I’d even learned to become a seamstress, able to make any last-minute changes needed before the model walked down the runway. When I took a step back, I could instantly tell by thehorrible look on Valerie’s face that her after-party condition was much worse than I’d anticipated. “What is it?”
“I… I don’t feel well.” When Valerie took off racing for the bathroom, I threw my head back and groaned.
“Is everyone ready?” the show coordinator asked, clapping her hands as she walked into the huge all-purpose room where every student was working with their model on last-minute alterations.
Oh, my God. I stared after Valerie until she disappeared, uncertain what to do.
“What’s wrong?” Fleur said when she appeared out of the corner of my eye.
“Valerie is currently ridding her body of toxins.”
It took the older woman a few seconds to realize what I was saying. “Merde. Go after her. The show is about to begin. At least you’re close to the last to take the stage.”
Small favors.
“Golden. Stay here. Mommy will be right back.”
Although I needed my furry baby, terrified I would be the one on the floor knocked out cold.
I rushed through the crowd, fighting my way through several groups until I was able to reach the bathroom. As soon as I walked in, the stench hit me like a ton of bricks. After covering my mouth and nose, I headed to the slightly open stall door.
From my limited viewpoint, I could tell a huge hunk of her long blonde hair was floating in the toilet alongside whatever substance was filling the bowl. There was nothing worse in mymind than the sound of someone upchucking the contents of their stomach.
Except for one thing.
A man begging for his life, wailing that he had a family.
I cinched my eyes shut, blocking out the horrible memory.
Yeah, Daddy. Another lesson learned. You are a monster.
When there was a momentary lapse in sound, I took a chance. “Valerie. Are you okay?”
Moaning, three or four seconds later, she lifted her head, twisting enough so I could see her face.
And the splatters of vomit covering the front of my dress.
Oh. My. God.
The dress and the moment were ruined.
And I had to participate or I’d be considered as not finishing the semester, forced to take it all over again. I was lightheaded, about to lose what little was in my stomach.
Think. Think…
Another model. There had to be someone in the building who might fit into the second dress, the prototype that had morphed into the frock Valerie had ruined. I prayed to God that was the case or this would turn into my biggest nightmare of my life.
Well, another one.
“Just rest, Valerie. I’ll have someone come take care of you.”
I could hear her apologizing as I flew from the room, frantically searching for Fleur. I found her talking with a group of girls and almost ran her over.
“Fleur. Valerie is too sick to go on. I need another model.”
Fleur’s face immediately fell. “I’m afraid there is no one else.”
“There has to be.”
