Belle’s POV
The day for the runaway has come. I had to go to the university as early as six in the morning to prepare. In the end, even though it was heavily against my soul, I had to agree that I will be Selene’s model because there was no other choice. I’ve never modeled before; no prior experience at all unlike the other models in this show.
As soon as I entered the black tent backstage, I saw tall models beings assisted by their respected designers. I was in awe. I felt like I was in a real fashion show because of all the equipment and work that I am seeing.
“Belle, here,” Selene directed me to the end of the tent. She turned on the lights around the mirror so she could see me properly.
“Too bright,” I squinted my eyes.
“No choice. This is the life of a model,” Selene started straightening my hair first.
“Aren’t you supposed to do the makeup first?” I asked. “At least that’s what I see on shows. I think it’s easier if you start at the face too.”
“Right...” Selene’s hands were shaking as she reached for the brushes.
“Selene, calm down.”
“I’m trying. I mean the first years are first...and...This is my first fashion show...and…”
I held Selene’s hands. “Everything’s going to go well. Don’t worry.”
Selene breathed in and out. “Okay….”
Selene finally finished my makeup and is now doing my hair. There are a lot of commotions happening around that luckily, the sound system is loud enough so the audience wouldn’t hear all the ruckus backstage. There are students breaking down at the corner, a model that feels nauseous, and just event organizers–that are also students but from a different department, arguing.
“I don’t like this life,” I mumbled. “It’s too much. My social battery is depleted already and we’re not even halfway through the day.”
“Yeah, but the end process is satisfying,” Selene said. “Okay. Stand up and wear this now.” She removed her work on the mannequin and helped me get into it.
“Okay, first years!” The fashion department head shoved the black curtain and revealed himself. “Will be up in five minutes!”
Selene’s eyes widened. “Oh, dear.”
“Shoes!” I tapped Selene.
Selene rushed to get the shoes and helped me wear them. I took a final look at the mirror and fixed my baby hairs off my face with hairspray. Selene was going for a wet hair look and peachy makeup but an edgy all-black clothes. I don’t know how I’m going to pull it off. This doesn’t come naturally to me. For some people this is easy.
“Belle,” Selene called.
“Yeah?”
“Could you walk for me? Like practice.” She pointed at the free space beside us. I followed and stood there. Selene took her phone out to take a video of me. “In three, okay?”
I nodded.
“One...two….thr–”
“It’s not yet your turn!” Someone shouted.
Everyone’s attention is now focused on whatever is happening behind the curtains.
“What’s happening?” A person asked.
The person closer to the curtains shove them away to get a view outside.
“You’re taking the whole thing! Why do you have five models? And what are those clothes?” the fashion design head was arguing with someone.
“Is that Neil?” Selene asked.
We all came closer to the opening of the tent to get a proper view. There are already lots of people in the audience and they are all confused about what's happening. The lights are off but the music is still playing. But the music was switched up to another genre. A quite interesting choice for a fashion show I guess.
“Soon, people will finally realize what genius I am and you will be sorry.” Neil pointed to the fashion design head’s chest.
“Where are you getting all of this angst? Out of the stage!” The head of the fashion department shouted at the models standing still on the stage.
“Something’s not right,” I said.
“Well, duh...the third-year repeater is creating a whole commotion,” someone said.
“No, something more.” I pulled myself out of the crowd and went out of the tent.
“Belle!” Selene called.
“I will be back.”
“Be careful with my work!”
“I will!” I continued to walk to search for something. I examined Neil, he did have a different kind of aura around him. So different that it’s somehow familiar. I know I’ve felt this aura before. I examined harder and finally saw something recognizable. Black smoke. I followed the direction of the black smoke until I reached behind the stage. It’s eerily empty compared to other places. There’s tall plywood that separates us from the audience and there I saw her. I saw her standing alone at the end of the room holding a tiny bottle in one hand and collecting all the black smoke.
“Reign,” I called.
She looked up while covering the small bottle with a cork.
I walked towards her. She’s wearing, of course, all-black clothing; a long coat, a black long sleeve that reveals her collarbone, camo pants, combat boots, and chains. Lots of chains. Our hair, unexpectedly, is in the same style.
