“That wasrude, don't push.”
She only rolls her eyes at me again, and when I glance at Mel, she pulls in a deep breath. I see her fist ball, but she thankfully walks away.
I was allowed to bring two friends with me, and the rest of The Core Eight couldn’t make it, so I, of course, invited my best friend and Mel since we’ve been getting closer. Helena was annoyed that she was here but has been cordial for the most part. I don’t understand why she doesn’t like her, but she needs to stop being mean because Mel looks close to calling her out.
I paint a smile on my face and try to lighten the mood. “Are you sure I shouldn’t have gone with the second hairstyle?”
Vincent surprisingly let me choose between two hairstyles since I was modeling two outfits and he couldn’t decide so I of course had my best friend help me pick.
I am glad that Vincent let them tag along and also let me bring my own team to do my hair and makeup though, because knowing thatthiswon’t go wrong is what’s getting me through most of my nerves.
“No, the style I chose is going to look way better with your second dress, trust me.”
I nod in response, but I notice Mel turning her head to the side in the mirror.
“I still think the second one matches both dresses perfectly and–”
“She asked me.” Helena cuts her off and Mel only laughs to herself before walking out of the room.
I let out a breath and turn in my seat. “Lena, can you stop being so mean to her?”
“What did I say? Did you not ask me?”
“I asked the two of you.” I give her a pointed look, but she only shrugs before sitting on the couch.
When Annet comes out of the bathroom, she immediately gets to work and I decide on the style Helena chose, but send Mel a quick message.
Babe, I am so sorry that she’s being like that. I don’t know what her problem is.
Mel Mel
Don’t apologize for her, Sage. It’s fine, I just needed a second to breathe because I really don’t want to ruin your big day and I’m going to punch her in the face the next time she says something to me.
I try to calm her down as I get my hair done.
After a while, we’re done with time to spare, so everyone leaves as I get dressed. I try not to think about the show and listen to music to calm my nerves, but a guy comes to take me to the rest of the girls, and I realize this is it. I take a deep breath before standing from my vanity, but my vision blurs with stars as my blood runs warm, and I have to hold onto the desk to steady myself.
“Are you okay?” He’s suddenly in front of me, and he grabs my arm to catch me.
I blink a few times as I stumble a bit. “Yeah.” My vision clears, but I sit back down. “I’m fine.” I try to get up again, and I feel weak but better.
“Do you want some water?”
I tell him I have a bottle, but he keeps his eyes on me. “Did you eat today? We have sandwiches for the models, we know some girls forget to eat with how busy these days get.”
I have been busy today but I didn’tforgetto eat, if anything I’ve made sure not to. This event is way too important for me to look bloated, as Helena said, so eating wasnotan option. I’m fine. I’ve been drinking water and coffee. I’m fine.
“No, that’s okay. I’m not hungry, but thank you.”
“I wasn’t asking,” he says apologetically. “You looked like you were going to pass out, and it’s Mr. Moore’s rule that you have a meal before going on stage.”
I try to tell him that I really am okay, but when he tells me I can take it up with Vincent, I shut up and walk to the kitchen with him.
He has me take a seat at the table as he gets me a Gatorade and a sandwichwithfruit. I stare at all of the food, and I feel a knot forming in my throat, but I force it down because I cannot ruin my makeup over something this stupid.
I take in a deep breath and tell myself that I can at least eat the fruit. Compromising with eating one thing helps, so I chose the fruit and finished the whole cup.
I smile to myself proudly and get up to put the sandwich back.
