Dropping a Stitch

Chapter 7 – Designed to Expose

Jane filled in the last bubble on the last card for the last final before Christmas break. Running her eyes over the darkened bubbles that spelled out her name, she allowed her tense shoulders to relax. Then she closed her test booklet, gathered all of her items and walked them up to the front desk. Mrs. Baxter, the physics teacher, smiled at her best pupil, then whispered, "Have a great Christmas, Jane." Jane returned the smile, waved, and left the room.

As she left, her eyes caught Lulu's baleful glare. It was clear that Lulu didn't appreciate the fact that Jane finished first. In her perfect universe the Janes of the world would be dressed as maids, on their knees and scrubbing floors, not competing for valedictorian. And the Janes wouldn't have access to big-name celebrities like Tyler and Xavier. And most of all, they would never have the affection of boys like Billie.

Jane felt a momentary shiver run down her spine. Then she dismissed Lulu from her mind. She had much bigger problems. Tomorrow the executives from United Arts and Entertainment would be at Donovan Decker. The design team had one chance to sway the executives… and everything hinged on her designs. If Donovan Decker failed it could devastate their place in the fashion market and it would be all her fault if…

"Hey, watch it!" an irritated female student snapped. Jane looked up, saw that she was walking right through a crowd of cheerleaders and jumped back… only to collide with a wall. The wall gave an "oomph!" sound and two large hands grasped Jane's slender shoulders. "So, Jane, does this mean that you want to get back together?"

Jane whipped around, startled by Nick's deep voice. She covered her mouth and then reached forward solicitously as the tall, handsome athlete winced. "Oh! Nick, did I hurt your ankle!? I'm so sorry!"

Nick smiled, pleased with Jane's concern. He had barely noticed her in all of the years they went to school together… until this year when she suddenly seemed to blossom. Her style, her self-confidence, and an air of mystery had intrigued him. Unfortunately, it was that air of mystery, somehow associated with her internship, that had also led to the destruction of their relationship. Or rather, it had been his own insecurity and confusion that had done it.

Nick had always been the center of attention. When he dated he had always become his girl's world. They doted on him and hovered around him and shaped their entire existence around him. Nick had always thought that he found it annoying. Along came Jane: driven, focused; a girl who knew where she was going and what she needed to do to get there. He had been impressed; more than impressed, he had been smitten. But when her work began to interfere with their relationship it became a problem. Nick knew now something that he hadn't been ready to admit then: he wanted to be the center of Jane's world… and when he wasn't, he behaved like a spoiled child. And in the process, he had destroyed the first relationship that showed real promise.

Since then Jane seemed to have forgiven him for making out with Lulu, but forgiveness did not equate to offering Nick a second chance. Nick suspected that Billie had something to do with Jane's intransigence. And since he seemed to be in a serious relationship with Zoe… "Jane, I was thinking… now that Christmas break is…"

Nick's was interrupted by a loud buzzing sound. Jane dug into her bag, grunted in frustration, and then triumphantly extracted her phone. Her eyes widened momentarily as she looked at the message on the screen. Then she looked at Nick, "Sorry Nick, I have to go. I hope that you have a great Christmas and New Years. Oh, and take care of that ankle!" Waving, she turned and headed towards the front double-doors. As she glided away Nick could hear her saying, "Hello, Carter? Is there a… Oh! I'll be there in forty. My stupid car is in the shop again so I have to take the subway…"

Nick sighed, rubbed his sore leg, shook his head, and continued his journey toward his locker.

oOo

Ben whistled while he wiped down the last of the basketballs and put it in its place. Then he stepped back and happily surveyed the sports room. Ben liked organization. He liked to see everything clean and neat and organized. And he liked to see his gym… and his world in spotless order. The students laughed behind his back at his quirks. His office was the antithesis of neat and organized. Whereas his gym and locker rooms and equipment room were perfect, his office was barely controlled chaos. He saw paperwork as the bane of his existence, the unfortunate necessity of his profession.

A shadow darkened the door of his equipment room and he turned to find Rita looking at his with a bemused and affectionate expression. "All done?"

Ben grinned at his beautiful girlfriend, "All done." Then his face fell slightly, "You know… it's been a hectic day for both of us and…"

Rita mock-scowled, "Oh no you don't, Ben. Stop being a coward. Besides, my mother has probably spent all day preparing a veritable feast. We can't cancel."

