The week had passed in the blink of an eye. Between so many evaluations, final papers and presentations I felt exhausted, and I could even swear that I had more dark circles than before, but all the effort that week would have been worth it.
The other reason I was so haggard was because I was finishing some designs that I wanted to present to a fashion agency, the one that was founded by my favorite designer: Normand Dumont . One of the most prominent entrepreneurs in fashion. His designs have served as inspiration for many other designers, and the best thing is that every year he asks for interns who are at the same level as the company and who want to emerge in the world of fashion. Although this career that I decided to take is full of obstacles to reach the top, it will all be worth it when I see my work being used by more than one person.
Entering to work in the Dumont company is to enter directly into the wolf's mouth, because even Normad himself has described it as an arduous war in which to fight . Many of the interns have even been intimidated by his presence, and it was not for less, because Normand Dumont had the air of a cold and calculating person, willing to find the best way to achieve his goals. It would seem to anyone the coldest stone in the entire Antarctic.
If I wanted to fulfill my dream of being a fashion designer, I first had as a goal to start at the bottom, as an intern, and to improve myself more and more. Although for this he would have to go through the selection stages first.
The first phase consists of submitting 10 designs of your choice. These were to be the first sketches, and would be revised by Normand Dumont himself . Something that was to be expected given that he is a very perfectionist man, he does not like people who do not measure up to approach his designs, he is very reserved and those few people who have come to work for him have managed to be successful. … Although many others have run out of the company, or that's what they say on some gossip pages.
The second phase was somewhat different, since if you have been chosen you will be notified which were the best three designs and a presentation should be made detailing the process, materials and the method to develop the three designs. Just having passed the first phase is a great step, since not many have been able to, and at the end of the second phase the final phase would be missing. For this last selection phase, those selected must attend the offices for a week, where they must make the three designs chosen according to the steps represented in the previous phase.
It is somewhat complicated given that those who make it this far will be supervised by someone who is extremely trusted by Mr. Dumont .
I clearly can't imagine going that far, but Véro has urged me to submit 10 of my best designs. I couldn't help but think that out of so many potential designers it would be very difficult to be chosen, and that only caused me more and more anxiety. I tried to keep drawing on what time was passing by and it worked to clear my mind a bit. After five in the afternoon I got out of bed and scattered all the designs on my bed to get a better view of which ones were the best to send. But no matter how hard I looked, the choice was getting harder and harder.
What if the one who delivered is not good enough to be accepted? My dream would go down the pipe. I would become the worst designer in life and I would never do a design again because of how pathetic I am .
...
- . Violette! - I heard my friend yell, she must have come from her date with Laurent by now.
These two have already seen twice in the week, this is the third, to the apparently my advice helped him much to Véronique and I've seen a lot happier than d and custom. Something that makes me very happy too. I listened to her footsteps into my room and she opened the door wide with her radiant smile on her face.
- . What happened to you, girl? - I ask after possibly seeing something wrong with my face. I hadn't seen myself in the mirror, although I could have sworn I had a scared face, but not because of her.
Véronique brought a small mirror closer and raised it to the level of my face so that she could see me, just at that moment I felt despair take flesh, and my best friend would witness my possible death. She was not used to crying, in fact I hated it, but I felt weak and this was something that she could see in my eyes. Although he could also swear that she thought he was exaggerating the situation more than necessary.
Véro came up to me and gave me a hug without even saying anything. It was what I needed, someone to calm me down even a little. I refused to let the tears even run down my cheeks, I didn't even want them to come out of my eyes, even though I could feel how wet they were. I would not get carried away by despair.
- . Ya girl, don't worry. You just need to clear up a bit - after saying that, he took my hand and led me from the room to the living room, where his guest, Laurent, was sitting on the large sofa. When he saw me, he opened his eyes wide, he also looked worried - Everything will pass, darling. Explain to me what is happening and I will try to help you.
Up to that point I hadn't been ashamed, but now Laurent was also seeing how devastated she was, at least physically. Although only for the moment I would not give importance to it. If I started to analyze it, it was silly that I was on the verge of tears for something that can be solved quickly with a little help, and as for my appearance ... well, with that if I could not do much.
