VALERIE

Chapter 35: When in Milan 2

Copyright © zylgnagnaba 2013

“Hmm,” Sophia hums once we squeeze each other in a hug. I arrived at the airport just in time that she has come out at the exit, thank goodness. “I’m so stoked for the show. Can’t wait.” She muses and squeezes both my shoulders after we pull away from each other.

My chest heaves up and down once I release a nervous sigh and I know Sophia notices it before she gives me a concerned smile. Well, I’m really excited and nervous at the same time. It’s always been like this every time we have a runway show. My head would spin around and think about the worst possible things that could happen. I would be scared that I might trip on the catwalk and that people would laugh at me. Walt has always been the one to admonish me whenever I think about negative stuffs.

I’ve been doing this for two years now and I’m still not used to it. Nothing major has happened though and I’d realize that being pessimistic wouldn’t help, but still my fear would always come back whenever a show like this is coming.

I’d look like I’m enjoying myself in the catwalk, but the truth is I’ve been mentally reciting a mantra over and over while walking, don’t trip, don’t trip, don’t trip!

One thing that’s important in my job is to master ‘grace under pressure’. That’s the key.

“I’m nervous, actually.” I admit and we both chuckle. I hook my arm on Sophia’s and we both start walking out of the crowded airport. Thankfully, no one recognizes two-fifth of One Direction’s girlfriends, or if anyone does, then maybe they’re considerate enough to not bother us.

Two months ago, I promised that I wouldn’t be as close to Sophia as I am with Perrie and Eleanor, and look who I am with right now. It’s really amazing how things work out for everyone, at the same time I am thankful that I have added another big sister in my list.

I clasp my coat tighter up to my chin once we walk out of the building. It’s not raining in the city, but I don’t doubt it will later due to the dark and heavy clouds huddling together in the firmament. A small smile tugs at my lips when I realize that it’s almost summer in Australia, quite the opposite here in Europe. I can only imagine the boys enjoying the sun—that we’re deprived of in London even if it’s summer—right now.

Sophia and I are about to walk straight ahead to our cab when group of undesirable individuals—paparazzi—crowd around and block our course, flashing their cameras at us and yelling incoherent words at the same time. We cast our heads down to our path to avoid the flashing lights, shoving them as we fight to make our way to our cab.

Two airport police come to our rescue, shielding us from the mob as we continue walking.  My head is spinning around at the same time that my throbbing heart pounds against my ribcage when I make out some of the questions being thrown at us—at me particularly.

Valerie, who’s the new guy?

Are you cheating on Harry?

Why are you cheating on Harry?

Did you two break up?

Where are these questions coming from? I’m so confused. How on earth did these people make-up some sort of make-belief. I would never cheat on Harry. I’d be the most stupid girl in the world if I ever do that. Harry is the most amazing guy in the world and I’d be damned if I do something that would trigger us to be apart. I love Harry Styles—so much that cheating on him would be last thing I could think of. I can’t even think of somebody else better than him that I can cheat with. These people are more stupid than I thought.

Sophia and I take a deep breath of relief once we are finally inside the cab. After thanking the two airport police for assisting us, one of them slam the door shut and they wait until our cab take off and leave the airport.