Hey lovelies! I am so excited for this! I got the idea when I was reading 'Much Ado about Anne!' the idea just hit me out of now where, and I need to do this before I forget! Just FYI, this Story takes place during the summer after senior year!
Cassidy's POV.
"Watch Out!" Calls someone calls.
I turn around and to see a Frisbee coming my way. I catch it neatly, and throw it back to some guys in basketball shorts.
"Wow! Nice Catch!" The 3 guys say admiringly. I grin at them. "Thanks."
"Well, Have a nice day!" They say waving 'goodbye'. I smile at them.
It's a mid-afternoon Summer day, and I'm walking around Central Park. My mom had a meeting with Food network and she asked if I wanted to go. I couldn't Pass up an opportunity to have a meal at food network, so I decided to come.
Stanley and Chloe are at home.
I jog around the park listening to my I-pod. Then I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. Looks like Stanley's calling.
I pick it up. "Hello?"
Silence.
"Hello?" I say again.
"HI!" someone screeches into my ear.
"Chloe?" I ask curiously.
"HI!" she screeches in my ear again.
"Hi Chloe! What's up?"
"NOTHING!" She answers...loudly.
There's commotion in the other end.
"Hi Cassidy, Chloe was messing with my phone and speed dialed you."
I laugh. At 5 years old Chloe is a bit of a trouble maker. "It's all right."
"How's mom?" he asks. "Fine she's at a meeting, with no food...so I decided to take a jog."
"Oh, Cassidy your always eating. I think Chloe might be following in your steps, I feel as if I've been in the kitchen making her something to eat since you two have been gone! She doesn't stop eating!"
Now it's my turn to laugh. "Good, no my next move is to make her into a full time jock."
"Well, I don't know if you'll believe me, but I've been watching lots of football, when I'm not in the kitchen that is. And she's been running around with a football under her chubby little arms, and yelling 'HUT!' and yelling out random numbers."
I laugh, "Good, your making my job much easier, why don't you watch some baseball re-runs while your at it?"
He laughs, "OK Cassidy, we'll see. Say hi to mom for me."
"OK I will."
"Bye Cass."
"Bye."
I hang up the phone.
I slow down and stroll around the sun kissed park.
Lots of people had the same idea, to come enjoy some fun in the sun.
I see lots of couples holding hands, kids riding bikes, teenagers skateboarding looking like they don't have a particular thought in their head, family's having picknicks, and Elderly couples laughing and strolling.
I slow down to a stroll, and take in a deep breath of air. The day is so pretty, and I'm just really happy to be here.
Walking down the streets of new york has gotten me thinking of the time The book club came down to New York in 6th grade. Of course I've been to New York since then, but that was the best trip to New York.
I remember my mom stopping every once in a while because someone asked her for her autograph. Heck, people still ask her for her autograph. She used to be a model. A really Famous one. She was really pretty when she was a model, actually she still is.
She's just as tall as ever, with her sapphire blue eyes, long golden mane of hair, and clear completion skin.
She's still tries to get me to wear nice things, but I will never relent.
Not even if you paid me.
But my posture is better for sure. So when I used to slouch, I was about 6 foot 2" inches, but when I stand up straight, it increases my height just a bit. So I'm pretty tall for a girl.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
My phone is ringing in my pocket. I pick it up. "Hello?"
"Hi Cassidy. What are you up to?" says my mom.
"Oh hi mom, I was just taking a jog around the park."
"Well, I need you to come to the hotel lobby, there's someone very special I want you to meet."
"OK, I'll be there in about 20 minutes."
"OK sweetheart, try and hurry."
I wonder who she wants me to meet?
Maybe one of her Old friends?
All thoughts of the mysterious visitor fly out of my head when "Funky Town" Starts booming in my ear buds. I resit the urge to start doing the 'running man' down the streets of New York.
Walking down the street with my Headphones in place always makes feel like I'm in a music video.
I close my eyes for just a moment to let the music carry me away...But that's not such a good decision considering I'm walking in crowded Central Park.
About 3 seconds later, I run into someone. Literally.
My headphones fly off my head, and I fall on my butt. The lady I knocked down, seems to be in her late 30's and everything she was carrying is scattered all over the sidewalk.
"I'm so sorry!" I say scrambling up to my feet to help the lady up. I offer her my hand, she takes it and I pull her up. "No worries dear. It happens." she says in a thick, friendly Australian accent.
She gathers her things from the ground and looks me up and down as if inspecting me.
"Nice hair, beautiful eyes, adorable freckles, nice posture, good figure...hmm" She murmurs to herself. I don't think she met for me to hear her, so I don't say anything.
"Have you ever thought about being a model?" She asks suddenly.
My heart clenches. Me? A model? That's the complete opposite of what I want to be. "No-Uh, no I haven't."
"Interesting Field," she says briskly. "You should Look into it." My cheeks turn pink. "Uhm, actually I want to play Pro Hockey." I murmur.
Her eyes widen, "You should Definitely look into modeling, Just imagine the headline!" she looks off into the distance with a sparkle in her eyes. "World famous super model! Plays Pro Hockey like it's nobody's business!" She looks at me excitedly. "How about it?"
