Fashionista

Chapter 31

"Mention four beginner stitches, with one example each of what they can be used for." Leo asked again.

"I know this one. Grainline Studios-Scout Tee, Tilly and the Buttons-Stevie Tunic, True Bias-Ogden Cami, and... Sewaholic-Rae skirt. So that's Tee shirt, Tunic, Cami and Skirt." I finished, feeling proud.

Leo cocked a brow, "I saw you glance at your book for the last one, Lia."

I felt my ears redden, "Guilty, but I got three without looking." I tried to defend, but Leo and Daisy were already shaking their heads as I was given a half mark.

"I didn't even know the answer to this particular question, I'll still have to read more before the next question and answer session." Daisy said, while I sulked silently.

"Don't worry, we still have a bit if time before the exams." Leo offered, trying to be encouraging.

She huffed in response, "Time? Our first paper is on Monday and from there on its one paper everyday till Friday."

Leo wasn't deterred, "Today is Wednesday, Daisy. We'll have these sessions everyday till we're super ready for the exams, alright? Now let's finish the questions on Dress making so we can move to Italy and its ethics. "

I watched as Leo pacified Daisy till she calmed down, and truthfully I didn't blame her.

I also felt like everything was moving so fast, we were just freshers in February and now we were in July about to write our first semester exams. It wasn't any easier that we had to resort to online study sessions, it was more hectic and frustrating especially when connection was poor. I had become used to seeing Leo and Daisy's faces frozen through the screen, so much so that I lost count of how many screenshots I had taken.

At least, exams were going to be physical and not virtual.

Daisy's voice brought me back to the present. "My turn, the next question is: What are the things you need to consider while choosing a material for an evening wear? Leo, say two and Amelia two as well."

"No peeping." She added, fixing me a stare which I ignored.

"Height and structure of the owner." I replied quickly just as Leo said, "Type of fabric, colour of fabric and Sewing pattern."

"I said two, Leo. Don't be a show-off." Daisy lightly warned.

"I like to be extra...sometimes." He replied, winking at me through the video call.

We all ignored the comment, and moved on.

*****

On Friday, I was using the last minutes of my lunch break to study Marketing past questions when someone knocked on the occupied bathroom stall.

"Lia, Mr. James wants to see you." Jade said when I opened the door. "And why are you reading here?"

I shrugged and walked out, rinsing my hands. "I like the quiet here."

I was assured of my reading spot when I saw the main aisle in the supermarket. Nearly the whole street's population was here, buying all sorts and manners of groceries.

Jade and I put a smile on our less than happy faces when our landlady stopped by to greet us.
"How's your day going, Mrs. Aria?", Jade asked more sweetly than I knew her to be.

"I'm doing well, Jade. But I'll be better if you both pay up the rent." The brown-skinned woman replied just as sweetly.

" But it's due next week." I mildly argued.

"Well, that's for you." She said, shooting a sideways glance at Jade who turned away. "Well, bye girls. Have a nice day."

"What a mean old lady.", Jade said under her breath. "Go on Lia, he's waiting."

"Oh okay." I replied, knocking on the door.

"Come in Amelia." When I entered he paused to adjust his face mask before continuing, "Your school has called and requested that I give you a week's leave for your exams." He didn't look at all pleased to do this.

"Now I'm not pleased to do so, and as such a percentage will be deducted from your salary. I can't pay for no work, I'm sure you understand."

"Yes, I do." Did I have a choice?

"Good, so you can go and prepare for your exams. You'll be resuming in the next two weeks."

Two weeks? I wondered. Exams were for only one week, what else did we have to do? Maybe he was mistaken, anyway I had a free week to prepare for exams.

*****

I put off the blaring alarm for the second time, and got out of bed. With twenty minutes spent on extra sleeping, I managed to get ready before eight a.m rushing out of the complex to meet Leo and Daisy waiting for me.

"You look bright today, Lia." Leo said, appraising my outfit. I half-heartedly nodded, and got into the car. Today's outfit was a bright yellow sundress with a black waist belt and my favourite black flats.

Daisy looked at me for a while before she exclaimed, "Where's your face mask?"

I groaned and without a word, dropped my stuff in the car before dashing back into the building. Luckily, it was on my bed, I must have forgotten it with all the rush of making it to the exam on time.

Locking my door, I glanced at the watch I never removed. "Eight thirty, gosh we'll be never... Aaah."

One second I was checking the time and the next thing, I was on the ground with blood trickling our of my knee. Trying to get up was a huge struggle, it felt like it was taking forever and with my face mask in hand I managed to limp back to the car.

"What happened?" Daisy asked, getting out.

I waved her off, "I'm fine, just a sprained knee. I fell on the stairs."

"You should be more careful, Lia. Daisy help her into the back, I have a kit here somewhere." Leo said, searching around the passenger seat for something.

"Here. I'll continue driving."

"Daisy, don't worry yourself. It's a small cut, I'll be fine." When she refused I sighed and directed my attention to Leo, "Why do you have a first aid kit in your car?"

He smiled and looked through the mirror, "It's a mini first aid kit and remember my mom's a nurse. So she had this packed." He turned serious again, "Now keep quiet so Daisy can finish up."

I agreed until, "Ouch, that hurts. What's that?"

"It's methylated spirit. And I'm done, all fixed." Daisy grinned at the plaster I had on my left knee.

"It doesn't hurt as bad anymore. Thanks guys."

Leo laughed, "So you admit it hurt? Crybaby."

"Pfft. Let's just revise as much as we can for Finesse."

Leo grimaced, "Not sure we can. We've arrived."

"You sound like we're doing an interview regarding life and death, Leo." Daisy huffed, slapping his arms lightly as he parked the car.

"I feel like we are." After that comment, the silence shrouded us no doubt due to nervousness.

We made our way to the exam hall, situated at the ground floor of the classes' block.

"Come on in, students." A middle-aged man beckoned at us. "Drop your bags, carry only your writing materials and have a seat."

We quickly did so trying to ignore the man's "Quite tardy on your first day." comment. I glanced at my watch, it was only by a minute.

Soon, the question papers and answer booklets were shared. I shuffled through an exam prayer just as the man said "You've started your Finesse 101 exams. Goodluck."

They will need all the luck and prayers. What are your thoughts on this chapter? Do let me know.
Please do vote and comment.❤❤