The music started and the anchor of the show stepped onto the stage. Rina could hear her voice from where she stood backstage, trying to get the models ready for the last time. Even though they were already clothed, with the process of the walk embedded in their heads, Rina ran it through with them one last time. They were supposed to launch three collections, so that meant each model was walking the stage three times.
They were going to open the event and close it. That meant Rina was only going to appear towards the end of the show. She was content with the plan as it gave her time to get her nerves back in place. Joel rushed to the back to tell them it was time, and the models filed up in the order they’d been taught. Rina watched them with so much pride in her eyes as they stepped onto the runway.
The show was being aired to the world in the present time, so everyone had access to it. Rina watched it from the screen backstage, biting her lips as each model stepped onto the runway, met by cheers from the guests. Her heart thudded in her chest, but not because of the models killing the runway. She was certain they were going to do perfectly.
Rina’s mind was on the last walk, where she was expected to join the models. They didn’t know it yet, and Rina could only imagine the look of surprise that would be etched on their faces when they realized she was right behind them, ready to show the world that she was the anonymous model.
When all the models filed back in, they returned to the dressing room to retouch their makeup and watched the rest of the show from the screen there. There were international brands walking the runway now, and Rina was just so proud of Joel and all he had accomplished in such a short time. He was resilient and smart, and she was glad she had met him when she did.
As they watched, Rina told her models they had done beautifully, and they were so pleased with themselves. Snacks were brought in for them before the second walk but the nerves racking through them didn’t permit a lot of munching.
In the twinkle of an eye, it was time for the second walk, and they got dressed and returned to the runway. While they were gone, Rina took off the robe and put on the dress she was going to be walking in. It was a simple yet elegant flowing dress that clung onto her body like a second skin, accentuating her curves. It cinched just above her knees and poured onto the ground in a flare, creating an illusion of volume.
The halter neck made Rina feel so powerful and feminine, as her hair had been swept up in an elegant style, exposing her arms and neck. She had on dainty diamond earrings with nothing on her neck. The image O. S. N was going for was simple, yet eccentric, and Joel thought Rina was the best person to pull off the look. He had been so impressed during the fitting, that his eyes had almost popped out of their sockets.
The models didn’t have enough time to return to the dressing room, as it wasn’t ideal to keep the guests waiting. So, for the last walk, they changed the minute they got backstage, helped into their outfits by the designers and they were right back on the runway. They were so in the moment that they didn’t notice Rina was fully dressed and was now behind them, waiting for the last model, Rita, to get on the runway.
After Joel walked onstage with them for his how he turned on his mouthpiece and announced to the audience that he still had one last outfit to show them.
“This one,” he began. “Isn’t part of any of the three collections we have launched here today. It is one of my babies. I designed it back when I never imagined I would be going to fashion school, and I had improved it over the years to become this. I’m not entirely sure if I want to duplicate it and make it available to the public. I would have to think about that. But beyond the dress, I want to talk about the model that would be exhibiting it today.”
There was an obvious shuffle in the crowd as they all lifted their faces in anticipation, and scooted to the edge of their seats. Everyone had the same reaction. Everyone except Zayn. He was calm, with one leg crossed over the other, staring at the entrance to the runway. She would be out in any minute, and he could feel the excitement coursing through him.
“We have all heard about the country’s sensation since our first launch,” Joel started after a long pause to let the anticipation soak through the audience. “She has been anonymous all this while, but today, we want the world to know who she is. This model has been the turning point for O. S. N fashion house, more than I could ever express. She brought a face to the idea, a style to our designs, and an alluring outlook to everything we wanted to put out there.”
Zayn angled his head and pulled his eyes off the entrance, looking at Joel. He put out his heart as he spoke about Rina, and Zayn almost felt bad for what he had planned.
Almost.
“Can we all give her a standing ovation as she comes out,” Joel requested, and a grin spread on Zayn’s face. He got on his face, in love with the idea of having everyone on their feet to welcome the same person they had blacklisted with their very actions and words. He looked at Kayla, who was seated right across the room. She was on her feet as well, her eyes wide in anticipation and her palms eagerly pressing against each other.
This should be fun.
“Ladies and gentlemen, join me in welcoming to the stage, Rina Powers, the country’s and O. S. N’s sensation.”