Belle’s POV
The past three months didn’t seem to have happened though Selene won’t stop bothering me about Ray and I just keep telling her that we’re not in contact anymore. Selene wanted her to be her model for their upcoming fashion show. It’s their final project.
“Shame,” Selene pouted. “She would’ve looked awesome on the clothes I designed.”
“You’d think she’ll be interested?”
“She seems to be an edgy fashionista. Yeah.”
“Well, we’re no longer in contact. You need to find another one.” It’s been three months since I last saw Reign. I looked outside the window and watched the snowfall. The sky looks peaceful. I want to go out and play in the snow but I don't think Selene will enjoy that. She also hates playing in the rain.
“Alright, it’s getting late. Gotta go.” She got up from my bed and fixed her things. “See you in uni tomorrow.”
I nodded. I wrapped myself with my blanket as soon as Selene left.
“Belle,” my mom knocked on the door.
“Yeah?”
“I thought Selene would stay until dinner.”
I removed the blanket off of my face to see my mom standing by the door. “Yeah, she’s got things to do. The fashion show is coming up and she needs to do some final touches on her work.”
“I see. Well, come down. Dinner’s ready.”
“Okay.”
It’s been like this. I get up, go to school. Hang out with Selene either at her place or at my place. I eat dinner with my mom or sneak out and go partying with Selene somewhere. I don’t know. Maybe, I want more adventure. Adventure only happens when Reign is around though. Also, there’s something else. I don’t but whenever I am close to her, it feels like my soul is connected with her. I feel different whenever she’s around. I placed a hand over my chest.
I frowned, “What the heck? It’s been a month since she last showed up! Get a grip!!!” I got out of my bed and went downstairs to eat with my mom. Why do I feel so attached to that demon anyway?
“Sudden change of mood. Are you on your period?”
“Maybe.” I sat on the chair grumpily and started eating. “Mom.”
“Hmm?”
“If...you have friend perse...and you know...you really don’t know each other much and you met in some sort of weird circumstances like...I don’t know...anyway...and then you get to go to places and adventures you’ve never been into...like never because all you do is school stuff, hanging out with your childhood friend...and you know...somehow those kinds got repetitive so when you met this other friend suddenly things are different. You get to sleep in a strange place in the middle of the woods…”
“Belle?”
“Wait, let me finish. So...this friend isn’t really good but not really bad either. She’s like in the spectrum of in-between but not really?”
“Belle, is Selene okay?”
“Yes, Mom. She’s doing a hundred percent great. I’m talking about a different person. Now, let me finish please.”
“Okay.”
“So...you know...you kinda enjoy the adventures but at the same time really worried about your safety. But at the same time you enjoy it because of the adrenaline rush and all. Even though for a short while but suddenly, she just didn’t show up. Like those events didn’t happen at all. She returned one day and said that all of these things are over and just move on and now things are back to normal. You should be happy because your life is back to normal. You don’t have to worry about danger left and right. But at the same time...you kinda miss it. Do you get what I mean? Now I’m kind of angry with that person because that...makes sense?”
My mom stared at me for a long while and finally nodded. “Hmm...it’s like a summer romance, huh.” She intertwined her fingers together as she rested her chin on it. I know this posture. This is the ‘I am letting this new information sink into my head and gathering my thoughts about it and then finally tell you what I think.’
“What?” I pulled myself back from her. “Mom, did you listen? She’s a friiieeennd. Or an acquaintance. I’m not entirely sure of the relationship.”
My mom chewed her food first then started speaking again. “Ah...youth...I remember my younger years. I was at your grandfather’s place because you know...my mom and dad were separated so every summer I would stay at my dad’s and there’s this boy. They’ve just moved into the neighborhood. See, I’m a city girl. That’s where my mom brought me up after they got separated. So, this boy who is also not used to provincial life...we, you know...hanged out that one summer and mind you we were kids so back then it’s all just play. Adventure...yeah…”
“Mom, I’m sure it’s not the same thing.”
“No, wait. Then when I was leaving the province to return to the city I got disappointed of course. But I know every summer we will see each other because that’s when things get exciting. Summer is so exciting to me. Oh...my younger years…” my mom smiled so brightly that I got creeped out.
“Mom?”
“Oh yes...yes...every summer I’m excited. Every summer things are different...until it’s not. Their family had to move away again. I didn’t know. I returned to the province and I didn’t see him there. All that was left was a letter. He’d always known they were leaving and the last summer we’d hung out was the last summer that we’re going to have fun together. So I was...argh...I was furious. I waited a whole year for that and suddenly...it’s gone. I never met him again. That’s when I realized...I was in love…but...you gotta move on. Summer romance isn’t everything.”
“Yeah, not the same thing.” I shook my head. Why would I feel romance with a demon?