- . What happens to him? - I heard him ask Laurent. I didn't notice when my friend left me on the small sofa, much less when she came back with a cup of Jamaica flower tea, my favorite. Then I saw her take a seat next to him after setting me down on the small sofa.
She knew what to do at a time like this. Maybe if I got help from them I could get out of the little abyss of despair that I myself had created around me. I took the cup of tea that my friend had left me and brought it to my lips to taste some of that delicious nectar before telling them what happened.
- . Are you feeling better already?
- . Véro…. Everything is a mess! I am a mess and ...
- . No drama in between, honey. We want to hear the shortened version of the explanation, or at least hear what is important.
As cutting as ever that you want the complete information.
- . Well… Do you remember I mentioned to you about my favorite designer's internship? - She nodded - Well ... Today is the only day that I can send ten (10) of my designs and I can not choose any.
I took my time to tell you in more detail about the internships and the selection process or phases. Both she and Laurent were completely silent as I took the time to explain it all, and when I finally finished they were both thoughtful.
- . Is that only due to the tragic state you are in? - Véronique asked to which I only nodded in response.
- . I think you are exaggerating more than necessary, and that I have not even seen your work - Laurent spoke.
- . Girl, you are super talented, the only thing that works against you is your confidence in times like this. Sometimes it's okay to relax and ask for help. At least in this of choosing 10 of your designs I can help you, I have been seeing how you improve little by little for years.
- . How good are you Because only work will speak for yourself, and if you feel insecure about it, it's because you don't like what you do ... - His words left me thinking for a long time. He was certainly right about something, if I love what I do and I feel satisfied with each design then what am I afraid of? - I may not know much about the field, but I also know someone who could answer you in an instant . Maybe that helps you feel more relaxed a bit. How about?
His offer dazzled me for a moment.
Véronique jumped up and went in the direction of my room, while Laurent only gave me a look of understanding on his part.
- . You'll be fine, I assure you. Do you want me to call my friend? Because I could pass your design on to see what he thinks.
- . Yes ... - I said almost in a whisper, although he seemed to have heard it because he immediately took out his cell phone to send a text message.
In this Véronique returned with all the sheets that she had scattered on the bed. She took her seat again and placed the sheets on the coffee table so that Laurent could also appreciate them. Among my designs you could find a bit of everything: dark-hued clothing, elegant dresses and even light-hued dresses to go for a walk. Véro always said that I was very inspired by some people when designing, but some I have to admit it was by nature, like a princess cut dress in pink with a gradient in blue and small embroidered details.
My friend and her partner were looking at the pages for a long time , at the same time Laurent was taking a few photos and kept writing messages to his friend. I was nervous, so I finished the contents of my cup of tea, it was the best to calm me down. Among some that Véronique handed me was a red mermaid cut dress that she had designed, this one had gold embroidery, and at the top I had let my imagination run a bit with the design, but it looked elegant and stylish. same youthful time. The other was a summer set of shorts with a blouse, suspenders and stockings. What I liked most about that design were the details and how I played with the colors of the fabrics. The last one that happened to me was a pink open-back dress with a princess skirt, the same one that I had finished making just a few weeks ago and is now somewhere in my closet.
After a while, Véronique finished choosing some more designs with Laurent, who also told her which ones were chosen by his mysterious friend. After a time, which seemed like an eternity, they both handed me the 7 missing design sheets, and Laurent held out his phone to me to see his friend's message.
BROTHER
Brother! I loved the designs you were showing me. I don't know who it is, but the person who designed them is very talented. I really liked the games of colors and the details added in the drawings, I imagine that it will not be very easy to do something like that, and if you get to recreate them you have a great future ahead of you.
Will you tell me the name of the designer?
Reading that message filled me with great joy. Having recognition of someone who doesn't even know my identity feels great, feeling hidden made me feel less nervous about having a stranger comment on my work.
Curiosity was even stronger than me, so I took the courage to read the conversation a little longer.
LAURENT
I know brother! The girl who made these designs are great, although she encounters an internal conflict, she thinks her designs are not good enough.
And no. This is not about Véronique.
