Marrying my high school bully

Lorraine

Finally, the day that had given me restless nights since the last practice had arrived, and I couldn’t deny that my anxiety had doubled.

Alongside other models, I was seated on a wooden stool, having my face made up. My eyes were shut as my mind wandered in different directions.

I didn’t even know what to feel. I didn’t know what to think. The excitement of being on the runway for the first time had fizzled out and it was replaced with a very strong fear of failure.

There was no one to cheer me up amongst the crowd. Unlike others who would have their families clapping for them, I had no one. Absolutely no one.

“You can open your eyes now, I’m done.” The artist informed me and quickly I stared at the mirror in awe, my eyes popping at the reflection that greeted me.

I was beautiful. I didn’t need anyone’s validation to be sure of how beautiful I was. The knowledge gave me strength that I could pull it off and slowly make a name for myself.

“Thank you so much,” I gushed at her while she nodded with a satisfied smile.

She left to continue her business while I stood up to change my clothes. We’d done the first fitting for the dress and I couldn’t deny that it looked good on me. Stefan was already beginning to warn me about being overweight and after this show, I’d have to join a gym session.

Upon entering the changing room, I discovered that I wouldn’t be alone. The other models who were done with their make up had already begun changing while I was busy fiddling with the zip of my dress.

A deep voice I’d recognise anywhere resonated close to the door, initiating a fluttery feeling in my stomach.

He’d reassured me that he would see me before we were asked to walk on the runway but I didn’t take him seriously. “Is she in?” I heard him ask and within a short moment, the door knob twisted open.

He took a peek in and when our eyes met, he signaled that we talked outside. Ignoring the audible hisses and glares that some of the models threw at me, I flashed a nonchalant glance at them and walked out.

“How do you feel?” He asked as soon as I got out.

“Nervous.” I answered a bit too fast, unable to get over the edginess of my tone.

He pulled closer to me, reaching for my hands not minding the side glanced passed at us. “You have every right to be. It’s your first time out there,” He said softly.

Seeing him here reduced every fear and doubt I had about myself to the barest minimum. The way he looked at me showed how much he adored me even without putting it in words. “I don’t want to miss my step and slip.” I whined, “What if I slip off and fall? What if I don’t do well.” I croaked, my heart palpitating.

He loosened our hands from each other and caressed my chin. “You wouldn’t do any of that, instead, you will show everyone how bold and classy you are. Win them over with your graceful steps.”

“Oh Dexter!” I fell into his arms, my eyes getting blurry with tears. “Thank you for being here.” My voice was laced with emotions.

His fingers moved to my head, caressing my nicely styled hair which caused shivers to run down my spine. Time wasn’t on our side and even if he had planners who were making sure that the event went well, he wasn’t still comfortable.

We pulled away from each other simultaneously as if our minds were linked together. “You’ll do well,” He confidently assured me like he knew how it would end.

“Good bye.” I sighed and returned to the dressing room.

The room fell silent as soon as I got in but I ignored it and focused on changing. If they weren’t going to say anything because of what they say, then it was their business.

Slowly the noise returned but I suddenly wished they didn’t say anything because they were talking about me like I wasn’t there.

“She thinks so highly of herself because Mr Hemmingway is attracted to her body.” Marianna who really wanted to have Dexter to herself said.

An angry snort followed then another snide statement. “What body? A pauper that has nothing to offer? Even the body ain’t enticing.”

With fury swelling within me, I turned around and fixed a monstrous glare at them. “It’s not your fault that you are unable to get what a pauper already owns. Sad, isn’t it?”

Marianna lurched forward, her fists clenched and her nostrils flared so wide I thought I saw smoke randomly moving out of them, but she wasn’t fast enough as her minions held her back before she could hit me. “You won’t know what hit you, Lorraine.” She snarled, but none of her threats got to me as I revelled in the feeling of triumph.

I was done dressing and since I didn’t want to risk being fought against, I left with my head high and waited for the show to start.

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The show was already buzzing with the audience cheering the models who were doing their thing on the runway. Just two models and it would be my turn to move.

I reached for my high-heeled sandal which had a long strap and wore it. I’d taken it off earlier because of an unusual ache I’d been having since I came.

Satisfied with how well the shoe looked on me, I took a step forward and immediately I noticed a friction between my foot and the insole. It was too late for me to properly scrutinise it even though it felt slippery and I was scared of falling.

I began to walk, slower than I should, but I couldn’t risk falling or stopping as well. Like everything was against me, the hem of the chiffon dress which had a long slit by the right side of my leg got blown by a gentle breeze when it died down, the hem hooked to the buckle of the heel, causing my steps to become wobbly.

The combination of a pair of slippery shoes and a hooked buckle caused me to trip over, falling onto the ground with a loud thud.

Gasps and whispers reverberated from the audience, some of them standing to their feets and peering at me.

Heavy embarrassment washed over me as I allowed my tousled hair to form a veil over my face. I could hear the other models mock me from the backstage just as they’ve been wanting to do.

Someone set me up, I was sure of that. And as I continued to lie down on the stage, the dots began to connect to each other. The shoe wasn’t the same size I wore initially so it was switched, and if anyone had the opportunity to disgrace me, it would be Marianna.

The screams increased as I heard heavy steps run close to me. I tilted my head to the side as Dexter crouched before me, stretching my length as he carried me swiftly out of the stage.