I expected our show to be a success, but after seeing all the commotion going on around me, I prayed, "Please don't make it a flop god." I wanted to watch my collection from the first row, but things never went as planned. I was backstage getting ready like a normal runaway model, and couldn't accept that I wasn't able to concentrate which I usually did before my walk. I've done more than a dozen shows, but have never been so stressed for an event and recalled my first ever big brand runaway as the showstopper for Louis Vuitton which made me go through the same tension.
The show began for the evening and because it was an outdoor event, the sky gradually lost its orange hue and began to darken. The models were sweeping the stage with their talent and I had no idea how I was going to walk all alone for a pair highlight. While getting dressed, I kept looking at the monitor. When Hazel came in to check on me, it was clear that they still hadn't found my partner.
"Ryan, you're up next. Don't take it all on your shoulders, relax them; I know how much that design meant to you. It's okay, Ryan, your design will go for the opening next time," and she did a great job encouraging me. But that dress was kind of special to me. Still for my sake, she went to check if they had arranged someone for my pair again.
As I walked backstage and stood in line, Hazel approached me and said, "I guess you have to go for its alone Ryan, it's fine, you can do it," which was expected. To regain control of myself, I took a deep breath and relaxed my mind-body. Ryan, it's a piece of cake for you, and I know you'd do it well, so keep your cool. Show off your charming side and how much you enjoy your spotlight on the stage.
After Mark and Eric did their job, all of the lights went out and the path was completely dark. As I approached the stage, I could hear Mark yelling my name, but could tell he was nervous at the same time. The crowd was cheering for me louder than I had anticipated, which boosted my confidence. I was ready to move forward after a sudden click of the spot light that flashed directly on top of me. The flickering lights made me flinch a bit but I didn't allow that to come on my face and just as I was about to step forward, a lady linked her arm into mine to my surprise. She wore an oversized wide-brimmed hat with a border of black lace hanging front, that almost completely covered her face. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her wearing the dress I had designed.
Ryaaan, your dress has turned up in front of the audience and you're ready to show it off to the world at last.
I thanked God for sending her to the show, and knew then that I would give it my all for the media to give the dress all its deserved attention. I could feel her fear in her touch and just as I was about to encourage my partner, she said quietly, "Let's just do our best with our smiles."
Her lowered voice was familiar, but I didn't pay attention to her because we were already on the runway, in front of the huge audience. I was overjoyed by the camera's flickering sound and the crowd's cheer. I couldn't see her face but I could see the smirk on the corner of her oxblood lips. As we neared the end of the stage, we executed all of the poses flawlessly. Until a few minutes ago, I thought I'd be going to be on the stage alone, but she appeared in front of me wearing that dress as if by magic. I knew she wasn't a pro, but she had that grace just like a model and was able to handle the audience's attention well. One of the photographers shouted "closer please!" when I let her walk to the side.
I mistakenly grabbed her hands and pulled her quickly, but she did it so gracefully that it all looked very natural. She had such a small waist that my right arm could fit around her perfectly. I noticed a small beauty spot near her jawline when she tilted her head to the side.
I've seen it somewhere.
The photographers had no intention of letting us go back. I decided to end our walk after striking a perfect pose. As I spun her and drew her closer, I thought I'd get a better look at her face. But she shifted her weight back, revealing her front neck, and her hat covered her face once again. I noticed a smirk on her face as I looked at the cameras and then at her and could feel her hands brushing the edge of my hair.
The show finally ended without flaws, and I felt as if someone had lifted a big pile from my mind. While I was changing my clothes, Mark texted me saying they were near the guest lounge which was for the after-event plans. I was passing by when I noticed Ms. Williams, who was all excited and enthusiastic like a kid, telling Luna about how she managed everything at the last minute.
Eric jumped on me from behind and yelled in excitement, "Yes! We're done with this project, shit. There will be no more nagging from Ms Williams. Let's fucking party hard tonight," he said, and she obviously heard him. This time, she walked away with Luna carrying a smile on her face. We laughed out of embarrassment, but who cared when the night was alive and we were in the mood to celebrate.
