When The Light Falls - Book 3, N. Y. [good beach reads TXT] 📗

arms over her, hugging her.

 

She leans in, relaxing.

 

 

''We haven't even left for competition yest. If that helps.'' I say.

 

 

Even in a moment of stress, I had to be the strong one.

 

''You're nervous too?'' she replied.

 

''Yes, all people get nervous. Especially since i'm the one representing a big part of FARELLE. We all have a part in this, so don't be nervous.'' I replied to her.

 

 

''If anyone should be more nervous it's me.'' Rikki said.

 

I breifly turn to Rikki.

 

''Alright people, competition is starting. Let's head up to headquarters and sign in. All writers and editors in the 1st bus outside, photography and camera workers in the second and models as well as designers in the thrid, and lastly interns in the 4th bus.'' Lauren announced.

 

 

Even her exitement had ignited more fear into me.

 

Jacob grabs my hand as we all stand up to leave to our separate bus outside.

 

 

''It's okay, you'll be fine.'' he says.

 

He kisses my cheek as we walk out into the hot blaring sun outside.

 

The buses were outside waiting.

 

 

I head for my bus with Jacob still holding my hand.

 

Lauren approaches us as I enter onto the bus.

 

 

''Hold on, plus 1's are back with the interns.'' she says to Jacob.

 

''What? But I need him.'' I complained.

 

 

I probably won't function without Jacob near me, especially on a bus. I might pull over and get sick while we ride on our way up.

 

 

''Sorry, all plus 1's ride and sit with interns. I don't know if I announced it earlier, but it's an exception from the first day.'' Lauren replied.

 

 

I sighed.

 

Me and Jacob walk off to the side.

 

 

''I won't be able to function if you're not with me. I'm practically nervous for god's sake.'' I said.

 

''Relax, i'll be fine. When we arrive at headquarters, i'll be there when you get off the bus,...okay?'' he says.

 

 

''Okay.'' I finally said.

 

 

He kisses my forehead, then leaves for the 4th bus.

 

I watch him go, as my fear to be relaxed goes away.

 

''Last call everyone. Board the buses!'' Lauren announced.

 

 

I waved goodbye to Jacob as I watched him disappear into the crowd of intern's boarding the bus.

 

Then I get in, finding a seat.

 

Even without Jacob, I felt alone on the bus.

 

 

All famaliar faces I saw and Lauren with Vanessa seated together. 

 

 

I sat in a seat up front. The seat beside mine open.

 

Hopefully nobody will sit there. I wanted to imagine Jacob's still here with me.

 

Holding my hand, making me feel comfortable.

 

--

  

It seemed like a boring ride up, without Jacob I had no one to look over to. 

 

I was also separated from my friends.

 

They were on different bus.

 

 

 

I looked at my hands, still soft and silky.

 

Me and Jacob have talked up a storm about marriage that night of the celebration dinner.

 

That made my mood a little better as the bus comes to a hault.

 

 

I look outside the window. We were nearing the competition headquarters.

 

The red light turns green as we chug up the small slope of a mountain.

 

 

The buses are parked out front near the entrance doors. The tents have disappeared from the last time and it reveals the building inside.

 

 

''I can smell the fear.'' Lauren says as she gets off the bus.

 

My other co-workers follow behind.

 

I shade my eyes from the sun as it glared on my face.

 

 

I look around waiting for Jacob He said he was gonna be by my side when I get off.

 

I search through the crowd.

 

 

Someone swope's behind me as i'm startled by the sudden movement.

 

Soft hands grip my waist as I turn to see who it is.

 

 

Jacob's smile comes over his face, and a little joy of happiness spreads in my heart.

 

I smile back.

 

 

''See, I told you i'd be by your side.'' he said.

 

 

We both walk into the entrance hand in hand, while the others do the same.

 

The big building appeared larger than usual. The seminar center is near the sign up tables.

 

Lauren rounds us all to one side.

 

 

Everyone scrunches together to squeeze in a circle.

 

''Okay, it's competition time. Remember to pay attention to the rules, it's important you pay attention. If you don't, we automatically disqualify.'' she says.

