Fashionista

Chapter 13

"Hey, Cole." I said.

"How has it been for you? You seem really happy." He said, putting his hands in his pockets as he walked towards me.

I suddenly had this urge to tell him about my day, even if I didn't know him well enough.

"Well, I received some good news. I have a chance at the Fashionista school in Rome." I said, gesturing towards the fashion building.

Cole seemed to share my joy as he smiled, "That's nice, Amelia. So how will it work? "

"Well, 500 students like me will be given a test and the best 50 will be chosen to go abroad and study in their professional design school. The study will be for three years, it's like going to college. Afterwards, we become professional designers." I answered, delighted at the question.

"That's good. What's the test going to be on?" He inquired.

I don't know yet. I was planning to ask Vanessa on Monday."

I could see the confusion in his eyes when I mentioned Vanessa, but I didn't bother to explain as I noticed we had arrived at my home.

"I'm happy for you, Amelia. Study hard on the test and make sure you go to Rome, alright?" I could hear the sincerity in his voice and I was grateful for it.

"I sure will. Thanks for the walk home." I answered, walking to my door.

At the last moment, i turned back and was surprised to see Cole looking at me. I blushed and quickly turned away, I didn't expect him to still be there.

*************

When I saw Kathy the next day at the library, I sure had a lot to say.

"So you're going to Rome soon?" She asked sadly. I had just explained the test to her, I suddenly regretted telling her so soon.

"No, not now. I'm not even sure of going. Aren't you happy for me?" I accused.

"I'm happy for you, Lia. I really am. Its just... I'll miss you and you're definitely going to go. You're good at what you do." Kathy explained, browsing through the shelves of books.

"If I go, I'll really miss you too. Enough of that, I saw Cole yesterday after work."

I noticed the way Kathy ears stood, she turned excitedly and pulled out a chair.

"Tell me everything."

I explained everything, including the part where I blushed. Her eyes were boring straight into mine the whole time I was explaining, it became creepy.

"You like him. I can see it in your eyes, they're shining. Also, you were talking fast. You only do that when you're talking about someone you like."

I couldn't deny it. When I had feelings for someone, I always talked fast when they were the topic of discussion.

"Okay, I admit that I like him but that doesn't mean I want a relationship, Kathy. I'm not ready for that, my focus now is on the finals and my job." I pointed out.

"If you say so." Kathy said and went back to reading Goosebumps.

Later that day, I got a big shock.

After library time, I decided to get some groceries for home. We were out of them, thankfully dad noticed and left some money on the kitchen counter.

I usually cycled to the grocery store, but today I decided to walk as I was in high spirits. The list was a bit long, and I started to regret not carrying my bike.

As I was leaving the store, I saw Lily talking to someone. I wanted to at least say hi, until I realized who she was talking to. It was Charlotte.

Some part of me wanted to get closer and hear what they were talking about, however the rational side of me won as I exited the grocery store wondering what their relationship could be.

Vanessa: "Amelia, do you fully understand the test you are about to take?"

This was the first message I saw on my computer as soon as I got home.

Thank God she wants to wants to explain it to me now.

Amelia: "No, please explain it some more."

As she wasn't online yet, I arranged the stuff I bought and made some baked beans. Dad would love this, it was one of his favourites.

Vanessa: "There are 50 Fashionista mini corporations scattered around the globe just like the one we work at.
Each one brings 10 interns to enter the contest. Ours has just five at the moment; you, Lily and three others. The 500 interns take a general reasoning test to pick out the best 100. These 100 will put their designing skills to work and design a dress, from here the top 50 will be selected to go to Rome at the beginning of the next school year."

Amelia: "Oh, i understand better. But how come I haven't met the other interns and what about the remaining five?"

As I ate dinner, I wondered what would happen if I was among the top 50 to go to Rome.

Vanessa: "You will meet them on Monday. As for the other five, I don't know the plans they have if the ten interns aren't complete. Only Mrs. Martins and Dela Rosa have the answer."

Amelia: "Okay, thanks a bunch. Can I ask you a question, as a friend?"

Vanessa: "Sure, ask away."

Amelia: "Do you think I could be among the top 50? Honest opinion."

Unfortunately, Vanessa went offline before she could read the message. I really wanted to know what she thought about all this.

"Amelia, I'm smelling something nice. W what did you make?" Dad asked as soon as the door opened.

He looked and sounded like he was in a happy mood; whatever the reason was, I was happy. Dad rarely came home in a good mood.

"Hey, dad. I made some baked beans, your favourite. You seem to be in a good mood today, what happened?"

"Oh, um.. Its nothing." He looked away, suddenly avoiding eye contact. Dad switched to his usual somber mood and stayed like that as we ate dinner.

"Dad, you're not telling me something. What is it?"

"Amelia, I don't know how you will see it and it's not all that important anyway."

Now, I was curious. "Tell me dad,  I can take it."

He sighed heavily and took our plates to the kitchen sink. "I met someone, and I really like her."

The napkin I was holding dropped to the floor as Dad turned to see my reaction. I wasn't ready for this, not another woman. It couldn't happen, not yet.

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