BROTHER
What? How can you not have confidence in yourself when you make such wonderful designs? I haven't seen your physical work yet, but if you have the creativity to recreate all of this, then you have a future. It would be a great waste for you to get carried away by your bad thoughts. The world of fashion tends to be very cruel to people, and having confidence is one of the essential requirements to not be dominated by anyone else.
This girl has talent to spare, don't waste it thinking about what other people will say. As long as she is happy with her final work it will have all been worth it.
LAURENT
Thanks brother. I think you will be of great help.
BROTHER
Always to order.
We talk later, I have to go into a meeting.
Everything that person had said struck me as most charming and even filled me with courage to make more decisive decisions on the designs that Véro and Laurent had given me. He would stop wasting time thinking about unnecessary things and act once and for all. I gave the phone to its owner and he also gave it to his companion to read, and little by little as I read the smile on his face became bigger and bigger.
- . I have told you more than a thousand times, you are talented, you just must not get carried away by bad thoughts, and you must not get bad for things as insignificant as that. As long as you remain original in everything you do, there will always be someone who wants to continue your work. I for example.
- . She's right, sweetie. You already have proof that more than one person could say it, and this - he lifted his phone - is not a friend or family member of yours, so his opinion has nothing to do with raising your spirits. He was just honest, and you already read what he wrote.
- . That's how it is. You have talent and creativity to spare. For now you just have to charge yourself with a lot of positive energy and show the world what you are made of.
Their words filled me with great joy and courage.
I jumped up from the sofa and with my sketches in hand I went straight to my room, knowing that I had the couple's gaze on my back, but they already knew that I would be fine at least the rest of the night. Back in my room, I took the computer and turned on the scanner to start uploading my designs to the computer so that I could send them. I had until 11:59 p.m. to send them all. Today nothing would prevent me from climbing the first step to fulfill my dreams.
I went sketch by sketch until I had them ready in PDF format and started uploading them to the official page of the Dumont account . I still didn't feel entirely safe, but Laurent and Véronique have encouraged me not to affect me, just like that stranger.
At first I did not like the idea that this person outside my close group gave an opinion on my designs, but the truth is that now I am grateful for not rejecting Laurent's idea. He himself says that he is a person with experience in the field, so his comments give me even more encouragement. I also have some mixed feelings towards Laurent, in a good way of all. Because not just anyone goes to his "girlfriend" house and ends up meeting his emaciated best friend, and is still there to support her. That can only tell me that he is a good person and that he cares about the people Véronique holds dear.
It is a good signal. I would not be surprised if they both start dating tonight, since what I noticed was also done by Véronique, and there is nothing more charming than showing affection and appreciation for those close to your beloved.
Attached to the designs, he also had to fill out a series of data, and write a short summary about the collection that he was about to send. This is where it took me a little longer than necessary, but as soon as the text was ready I read it about three times to make sure everything was well written.
By nine (9) at night, my designs were already qualifying within the first selection phase. I got up from the chair and went back to the living room, where Véro and Laurent were sitting side by side enjoying whatever was on television.
- . Thank you both very much. I have already sent all the designs, we just have to wait.
- . No need, sweetheart. That's why I'm here, to encourage you whenever you need it - my friend told me full of security. Sometimes I can't find a way to express to that woman how much I adore her.
- . It was a pleasure helping a damsel in distress - Laurent replied - You can count on me for whatever you need. Even if it is to bury a body in the cemetery.
We both laughed at his comment.
This peace that is felt after so many unnecessary problems is invigorating. It makes me feel freer and less heavy.
- . We also ordered dinner. I didn't want to cook.
- . What did they ask?
- . Fast food! - Veronique jumped to say - I also took care of ordering for you and ordering some dessert to cheer you up.
I found it somewhat entertaining that she treated me like a girl, even more so because I am the one who thinks she is her mother when she wants to go to parties. The relationship between the two of us couldn't be the strangest.
- . I promise to make it up to you for tonight. Is there anything you want to do?
- . Well, you would have made up for it by buying the food… But I could think of something better.
- . How about a double date? - proposed Laurent.
- . What?! - Asked my friend and I in unison, although I could swear that for completely different reasons.
