Chapter 3: Fashion Show

We were informed that the fashion show was going to be organized next week. The Robinson fashion show was popular in the country. They were going to promote and market their clothing and accessories. The show featured some of the world's leading fashion models. Many national and international celebrities and investors were going to attend this show. They were going to show their upcoming clothing and supplements on their brand name. Our clothing was particularly based on varieties of gowns: A-line gown, stealth gown, voluminous gown, and ruffles. They set the theme of ‘Ultra Blue.’

I was nervous because I had heard they would invite popular musicians and pop bands. I was the biggest fan of Maroon 5, Drake, and Rita Ora. I was hoping they would invite one of them so that I could have a chance to see them live. I was going to attend the show in person and I was going to meet a lot of celebrities whom I used to see on TV and in magazines.

I looked down at my desk; I was working on an A-line gown for two hours. I had just finished ten copies of designer drafts and again I had got orders for fifteen more. I loved my work, but it was stressing me out. The back of my head was throbbing because of three hours of continuous work. I wanted some rest to regain my energy back, otherwise, I would have fainted at any moment. I put the files aside and made my way to the canteen.

I befriended two beautiful ladies in this house. The first one was Ava, the personal secretary of Henry and the second one was Sarah, the manager of the human resource department. They both were very generous, creative, and talented women.

And I didn't like other staff here because they always insulted me, made fun of me, and called me poor and ugly. Since I didn't have a high-profile family, those people always tried to turn away from me. I didn't care about them because such people didn't exist in my life.

The people who mattered to me were Ava and Sarah. They came from wealthy families, but they never looked down on me. I didn't know their exact family background, but I could assume through their dress and style that they came from an upper-class family. They were really sweet to me. Both of them were much more experienced than me. Whenever I needed their help, they were always there for me.

I walked down the hallway and entered the canteen. As usual, people were talking and giggling. I ordered my favorite food, cheese pasta. I didn't have breakfast in the morning properly. Mom always complained to me I was becoming a workaholic day by day and was not paying attention to my loving parents. And you know what she was right.

How did I convince her I had to work hard for my family because I wanted to pay off my father's debt as soon as possible? It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to pay a higher rate of interest, and it was also affecting his health.

I quickly shook away his thoughts because it made me feel sad whenever I think about his health. Besides, I was already tired.

I placed my tray on the table before sitting down in the chair. Those supermodels were sitting across from my table, whispering something.

"Look at her sticky hair," one of the girls chirped, pointing at my hair.

"Ewe! It looks like a nest." Another one commented, and then they all erupted into a laugh. Again, they were humiliating me. I had long hair, and it was obvious my bun looked big. I didn't like to do a ponytail because it caused me headaches and I couldn't handle loose hair.

"What are you talking about?" I heard Sarah. I glanced over my shoulder and found her next to my table, glaring at those supermodels. "I asked what you were talking about?" She gritted out at them.

Sometimes I felt weak when she came to my rescue. She always tried to save my ass from those supermodels. She was rude, and I wondered how she ended up with my friend. We had different personalities. But I liked her guts. She was bold and courageous.

"None of your damn business!" Lisa snapped. She was the girl who had insulted me on my first day of internship, calling me a rag picker.

Sarah placed her hand on her hips, seething at her. "None of my business? Oh really, you slut? Do you know who you are talking with?" She hissed. Her choice of words was unpredictable, and sometimes it made me feel uncomfortable. "Watch your mouth next time if you ever try to insult my friend." She pointed to me defensively, and I gained those models cold, hard glares.

"First, you watch your mouth, so-called savior!" Lisa snarled and stood up before stalking off the hall.

"Hey, Sarah," I said amusingly, "Thank you."

"Hey. Don't thank me. She got what she deserves," she replied while taking a seat beside me. "Why do you put up with their shit?"

Ava and Sarah always asked me why I tolerate them. First of all, I didn't want to be anyone's enemy, especially those supermodels, and second, I didn't want to hurt anyone.

"I don't want to hurt anyone. You know me very well; I don't have enough courage to stand up to them. If I tried it, they might become bitchier," I stated calmly.

"I know you, Alice, but you are too sweet to put up with their shit. You know what, you always think about others' feelings. But would they ever think about you? Would they ever think about how you feel when they insult you with that ugly remark?"

"Yeah, I know that's why they are called bitches. And if I would do the same, how would you differentiate me and them?" I had never cursed in my entire lifetime, but it abruptly slipped out of my mouth. I was not feeling embarrassed at all because they deserved those words.

"Hey, Sar and Alli." I looked at the prettiest girl in the hall when I heard her soft voice. Ava stood across from us with a beautiful smile.

"Hey, Ava." I and Sarah said simultaneously.

I glanced at her tray, which was stuffed with some sort of green breakfast. She always focused on her diet and kept herself fit. I knew she was gorgeous; she had a perfect body and a beautiful face. I doubted if that was the reason she was being hired as a personal secretary of Mr. Henry Robinson.

I grinned at this thought.

"Today I feel tired," she mumbled while taking a sip of her black coffee. "I've been starving for two hours."

"That's why you are eating grass like a cow!" Sarah taunted, and we both broke into a laugh.

Ava rolled her eyes in annoyance. "You know perfectly well, but still you're teasing me, Sarah!"

"Yeah, I know." Sarah calmed her down and gave her a brief wink.

I frowned.

"What are you talking about?" I blurted out but regretted it moments later because it was none of my business.

They both looked at each other for a few seconds, exchanging something through their eyes, but after a moment Sarah cleared her throat and looked at me. "Nothing, just Henry doesn't want her to eat junk food, that's all."

"What!? Why?" My brows snapped together.

Before Sarah could say further, Ava interrupted. "Just leave this topic." She forced a smile and continued eating her food.

After a few moments, Ava finished her coffee and stood up. "Um, guys, I'm done. I've gotta go now. See you soon," she said and grabbed her handbag before leaving the hall.

She was behaving strangely, which made me curious. She was not feeling comfortable while speaking about Henry. But why? Forget it! I didn't want to interfere with her personal life. All I cared about was her and I would not ask her again unless she would tell me willingly.

"How's your work going on, Alice?" Sarah interrupted my thoughts and made me look at her.

"Um. Good as usual, and what about you?" I asked her.

"Don't ask." She took a long sigh before continuing. "Human resources department is the toughest department in the company. You know some employees act like assholes!"

"Assholes? Oh God, Sarah, at least you can spare those poor workers," I said, laughing.

"How could I?" she mumbled while taking a bite of her sandwich. "You know, next week there will be a fashion show, and we need a more efficient and effective worker for stitching and printing. But here I'm unable to find them. How will I manage all this by myself? I've talked to Henry about this matter but all he has to say, 'what do you think why I'm paying you?'" She said in Henry's matter-of-fact tone and I broke into a laugh again. She shook her head. "We have completed half of our clothing, but the problem is accessories." She sipped her coffee. "We cannot find the best quality raw material for jewelry and our jewelers are arguing about it."

I said nothing because I had nothing to say. This was also new to me. And the suggestion was not in my dictionary. "You are experienced and creative and I know you will give your best." I placed my hand on hers, giving her an assuring smile. "I believe in you."

She nodded and gave me her beautiful smile. "I hope I will."

After finishing up our food, we both headed to our department. "See you, then."