“All I’m saying is, this person brought excitement into your life. Of course, you loved that. Now, you’re disappointed because the person who is bringing excitement is no longer around and now things are back to normal. And sometimes normal is boring. And it’s okay. You’ll find another person to bring you excitement again. Like me and your father.”
“Moooooom.”
“Hey, I understand. I understand.”
I shook my head. “It’s not the same thing. I despised this person in the beginning. Then suddenly I’m worried. I think she’s sick. And she just...just didn't care about me that I was worried about her...whatever. I’m done.” Why would I fall in love with a demon?
“You’re not going to finish your food?”
“I’ll bring it to my room. Good night.” I took the plate with me and continued eating on my bed.
--
The next day, I met Selene at their building to bring her food. She is working really hard for the upcoming fashion show that she forgot to fix herself first.
“When’s the last time you combed your hair and not just stuck it up in a messy bun?” I asked. I placed her food on the table beside her.
“I haven’t had a proper shower in a week. Wash under there, under my arms and we’re good.” Selene said while she’s placing pins on her clothes.
“Wow...that...looks…”
“I got inspiration from the shoes.”
I nodded. “Yeah...those shoes will fit that piece well.”
“Sadly, neither the owner nor the shoes are around so I also had to buy boots and chains and remake it.”
“Wait...what?”
She nodded. “There.” She pointed at the lower side on her left. “Real Karl Lagerfeld boots aren't up to par with my budget. I gotta make do of what I have and what I can afford.”
“Whoa, those look exactly the same except for the pendants. Those are not the same.”
“I tried looking for the pendants but I couldn't find them. I’ve been to different goth shops, emo shops, online shops...nada.” Selene almost fell but luckily she was able to grab the desk to help her balance again.
“Oof...you should eat first.”
Selene nodded. “Right. I do kinda feel a bit dizzy.” Selene took a seat on the spare desk and started eating.
I studied the masterpiece of Selene. It reminds me of Reign so much but at the same time a long-lost memory. I kinda miss that demon. She was not that bad. Maybe because of the little humanity she has in her?
What are you looking at, kid? I heard her voice in my head.
I remember you. Same old snoopy eyes.
These are words in my head that are in the voice of Reign. Maybe she’s right. We’ve met before.
“Hmm...Belle, did your mom make this?” Selene pointed at the food she was holding.
“Huh?”
“This...your mom?
“Y-yeah...She did.”
“Say thanks for me.”
I nodded. “I will.”
“I already told you,” a loud voice outside said. “This kind of idea isn’t going to work!”
“Who’s that?” I asked Selene.
She swallowed her food first before answering. “Our fashion design head. He’s pretty strict.”
“Look at that,” the fashion design head pointed towards the small room we were in. The whole room is clear glass so students don’t do the naughty in these small rooms. That’s why the fashion design head could see Selene’s work. “Look at Miss Selene's Work. Surely, people will appreciate that. But your work?” he pointed at the poor kid. “No one...be thankful that the fashion show is coming soon and you’ve got no time to change everything. But I’ll tell you. Your piece is the ugliest.” The fashion design head started walking away from the poor student.
“Oh my…” I murmured to myself.
“Neil?” Selene called the other student.
Neil turned his head to us. He looks really disappointed. “I really wish I had the same vision as you, Selene.” He smiled sadly and walked away.
Selene and I shared a worried look.
The next day, I hung out at Selene’s mini studio again. I like how they get to have a room for each student to use during the runaway season of the department.
“I only have three days to finish this,” Selene said as she started fixing chains on the shoes. It’s already okay but she wanted to add more to it.
“Who is your model, by the way? Aren’t you supposed to fit this to them?” I asked.
She raised her head up. “Oh…”
“Oh?”
She turned to me and smiled.
“Selene?”
“I actually remembered your measurements from last time...your debut and…”
“Selene…”
Selene closed her palms together and begged. “Please.”
“No!”
“I beg you. Come on. Just this one time. Please?”
“No!”
“Belle, please.” She took my hand and continued to beg.
“No.”
She pouted.
“You will see that my works will someday be appreciated!” A familiar voice angrily said.
Our heads turned in the direction outside. It’s the guy whose name is Neil. He looks sweaty and exhausted.
“I wish these rooms were soundproof,” Selene said. “Last time, I heard something naughty happening in the room next to mine.”
“Huh? But…” the walls are made of glass. Just a tint for privacy but it’s not enough for soundproof.
“You really think they care about being seen?” Selene raised a brow at me. She’s not wrong.
“Sure, say whatever you want to say.” One student said to Neil. “But the fashion design head is right, your work kinda sucks.”
Neil looked like he'd been stabbed by a dagger. “You’re my friend. You’re supposed to support me.” Neil cried.
“Not on this one.” The friend said to Neil.
Selene’s mouth fell open. “Don’t you dare do the same thing to me.”
“I would never!”
“Then be my model.”
“No.”
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