Ben expelled a resigned breath, but he walked up to Rita and placed his hands possessively on her hips. Looking down slightly into her dark, expressive eyes he said, "Don't worry. I'll go. I just hope that they like me."

Rita ran her hand on the light stubble of Ben's jaw, "I like you. That's what matters."

"Like?" Ben asked.

She met his gaze steadily, but there was wariness in her voice, "Don't be in a hurry this time, Ben. You know how I feel… but I just want to take this slow."

Ben pulled her close until their lips were only centimeters apart. "As you wish, my dear."

oOo

"I still don't see why I have to go, Zoe," Billie grumbled. They had headed straight to Zoe's house after the school half-day let out. Naturally they had headed to Zoe's room… and just as naturally, they had ended up in Zoe's bed.

"Look, Billie," Zoe sat up slightly in bed and she laid a slender hand on Billie's chest, "My Dads used a lot of influence to get these tickets because I told them that you liked Shock and Awrsenic's music… and I know that you do. So what is the problem?" Her expressive eyes narrowed, "Does this have something to do with the photo of Jane with two of the band members?"

Billie turned abruptly towards Zoe, "This has nothing to do with that, Zoe. Jane is my friend, true… but I haven't even talked to her recently. I just… I guess that I'm still tired from the play and finals and everything else… But you're right: we need to break out and have some fun. I'll go."

Zoe tried to hide the doubt and hurt from her eyes. She couldn't quite forget Lulu's words from a month before: "Billy will always put Jane first. He did it to me and he'll do it to you."

"Thanks, Billie. They're the best seats in the house. Dad even got us back stage passes."

Billie pulled Zoe close to him and tried to push the guilt of his lie away.

oOo

One more "final" stitch; a tuck here; an adjustment there; the tension at Donovan Decker was as thick as any major fashion show. Then, finally, they made the last "final" stitch. It was well past midnight when Carter stepped away, and then India, Elie, Jane and the rest of the team let out a collective breath.

The original intention had been for one outfit each. Dapper, who was now fully invested in this project and fearful of the outcome, pushed for two complete ensembles for each of the four musicians. Eight outfits in forty-eight hours… not allowing for sleep. But now it was done.

All that was left was the visit from United Arts and Entertainment.

It took Eli six minutes to wake Jane up after pulling up to her house. Actually, it only took two minutes. Four minutes had been spent in studying her in the dark. Eli almost wished that he didn't know the truth about her age. The truth was constraining him from acting while others, like that overhyped guitarist, were free to pursue her without restrictions. The worst of it was that the truth only intrigued Eli more. How many seventeen year olds could not only pull off a deception like this, but repeatedly leave other designers in the dust with her talent?

It was only when Eli saw a silhouette moving inside Jane's house that he stopped his guilty study and shook her awake. "Wake up, Aurora," he teased as he gently shook her shoulder.

Jane blearily opened her eyes and looked at her self-appointed chauffeur. "Who's Aurora?"

Eli grinned at her, "You figure it out. You had better head on in before your brother comes out to find out what's taking so long."

Jane stretched, catlike, released her seatbelt and opened the door, "Thanks, Eli. I'm sorry that you had to go so far out of your way."

"Not a problem. Now go. Tomorrow's your big day."

As he drove away her wondered if Jane would associate the name "Aurora." He had two younger sisters who he used to babysit, so he naturally knew that Aurora was the name of Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

oOo

In the end, the "big day" was anticlimactic. The executives saw the ensembles on their four talents and were immediately impressed. What they hadn't communicated to Dapper Tieg was their own concerns that the styles of the group's teen years no longer fit now that the boys had become men. They had been hoping for change… and change is what they received. The fact that the group's stylist had fully embraced the change herself only served to increase their acceptance. They opted for all three designs and requested two more for the following month.

After the last document was signed, the last hand shaken, and the last executive had left, the members of Shock and Awrsenic joined the team of Donovan Decker in celebration. As the party carried on, Xavier pulled Jane aside for a private talk. "Jane, I want you to come to our concert tomorrow night as my special guest… actually, if you're willing… I would like you to come as my date."

