chapter 22

This chapter will be in narrative style.Everything was finally over… or was it?Everyone had a week off after their tests except the next day. With the help of Angel’s mom, Mrs. Brown was going to have a charity event on Saturday and today was Sunday.Since, luckily everything was finally over, no one was angry or guilty about anything and were very excited for the fashion show.It was like a live fashion show for everyone and the best part was that they were taking part in it as models.Walking on a ramp with a dress was not that difficult, is what they thought. But little did they know that it was complete opposite of easy.They all had been messaged to be at the campus at 10 a.m. as the fashion show was going to be held there as many people would come including their mates in the campus and their parents.Everyone had reached and Mia had messaged Ryan to pick her up for it. So everyone were there by the time they came.Mia and Ryan entered the green room walking hand-in-hand. Everyone were giggling and talking about how they all were excited and also to know why they were called.Angel was a bit away from them as she had gone to drink some water and came in behind both of them.She had seen Ryan getting out of the car and she was about to run towards him and talk to him when she saw Ryan being the gentleman that he was, opening the door for Mia.Angel stopped at this sight and unknowingly was crushing the bottle that she had held in her hand.She saw them both coming in and going to the green room and walking hand-in-hand.‘Uggghh I really wanted to talk to him, but Mia is with him. I don’t know what is going on and anyways what did I want to talk to him about? Uggghh I will think first and then will probably talk to him.’ Thought Angel in her mind while keeping her constant gaze at both of them.They both were ahead and didn’t see Angel while she followed them after few seconds and came behind them.Mia and Ryan had become good friends and Ryan was having second thoughts and had decided to give Mia a chance.Everyone saw them entering and said in unison, “Aww, what a cute couple.”But there was someone else too who had noticed Angel and gestured to another about her to look towards the expressions of Angel and the bottle too.“Hey Angel! Did you drink water?” asked Rhea and looked at the bottle.Before she could say something Leah said, “Did you drink the water or murder someone with it?”Everyone looked at her and the bottle and were confused except two people among the gang.“Oh-uh… haha no… I… yes I did drink thanks for asking.” Said Angel who was more than confused and confused others by her words and actions.“You okay Angel? You seem disturbed.” asked Ryan while giving a genuine smile.Seeing him give a smile it brought a smile unknowingly to her face too and said, “Yeah Ryan, I’m fine.”Her actions were weird but only true friends would know what is wrong with her. Two people were having doubts about her changed behavior but didn’t wanted to ask her about it and wanted to be sure about it so they let it go but would keep an eye on her they decided.Before anyone or anything could say or happen Mrs. Brown entered and said,” Oh lovelies, it’s so good to see you all here.” “Hey mom” said Zach and “Hello Mrs. Brown.” Said the others.A person followed behind her and was quickly recognized by Angel. It was a tailor from Angel’s mom’s boutique.“Kids as I said you won’t be knowing the theme for the fashion show until a day before it but we need measurements. So Mr. Fields over here will help you regarding that. Over to you Mr. Fields…” said Mrs. Brown.“Oh I almost forgot kids, Ms. Miller Please come here. Ms. Miller is my assistant but as I have to handle other things too she will help you all practice all the 6 days that is from Sunday to Friday as to how to walk and everything she will handle it. Anything you want you can reach her.”‘Ms. Miller seems familiar to me’ thought Angel, when Ms. Miller walked in.All were shocked to see her. Ms. Miller was none other than Viki. Viki was Mrs. Brown’s assistant.As Viki came in she gave a cunning smile to Angel and others.“Alright kids start with your practice I will see you later. Ms. Miller make arrangements with the venue and also have rehearsals.” said Mrs. Brown.“Practice for what?” asked Lucas.“Oh dear Lucas, you need to practice for walking at the ramp. Some of you are amateurs here.” Said Viki while looking at Angel.Before anyone could say anything Lucas responded, “Oh I didn’t know you were also taking part in the competition.” While others laughed at it.“Whatever give your measurements and then come to back stage and we will start your practice.” said Viki.After half an hour they finished giving their measurements and then went to the backstage.