Ding..... Ding..... Ding
It was loud, too loud. My body felt heavy, I didn't want to get up. I wasn't a morning person, adding the fact that I couldn't sleep.Then my alarm rang again. I stretched out my hand, reaching for my phone. I opened my eyes to check the time.
SHIT!
I spranged up from the bed. It's almost 10.00am, and I'm fucking late. I had only an hour to bath, dress up and make my way to the cafe to meet Celine.
This was all Nikki's fault. If she hadn't caused a fight in school, then I wouldn't have to cancel my appointment. Fortunately for me, she didn't mind cancelling the date under short notice.This was important, a once in a lifetime opportunity that could change my whole life for good. It wasn't everyone that gave a chance to a new designer, especially one that didn't go to college or got any kind of training. And I dare not miss out on it. I had a few missed calls, two from Beatrix and the rest from mom. Guess she told Beatrix about our family's latest predicament and how I choose to handle it. She's probably worried sick about me. I decided I would call her after my appointment.
Within a few minutes I was out of the bathroom, had my clothes on. I tied my hair up in a ponytail. I didn't really wear makeup, but a little lipstick , mascara and blush to add some colour to my face, I was good to go. I was about to search for my keys, then realized I didn't bring my car.
I strode down the stairs holding my breath, heart in my hands, but I didn't see any sign of him. I was expecting to meet him sitting in the middle of the room, sipping wine, and maybe doing other stuffs rich folks do. I walked towards the kitchen, it was quite too. Almost like nobody lived here. Was he always this silent? After some seconds of checking, I was certain he wasn't at home. I let out my breath and relaxed a bit. Perhaps he left early for work. 'Maybe I could prepare a quick breakfast for myself', I thought.
I opened the fridge and my jaw dropped. What does he eat? I mean, it was practically empty. No veggies, no left overs, no edibles, except for bottles of water and energy drinks. I checked the cupboards and it was the same thing. I guess no quick breakfast then. I made a mental note to grab lunch after the appointment.
I walked past the reception hall. Rose was on her desk, head bent, scribbling something on a note pad. I greeted her, she lifted her head with a smile. Perhaps thinking it was a residence of the building, but when her eyes locked with mine, it was pure disgust. I still didn't understand what her problem is. But I wasn't going to duel on it.
I was a few minutes early when I got to the cafe. Celine hadn't arrived yet. I took a seat now the window. I had my sketches and my laptop with. After I gave myself last minute prep talk, Celine strode in. Heels clicking on the floor, her vibrant red hair flowing down her shoulders. She wore a tailored green jumpsuit, with a silver hand bag. All heads turned towards her as she walked confidentiality into the cafe. Celine Phillips was a prodigy. She wasn't only a top fashion designer, she was also a super model and owned her own fashion brand. Beautiful,Smart and very ambitious, never settling for less. She emitted power every way she went and every turn she took was majestic and precise. She was my role model. Who wouldn't want to be like her. My stomach bolted, I suddenly felt under dressed.
She paused, observed the room then she caught my eyes. She smiled and trotted towards my table.
I sat up straight. My hands clenched under the table. She pulled out a chair and sat in front of me.
"It's a pleasure meeting you again Miss Maurice", she spoke, voice like velvet.
"Likewise Miss Phillips ", I beamed.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting. I have some business that needed to be taken care of".
"I just got here ", I replied. "I really appreciate you creating time to meet me, after yesterday's appointment was cancelled ".
"OH. It's actually nothing. I also had business to attend to, so it was a bit of a relief ", she smiled. She really was a nice person.
"Have you ordered anything yet?"She asked.
"Not yet ".
She signaled for a waitress. She ordered a cup of cream coffee, while I ordered for plain coffee. I wasn't a fan of caffeine, though it made people active and awake, it was the opposite for me.
"Well then, let's get down to business ". She took a sip of his coffee. I nodded nervously.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It felt like ages, and the time couldn't be more slower. My stomach was having summersaults, I fisted my hands tightly to stop the trembling. I watched her view my sketches and prototypes. My heart jumped to my mouth with every page she opened and every swipe she made. Finally, she took a deep breath then sighed. My breath caught, eyes widened and my ears turned.
"You design beautifully", she said. I let out my breath. "And your designs are impressive. Raw, sharp and exceptional. But -"
My heart dropped.
"But?"
"It lacks depth and flexibility. But it's quite impressive though".
"Thank you ", I smiled nervously.
She flipped the pages of my file, then spoke.
"It says here that you only have high school diploma ".
I nodded. I sat straighter on my seat. I've always wanted to go to college, but some certain circumstances didn't allow that. She was silent, like she was thinking about something.
"We don't normally accept designers who have no from of training or experience ". My heart sank. I can't lose this chance just because I didn't go to college or fashion school.
"But your work is incredible and it's rare to find such talent", she paused. "We'll consider it and I promise to get back to you", she added with a smile.
I knew that smile. It was the same they all had plastered on their faces. I returned her smile, mine not quite touching the eyes.
She gave me her card and promised to get back to me. But as I sat there, watching her back leave the cafe, my heart sank even more. It's what happened every time, every interview and every industry I applied for. That was it. I knew it and I'm pretty sure she knew it too.
She wasn't getting back to me.
They never did. Once they knew I never went to college, they decide I wasn't good enough for them. It didn't matter how good my work was or how talented they said I was, I just didn't reach the standard they needed. I gulped down my coffee. It was cold and bitter. I didn't like it, but kept drinking it anyways.