Eric Stratford. That little fucker.
There are not enough curse words in this world to show how much I loathe him.
I stared at the blue dress that my mother laid out on my bed. It was pretty, too pretty. It's beautiful light blue colour and it's adorning patterns will only go to waste to Eric Stratford.
I hopelessly sighed as I picked it up by its hem, "Eric does not deserve you," I remarked, looking upon the garment with pity.
I applied a light amount of makeup and quickly did my hair, tying it into a low bun, before slipping into the dress. Once I was contented with my reflection in the mirror, I put on one of my beige loboutins and grabbed a brown Givenchy bag from my closet.
Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely zero adoration for designer clothes and labeled bags, but the Olivia Ainsley the world knows does, and I can't do anything but comply with that.
I exited my room, securely locking it, before I progressed towards the stairs. As I descended down the steps, Mum comes at me with a huge tight smile on her face. "Oh look at you! You look absolutely stunning. I knew a Zuhair Murad would fit you well," she commented, pride engulfing her at the very moment.
My face was drawn to a blankless expression despite the abundance of compliments thrown at my feet, "Please, please tell me why I have to go meet with that idiot?" I moaned in despair as I reached the ground floor.
"Because, my darling daughter, we need to tease the press, throw them off scent of what's to come," she answers as she fixes my hair. I started to become suffocated by her long fingers poking here and there in my natural hair.
"Why, what are you guys planning? What's gonna happen?" I said, intrigued by her ominous response as a foreshadowing sensation creeps up my spine.
"Nothing you should worry about," she smiles as she takes one final glance at my whole outfit. "I'm just glad that you're so keen on seeing him again, meet him at 1:30 at the Dorchester."
I looked at the huge clock across the room and saw that the small hand was still on 12.
"Ew, I'm like an hour early," I whispered to myself, my mouth bending upside down into a frown.
"Well, I advise that you go now, Olivia. You wouldn't want to be late for Eric," She says pleasantly as she ushers me towards the front door.
"Uh, yes. Yes I do want to be late," I muttered, giving her a screwface as I was forced out of my own house.
"Just some pictures today, that's all," she quietly mumbled beneath her unbreakable tight smile. "Take your convertible," she says as she practically pushes me off the front step.
I rolled my eyes as I glanced back, catching a glimpse of her hurriedly shutting the door. Just some pictures, Olivia. Just a few smiles here and there. I chanted in my head as I scavenge for the keys to my BMW. Once I finally found the blue and white keychain, the garage opened, revealing the red sleek convertible, my baby.
It's no Ferrari or Lamborghini, I know, but it was the first car that I bought with my own money. I got it a few months after I turned sixteen, I managed to save up the money from the photo-shoots I had to endure. Yes, I resorted to modelling. The sacrifices I made only strengthens my bond with this car right here.
I slipped into the driver's seat, settling on the leather and checked the mirrors for safety measures. Give me a break, I'm still sixteen, i'm still a noob at this.
I rest both of my hands on the steering wheel and slouched. It's still so early...
I visualised the map of London in my head, browsing for places I could go to. Maybe I'd go shopping and just wander around in Oxford Street or Harrods..
Or maybe I should just grab some late breakfast at some cafe in Chelsea?
Or should I buy some bread and feed the ducks at Hyde Park. It's calming right? It would definitely help me NOT punch Eric when I see him.
Suddenly, a bright light bulb instantly switched on in my mind, outshining the other ideas.
Notting Hill.
I twisted the key, resurrecting the engine. As soon as I heard the soothing, smooth rev ringing in my ears, I reversed into the street and zoomed towards West London.
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I never understood why a newspaper, that I read not too long ago, described this area as a "deprived part" of Kensington and Chelsea. I mean, posh apartments are everywhere and there are nice little cafes down the road, I mean, this is like... residence goals.
I strolled down Portobello road, watching the tourists taking photographs of different shops and stalls. I listened to the vendors advertising their products, there are good stuffs there, like legit, priceless vintage objects. The spring sun streamed and hits my face as I walked down the road. All of this lively commotion reminds me of the very first time I went here.
