"Fear is the only true enemy, born of ignorance and the parent of anger and hate"-Edward Albert.
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"All done." Isa plopped herself in my bed. All the clothes I bought were arranged neatly in my closet and all the shoes in my shoe rack. My discarded clothes were tied inside a plastic bag at the corner. We spent a lot of time fighting over which clothes I needed to get rid of. I want to keep all of them, but Isa made me spit out what made each of them special. If it's not a cloth I wear on my first date or day of something really special, it's out. And I have a limited experience regarding special moments thus most of my clothes ended in the plastic bag.
"I am tired, Isa." I whispered, hoping she would give me a free pass and we would stay home. I don't want to go to anywhere.
"I know. Me too. But we have to do this." She pulled me up and grabbed a pink high heel from the rack. My inside clenched in fear. I can't walk on those. I will fall and break my legs. All the plans would be fruitless or I would break my neck and die. "Wear it." Isa gave me shoes with a heel thin like a toothpick.
"Isa." I pleaded with my eyes.
"I will show you.'' She grabbed another shoe and wore it. We had almost the same height. She only had an inch on me, so the shoe fits perfectly. Once she was comfortable, she started to walk around. "Don't think about the height, focus on the road in front of you. Suck a deep breath and don't slouch." She sucked a deep breath then walked. She walked around like a gazelle. "Focus on the confidence the shoes will give you. High heels are power." She smiled.
"If I die, I will hunt you in your sleep." I mumbled and put on the shoes. I repeated what she told me in my mind, and I started to walk. I haven't fallen or tripped in the 3 steps I took. I can't believe I am still alive. Isa squealed.
"Walk up right and sway your hips a little." I did just that. "You are killing it." Isa came to hug me, and she started to jump up and down.
"I think it's too early for that,'' I said, getting out of her embrace. It's a miracle I can walk on heels. I won't fracture my ankle by jumping on them.
"Let's go." Isa announced. "We only have 50 minutes. Time to get ready."
"What would we wear?'' I asked. Isa got to the closet and started to pull short cocktail dresses.
"We will have to look super hot today." Isa winked and showed me a red short dress with an open back. I gulped. "You look like you have seen a ghost. I will wear this. Let's find something for you." When she started to pull many dresses, I went there to stop her before she made a mess of the clothes we just finished arranging. "Sorry." She grinned and put the clothes back.
"I like this." She analyzed a short blue sequin dress.
"I like it." I said.
"Yippee." She clapped and handed me the dress. It doesn't have a plunging neckline or bare back, it's short though. But I have to get used to that since more than half of the clothes in my closet are short. "First make up." We both went into my bathroom, crowding it. Isa bought me a light that will reflect my makeup properly. She arranged the makeup in the sink and started to dab them on me. "You have to learn how to apply makeup Cassi, till then you can count on me."
"What are you doing?" I asked. She was right, I have to learn.
"I am creating gorgeous cheekbones for you. You don't need any foundation or concealer. Your skin is amazing.'' Then she colored my eyes in a blue shadow and winged eyeliner. My lips were painted nude, and I look mature. It's amazing how the transformation of a few features can change your appearance. "Now shoo and get dressed." I did what she asked, wearing the short dress as fast as I could. Knowing Isa, she would suggest we would dress together and I am not comfortable with that idea. While I was wearing silver heels, Isa emerged from the bathroom looking breathtaking. She had a soft eye shadow and maroon lipstick, complimenting her dress.
"You look pretty."
"Thank You darling, you are too kind.'' She imitated a proper British accent, but what she did next was not proper at all. She disrobed and went to the bed to wear her dress-naked. I fought the blush that creeped in my cheeks. I am not half confident like she is. But I would have been confident if I had a body like hers. Isa tamed her wild curls into a bun and came to me when I was doing the same. "You have to let it flow." She said and swept it to my chest. "Makeup?"
"Check." I grinned.
"Clothes?"
"Check."
"Shoes?"
"Check."
"Bags?"
"Check."
"Confidence?"
"Check?" I hesitated
"Up to the notch." Isa wore red heels and led the way. My room is a mess but that will be something I will worry about later. The stairs made me dizzy. I am an armature when it comes to walking in heels. I don't want to sprain my ankle, so I grabbed a flat shoe. Better be prepared than sorry.
We drove the car to the show, blasting Rihanna's music. Isa took a look at herself only one time before getting out, and I did the same. Now I know why she always does that.
"Wait," I called and wore the heels, taking a few breaths to get comfortable and we made our way to the hall. When we reached the staircase, we were attacked by the out slant of cameras flashing in our eyes.
"Smile." Isa whispered to my ears, and we went inside but not before we posed at the top of the staircase.
"And you are?" The receptionist asked us.
"The designer's daughter." Isa smiled coyly. Before the women stopped me, Isa pulled me in with her to a hallway, which led to a bright room with many people present. Everyone I see around is rich, their attire screaming wealth.
"Isa," I tugged her dress.
"Stay with me." She smiled when some guy approached us.
"My, My, Isabella. You have grown to be gorgeous." A man with afro hair said.
"Hello Toby." Isa smirked, apparently she knew this short man who wore a pale scarf around his neck with black overcoat, black pants and brown leather shoes.
"Who is this beauty?" His inquisitive gaze landed on me, sizing me up. I squirmed with the attention.
"My friend Cassi, and Cassi this is Toby, the stylist."
"Nice to meet you." I stretched my hands for a handshake, but Toby came near me puckering his lips. Ok then. I leaned in, giving him my cheeks but I only heard a smacking of lips and didn't feel his lips on my skin. I frowned and turned to Isa. She mouthed 'Makeup' Oh.
"Nice to meet you too babe." Toby smiled at me. "You look like your mother." Isa's smile flatters "She used to talk about you everyday." Isa's face gloomed, her smile replaced by a frown. The lights dimmed,
"The show is about to start. Nice to see you Toby." Isa pulled me with her to the back seat. I admire her composure. A soft melody filled the space and the first model appeared. She wore a soft white silk dress, looks like a short wedding dress and all the clothes after that were wedding dresses from mermaid to tulle. Each unique and beautiful in its own way.
"They are wonderful,'' I remarked in awe. Paula appeared from the back stage and everyone stood to applaud her, including us. Isa stood up too, but she didn't clap her hands.
"It would have been good if Paula was a great mother as she was a great designer." Isa whispered, but I heard her. "Now we will go to the after party held at the top building." I followed Isa, like a lost puppy, to the top of the building and came to a room guarded by security.
"Pass." the man gruffed.
"I am Paula's daughter." Isa grinded her teeth and pulled me in with her. As soon as the door closed behind us, I was assaulted by a gust of wind blowing. We were at the teras of the building, where a bonfire was lit. I wanted nothing more than to go to the fire and warm my soul, like a needy little kitten. Chatter filled the space, famous people socializing. I spotted Paula from here. She wore a champagne colored long dress, her hair held tightly in a bun. Isa got most of her looks from her mom, who is gorgeous. Miss Paula's eyes connected to ours's, breaking from the old woman she was talking to. Her eyes softened, a smile gracing her lips. Isa however was glaring at her mother, hate evident on her stare.