 

''Remember, do your best and forget the other companies. They're nothing but trash compared to us when we win.'' Lauren said.

 

 

''Alright, sign up and meet up in our assigned seats for the fashion show case. Our designers worked hard this year to create dresses, so thank our models who strut it.'' Lauren finally said.

 

 

The crowd of FARELLE workers disappear to sign in.

 

I follow behind, searching the crowd for Rikki and Marybella.

 

I spot Rikki already signing in And Marybella in sight from a distance.

 

 

''Marybella!'' I yelled.

 

 

She turns her head from Mark, she waves back as we meet in the middle.

 

We exchange a small hug before we get back in line.

 

I was even nervous to sign my name in, my hands were sweaty and I grew more nervous as the line neared closer to my turn.

 

 

''It's okay, you'll be fine.'' Jacob reassures me.

 

He holds my hand.

 

 

I smile back, Marybella rushes behind me as she wraps her arms around my waist.

 

I knew she'd get nervous because she was going on first, so I let her hold on to me.

 

 

The line get's shorter and shorter as we're next after a couple of interns.

 

I take a deep breath as they leave.

 

 

I stare down at the 1 person who was signing us in

 

I pause and shuddered.

 

 

Jacob steps in as I stare down at table nervously.

 

 

''Hi, signing in as Elle Woods and her plus 1.'' he says.

 

''Okay.'' says the worker.

 

 

She hands over 2 stickers with our names on it.

 

I take my sticker and pull to my hands.

 

''Thank you.'' I reply to Jacob.

 

 

I walk away from my embarassment Jacob pats my back as I look elsewhere.

 

I was a total freak show just for a few seconds.

 

Then, Marybella comes crawling behind.

 

 

Her possible nervous break down made her speechless.

 

 

''Alright models, enter into the clothing room. Get dressed for the first show, come on.'' Vanessa announces.

 

Marybella's eyes were stuck on me as Vanessa pushes Bella aside to follow the other models.

 

 

 

''Alright, writer and editor. Here's you certified VIP pass.'' Lauren says approaching me.

 

I turn to her, as my eyes leave Bella.

 

She pulls it over my head, pulling it down towards my neck.

 

 

''Wait, i'm a certified VIP?'' I said.

 

''Of course. Everyone has one except for the interns and +1's.'' Lauren said smiling at me.

 

I look down astonished. I had made it. VIP.

 

 

''Well, on with the show. See you in a bit.'' Lauren trailed off to the entrance.

 

 

Me, Jacob and Mark are left just a few feet away from the seating entrance.

 

Rikki finally joins us from the free sponsered t-shirt shack.

 

 

''I got so many free shirts.'' Rikki said.

 

She held up 2 t-shirts, with the words in big letters Annual Magazine Company Face Off's.

 

She held up a water bottle along with it.

 

 

''No time for souvenirs, let's get to our seats before all the good ones are taken.'' I replied, throwing bag from her hand on the ground.

 

She doesn't react fast enough, and I lead her to follow me.

 

 

We all enter into the showcase room It was extensively built and white.

 

They had bold LED lights flashing conintuously.

 

I was amazed in awe of the view.

 

 

''Look, FARELLE Magazine Company'' someone said.

 

I pointed to a sign taped to a big row of seats.

 

''But they all have sections.'' Rikki said, pointing to the seat labels.

 

 

I wasn't able to sit next to Jacob, but at least i'll have Rikki partially behind me.

 

Since she's with photography.

 

And Marybella will be in close sight, since the front row is close to the cat walk.

 

 

 

I take my seat in the first row.

 

I then turn around to see Jacob, sitting near the back with the interns.

 

Many of our co-workers entered the show case finding their seats.

 

 

Lauren and Vanessa, shuffle their way beside me. While I settle down, i'm brought to the attention of Marcus who showed up unexpectedly.

 

 

''I'm here!!'' he yelled.

 

He props his hand up in the air, as he smiled really wide.

 

 

Everyone's attention was brought to him.

 

I haven't seen him since before the trip to Brazil.

 

It was weird seeing Marcus out of the work place.

 

 

''Marcus, how nice of you to come. Where have you been?'' Vanessa says.