James and Eric went straight to the club where we usually went when we were in the city, but Mark and I decided to go for a short walk first. When we told Eric, he looked at us with disgust and asked, "Are you sure you're not in love with each other? Who goes for a walk? I mean yeah, I know Paris, city of Love, but sometimes, I do feel you both are dating each other," and before Eric finished his part, James pulled him aside and reminded us to be on time for the party.
We were walking down the empty street, having a good conversation about the graph of nervousness and excitement we had until our show ended. Suddenly, the girl who had been paired with me for the show appeared in my mind. The way she smiled during the shoot made me wonder who the person would have been. It bothered me that I had no idea who the girl was. We decided to sit on a small bench on the side for a while. Mark gave us the beer cans he had brought along and we enjoyed the cold air blowing around us.
While sipping our large beer cans, we spoke a lot. Talking about how far we have come, future projects, and some of our personal life as well. We were so caught up in the moment that we didn't realise we were running late until James ringed us.
As we walked back, Mark asked, "Do you know the girl who walked with you today? I had no idea who it was but yeah, she did have a tattoo on her ankle. I think I have seen it somewhere too."
When he mentioned it to me, I had the same reaction. Even though I noticed the beauty spot near her jawline that I had seen somewhere else, I couldn't think of a face for it. We were almost near the busy streets when I had a nature's calling. I noticed a restaurant nearby, and Mark said he would call a taxi for us in the meantime. I was about to unzip my pants to do my business when Mark burst in, "BRO I GUESS I KNOW WHO THE GIRL WAS," and luckily no one was inside.
"What in the world are you doing, Mark? I suppose that can wait for a while, "I said, trying to finish my work peacefully. When I looked at him, he was quickly scrolling through something on his phone and I wondered if he could read a word at that speed. He kept saying "No way," as I zipped up my pants.
"What the hell happened?" I enquired, washing and wiping my hands with tissues.
Mark was ecstatic, saying, "You're trending on Twitter dude, and the photo you both in, is spreading like wildfire... What the fuck?" I still couldn't figure out why he was so enthusiastic.
"Remember the girl we both saw fighting in front of our company around eight months ago?" With a serious expression on his face, he inquired, and I wondered, "Was he stupid?"
"Of course, I recall Mark, it was..." Then it dawned on me,
We both looked at each other with our eyes wide open, as if someone had dropped a bombshell in that empty washroom. Did I just walk the runway with MS WILLIAMS while a slew of photographers snapped photos of us?
~
Present
It makes me laugh to see how both of their jaws dropped when they realised that it was Ms. Williams on the ramp. Jessi enters unexpectedly and asks, "Anna, what's the joke and why are you laughing so hard?"
"Do you want to hear some dad jokes?" I say, closing the diary. "Oh, is that it? Fine, let me see your so-called dad joke," she sarcastically says and when she sits on my bed, trying to peep, "What exactly is this?" She gestures forward to grab the diary, but I quickly grab it and place it inside the small box.
"Is that your ex- boyfriend's diary?" She pricks my shoulder, attempting to entertain me. "It's nothing, Jessi, let's just go to bed," I say, pushing her to her side of the bunk instantly. She throws her pillow on me and turns to read her novel, which she had been reading for weeks.
I stay still on the bed, my head resting on my arms, which is more comfortable than the pillow. I was staring at the dull, worn-out grey ceiling, unsure of how I was going to close my eyes and sleep. I continue to toss on my bed and try to close my eyes tightly, but nothing works. I was as wide as an owl and strangely had so much energy that I could have easily done an hour of cardio without stopping.
"I hate you, Ms. Williams! You are the only reason I am suffering here in this jail, and Ryan, I will never spare you either." This kept running through my mind.
In frustration, I slam my fist against the wall, recalling all the memories that no matter how hard I try, could not be forgotten. I never imagined my life would devolve into the nightmare that it is now.