- . Yes, it would be a good idea. So you would go out with us and you would not feel like the third wheel.
- . It seems like a good idea to me - said Véronique, and as soon as she realized that she was about to reply, she spoke again - Don't refuse this, pretty. You haven't dated someone else in a long time, not even as friends.
- . Of course not! I have gone out with our friends.
- . I know, but I mean other people… men, to be exact.
My friend certainly had that point going for her, as I haven't dated anyone after Nathaniel. But it was not that I was desperate, and I did not have the courage or desire to meet someone new, it is enough for me and I have plenty of simple outings with friends. But at least for this time I would try, just because thanks to them I was able to gain strength to send my designs without becoming more discouraged than I already was.
- . Okay, I'll accept the double date… But just this once.
- . That was what I wanted to hear! - My friend jumped. Laurent for his part just smiled at me.
Something tells me that these two people are up to something, but it was better to leave them alone and not ask. Sometimes not knowing the information is better than nothing.
- . Anyway ... how long will the food take to arrive?
- . They told me he would be here in an hour. - Laurent checked his watch and nodded - Yes, the time will be up in about three minutes. We should go downstairs to meet the boy.
- . You are right.
Laurent and Véronique were going to get the food, so I decided to accompany them, so that they would not have to go up with all the bags alone. The walk was entertaining because Laurent came up with a bad joke, earning a little blow from my friend and a few taunts. Those two made a good couple, a very entertaining one at least.
As soon as we reached the ground floor of the building, a man was on the outskirts of the building. This one looked more like a shipping agency worker, not a restaurant. In addition, the white uniform with the blue shirt gave him away, as did the small package in his hands.
- . Can we help you with something? - said my friend.
- . Yes. Good evening ... I'm looking for the number of the lady's apartment ... Violette Bellerose.
My two companions widened their eyes as did I. It was weird because I hadn't ordered anything online, and the last thing I ordered would take around three more days to be delivered.
- . I-it's me.
- . Lucky! I thought I would have to keep guessing apartment numbers
- . Didn't know the department number?
- . No. The man who was in charge of sending you this only specified the building. Here you go ... - He handed me the package and handed me a table with leaves along with a pen.
- . Who sends? - I asked as he finished signing the sheets that the man presented to me.
- . The man said you would know whose it is. That was all the information they gave me - he took the table along with his pen and handed me a small proof of delivery - Have a good night.
It was rare to receive this type of package, even more so when it was past eight (8) at night. Take a look at the outside of the box. It was completely white and the only thing on it was a sheet with the address information and the name of the person to be delivered, but not even the name of the person who sent it was found. It was totally strange.
- . Whose is it? - Asked Véronique as immersed in curiosity as I was.
- . I do not know yet.
- . And what are you waiting for? Open it! - I was about to lift the lid of the box when the horn of the small scooter of the delivery man alerted us that he had already arrived.
Véro was somewhat annoyed at being interrupted, she doesn't like to be in doubt, but it will have to wait. Laurent was in charge of paying the boy while Véro and I took the bags, he then took care of carrying some.
They had ordered Chinese food for tonight.
Once in the elevator Véronique exploded saying that it was the strangest to receive packages at this time of night, and even a film began to be created that inside the box there could be some kind of bomb and even drugs. But both Laurent and I were trying to convince her that it would be impossible. I knew that what she was doing was exaggerating the situation so that she would quickly open the box.
As curious as ever.
But I wasn't going to give in to temptation. As soon as we finished arriving at the apartment and leaving the bags of food on the coffee table in the living room, I took the box and went to my room to quietly put it on the computer table. Whatever its content, it was something I could take care of later, for now I wanted to eat.
Véronique didn't like my idea very much, but Laurent helped entertain her. Although, anyway, she would find out about its contents sooner or later.
The food was entertaining. Laurent was interested in our plans for the week, he also wished us luck in the exams and continued to spend some time with us until eleven (11) at night. It was then that he decided to retire. He kindly said goodbye to me and then, before Véro could approach, she jumped off the sofa and went quickly to the entrance of the apartment. He was up to something and his amused look said it all.
Those two would have a good trip to the lower floor of the building, and I wasn't going to stop them.