Crystal called Yasmin.
“Hey, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve been trying to call you since forever. Anyway, my friend is having an event and he’d love it if you could host a fashion show there?” said Yasmin
“What? Really? That’s amazing. I’m totally up for it.” said Crystal
“Really? That’s great! I’ll let him know!” said Yasmin, cutting her off
Crystal felt helpless as she wanted to continue the conversation, by saying how much she wished to bring back her high school days and how much she missed Yasmin. However, it was too late. Crystal was still shaking from the sensation of trying to convey her message to a friend.
“I’m useless.” thought Crystal
There was a customer entering the boutique.
Crystal’s shop assistant Mirabelle welcomed the customer. They were close friends since childhood. Mirabelle was more like a sister figure rather than a best friend. Mirabelle towered over the small girl and Crystal was glad Mirabelle’s gentle attitude made up for her intimidating height.
Crystal watched as the girl with short black hair searched around the shop and looked at the price tags. There were new sweaters, scarves, and hats in the front corner. The music playing in the background changed to one Crystal disliked.
She picked up a white sweater and asked Crystal, “Do you think this will suit me?”
“I think so! You can try it on if you want.” said Crystal
She couldn’t help but think they saw each other somewhere.
She nodded and looked at Crystal and said, “I know you. We had met at the cooking competition we were taking part in. It was last month, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, you’re right! You must be Vanessa who stood in second place!” said Crystal
Vanessa smiled. She took the sweater to the counter without trying it on.
“I think we have each other’s social media accounts. I’ll contact you there.” said Vanessa, taking out her wallet
She paid for it and dragged the large shopping bag out with her, labelled as ‘Gold Dust”.
Crystal’s cell phone beeped. She received an image of a poster with the event’s timings.
There was to be an art competition at first, followed by a robot show and the fashion show at the end. Crystal smiled when she saw a percentage of the entry fee was going to charity. She couldn’t help but be excited about the robot show. Crystal had a fascination with robots since she was a child but she was bad at science.
The big day came. On that day, she received another text from Vanessa.
“Where did you buy that locket from? It’s very pretty.”
~ Vanessa Beverly
Crystal then realized she had been wearing the locket that Leon gave her for a week. It was not out of admiration, but rather she felt like it had a magic charm to it since she felt horrible after taking it off.
“Oh wait I’ll give you the website of that small business I got it from.”
~ Crystal Colden
She didn’t want to admit that it was a boy who gave it to her.
“www.magicalmyrtle.com”
~ Crystal Colden
Crystal was brushing her hair dyed brown, with her black roots showing. She wore a blazer and formal pants and put on eyeliner and nude pink lipstick.
“This website looks so shady.”
~ Vanessa Beverly
“What? Really?”
~ Crystal Colden
Crystal went to the website and saw a pitch-black background with colourful bubbles and a place to enter an email for a discount code.
“It doesn’t look bad?”
~ Crystal Colden
“Oh. I don’t know.”
~ Vanessa Beverly
She scrolled down and saw the designs were nice, and they were overpriced.
She found her locket’s listing named “Lovely Floral Locket”.
“Sold Out.”
She found it strange that a website that no one knew about sold so much when she was struggling with her own website.
“This ornament gives you healing abilities.”
“Oh, so it’s a bogus website that sells fake charms.” thought Crystal
But then she remembered her small adventure with Leon and wondered if it was a dream.
“Need help?
Admin Leon is online”
She wondered whether she should bother. She flipped over the business card and saw Leon had written his personal email and number there. Crystal realized it was for the girl he liked.
“Leon, hey it’s me Crystal.” typed Crystal
“Oh, I knew you’d come back for more :D”
~ Leon
“No, it’s not that.” wrote Crystal
“Then?? :/”
~ Leon
“What are you doing selling fake charms?” wrote Crystal
She stepped out and made sure she contacted all the models and Mirabelle helped her with taking the clothes.
In the car, as Mirabelle was driving, Leon messaged back.
“They are not fake, for your information.”
~ Leon
A minute later he messaged, “I’ll give you an important mission to rescue someone with the help of the necklace. Then you’ll realize how real it is. >:(”
“Okay but not today. I’m hosting my first fashion show.” Wrote Crystal
“Fashion show? That’s cool. You’re a designer or a model?”
~ Leon
“Designer. Do I look like a model to you?” wrote Crystal
“Sort of... Will you get me a ticket?” wrote Leon
“Sure, but I’m not sure about any more free tickets.” wrote Crystal
She attached an image of the poster.
“I wasn’t asking for it for free. Do you take me as a freeloader?!”
~ Leon
Crystal giggled.
“New love interest, Crystal?” asked Mirabelle
“No, but I wish I did have one.” said Crystal
She sighed.
“Okay, but I thought rent and tuition ain’t cheap ;p
Tickets will be available on spot at Time Hall.” texted Crystal
They passed by trees and flowers until they reached the Time Hall.
“Okay, I’ll call you when I get there.”
~ Leon
The two of them exchanged phone numbers.
She saved the number and went on with the last rehearsal. One of the models came after the last rehearsal was over. Crystal wanted to scream and create a fuss, but couldn’t. So Mirabelle scolded the model for her.
The art competition started and Yasmin had a volunteer ID hanging around her neck and a Walkie-Talkie. She instructed the models to collect food coupons and introduced Crystal to Harper, the one who was hosting the robot show.
The two of them were shocked to see each other because of how similar they both looked. Both had brown hair and wore glasses. Crystal’s hair was tied into a side braid. It was like looking into a reflection.
“Twins!” cried out Harper
“I know right? Nice to meet you!” said Crystal
A robot kept following Crystal. It was shiny and metallic, with red glowing lights. The two of them were walking together for some time, examining the art. Harper was mentioning how she loved drawing but wasn’t good at it.
The two of them talked for an hour. They exchanged phone numbers. Crystal’s phone rang and she picked it up.
Meanwhile, the robot was following her. Crystal saw how Harper was trying to drag the robot away from Crystal but failed.
“Hi, uh Leon?” said Crystal
“Yes, where are you? I just entered.” he said
“I’m near the gallery.” said Crystal
The two girls talked more. Leon arrived in front of them wearing a blue-checked shirt and jeans. He fumbled around in one place and clenched his fist. He put his hand on the back of his neck and said hi to Crystal. She told him to join them. He got a chair.
“Harper, this is Leon.” said Crystal
“Oh hi, nice to meet you.” said Harper
He was being left out as the other two couldn’t stop talking. Crystal noted that he smelled of a nice perfume, unlike the first time they had met.
“Whoops, we aren’t giving him a chance to speak. Tell us about yourself.” said Harper
“Okay... I’m a student of Sociology at the National University of Marguerite. I like to paint and I have a side business mainly run by my mom.” said Leon
“Oh wow it’s difficult to get into NUM, isn’t it? Also, what kind of business is it?” said Harper
“We sell jewelry. I actually gave Crystal that necklace from our business. I’m glad you’re still wearing it. It’ll protect the wearer.” said Leon
Harper burst out laughing.
“You believe in fake charms?” she said
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