Fashionista

Chapter 11

I woke up the next day with a slight headache. Thankfully, it was Sunday. After taking some pain relievers and closing my eyes with the intention of sleeping, it dawned on me that I had to go to church.

I knew my dad wouldn't go but still hoping, I knocked.

"Dad, you're going to church?"

"No, you go on and take care." He replied in a crooked voice, as always.

Twenty minutes later, I was all set for church. Black plaid skirt, a bright yellow top, black flats and black headscarf was the look for the day.

Soon, I arrived at St. Michael's Cathedral. I had been attending this church almost every Sunday since we moved. The statue of the archangel, Michael, was positioned at the giant brown door welcoming parishioners.

The saintly feel of the church, the twelve stations on each side of the church coupled with the huge cross at the middle always reminded me that Mom is somewhere nice.

Mom had always made dad and I go the Catholic Church as she had been in the faith since birth. After her death, I became closer to God in a way, my dad was the opposite. He stopped praying and attending church. I tried bringing him back to the church, all to no avail.

Luckily, I was early to church so I listened to the sermon and later took the communion.

After the mass, I saw Charlotte just outside the big door. I never knew she was a Catholic.

"Hey Charlotte. I didn't know you were a Catholic." I said, making my last sign of the cross.

"Yes, I've always been one." Charlotte said and called her sister and mother over.

"Hi, nice to meet you Amelia." The sister said after the introductions.

Her mom just smiled at me and they all left.

"See you in school, Lia." Char said over her shoulder.

**********

"School." I groaned loudly as I woke up, knowing it's Monday.

I quickly got dressed so my dad could drop me off before he went to work. I wore a red flower gown with white flats, simple and elegant.

I finally saw Kathy at lunch break, having done three subjects since morning.

"Hey, Kathy." I was behind her at lunch line today.

"Hi, Amelia. How are you?" she said carrying her tray to our spot.

I answered her as I also carried my filled tray to our table. Never miss out on good food.

"What is wrong, Kathy?" I asked. There were bags under her eyes, and the ever present smile on her face was absent.

"It's my dad. He suddenly fell ill on Saturday night. We rushed him to the hospital only to be told he had cancer. The doctors are still running tests to know if he can still survive it." Kathy said, with tears in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Kathy. Calm down, I'm sure your dad will be fine."

Sniffling, Kathy nodded her head and cleaned her eyes just as Charlotte showed up.

"Hey, what's up?" She said. She seemed so bright and happy today.

I bit back a sarcastic reply to that. Char is always mad when I'm sarcastic to her.

"Kathy's dad isn't so well. He was rushed to the hospital on Saturday."

"Oh, I'm sorry Kathy." Charlotte said, repeating my words from earlier.

**********

By Friday, I have become accustomed to my work place. Vanessa is usually around, along with the others, to help me out. Lily however never talks to me and when she does, it's rude remarks. I don't really understand her.

My main job in Fashionista was sales of the clothes and sketching of potential ones. So, on Friday evening, after school, I was in Fashionista sketching a tight fitting blue coloured long sleeved gown, with a gold coloured zip at the back. The zip formed a V at the neckline going down to the waistline. From the waist upwards was filled with tiny white and black jewels.

"Nice sketch, but who do you think will sew that, let alone wear it?" Lily asked, raising air quotes when she said nice.

"A lot of people will, Mrs. Martins for one." I replied, just as quickly and sharply as she asked the question.

"Really?" She said, picking up my sketchbook. "This dress isn't worth my time, but let's see; the V at the neckline is too deep, these jewels will look way better on the whole dress, the sleeves are... "

"Thanks for the comments, but I don't need them. I didn't sketch it to be to your taste, so it would be better if you go do something that's worth your time." I said and walked away with my sketchbook and confidence still intact.

I was fuming, my eyes narrowed to slits and my lips pursed as I looked for Vanessa. I didn't think I could stand Lily for much longer. She had been doing this since I properly resumed, making annoying comments.

On the first floor, I saw Vanessa talking to someone I couldn't recognize. As I walked closer, I realized it was Dela Rosa, a very famous designer. I felt my heart stop. She was one of my role models, with her simple and elegant designs.

As soon as Vanessa turned and saw me, she called out, "Amelia, please come over."

I licked my lips and walked towards them, my feet hammering the marbled floor. I was eager to meet my role model, but I was also nervous.

"Dela Rosa, this is Amelia, our newest employee. Amelia, I'm sure you know her." Vanessa smiled at me.

"Yes, I do. I'm a big fan of your designs, Dela Rosa. You're my role model." I said, all in one breath. I hoped I didn't make a fool of myself.

"Oh, thanks. It's nice to meet you too." Dela Rosa said as she offered her hands in a polite handshake, which I immediately accepted.

"So, how long have you been working here?"

"A week. I started working here last Friday. I'm actually still a high school student."

"Oh, so it's a part-time job. So, Amelia you want to be a designer, right?" I nodded my head to this. "What are your plans after high school?"

"I was hoping to get some experience from here, then apply to a fashion school to learn more."

"That's nice, really nice. I like your ambition." Dela Rosa smiled and walked towards the elevator with Vanessa.

Just before she entered, she looked to me and said, "We'll talk later, Amelia."

I could only nod my head and smile as I silently thanked Lily.

What do you guys think? Dela Rosa, hmm?

Please do vote and comment ❤❤