I shake my head, "No, I'm sorry."
She thinks for a moment, then puts her hand out. "Ava Saint. Claire, Editor in chief of Teen Vogue Magazine" I smile politely at her. "Cassidy Sloane." I've never actually read her magazine, but I saw it at Megan's house once.
"I'm always looking young, hip, potential model's. You seem like a perfect choice. But I understand if you don't want to."
"Well, I've never been the fashion type, and I'm planning on trying out for the Olympic team next year and..." my voice trails off.
"Here's my business card, if you change your mind. You know, If you come work with us, We pay well, and we can also give provide scholarships for select colleges through out the world and we could give good publicity and modeling can take you through out the world!"
"That's nice, I think I'll pass though." I put the business card in my pocket.
"Alright then, suit yourself." She says shrugging. "Thanks for the offer. There might be a girl who might be interested, I'll give her your card if you don't mind." I say thinking of Becca.
Ava shakes her Head. "I don't mind at all."
We say our 'goodbye's.' "Think about it!" She calls over her shoulder.
I walk slowly back to the hotel.
Me? A model? I laugh out loud. That's the last thing in the world I'd ever be. Why would someone look at me and think 'yep, she's the model type.'
NO! That's not who I want to be. I'm the girl who's known as the 'Jock', or the 'sports nut' Not the 'Supermodel!'
At least she didn't force me.
I said no, so that's that. It's over.
But I just can't get over the fact that someone thought I Cassidy Sloane would be a supermodel?
I just shove the thought away.
Instead, I focus on the terrible feeling of a bead of sweat going down my neck. It's not that hot, but after having a good run on a warm spring day, I'm pretty ripe.
I wait to cross the street to the hotel mom and I are staying at, I practically run to the lobby, first of all, because I'm bubbling over wondering who mom wants me to meet. And second of all, air conditioning.
When I get into the lobby, I feel a rush of cold air, which feels so good.
I see my mom talking with a lady on a nearby couch.
The lady she's talking with has a faded brown hair color, which is tied up into a frizzy bun, she has on jeans, a navy blue wind breaker, and plain white sneakers.
My mom on the other hand, Is dressed casually, but she added her own fancy twist of course. She's Wearing light blue Capri's, a sheer white blouse with elbow length sleeves, white ballet flats, lots of gold bangle bracelets, and her hair is tied into a long thick fish tail braid.
"Hey mom." I say with a smile towards the lady. My mom looks up at me. "Hi honey. How was your jog?"
"Fine." I reply. "That's nice. Well, honey, This is Ellie Viewlight, she's the coach for the Women's Olympic Hockey team."
My mouth drops open.
"Nice to meet you" Says Ellie with a smile. After recovering from my shock, the first thing I do is close my mouth, so I don't look like a total Dork. I manage to squeak out a, 'Nice to meet you too'
"My name is Cassidy."
"Hello Cassidy. I'm going to get right down to business. I need someone on my team who has good drive, who has spirit and heart for the game, someone who will eat, sleep, and think, hockey, I need someone who will work through the night practicing drills over and over again, and if you ever loose, you will just work harder!"
I nod slowly.
"That's Cassidy alright." says my mom. "Good. That's exactly what I'm looking for." Ellie Viewlight nods in approval.
I still haven't sad anything as far as my name.
"But! There are a few things you need to do before you can join my Team."
"What are they?" I squeak.
"First, You need to get a good education at a good college and join the ice hockey team. Because lots of scouts will be their, watching how you play, some of the scouts are good friends, and if you get on their good side, then you will surely be on my team, because they have to have a say on who's playing on my team. Second, you must have a good amount of money so you can travel to wherever the next Olympic game is at, because trust me, it will cost a bundle. And lastly, You must have you head in the game and have fun! Trust me the scouts will notice. They want someone with heart and soul for the game! So take my advice and you will have a very good chance of being on my team."
I still haven't said anything. I mean, how can I? I walk in here, someone tells me I have the potential of being on an Olympic hockey team, and they practically give me the answer on how to get a sure fire spot on the team!
"How much money will she need?" asks my mom.
That's a good question actually. Just how much money will I need? "about $10,000" Coach Ellie simply says.
Oh. my. gosh. That's not including my money for a plane ticket, college fines, apartment or dorm costs, or Food costs!
This.
This is going to take A lot of money.
Where on earth will I get it from? "How much?" My mother asks sounding incredulous.
"You heard right." Says Coach Ellie.
"We will certainly talk about this." says my mom. "Thank you so much for all the information and we keep in touch."
Coach Ellie gives us a nod, and leaves.
I'm still to stunned to say anything at all. "What do you think about this Cassidy?" Asks my mom.
"I have no idea what to think. I mean, it's a lot to take in." I say breathlessly.
She nods. "We'll definitely talk about this with Stanley for sure, but you know what I'm most worried about?"
"What?" I ask. "The amount of money you'll need!" I let out a low whistle, "Heck ya, I need to start like 4 jobs ASAP" I say as we walk to the elevator.