“Alright ensure you remember your positions and how you all will do because on Friday you all will be practicing with the professionals.” said Viki.“Okay so there are total of 50 models including you all. So do remember your positions at every entry. So 15th entry would be Zach, 21st entry will be Lucas, 22nd entry Mia, 25th entry Max, 31st entry would be Ryan, 35th Rhea, 39th Leah, 40th Leo and 50th which is the final one will be Angel’s. Do remember before the show you all will have to wear your clothes and do a photoshoot and then after half an hour the show will begin. Angel as you are going to enter last you can probably wear your clothes when Ryan enters.” continued Viki.Everyone were irritated by her but agreed and started their practice. Everyone were practicing and Viki was lenient with others except Angel.Every time Angel came and stood Viki complained about it saying she is not standing properly or not walking properly or something or other.They all knew what was going on but kept ignoring but finally Zach spoke, “Viki that’s enough”Viki adhered and admired Zach and said, “Anything for you baby.” and winked at him and looked cunning to Angel.Angel seemed irritated but not angry she ignored her and went back to her positions.“You guys can take a break for 5 minutes.” said Viki.Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and went back and sat down in the green room. Everyone were already exhausted by the practice. It was already 12:30 p.m.Angel walked in last and saw Ryan sitting at the sofa alone tiredly and was about to go to him when she saw Mia taking a bottle of water towards Ryan and sitting with him and talking.“Hey, may I sit down next to you?” asked Mia and while handling the bottle to him.“Sure and thanks” said Ryan. She sits down and are talking.Angel seeing this got even more frustrated and went outside. Viki then came in and said, “Everyone back to practice.”They again start practicing and the same thing kept happening between Angel and Viki. At around 2 p.m. Leah asked about the lunch time to which Viki replied as, “Not anytime soon, get back to practice.” Everyone got more irritated and were tired.At 4 finally Ryan said, “Viki that’s enough we are tired and we are going for lunch which you’re not obviously invited too and one more thing…” he goes near her and warns her, “It would be better if you stop doing what you’re doing to Angel or you know the result of this… you can definitely lose your job since Mrs. Brown is Zach’s mom and Angel is Zach’s GIRLFRIEND.”He didn’t even wait for her to reply or do anything but she was obviously annoyed. He then turned and everyone followed him and Angel left while smiling at Viki which made Viki even more annoyed.They had gone to a nearby restaurant for Lunch at 4.They all went and sat at the table. Angel saw Ryan sitting alone and was about to go and sit next to him when Mia came and sat next to him. Angel’s smile turned into a frown and she tried to control her emotions and went and sat next to Zach and opposite Ryan.Everyone were in their own talks but still two kept observing Angel.After a few minutes everyone placed their order and within few minutes the order was served.“Hey Ryan thanks for what you did back there to Viki.” Said Angel with a smile.“Hey, it’s alright, what are friends for after all and moreover we all were tired and so were you. So no issues.” replied Ryan with a smile on his face and then continued talking to Mia.‘Huh? Why is Ryan behaving weird? Has he always been like that or am I behaving weird? Why am I thinking about Ryan so much today? And what is this weird feeling that is happening inside me every time Ryan walks in and that weird feeling when I see him with someone else? Or is it just with Mia? What is wrong with me?’ thought Angel.“ANGEL, come back to Earth. We know you are from another world as your name suggests but please descend back to Earth.” said Zach while shaking Angel to bring her back from her thoughts.“All ok Angel? You seem disturbed” asked Ryan.As soon as Ryan asked her that she felt a tingling feeling in which she felt happy that he was concerned. He had always been concerned about her, thought about her and also protected her, why did he do so? She again had gone back in her thoughts when she heard everyone laughing which brought her back to Earth.Zach seeing she was giving a smile and kept looking at Ryan decided to take some cream and sauce and draw a moustache on her face. While Zach was doing that she had kept still which made others seem more suspicious yet funny at the same time.