Chapter 73
Chapter 73
“…that’s her. The boutique…”
…saw the pictires on social media.
The pantsuit looks damn good.”
“Not as insane as the ‘Echo‘ dress…”
“She’s lucky to be adopted by them, how I wish to be in her shoes…”
…my mom knows someone who was there. Said it was t…”
I shun out the whispering, keeping my head high, my grip tight on the strap of my new backpack, a sleek leather bag that was part of Helen’s gift to me yesterday.
“More than a year is enough to get me used to them talking about me.” I remind myself, adjusting the cuff of my blazer–a tailored piece from my own collection.
“Sup queen.” Maya beamed sliding up beside me and looping her through mine.
“Queen Aria, Fashion Mogul. Queen of fashion.”
I elbow her gently. “Stop it. It’s just one boutique.”
“Yes, one wildly successful, talked–about boutique,” she corrects. “Did you watch the news yesternight or this morning? Did you even go through social media on your phone? Girl those designs are trending everywhere especially my gown.”
“Hey, Aria,” Brittany, one of the girls from the cheerleading squad, waved as she walked past with her friends. “I loved the collection. That red pantsuit was Iconic. Don’t forget to put me in next time when you need a model.”
“Oh. Uh, thanks,” I manage, fumbling with my lock.
I lean my head against the cool metal of my locker door, a little dizzy and while Maya is practically jumping with triumph next to me.
“Told you,” she singsongs. “Did I tell you I got a call from a model agency?”
“For real gurl?” I asked, turning to face her in excitement.
“Yes, but I told them I belong to Aura but would see to their proposal.”
“What?” I laugh “damn!”
I feel a gaze burning on my face and look over to see Nolan. He’s leaning against a locker a few feet away while talking to Kai, but his gaze is fixed on me. He gives me a slow, almost subtle nod when our eyes lock.
17900 Sat, Jan 10
Chapter 73
I could feel my checks turning and I quickly looked away. Lean’t deny it but he looks so good,
ACA
કીજ
“Well, well is it isn’t Coco Chanel or is it Aria Aura, sup Maya” a smooth, familiar voice purrs from my other side
Jamal. Of course. His camera is slung around his neck and he looks dashing as always. ‘Not as hot as Nolan though i shaked my head at that silly thought.
“Sup” Maya replied.
“Sup jamal.” I greeted, trying to wrench my locker open. “I don’t get why this got stuck” I muttered.
“Let me help.” I moved away from my locker to give him space.
“Ouch” I jumped back as a powder of mixed colors shot at him.
“Are you okay?” Maya laughed, “Did you catch that?”
Liam laughed, saluting her.
“Good boy, make sure to send me a copy.” She shouted behind him.
“Did you do that?” I frowned, going closer to help a confused Jamal.
“What?” She asked amidst laughter, “he looks pretty with it.”
“It’s not funny” he grumbled
“Of course, it is. You were trying to play hero. You never stopped to think why I was far behind her when she was trying to open it?”
He suddenly smirked “What?” I furrowed my brows.
“Nothing” he shrugged and quickly hugged Maya before she could run away.
“Jamal get off me” I laughed as Maya shrieked. Jamal laughed, hugging her tighter.
“Now we both look cute.” He smirked, releasing her.
“I hate you” she growled, stomping away
“It’s mutual honey” he shouted after her.
“So queen, would you be…”
“Why do you call me queen?” I cut him
“Uhh?” He frowned
“Like why do you not call me Aria? I’ve been meaning to ask you for a long time now.” I moved closer to my locker and brought out a small jotter, dusting away the colors on it.
17:57 Sat, Jan 10
Chapter 73
His face softens. “Because you’re a queen.” He taps his camera. “Speaking of that, can I get an interview from you? The rise of Aria Morales. I’ll need an exclusive interview to get your thoughts, your process, your…. inspirations.
“I’ll think about it.”
“Okay queen.” He chuckled, “I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah later.” I waved.
I dusted the colors out of my locker, arranged it and locked it back.
I hide in the back of the library. It’s a free period and I need some time alone. I pulled out my jotter and turned to a few pages before the last. Tucked between pages of fabric swatches and color palettes are printouts and notes. Articles about women’s shelters, statistics on child poverty, profiles of non–profit founders. And at the very top of the page is written: ‘Aura Foundation‘. Ever since I had a flash back on teenage girls like me looking tattered, I’ve been wanting to create something. An organization to help women and children who have nothing. Who have been silenced, or lost, or forgotten. I have not even told Helen and Maya about it. Maybe when Aura has reached its peace, I could create a charity event and find more partners
for it.
“Hiding from your fans?”
I slam the book shut, my heart leaping into my throat. Nolan stood over my table, a textbook under his arm.
“You have a habit of sneaking up on people,” I accuse, trying to slow my breathing.
“And you have a habit of hiding away,” he counters, sliding into the chair opposite me. He nods at the closed jotter. “More brilliant designs?”
“Something like that,” I shrugged.
He studies me for a moment, his head tilted. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” I smiled
“No, I mean, are you really okay?” He leans closer.
“I’m tired,” I admit quietly. “I’m fine over here. I love you all but sometimes, I really want to remember my past. I want to know what it’s like, who my real parents are and did they search for me? So yes, I’m tired.”
Nolan sighed. “Don’t worry, your memories will come back soon.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
