Blending In

Inside the studio, three innocent strangers promptly introduced themselves. My mind must be feeling anxious as to how to properly approach these classmates.

"Before you properly introduce yourselves, enable me to present myself," I gladly opened. "My name is Christine and I am just your ordinary lady."

The first member of the group began speaking in front of us. Sporting long, black hair and a pink dress, she brought along a makeup kit as part of her get-up.

"My name is Tricia," she happily gestured to the group. "And I am the ultimate fashionista."

The next member then made her presence felt. She wore a baseball cap backwards, was dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and denims and had short hair.

"And I am Avril," she said while flashing a smile. "Don't let my appearance fool you. I am a sporty lady with a spunky attitude."

The last member of the group appeared more professional-looking than the rest of us. She naturally wore a blouse and suit and had her gorgeous hair bound and combed backwards.

"And my name is Philly," she humbly introduced herself. "Consider me the more business-like lady because I consistently treat school like office work."

"Great to meet the three of you," I cordially greeted and shook hands with Tricia, Avril and Philly. "Looking forward to you three working alongside me."

After every group had taken some time familiarizing themselves, the professor stepped in and introduced us to the necessary equipment for modeling photography. Shortly after, she gave us the week's assignment.

"Each of you should book time inside this studio within the week and shoot a modeling catalog," the professor announced. "I will give you until next week to finish this assignment."

As soon as the professor provided us the project, me and my groupmates immediately went to work.

"So who will be the model for this project?" I inquired each member.

It did not take long for Tricia to raise her hand, saying, "I will." However, there was one more thing the group wanted to see.

"Would you like posing for a swimsuit catalog?" Philly asked Tricia. "After all you have the looks and figure to boot."

Tricia confidently stood up and posed in front of us, showing off her toned arms and legs.

"How does it look?" she humbly asked Philly. "Am I perfect for the modeling business?"

"Not bad," Philly responded kindly. "You are undoubtedly in amazing shape girl."

After Tricia was selected to be the model for our project, the rest of us were offered specific roles. Philly voluntarily chose to handle the SLR camera, while Avril and I would operate the reflectors and lights.

For the remainder of photography class, the professor properly oriented us to the various equipment typically used for a studio shoot. Then as class drew to a close, each group lined up for slots.

My group chose to reserve the studio on a Friday at 1:00 p.m. We were given four hours to complete the shoot.

Upon leaving the studio, Tricia, Avril and Philly bade farewell to me. Shortly after, I rejoined Michelle for lunch.

At the cafeteria, we were suddenly joined by Francesca. She sat down with us for a short talk.

"Long time no see," Michelle joyfully greeted Francesca. "How was school?"

"Academic life is much better now that Corinna is incarcerated," Francesca answered soberly. "In fact I just got a 90 in accounting. Take a look."

Francesca cautiously opened her bag and retrieved the ledger book. She happily pointed out her excellent score to us.

"Very impressive," I commented positively on Francesca's impressive accomplishment. "You're undoubtedly a very smart lady."

"It was nothing," Francesca candidly admitted. "All of that was naturally a product of hard work and positivity. For as long as you stay optimistic, they will all pay off."

"But do you still encounter some more problems in school?" I inquired her.

"So far none at all," Francesca replied thoughtfully. "I don't see any bad guys at all."

"Christine and I are very happy for you," Michelle gleefully told Francesca. "But remember keeping an eye on those misfits and maintain your excellent grade."

"Thank you so much," Francesca concluded. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on those freaks who may threaten me again."

With that, Francesca waved her hand goodbye and promptly left the cafeteria. Meantime, Michelle and I enjoyed some tuna sandwich and iced lemonade for lunch.

Upon leaving the cafeteria, we suddenly encountered Philly from photography class. She was about to walk back to the campus when Michelle and I approached her.

"Christine?" Philly said joyfully. "Where are you off to?"

"To the library," I enthusiastically responded. "My subsequent class doesn't start until 2:40."

Just then, Philly brought along an awesomely good-looking man beside her. He was also adorned in a suit and tie.

"Before you go Christine, this is my lovely boyfriend Bobby by the way," Philly promptly presented the man to me.

"Nice to meeet you Bobby," I replied humbly upon shaking his hand.

"By the way, who's this charming lady near you?" Philly politely asked.

"This is my friend and classmate Michelle," I introduced Philly to her. "But don't mistake us for a lesbian couple. We're genuinely best friends since elementary."

Michelle promptly presented herself to both Philly and Bobby and smilingly shook their hands. After that, they bade farewell to us, promising to meet again next time in class.

At the library, Michelle and I stumbled upon another groupmate of mine. Avril was about to leave when we arrived.

"Christine, great to see you," Avril greeted me. "And who's this dear lady beside you?"

"It's my lovely friend Michelle," I pointed my palm to her chest. "Avril, you may recognize her in photography class too."

"Well Avril it was a great pleasure to welcome you," Michelle happily endeared herself.

After shaking Michelle's hand, she bade farewell and left the library. Meanwhile, we scoured a few valuable books to read inside.

Over an hour later, the time came for us to attend film production class. Walking towards the classroom, we met up with Ella who felt very jovial that day.

As Michelle, Ella and myself sat down, the projector was open and the lights were off. We were about to watch a movie for this class.