She frowned. She studied me from head to toe then back to my head. She raised a brow. “Something doesn’t seem right.”
"Oh? You think?”
“Nice to see you too, copycat.”
“Copycat? Me?”
“My work here is done.” Showing me the payment she collected that is already inside the tiny bottle. “I’m going now.”
Before she could even move. I reached for her wrist and held on it tightly. For some reason, it’s not as cold as I remember.
“What?” She annoyingly asked me.
“What did you do?”
“My job.”
“Which is?”
“None of your business.”
I rolled my eyes at her.
“Making a person’s wish into reality.”
“No. I mean, what did Neil wish for?”
“He wished to have more confidence and for people to see his work.”
“And you did it by ruining the whole show?”
“Hey, I just helped him finish his work and provided models. That’s it. Gave him a sprinkle of confidence.”
“A little bit? Neil is arguing with the fashion design head. He acts like he owns the whole thing. He lost respect.”
“Then it’s all him.”
“What did you take from him? The payment?”
She raised a small bottle full of black smoke. “Five years of his life. Should last me at least two weeks.”
I released her wrist from my grip. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
“I never lie. It’s all him now. Maybe he’s been like that all along and now he’s finally showing his true skin when I give him a sprinkle of confidence.”
“But…”
“Look, as much as I twist words to do things, at the end of the day, it all still falls to how the person acts. All actions have consequences.”
“The whole thing doesn’t make sense.”
“Nothing does.”
“You’re lying.”
She looked offended. “I am anything but a liar, ferret.”
“Belle!” Selene’s voice called. Selene ran toward us and tried to catch her breath before speaking. “Neil...the whole ordeal is over. He’s getting kicked out. He pushed the fashion design head and it caused him to fall to the ground on his ass. Anyway, the show continues...oh, hey!” Selene noticed Reign.
Reign greeted back by raising a hand.
“I got inspired by your shoes. See?” Selene pointed at me.
“You designed this?” Reign asked.
Selene smiled proudly. “It would’ve been better if you’re the one who models it.”
“Ouch,” I pouted.
“It looks good on you too. Don't worry.” Selene said.
“Okay, I’ll get going.” Reign said.
“Wait, you’re not gonna watch the show? You're already here anyway, for whatever reason.” Selene winked at me.
“Erm,” Reign brushed the back of her neck.
“Come on. I’ll give you a seat.” Selene pulled Reign by her hand to bring her towards the rest of the audience. “Wow, you're cold. Do you need more jackets?”
Reign gulped. “No.”
I furrowed my brows. I’m pretty sure Reign is not that cold anymore. I looked at my hand and touched myself. Am I sick?
The fashion show continued as planned. There are two more models before my turn. Selene also did final touches on my hair and make-up. She put glitters on my eye.
“Okay...Ray is on the third row...near the aisle.”
“I don’t need to know that. I don’t care.” I lied. I care.
“Sure.” Selene smiled as she fixed my clothes.
“Next is Selene Andres!” The MC announced.
Selene led me toward the stage. I have to work first and when I reached the end of the runaway she will stand next to me. I started walking as the MC narrates how the design came to be.
“Miss Andres was inspired by the modern look of gothic and combining it with inspirations coming from dark academia with a twist of being edgy.”
I feel so nervous. I feel like I’m just wobbling on the stage. I tried not to look at the crowd but everywhere I look there are just faces. Why does the runaway suddenly feel long? This didn't feel long when I was practicing for it yesterday. The lights are also suddenly too bright. Oh gosh, I am going to fall. I tried to walk firmly but it will not make the clothes look flattering. My heart is beating nervously.
Third row. Selene said in the third row close to the aisle. My eyes searched the area. I can’t see her. Did she leave? Again? I was about to be disappointed until I saw Reign standing at the other end of the room. She’s in the back aisle. Watching. Staring.
I suddenly felt confident. I felt better walking on the stage and suddenly, there was no more stage to walk to. I paused in the center and waited for Selene to stand next to me.
“Everyone, Miss Selene Andres!” The MC announced.
Everyone clapped, including Reign. It was a long minute. We just stared at each other until she then turned around and left. And I felt empty again.
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