Modelesque

Modelesque: Chapter 2

Chapter 2

As I continued walking at a steady pace, I bobbed my head to my ipod playlist, without a second glance at the pedestrians walking by. When I listened to my music, I was in my own world. With a bounce in my step, I carefully turned the corner to the bench where I waited for Andy to pick me up. Getting to the Victoria Secret studio was a hassle for me since I didn't have a car. Most of the other angels did, but I learned that in L.A, I honestly didn't need one. I wasn't a party animal like Rosie or a thrill-seeker like Sasha, I was just plain little ol' me who finished the job, got the pay check and went home. Before you even say what I know you're thinking, it's not at all like that. The angels have a great time, being one of us is ridiculously fun... It's just that since I grew up in foster care, I'm not used to being that social. Changing schools frequently, wearing baggy sweatshirts so my bruises would go unoticed, it was just a really uneventful life. I was so used to it, that going out just for me is still very hard to get used to. The only thing that drags me out is my job and Shadow, when I need to take him on our daily walk.

With a sudden screech, I jerked out of my inner monologue and noticed that Andy had just pulled up beside me, with the passenger seat occupied. That's odd, it's always just us two. I qucikly peered into the passenger side and noticed a slender child looking grim as he faced forward, reading a book. I slowly made my way to the back of Andy's Range Rover and opened the door.

"Hey kiddo, sorry I'm late. I had to pick up Anthony!" Andy said quickly as I was securing my seat belt.

"S'all good Andy!" I turned to Anthony, "Hi, I'm Riley!" Anthony flinched, but did not turn around. As my brain finally started to set into gear, I realised that this was Andy's son. I never got to meet him, because he lived with his mother in New York. "I work with your dad, it's really nice to meet you."

Andy quickly pushed his son, who looked wary as he turned around to me. His eyes widened and his cheeks turned a light pink. He stammered, "Dad told me about you. He said you were my sister..."

I laughed as Andy quickly explained to Anthony of how I was like his sister and how he was like my father. I smiled, it's true. Andy showed me the ropes when he found me, looking like a lost puppy at the bus station when I got here. I had finally gotten released from the treaturous foster care system and I ran straight to Los Angelos, where I had been born. I was determined to live my life closest to my parents' past lives and that's when Andy found me. He took me in, showed me around, got me a job and helped me get where I am today.

"Your dad saved my life," I explained. "He's helped me grow up and taught me things I wish my dad taught me."

Anthony smiled, "My dad's the coolest, he's like a superhero!" The car slowly reversed while Andy parked it in the studio lot. All three of us got out of the car and made our way to the main studio. Anthony continued to question me about my life and what I did. I told him the basics and said I'd show him around if I had time.

Andy approached me and quietly whispered thanks for handling the session of 20 Questions. I nodded as I sauntered forward to where Anthony waited. When we entered the building, I was ambushed by the other angels. "RILEY?! Where on Earth have you been? Let's go, I want to know what the big surprise is!" exclaimed Alessandra. I giggled as we all scurried to the briefing room. We took our seats as Lydia and her associates entered the giggling room of girls.

"Quiet down ladies!" Lydia said calmly, we all hushed up. "Now there's been a big surprise that I've been waiting to share with you all..." There was? Wow I'm out of the loop, I giggled to myself. "Riley! Focus!...Anyways, you lucky ladies will be going somewhere special this year for the swim shoot get-away!" All the girls were on the edge of their seats, waiting for the ultimate piece of information, while I rested steady, with a frown on my face. Seriously? I hated going out, I'm the queen of unadventurous. I liked being at home and soaking up the freedom, without anyone telling me what to do. Yet another reality check: no matter how hard I tried, I'll never be free.