Cecilia Scarlette’s Point of View
I have never washed soiled dishes before my entire life, so I was surprised for Kinsey to ask me such a thing. “I-I have to wash the dishes?” I asked to confirm, and Kinsey gave me a nod with a meek smile.
I could not question him though, since it’s only the two of us here. He is the one to be on cooking duty, so it’s only natural that I would be on cleaning duty. I forced a small smile at the thought.
“Uhhh. Okay. Why don’t you dress up for the meantime? I will take over.” I said.
“Great. I will just pack our lunch.” Kinsey replied as he simultaneously moved places. I was left to stare at the empty plates and eating utensils at the table. Freedom really has its price, does it?
I took in an intake of breath. The least I could do is accomplish this chore with five stars. I mean, Kinsey wouldn’t assign this to me if he doesn’t believe I could do it. I won’t disappoint. Besides, these are the ceramics that we used. We were the ones to eat here, I convinced myself.
How hard does washing plates even be? So long as I don’t break anything, I will be fine.
…
Kinsey checked the time again on his wristwatch as he was slightly leaning against the counter. “Cecilia, we will run late if you don’t finish those now.” He reminded, which is enough to make my body tense and panic a little bit more or so inside my head.
“I-I am trying.” I exclaimed as I turned the faucet and continued on washing the plates.
I heard Kinsey sigh before nudging my side gently. “Move. I’ll finish this for now.”
“But-” I tried interjecting, but I received a pat on my head for an unknown reason.
“I’ll finish. You will be needing to change as well. Look at how wet your blouse is. Go. I’ll let you wash the dishes later tonight too. We just don’t want to appear late at the shoot.” He gave me a smile before focusing back on the sink.
I blink back at him for a minute.
I’ll be washing the dishes for later too? I am already dreading it, but of course, I could not say a word. I could not let Kinsey do all the housework. I chew my bottom lip as I nod before moving back to my room to change.
…
Somehow, we managed to make it to the studio on time. I could still feel my lungs gasp for air as Kinsey and I stood there side by side, waiting for either Sasha or Carla to find us. “We made it.” I breathed out, earning a chuckle from him.
“I’ve never seen you run so fast before.” He commented in amusement enough for him to earn a playful glare. It’s just because I hate being late, especially for an important appointment such as this.
Unlike studios that I had once have been to, the place feels cramped and smaller. They did say a small magazine publishing, but this small? We entered a white and greyish one-story building, and as soon as the doors were opened, it’s to be expected that we would not be greeted by the view of a lobby or a receptionist. It’s a straight-up office with four personal computers lined up at your left side decorated with tons of thick folders and reams of paper. And then there’s a mini studio with lights and camera equipment at your right..
I run a hand through my hair. We really are starting to the very bottom here, aren’t we? Still, I am profound at the opportunity. If we will at least pull off something presentable, we can go somewhere from here.
“Pierre, Scarlette! I am glad you made it.” My body tensed a little when I heard Kinsey’s name from Sasha’s lips yet again, but I said nothing. I stood my ground like I always do when I am about to do a business meeting. I am still not sure if we are in already or they will require an interview or so. In fact, I made a quick resume for both Kinsey and I last night… Just in case.
And just as I expected, a man in his late thirties appeared before us. “Is this the couple you two were talking about?” He questioned with his raspy voice. I chew the inside of my cheeks at the mention of the word couple. I still haven’t figured out how I will be able to fix this misunderstanding that I caused last night.
“Yes, sir. These are Pierre Kinsey and Scarlette Locke. Guys, this is our Editor in Chief, Mr. Rodrigez.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Thank you for having us.”
“The pleasure is mine. I’ve heard so many things about the two of you. Especially you, miss Locke.” My eyes fixated on him and his slightly crooked smile. His tone hides meaning. I honestly won’t be surprised if he knew. I’m not sure what news transpired on the office by now, but it travels so fast that I am certain it was leaked to the media as well. And then they could piece it out together like a big jigsaw puzzle.
“Only good things, I hope.” I smile towards him, feigning ignorance. I’ve made up my mind already that I am going to make a name for myself outside my family’s achievements. I do not care if he is going to use my family name to elevate this agency’s status. I am going to make this place my stepping stone.
“So… Shall we start right now? I will need Pierre in the dressing room first, and Scarlette in front of the vanity.”
“Sure.”
