Fashionista

Chapter 35

"So how have you been these past weeks?" Vanessa asked me.

"Well, quite fine. We just finished exams, before we were bundled here to show our creativity." I replied, rolling my eyes.

Truthfully, I loved this place and my roommates but I would rather be making clothes in my room without watchful eyes around. Besides, all we had been doing since we got here was prepare for the first event, eat and sleep. We had not yet been allowed to tour the vast grounds of the property and it was getting boring.

"Oh I'm sure it's been quite fun. I sure know it beats being stuck in New York with clothes and rude customers around you."

I shook my head in disagreement. "What! No way. I would rather be there designing than be here with classmates I don't really know."

Vanessa quirked her brow, and put her hand on my forehead before whispering in mock seriousness. "You sure you're not running a temperature? When I was here, it was one of the best times of my life."

I swatted her hand away. "You attended Fashionista?"

She seemed to grow taller before my eyes, as she looked away no doubt reminiscing old times. "Of course, this very one and believe me, it was great. Besides what about your friends?"

"They're all great and nice, I'm growing to love them but... I need something else to do."

She suddenly smiled. "Oh don't worry yourself, after this there will be stuff to do before the second show."

I winced. "If you say so. Anyway you said we weren't meant to know each other back there, why is that?"

"You see, the belief is that if we know you the results wouldn't be fair. So if a judge and student know each other, they've got to pretend... at least for the sake of preventing trouble."

I nodded my head in agreement. It made quite a lot of sense, even though at the end those who still wanted to cheat would do so.

That reminded me. "Did you see Lily there?"

"No I didn't see her, and I'm quite wishing I don't have to. That girl is a nut-job."

I totally agreed. Even though I wasn't scared of her, I had been avoiding her since we got here but something kept telling me it wouldn't be that way for long.

"How's Carlos doing?" I blurted out, smiling slyly as Vanessa turned up her ring to me.

"He's doing so well, we're doing so well. Unfortunately, the wedding is really going to be at the end of this year 'cos of our work and time."

I turned her hand sideways and back to look at her ring. It was a silver band laced with weavings of one word 'Forever' all over, and on top was a blue sapphire which shone brightly.

"It's beautiful." I commented before frowning, "Time? It's your wedding, your bosses will give you time."

She shook her head, throwing her hair sideways. "Not that. We want a proper winter wedding so we decided to do it during Christmastime. Isn't that nice? That way everyone we want to invite can attend."

"Sure, that's nice. But a proper winter wedding, where will it hold?"

"Quebec, in Canada. There's lots of snow present during Christmas and Carlos has some relatives there so it'll be easier for us and for our guests."

"That's really nice, Vanessa. I'm truly happy for you, I also hope the snow in that city doesn't sweep everyone off their feet." I said, laughing.

Vanessa smiled warmly. "I want you to be one of my bridesmaids,  Lia."

"Seriously? Me! Wow, that's such an honour. I would really love to, and it gives me an excuse to visit Quebec. But why me?"

"Simple. I chose you because you've been a nice and warm friend to you, despite the age differences."

I sniffed, this was really nice. "Oh come on, the age difference is less than seven years. You make it sound like we're Methuselah and David."

"Oh, she knows her Bible stuff but I'm serious. You've been dear to me."

Before I could reply, her phone beeped thrice in quick succession and she paled and sighed.

"That's the head of the judging committee. I need to leave now, before they start looking. I'll call you and take care of yourself." Vanessa finished, before hugging me and walking away briskly.

*****

"Where have you been, girl? And don't tell me Leo." Daisy questioned, hands placed on her hips and eyes fuming.

I quickly thought of an excuse. "I've been talking to my dad about this whole marriage stuff." It wasn't a total lie. I spoke with my dad for a while after Vanessa left, and I had been discussing marriage plans. With Vanessa.

Daisy quickly calmed down and sat beside me on the satin covered bed I had been occupying for two days. She just took my hand and rubbed my back affectionately in silent sympathy and I almost felt bad for lying.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Don't worry about that. Camille, how did it feel like up there?" I commented, swiftly changing the topic.

She beamed in response. "It was amazing, I felt nervous at first then I walked in and saw you girls and it became easier. But I didn't like the flashing lights, they kept blinding my eyes." She frowned and looked at Helene. "I told you I needed my glasses, now I'm seeing small black stars in my vision."

Helene chuckled and patted her on the back. "You did fine, girl. You were amazing and I knew we would help you overcome your nervousness. Didn't I tell you all to smile at her as soon as we saw her coming?" Helene asked, wriggling her hands in proudness at each of us.

Eleanor answered for us. "Yes, you did and we're all eternally grateful for your wisdom." She smiled before turning to Camille. "I have some meds you could take for the eyes, it affects me too sometimes." She finished, turning to rummage in her grey knapsack.

Camille gave a sigh. "I would really like that, thank you. Anyway, the two men told us something about being free to explore the grounds this evening. We're going right?"

"Of course we are." Daisy replied happily and I nodded. Finally, something else to do around here.

Eleanor, however, looked unsure. "Are you sure it's safe? All these vegetation and unknown territory."

We all turned to look at her, before murmuring several responses all at once.
"It'll be fun."
"Stop being scared girl."
"Unknown territories are the best."
"There's nothing else to do."

"Okay fine, I'll cone with you guys. I'm not being scared, just careful."

Helene huffed. "If you say so. Now this is going to be fun."

*****

It's exploring time, people (in Helene's voice). What do you think they're going to find? Anything interesting or just overgrown weeds? I would love to know your thoughts.
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