 

''I've been basking in the nature trail of pennslyvania with my grandma while you guys were here. But when I heard about today being competition time,.. I had to come down to see for myself.'' he replies.

 

 

He came all the way from Pennslyvania to Brazil?

 

''Nice to see you Marcus.'' Lauren interuppted.

 

''Hi, Lauren.'' he says.

 

 

His hands wave in the air to her, but then he has a strict woman who comes from behind.

 

Marcus turns to see her.

 

The woman's expression is angry. Boiling mad.

 

 

''Off the stage. Shoo!!'' she says.

 

 

Marcus avoids the angry woman and starts running towards Vanessa. The both of them fight over the seating chart for a bit, as they try to fit in another chair in the front row.

 

 

I had my head turned to see Rikki, who waved back to me.

 

In the corner of my eye, I see Sara enter in with Kyle.

 

 

She searches the rows.

 

Even after our small talk earlier this past week, my eyes were still glued to her.

 

 

How she managed to go to great lengths to help us go on vacation.

 

She deserved a little recognition.

 

''Attention everyone-'' says the announcer.

 

 

Everyone's heads turn to the voice with the mic, the announcer in a faint gown.

 

Her pale skin illuminated the room with the bright photoshoot lights.

 

 

''Welcome to the first comepetition category of the Annual Magazine Company Face Off's. We are very glad to see one of our favorite companies join this year.''

 

 

Lauren blows a kiss to the annoncer, the annoncer winks back at her. 

 

 

''First up, we have AUSSIE magazine, showing off their designer's new line for the company it'self. Introducing their designer, Christian.'' the announcer says.

 

 

The designer showed his face on camera from his seat in the big crowd of company workers.

 

 

Music started playing, as strobe lights flashed around as if it was an abstract party.

 

Models came out dressed in unusual clothing that I didn't recognize.

 

 

I didn't know much about high fashion, but I can tell you it can get crazy by the year.

 

Several minutes pass as the last of the line from Christian ends.

 

 

The models clear the way as the annonucer makes her way up the catwalk again.

 

Claps go around as it begins to quiet down.

 

 

''And now for ARRANGED magazine. Showing off their designer's line for a sponsor. Introducing ARRANGED'S designer Shawntell.'' says the announcer.

 

 

Again, strong vibed music played as the models come in. All beautiful.

 

ARRANGED magazine must be a foreign magazine from what I remember.

 

 

As the time passed, I grew tired and anxious for the competition to be over for fashion.

 

It grew from 1 hour to 2.

 

It took a really long time for every company. Even KARL magazine.

 

 

 

''And now, for FARELLE magazine. Showing off their designer's line for the spring season of the year. We introduce FARELLE's designer Maggie.'' says the announcer.

 

 

Lauren claps excidedly from her chair as, Maggie, our designer waves to the camera.

 

The models walk to the music as they come out.

 

 

Maggie did a fanatastic job on her line for us.

 

And I saw Marybella.

 

 

A big smile came across her face as she walked down the runway posing for the camera.

 

She hurries back to the runway strip, then exits off the stage.

 

Everyone from FARELLE claps excited to see our team compete. I clapped just as much as Lauren did when the models left.

 

--

 

''I'm so glad the fashion show case is over, it took so long.'' Marybella said.

 

She had dressed out of her runway outfit and joined us to eat.

 

 

Just before leaving the building, we were stopped by Lauren and Vanessa.

 

 

''FARELLE workers, you have 20 minutes to get lunch then come back for the Camera Mags Competition coming up next. So be quick to eat.'' Lauren said first.

 

''If you can't afford lunch, then feel free to take the provided lunch at the Tiki Bar down in the 2nd Hall. Just to your right.'' Vanessa added.

 

And just like that we were off.

 

 

''I'm so hungry from the show case. It took forever with LIMIT magazine." Marybella said.

 

"They're all that and stuff.'' I said, pushing a grape through my mouth.

 

''Show off's.'' Rikki started.

 

 

We see her narrow her eyes in a direction and I follow.

 

We all turn our heads and follow her eyes from the picnic table outside.

 

In the bright sun,