“See you later, baby.” Kinsey even pressed a kiss against my head before Carla directed him to where the dressing room is.
My gaze followed his figure until he spotted me and waved. I was quick to peer it away, and the moment I’ve returned them, he had already entered. We don’t have to pretend that we are in a romantic relationship here. I’m going to clear this out anyway.
Baby… Who is he calling baby?
I let out a soft sigh before shaking my head.
Gosh. It’s so embarrassing. If I am not in their presence, I would have covered my face with my palms as I try not to scream too much. But since I am, I let the feeling burn through my chest, hoping it will sizzle away just in time before I meet Kinsey yet again.
And so, I sat in front of the vanity mirror. It was not that long until Sasha walked in to start my makeup. “You’re going to enjoy this shoot so much.” She squealed excitedly. I do hope so. Else, I will be back to my drawing board.
“So what’s the issue going to be about?” I asked.
“It’s going to be a Valentine-themed shot. You know, since Valentine’s is just around the corner.” She answered as she started cupping my face and applying primer to it. Valentine’s day… I don’t usually celebrate those kinds of things, so it’s not like it’s in my calendar for something to look forward to.
“How many are you on the team? I don’t see many people around.” I muttered. I hate small talk, but I’m already here, and I want to know what kind of business I am getting to. I’ve run a quick search through their portfolio, and they are not that bad.
“We are like five, six people, but we can finish the work, so it’s not that bad. Don’t worry. You two are in good hands, and I am reassuring you now that we can handle paying the two of you. Right, how stupid was I? I didn’t bring up the rates last night.” She cursed upon herself as if I was not in front of her.
“You don’t have to worry about that. Give us the minimum, and that will be enough.” I replied. “So long as you make sure the issue we are in the best you could publish right now.” I smile weakly. “I know you won’t disappoint.” I reassured her that it seemed to do the trick of lifting her spirit up.
“Thanks, babe. Close your eyes. I will make you even prettier before Pierre finishes up.” Sasha smiles. I didn’t reply further and simply did what she asked for.
…
“All done. Shall we fit you in some clothes?” She asked rhetorically as I stood up and waited for her to pick something through the racks of outfits. “Let’s start with the schoolgirl concept for now.” She smiles, pulling what seems to be a uniform.
I blinked back at her. “A school uniform? You want me to wear a uniform?” I clarified. She nodded in anticipation before handing the pieces of clothing over to me. What did I put myself into?
“Can’t we have another concept instead?” I asked as I rubbed my arm a little with my other hand. A white blouse with a plaid short skirt, and ties up with black shoes and thigh-high socks. I glanced over the mirror, and I was almost horrified to see myself wearing my hair in pigtails.
“No way I am going to let Kinsey see me like this.” I said wide-eyed as I quickly moved to the desk and searched for something- anything that will help me out of this hairstyle.
“Cecilia!” I look behind my shoulders, which I shouldn’t have, only to find a proudly grinning Kinsey. If I am the typical high school persona, this is my cue to let my jaw drop unto the floor and drool all over, but I am Scarlette Locke and my supposed fiance, who doesn’t want me, is standing a meter away with his high school bad boy look, that will obviously take anyone’s breath away, except me.
“I guess I have no choice but to put this on.” I smiled weakly and waved the hanger a little bit. “You looked good. Who would’ve thought you’d fit in this persona.” I said as I walked closer to him. “Wait for me for a bit. I will just change into these.” I added as I patted his shoulder. And off I went to the other dressing room.
I closed the curtain and then quickly had my back lean against the wall. I clutched my heart and then tried to even out my breathing. I feel flustered as if I’ve attended PE class and ran for thirty minutes. This is ridiculous. Am I going to pass out?
I lifted my head and saw my reflection against the full-length mirror. “Red as a tomato.” I murmured and then gave my face a little slap before I got immersed into this space. What’s the matter with me going red like that all of a sudden? “This is a job. I need to focus and do my best.”
I didn’t study form and modeling basics last night just for this. Still, I need to be professional and tackle this as if I am still in the company.
I was quick to slip on my change of clothes but was careful enough not to ruin my hair and makeup. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I turn sideways and do a quick twirl. “I do not look that bad.” I whisper as I twirl the ends of my pigtails too. I do not think it suits me perfectly unlike Kinsey, but this will do.
Straightening my skirt, I moved to the shoot setup proper only to be blinded by the glitter and the lights. Looking that good is supposed to be labeled as a crime.
