Traffic Lights {4}

This post goes to our extra special amazing blogger that we have been following for a very long time and are a huge fan off for so many years, zuzzypie




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It has been a week now, and things are progressing rapidly. I was working out when I received a message from Momoko-

“Good morning Jawaher,

I called several modelling agencies last night and one of them had kindly asked me to come over today at 2 to their office. They also asked me if they could interview you. I’ll be at the lobby at 12, we can grab some lunch on the way.”

I had a quick shower then got dressed. I stared at my watch, it was 11:38, I told Aibileen that I might be late and I might not be back until 9pm or so. I walked down to the lobby, Momoko was already there waiting for me. We exit the building and grabbed some drinks from Starbucks, heading towards the modelling agency. I had no idea what was about to happen. I have no idea what they’re expecting from me. We entered the building, it wasn’t so busy, and we took the elevator to the 6^th floor. Momoko held my hand.

Momoko! It’s been a long time!!

Lilly-Ann!!  They hugged each other. I just stood there waiting for Momoko to introduce me; they chatted for a bit then Momoko shifted to the side and moved her hand gesturing for me to come forward and did this weird hand movement... It somehow made me feel like a product being examined.  I was finally introduced.

Darling! We’ve been looking for someone just like you! Where have you been hiding in the past years?

Told you she’s a treasure, you can’t imagine how happy we are for finding her!

Well well... You’ve got an exquisite taste in clothing. Welcome abroad to our modelling agency. From now on you are part of the team.

We walked in her large office. It was so modern and edgy, with a touch of Japanese furniture. Although she was European, it clearly showed that Japan was a place she would call home. She explained everything to me, the rules and the timings. She said that if one of the brands needed a model they’ll either contact me or Momoko.

Don’t expect Christian Dior to call all of a sudden and want you to model for them. She laughed. It’s not that easy, that ladder’s steps are hard to reach. But trust me, a fine lady like you will reach the top in no time. She winked.

I blushed.

She gave me a small booklet.

Since you are 19 and still not 21, this booklet is like a permission form, you have to give it to your parents and let them sign for you and you need to bring it back here as soon as possible.

But I... Never mind. When does your office close?

Well I leave at 9 PM. But some of my colleagues stay here until 12AM.

Alright.

It’s a pleasure meeting such a wonderful lady like you Jawaher.

Thank you.

We walked out of the building.

So… What now?

To the Atelier!

We spent the rest of the day at the atelier. Vladimir wasn’t there. Alfie and Mia were working on a dress and Momoko was cutting the fabrics, getting it all ready to create a new outfit. I sat there inspecting the place, its cosy; it feels like a place I’d call home.

Where’s Vladimir?

Oh, V had to finish off some work. He said he’s going to come sometime soon, he should be here in no time.

Can I help?

They all stopped working and stared at each other then at me.

No darling, it’s alright.

I wore my coat, I was about to leave.

Where to?

Home...

So soon? He looked at his watch. It’s only 5:42. Come sit with me, let’s have tea.

I obeyed. I removed my coat and sat down on one of the sofas. He removed his coat and sat beside me. They all stopped working and joined us. Momoko got the tea and macaroons. They started discussing about their work and whether they’re progressing and if the pace that they’re working on was good. The talk went on, and I just awkwardly sat there staring at them. I looked down at my tea and wondered to myself whether I fit in this group of people or not, I looked around the place inhaling deeply.  I was awakened from my deep gaze by his concerned voice.

What’s wrong dear? I looked at him, blushing.

Nothing. I said it shyly, it sounded like a weird whisper.

They continued talking and every now and then he would look at me, making sure I was fine. Aibileen called me, she was wondering if I was going to have dinner with her. I excused myself and wore my coat, this time I was going back home.

Jawaher. He purred my name with his Russian accent.

Yes? I stopped and faced him.

Do you want me to drop you off?

No thank you, I can walk back home.

But it’s late.

It’s alright; if I needed someone to drive me back home I would’ve called the driver. Don’t worry about me. I smiled, I continued walking.

I went back to the building, and as expected Aibileen was waiting for me. She looked at me concerned; there she was sitting on the stool behind the marble table. On her left there was a bowl of fruits, dinner was set as usual on the dinning table.

Jawaher darling. What’s going on?

Nothing. I lied. I walked closer, I dropped my handbag on the leather chair then walked towards her as I pulled out a stool from underneath the table and sat on top. I picked up an apple from the bowl. She looked at how calm I was, how my eyes hid something, she wanted to know more and she knew I wasn’t going to hide it, but I needed some time to tell her everything from A-Z.

So… How was your day?

Nothing new. Can you please explain what is going on? Who are your new friends Jawaher?

Oh.. Umm…

Whenever you feel like telling me what’s going on I’m always here for you, and you know that. But I don’t ever expect you to hide things behind my back, because I never hid anything behind yours.

Aibileen… I don’t know how to start or what to say.

You know I’m here for you. She slid her hands on top of mine, comforting me. She knew exactly what to do, how to let me open up to her. And I instantly let the strings loose, I told her everything but I did not tell her about the modelling. I had misrepresented what the whole concept behind my “new friends” was; instead I just told her that they were new friends I had met at Ai’s party. She wasn’t fully convinced; she let it pass this time.

Oh, and Aibileen before I go to sleep can you quickly sign these papers? I’m trying to apply for a job and I need a parent or guardian signature as permission since I’m not 21 yet.

She signed the papers; I kissed her head and picked my bag. I went back to my room and had a shower then wore my pyjamas. I had spent the whole night researching. Do you want to know why? Maybe it’s best if you find out for yourself what happens in the forthcoming days. 

We're very sorry for the delay, due to the stress and pressure with uni. work. We'll try to make it up for you.

Enjoy! xxx