"How on earth are you going to juggle for jobs and college!?"
I shake my head, "I have No idea."
"And then you need money for college expenses!" she shakes her head in disbelief. "Cassidy, this is going to be tough."
"I know mom, I know." I tell her quietly.
We walk all the way to our room in silence.
"Do you have the pass key?" I ask. She nods and swipes the card, and opens the door.
I walk into the room to find a tall girl with long golden hair and eyes exactly like my mom's.
"Courtney?" I ask incredulously. She gives me a warm smile. "What are you doing here!?"
"Well, It's nice to see you too!" She teases as she scoops me up into a big hug.
I haven't seen Courtney since my graduation! "I've missed you!" She squeals.
Even thought she's 21 she still squeals like 14 year old.
"I've missed you too" I tell her.
Ring! Ring! my mom's phone rings, and she excuses herself and leaves the room.
Courtney holds me at arms length, "Get out of those stinky clothes! Go shower and change an we can catch up on everything!"
I do as I'm told. I hand her my hoodie and head off to the shower.
I kick off my sneakers, and let my hair loose from it's ponytail. I'm in and out of the shower in 15 minutes or so.
I put on my yoga pants, my biggest comfiest T-shirt and I start to de-tangle my red fiery mess of hair.
"Cassidy?" I turn around to see Courtney holding something small in one hand, and my hoodie in the other.
"Ya?"
"What's this?" She shows me a business card.
The modeling business card.
"Oh, uh..."
"DO YOU KNOW AVA Saint. CLAIRE?!" Courtney asks.
Loudly I might add.
"Know her? No. Met her? Ya, I guess..." I mumble.
"Do you even know WHO she is?"
I nod. "Kinda, Editor in chef of teen 'Vogue-y'?"
Courtney shakes her head like she can't believe who stupid I am. "Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue, magazine!"
"So?"
"So!? SO!? WHAT DO YOU MEAN SO!?"
My mom walks into the room with all the commotion going on she must have hung up from her phone call.
I rub my ears, "Geez Courtney, Calm down. Can you explain why she's such a big deal?" She opens her mouth to speak. "Quietly?" I add. She closes her mouth. Then Opens it again.
"Ava St. Claire was my idol growing up! She inspires teens everywhere, to become Fashionista's and she herself was a model when she was just 15!"
I wrinkle my nose. "In that case I like her even less. I try and inspire people everywhere to become Jocks not walking Barbies. And how hard can modeling be? You just need to wiggle down the runway. I did it in 7th grade and once was enough. It was so boring!"
Courtney Just stares at me not saying anything. Finally she says, "So how did you meet her and what did she want?"
"I bumped into her at the park. Literally, I knocked her over. I helped her up and she just started analyzing me. It was a bit weird really. But anyway, she straight out asked me if I wanted to be a model. I was so shocked I didn't say anything. So, I told her I wanted to play Pro Hockey. And-"
"Oh Cassidy! Did you really tell Ava St. Claire you wanted to p lay Pro Hockey!?" Asks my mom.
I nod.
"And how did she react to that?"
"Well for some reason she went nuts for the idea of a pro hockey player who also models. So she offered me to Model for her at Teen Vogue, and I told her 'No sorry' So she just gave me her card and left."
My mom and Courtney just stare at me wide eyed. "Do you know how many girls would have pounced on the opportunity to model at TEEN VOGUE MAGAZINE!?"
"Courtney! Stop being so loud!"
She gives me a sheepish look. "Sorry."
"Ya, I know how many. I saved the card because I thought of Becca. She might want to. She's not nearly as tall as me but I know she likes that kind of thing."
My mom nods thoughtfully, "She might not want to, remember she's going to the 'U' in Minnesota to study architecture?"
"I bet it would be kind of fun to be a model, you would have loads of extra money, you would travel to lots of far off places, and you get to wear all those designer clothes... " says Courtney wistfully.
I scrunch up my nose "Ya, for you maybe. She did say her company pays well, and her company gives scholarships to select colleges around the world."
We're silent for a moment, just Lost in our thoughts.
"Oh, Cassidy, that was Stanley calling just now. I told him about well...everything and he said that er, that uh... there is no possible way we can get that much money."
I large lump forms in my throat and just as I'm about to protest my mom keeps talking.
"But, he said we could contribute about $6,000 so you can use for college necessities, BUT you have to earn the money for the Olympics all on your own."
How in the world am I supposed to earn $10,000 plus whatever I need for traveling to the Olympics!?
We're all quiet for a while.
"Cassidy?" Says Courtney In a small voice.
"Ya?"
"How much do you love to play hockey?"
I look at her for a moment, curious where this conversation is going. "I love to play it. Hockey is my life you know that."
"And you would do anything to be able to play it. Right?"
I lift my eyebrow "Of course."
She gives my mom a quick glance before looking at me in my eyes. "Maybe you can model to get enough money and maybe a scholarship too."
Kay guys! That was chapter 1! Please review and let me know what you think! I had sooooo much fun writing this up and I hope you have fun reading it to!
Stay Sweet!
-Daisy Star
