life."

Geraldine's eyes sparkled, returning her hands to her makeup station to clean up. She didn't say a word as she put her utensils in their places, dusting off the vanity counter.

"Your true happiness, my darling, will be in a person. Maybe a lover, a friend, or a family member. That is for you to find."

And with that, she exited. Karlie stood alone in the crowded backstage area, suddenly unsure of her career. Not the time, she thought to herself.

And she stepped onstage.