The first time I ever saw Jacqueline, she was puking her brains out in the school bathroom at senior prom night. I was just a student council helper, who was supposed to be there for technical reasons, to help around the place so I could get the community service hours required by the state. She was two years older than me, way more popular, and far prettier, and so I was stunned speechless and didn't know what to do. 

She was in a beautiful red gown, with a long slit that exposed her long toned legs. The gown perfectly shaped her body, bringing attention to her curves, and slim body. Her "prom queen" sash and tiara lay abandoned on the tiles of the bathroom floor. 

I hesitated before I spoke. She was the posh girl. I didn't even know how to address her. I mean, I'd heard of her. Everyone knew Jacqueline as the daughter of the biggest magazine editor in the country. Ever since she was young, she'd been on multiple magazine covers, and was on her way to becoming a supermodel. Her face had been plastered on hundreds of billboards across the nation, and I could see why. Even though I'd never seen her in person before that night, I could see why everyone admired her. She carried herself with an aura of elegance. Even though she was puking, I could tell she was gorgeous and there was a certain sense of grace about her.

"Uh, do you need any help?" I had asked. 

She had held up a perfectly manicured hand, indicating I had to wait. I had stood there, awkwardly fiddling. She had stopped puking a mere second later, and used the back of her hand to wipe her mouth. She grabbed a tissue, and started to put herself together again. Then, for the first time, she noticed me. She had looked at me, up and down. I shifted, uncomfortably. I was wearing jeans and a hoodie, and looked incredibly unflattering with a messy bun.

"No thanks. I mean, I know I look like a mess right now, but I'll handle it. Thanks though." she had said smoothly, flashing a smile. She started applying her lip gloss then, and proceeded to pull on her sash and put her tiara back into place. I left, and didn't see her again that night, or really ever again for another 2 years. 

♛ 

Now, almost 2 years later, that night keeps replaying in my head as I wait for Jacqueline's mom, head of Blush Magazine, to come out of her office. I sit in a comfortable chair, which, like everything else in this building is a light pink. My hands are sweating and I'm constantly wiping them down the front of my jeans but 3 seconds later, the sweat is back.

I sigh. I've been sitting here for almost 20 minutes, and there is no sign of anybody. Tempted to leave, I get up and collect my belongings. A door opens right then. I spin around to see Mrs. Alderidge, world-renowned magazine editor and director of one of the biggest modeling agencies in the country, walking towards me. She looks incredibly elegant and posh. I focus on breathing. How is she so perfect?  

"Miss Maurya, welcome. I hope you haven't been waiting for too long. It really does get busy around here at this time of year, I'm so sorry."

"Oh no, not at all. Don't worry about it, please. I totally understand." I laugh. 

She smiles and beckons me to her office. The office is pink as well, with a long peach couch lining a wall, and her desk opposite it. From the window, which is basically the entire wall, Atlanta's gorgeous skyline watches us.  Various magazine covers litter a small glass coffee table to the side of the couch. She sits at the couch and pats the spot next to her. I'm relieved, because obviously this will be relatively informal this way. And then she starts talking. 

♛   

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love, riya ♥