I wasn't in the opening segment so I had to wait backstage with butterflies in my stomach, but I was in the second part of the show; the third girl out behind two of the more famous models, and I was wearing the most insane red lingerie set, absolutely covered with jewels and crystals that draped over my arms, stomach and thighs. It was kind of uncomfortable to walk in to tell you the truth, but it looked incredible. Hitting that runway was different to a normal runway because it was being filmed for TV, and also because we were encouraged to 'break tradition' and have fun. Normally you have to walk straight faced and show zero emotion, so it was definitely fun to not have to act like a zombie! They actually film the show twice, once with the crowd and once without, just to make sure they get great footage and I was actually glad they did because when I stepped onto that stage for the first time, people literally stood up out of their seats and cheered for me and I was totally unprepared for it. The crowd hadn't been as loud for anyone else that had walked before me and I was sure standing ovations weren't the norm, were they? I was totally overwhelmed and when I spotted Oli, I almost stopped walking. He was clapping and cheering like he was the proudest person in the entire god-damn world and he looked so happy, so did Luiz who was right behind him giving me two thumbs-ups. I had tears in my eyes and I'm sure everyone could see that I was almost crying, but I walked that glitter-filled runway like I owned it, and I blew Oli the kiss I promised too. He pretended to catch it and put in his pocket and my heart absolutely melted. I really loved him so fucking much. I had to recompose myself before hitting the end of the runway to pose because Oli made me laugh and the standing ovation was overwhelming, but I felt amazing. I felt like a million dollars. Walking that runway felt as incredible and spellbinding as I had imagined it would and I couldn't wait to get out there again in my next outfit.
The next outfit I got to wear had wings and was kind of bird like with feathers and tribal finishes. I got to walk to Hozier that time around, but I was most excited for the last outfit - it was black and lacey and had huge black wings, plus I would be sharing the stage with Taylor Swift! It was going to be amazing. I also knew that Oli would love that outfit since it was the one that most resembled something I'd actually bring home to wear for him, lol. I stopped and interacted with Taylor as she sang her song 'Style' and she spun me around like a ballerina before I continued walking. I tried not to get too distracted by Oli but I looked at him and smiled and he blew me the biggest, double-handed kiss ever and it made my heart soar. Having him there made the whole thing so much more special and even more enjoyable. It was crazy that we'd only been together for a short time, because I felt like we'd been together since the day I met him, maybe longer.
When I finished my walk, all of the models were lined up for the show's finale, and while I just joined the end of the queue as we'd been instructed to do in rehearsals, the stage director came and moved me right to the front, up with the supermodels so I'd be front and centre at the end of the runway for all of the photos. I knew why I'd been promoted like that, but it was still surreal. I literally walked with the biggest models in the world onto that runway past balloons and streamers and then stood there with them, hand in hand, waving to the crowd and blowing kisses before welcoming our musical guests. It was insane to be standing there with such famous musicians and supermodels in that very big spotlight, but I can't deny that I loved it.
Once we were backstage there were so many photos being taken, a 'class of' shot with everybody in it - where once again I was put front and centre, and lots of hugs and congratulations between models, stylists and artists. A couple of people told me they'd only ever seen a standing ovation once before, when Tyra Banks walked her last walk, and other models congratulated me too. It was all very surreal. We did the second take of the show without the crowd, just with crew and staff in the front seats and this time around, I could really concentrate on my walk and poses, though the energy definitely wasn't the same without a room full of people cheering. When the second filming was done, it was time to get ready for the after party. Oli and Luiz had already gone to change at the hotel while I was still filming and were meeting me there and while some models headed back to the hotel for full hair and makeup re-dos, I kept mine from the show. I was backstage for an hour, changing into a cute, party dress and I headed to the after party with several other models who were going straight from the venue. I was excited to finally be re-united with Oli, and Luiz and the girls too. I couldn't wait to hear what they thought of the show and my performance!
I walked the pink carpet on arrival, a spin on the traditional red version as pink was the brand's signature colour and I found Oli and Luiz inside already chatting with drinks in their hands, clearly waiting for me to arrive. The girls hadn't arrived yet, so I went straight over and kissed Oli, then quickly hugged Luiz. "So, what did you think?" I asked excitedly.
"I have no words, you were just..." Oli said, shaking his head with the sweetest smile.
"Perfect. You were perfect." Luiz replied, finishing Oli's sentence. Oli just nodded.
"How did it feel? Did you love it?" he asked.
"Oh my God, it was amazing. I had the best time." I said happily. Luiz laughed and excused himself to the bar to get me a drink and I just looked at Oli and scrunched up my face. He looked so happy, but I was waiting for him to tell me what he thought. He seemed a little bit speechless and it was completely adorable. He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, while mine went around his neck and we just looked at each other for a minute.
"You honestly looked so fucking incredible up there and I'm not going to lie, I just about cried when you got a standing ovation." he said, kissing at my cheek. "I'm so fucking proud of you and I feel so fucking lucky to be yours." he said sweetly. Nawww.
"You're so cute." I gushed. He was looking at me with so much love and adoration I could barely handle it. "Could you tell I was trying not to cry when everyone stood up?" I asked. He just nodded but smiled like he thought it was endearing so I rested my face on his shoulder.
"I truly don't know how on earth I lucked out getting to be with you." he said. "You're literally the most beautiful woman in this room and that says a lot because there are a lot of very beautiful women in this room." he added. He was being so affectionate and sweet and I loved it.
"You're just drunk on lust by what you've just seen." I chuckled. "Did you like the black outfit the best?" I asked playfully. He chuckled.
"I liked them all, but you know I loved that black number." he replied.
"Maybe they'll let me borrow the wings and I can wear them just for you." I said with a chuckle.
"Oh God, I'd lose my mind." he said. I kissed him quickly as to not make everyone else around us cringe and I spotted Luiz coming back with my drink.
"Here you go." he said as he handed me a glass of champagne. I didn't really drink champagne to be honest, so I wasn't sure why he'd got it for me... I was even more confused when he handed one to Oli as well as having one for himself too. "Champagne?" I asked. Luiz just smiled at me.
"Well, I know tonight's for celebrating the show, and it's literally iconic that you got a standing ovation, but I have some other news too..." he said with a grin I knew all too well... it was the good news grin, the one that meant something good was happening.
"Spit it out then!" Oli said eagerly as he wrapped his arm around my waist. I laughed.
"Well, the French Federation contacted me a couple of hours ago and, well... they want to reschedule their meeting with you." Luiz said loudly over the music, but quietly enough that everyone else wouldn't hear. He looked so happy.
"What? Really?" I asked.
"Really." he stated with a smile and a nod. Oli squeezed his arm around my waist tighter and kissed my cheek lovingly. "I don't know if it was because you called to personally apologise, or whether it's purely because of the massive spotlight on you right now, but... I think you might be getting that job offer back." he said. I was ecstatic and Oli seemed just as happy too. That day was truly the most crazy, wild and intense day of my life, but it had been one of the best ones too. "Cheers to Joy." Luiz said as he held out his glass in a cheers.
"Cheers." Oli said in agreeance as I pushed my glass into theirs with warm cheeks. I was so happy. Everything just seemed to be going right for once and I really was happy.
YOU ARE READING
You Can Have My Heart (Oli Sykes Fan Fiction) COMPLETE
RomancePART 3 OF A 3-PART SERIES. The sequel to 'Follow You' and second sequel to 'Don't Let Go'; a story about a girl who falls for a musician named Oli that she met at an English music festival. Please check them out if you haven't already! After their...