I turned around the corner and entered a small cafe that seemed cosy from the looks of it outside. I pulled the handle of the door and entered in. Walking towards the counter, everyone's head turned to me one by one, probably by my uncommon formal attire.
Waiting for the barista to come over, I leaned closely on the wooden surface, beginning to dip my head under my coat as I noticed a few stares. A tall, lean guy, comes up and gave me a welcoming smile, "How can I help you, miss?" He said as he probes my face with his eyes, oh god he recognizes me, I cursed under my breath.
"Umm... I'll just have a small capuccino," I muttered quietly, avoiding any more attention to be drawn my way. "..And, make it quick please," I timidly asked as he gives me an affirming nod.
I looked around the cafe and spotted a bunch of teenage girls at the corner, all huddled together whispering and occasionally glancing towards my way. Panicking at the thought of being spotted, I turned my head away from them, hoping it would discourage their curiosity.
A young teenage girl comes up behind me, approaching me with her adorable, shy voice. "Umm... Excuse me, are you, by any chance, the Olivia Ainsley?" She asks, her voice getting higher as she gets even nervous. She gave a light smile, but anxiety was still obvious in her face.
I said a silent 'awww' and delivered a wide smile, igniting the corner of her lips to turn upwards, "Yes, this is she. How may I help you young lady?" I said gladly as I fully turn my body around her.
"Oh-Oh my god, it's actually you, it's you! I can't believe it! OMG you are such a role model, you have no idea!" A high pitch squeal came out her mouth; the usual.
"Aww! That is so sweet! " I brought my hands to my chest to suppress the 'Aww's that would have sounded patronizing.
Her hands then took out a notebook from her bag and handed it to me, "I know it might be a bit too much, but, can I have your autograph.. please," she shyly mutters, spreading warmth inside my heart.
"What? It's never too much, I'd be more than happy to!" I tried suppressing a monstrous-looking grin from appearing on my face, but I was defeated by how adorable she was being. Shy tweenies always get to me.
She handed me a pen as I laid the notebook on the high counter, "Umm.. so what's your name?" I slyly asked, as I began writing a message on the lined paper.
"Sofia, Sofia Alders,"
I choked on air as I heard the word 'Alders'. My hand halted from writing. "As in Alders? Like A-L-D-E-R-S?" I inquired.
"Uh... yeah. Is there a problem?" Sofia mumbles, looking concerned.
"Uh-ummm, no... I just uh-wanted to make sure I was spelling it right," My mouth was lost as I stumbled and tumbled with the words. I concentrated on writing a message, trying to hide my shocked state.
"So.. Sofia, do you have any brothers and sisters?" I asked, attempting to satisfy my curiosity. She must be related to Michael somehow.
"Nah, I'm just an only child," she shrugs her shoulders, but she continues to eagerly observe me in amazement.
"Oh.." I mumbled in disappointment. What were the chances anyway? There are loads of people who has the name Alders in London. I pushed the thought of Michael away from my mind. He shouldn't have popped up in my thoughts in the first place.
I signed my name and put an x on the paper and finally closed the notebook. Sofia still had the excited grin on her face as I gave it back to her.
"Oh my gosh! This is just.. Awesome! I'm so honoured to meet you Olivia!" She hugs the notebook tightly across her chest and walks, practically skipping in adrenaline to be honest, to her group of friends.
"Small Capuccino?" The barista's deep voice called out as he places a small paper cup on the counter.
I walked towards him and gave him a small smile, "Thanks."
"Well, anything for a famous, pretty lady like you," he flirts, adding a wink at the end before he ushers off to the other customer.
I turned around, ready to walk towards the door. I rolled my eyes as I lightly sip my warm beverage. Yup, he definitely knew I was Olivia.
I glanced at my watch and saw that it already was 1:25. I sighed and briefly closed my eyes to mentally prepare myself, and to convince my brain to move my legs and drive to Park Lane.
My heels taps on the wooden floor as I walked towards the door. Pulling the metal handle, I was met with a windy breeze with a glimmer of sunshine streaming down upon me. I began travelling up the road, back to my car.
Here we go.
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I know it's quite boring and I am really sorry that it's progressing slowly.
I'll make it up to ya'll. Promise.
Thanks for reading!
-Shado