“You look beautiful babe.” said Zach while giggling and others were laughing. Angel felt suspicious so she removed a mini mirror from her purse and saw her new moustache and she laughed in embarrassment and immediately rubbed it.After a few minutes everything was normal and were eating. All were talking and Ryan and Mia were talking to each other and Zach was talking to Angel. She didn’t pay any heed to him and kept looking at the new couple in front of her who were enjoying the meal and each other’s company.Seeing them that she got up abruptly and said, “I need to use the washroom I will be back, excuse me” and left. Leah saw her and felt confused and was about to follow her when Rhea held her hand and gestured her to leave her alone for a while. At the same time Leo had also held her hand and she looked at him in confusion. “What is it? Why are you holding my hand Mr. Douche?” asked Leah.“Don’t leave me.” replied Leo in a most genuine way.“Why?” asked Leah with a smirk thinking he might say something.Leo then brought his smirk on his face and pulled her down to sit and kept his head on her shoulder and said, “I need a pillow to nap… I’m tired…” Leah was about to pull off from him when he continued, “Won’t you let a tired, helpless person take some rest?” with a puppy face.She sighed at his gimmick and finally gave in and he happily took rest at her shoulders. Every now and then he used to whishper something or other which would either irritate, or make Leah blush. It was wonderful.The rest of the day was usual practice and practice and so was the week. After Ryan’s warning Viki strangely behaved properly with Angel.These things kept happening on all the days.Leo and Leah with their banter all day. Zach taking care of Angel but she being in her own world of confusions which was being observed by two people. Ryan and Mia coming close to each other day by day which made Angel furious and angry and she being confused about her emotions.There were times when Ryan and Angel were together which made Angel very happy.Finally it was Friday, they all were tired from a week’s practice but still thrilled.On Friday they had to assemble at 4 p.m. and wear their dresses once to ensure proper fittings and do one final run on the stage with actual models who had also practiced. All were very excited.Mrs. Brown had come at around 3:30 and so did Mrs. Smith the fashion designer herself.“Ms. Miller I hope everything is ready please start the show.” said Mrs. Brown.“Yes ma’am, the show will begin in 5 minutes.” Replied Viki.In next 5 minutes one final practice began.First came few models and then Zach, again few models and then came Lucas and then Mia. Few other models and then Max, few other models and then Ryan, few other models and then Rhea. All walked gracelfully and carried themselves well.After Rhea few other models came and then Leah. Leah was walking gracelfully and in heels when suddenly she lost her balance and fell.Luckily after Leah it was Leo’s turn and he was behind her and held her by her waist and spun her and brought her closer to him which made her feel comfortable as she was quite shaken by it.After few seconds they both felt fine and gracefully both walked together hand-in-hand and went back.After them few other models came and then finally came in Angel.Everything was ok except Leah slipping but luckily no one was hurt.While the show was still going on, Leo and Leah came to the back stage and Leah quickly hugged him and he did the same.“Thank you for helping me.” said Leah in a very low voice.“I wasn’t helping you, I was helping me. If you would be hurt who would I irritate and who would call me Mr. Douche and I wouldn’t wish to miss all that. You’re mine and will be mine forever.” whispered Leo in her ears and had a most genuine smile on his face.Hearing that know he was still teasing her but yet being genuine and could feel his warmth and smile, she smiled too and they both hugged each other for quite a while till someone interrupted them.“Oh dear Leah are you alright?” asked Mrs. Brown and others came in behind her and had a worried face.They both being in each other’s embrace let go of each other slowly but still kept holding hands. “I’m fine Mrs. Brown, thank you for asking and thanks to Mr. Douche here.” said Leah and looked towards Leo and winked which brought a huge smile on Leo’s face.“Well that’s good to know.” replied Mrs. Brown.“Also as mentioned you were supposed to know about the theme a day before the show right?” asked Mrs. Brown.Hearing her all were very excited and asked in unison, “Yes, what is the theme?”“Well the theme is…” said Mrs. Brown.Hey guys!!!So what is the theme? Do share your thoughts in the comment.Also do you think this little incident can bring Leah and Leo closer? Who were the 2 people who kept observing Angel? Why is Angel confused? What is going on her mind? What are those feelings?Do stay tuned to know more, and do like, share and comment.See you soon my lovelies.