Wounds of Fire (THE PRESTIGE 2)

20

Prison: R-18: Violence

"The upcoming Christian Dior's Haute Summer Collection is very important for Monsieur Dior's since, we get to have a collaboration with our very own, Petro Ruffo." A middle aged woman started the event. She has a blonde hair and looks very elegant with her black suit and stilettoes.

There are hundreds of models in the area. I met a lot of artist and some famous models but I don't talk to them that much. We're just standing side by side inside the great hall. The wall was carved in rosette pattern. Everything is so surreal. There are various of cameras and lights around the whole ballroom hall. May mga screen din na nakadisplay sa iba't ibang angle para sa pagrampa ng mga modelo sa gitna.

"Should we do some horizontal ones?"

"It's possible but I think we're gonna run out of time. Look at the crowd." I heard the two staffs talking near me as Lilac fixed the dress I am wearing.

"Relax," she said.

I took a deep breathe and try to focus. I am wearing a champagne dress with some magenta flowers from my chest down to the last piece of the clothing. May parang baging rin na naging strap sa magkabila kong braso. To compliment my fit, I also wear a necklace, almost look like a thorn and just let my long curly hair down. This look is lit but my confidence is scattered on the floor.

I'm freaking nervous. It's been a while.

Doon pa lang sa dressing room ay busy na ang lahat. Kanina pa rin ako kinakabahan. Kaniya kaniyang ayos para sa nalalapit na testing. Lilac hired a make up artist for me. Ayos lang sana na ako na lang pero kapag ganitong malaking event, nagpaubaya na lang ako. Hindi na rin ako nag-inarte kahit na ayaw kong may ibang hahawak ng mukha ko.

I've been violated already, what's more to hide?

"So, we have to maintain this dreaming idea of couture to continue to inspire others and to showcased an appealing sets of clothing."

As I roamed my eyes, everyone is wearing a flowing flowery dresses and capes with plenty of intricate craftmanship. Even those male model looks so dreamy and professional. Ako lang ata ang hindi kabilang dito. They look skilled and...passionate. Ako? Parang dinampot lang sa dumi.

"I'm about to pass out, Lilac. I don't think I can do this," I mumbled under my breathe.

Agad na nagbago ang reaksyon ni Lilac. "You can do this!"

I exhaled. Pinalobo ko rin ang magkabila kong pisngi. "Look around. Can't you see? They look more desreving and skilled-"

She cut me off. "I don't care about them, Allina. Alaga kita ng ilang taon. Alam ko ang kakayahan mo. "Lilac lifted my chin up and smiled proudly. "I trust you, Alliana. You are my own supermodel. Get that?"

That word...makes my heart melt.

Ang sarap pala sa pakiramdam na may naniniwala sa'yo. Kahit hindi marami, sapat na ang isa. Iyong isang tao na magsasabi sa'yo na kaya mo. Iyong tipong sobrang baba na ng tingin mo sa sarili mo pero isang salita lang na 'naniniwala ako sa'yo', kaya mo na.

"Mabuti na lang at nagawan ng paraan para maitago iyang sugat mo sa noo. Really? You didn't change at all. You're so clumsy as hell," matawa tawa at mailing iling na puna ni Lilac sa akin.

My confidence suddenly crushed into pieces. I touched the cut near my temple.

I forced a smile. "Silly me."

Pinaningkitan ako ni Lilac bago itinuon sa harapan ang atensyon. Patuloy sa pagsasalita ang blonde na parang host doon pero halos wala akong maintindihan. Kahit pa ang ilang bulong bulungan sa akin sa aking paligid, hindi ko na rin marinig. My attention is now focused to something else.