Jane was only slightly shocked at this request. Over the past several days the behavior or the tall guitarist towards her had been very pointed... and very flattering. The truth was that Jane wasn't immune to the appeal of this devilishly handsome musician. When she had seen him as a playboy it would have been easier. Now that she knew him as both a gentleman and a good person, it was more difficult. And at this moment, when he looked at her with those vulnerable eyes, it was almost impossible. But Jane had rehearsed the reasons that she had to reject his feelings a hundred times in her head in the past two days, "Xavier… I can't. Please understand: I can't explain, but you already guessed at a part of the truth. Just trust me in this: dating me would be very bad for your career."

Nothing is as hard for a man as laying his heart open and vulnerable. When he does so and receives rejection in return, it can make a man unreasonable. Xavier's gentle expression turned hard and angry, "Fine, Jane. Whatever excuse works. You got your designs approved and now you don't have time for me anymore. Well, I have things to do… so you take care of yourself." With those bitter words he turned and stalked out of the building. Jane wanted desperately to chase after him, but her eyes caught Eli's pointed stare and India's bemused expression and she stopped herself. It's better this way. Really…

oOo

The concert hall was packed. Shock and Awrsenic played well and the crowd was on fire. The guitarist played with a raw, almost angry flair that only added a perfect edge to the rock-style.

Afterwards the privileged few who could afford back-stage passes were impressed with the band-members new styles. Most of them couldn't stop talking about the new look.

Tyler, as usual was on the prowl for a girl to spend some private time with. There was one girl in particular who immediately caught his eye, but she was accompanied by a young man who looked a lot like he did. Tyler was disappointed because the girl… he was pretty sure that her name was Zoe… was smoking hot. But since he didn't see any way to separate the pair, he turned his eyes elsewhere. Two very good possibilities were currently talking to a very taciturn, moody Xavier. The one girl was African American. Her friend was a curly-blond. Both were obviously rich, privileged girls but they were definitely giving off the "probable" vibe.

As he moved towards them he heard the blond saying, "I like your new style, Xavier. It really suits you. I'm heard that Jane Quimby had something to do with it, but she was probably just cleaning up the trash and fetching coffee. It isn't like she knows anything about fashion."

The hot black girl chimed in, "We were a little worried that she might be here tonight, as ridiculous as that sounds. She somehow manages to ingratiate herself with the most remarkable people. It isn't the first time she's been photographed with a celebrity... the little fame-whore. It's good that she isn't here. It certainly wouldn't do anything to help your reputation if you were seen with her."

Tyler could see Xavier's temper blazing and he was going to intervene when the blond spoke up again, "After all, she's like, the least popular girl in our high school…"

Xavier's face became blank and Tyler froze, but then he moved forward again, "Hello, ladies. My name is Tyler Richie. You'll have to excuse Xavier tonight… he's been in a bad mood all day." He gave the two hot girls his best boy-next-door smile. Reino, their lead-singer, often teased him by calling it Tyler's "He's so cute to Oh, my god, can we do that again?" smile, because it usually resulted in him leading some girl off to his hotel room. The two girls turned their focus on him and melted. Of the three, he was the only one who noticed that Xavier was no longer standing there.

oOo

Jane scribbled fruitlessly at another page in her sketchpad. She felt miserable. Ben was out with Rita. Billie no longer even talked with her. And Xavier probably despised her now. At the moment Jane hated herself as well.

I should just end this whole charade. I can't even use the excuse of the mortgage anymore. Ben has that taken care of. It's wrong to continue this lie. The longer it goes on, the more people will get hurt by it.

Jane tossed the sketchpad aside and fell back on her bed. At this moment when she should be celebrating the acceptance of her designs, she felt like crawling under a rock instead. "Maybe I should call Mom and ask if I could go and stay with her for a while…"

A sharp rapping on the front door made Jane jump. Suddenly the thought that Billie might be at the door made her hop out of bed and head for the front room. She stopped for a moment in front of the full-length mirror. She realized that she had her pajamas on, but it wasn't as if Billie hadn't seen her in them enough times. Still, she took a minute to straighten her hair as the rapping at the door became more imperious.

Flying to the door, Jane yanked it open without stopping to check who it was. Then she froze. Xavier Lewis, dressed in the pin-striped casual suit that she had designed for him, stood there with his hand still raised to knock.

For a long minute neither of them spoke. It was Xavier who finally said, "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Jane shook her head to clear it and replied softly, "I'm not so sure…"

"You were worried about Paparazzi… what do you think will happen if you leave me standing out here?"

Jane's eyes widened and she gestured for him to come in. As soon as his tall frame cleared the door, she closed it. Then she checked to make sure that the blinds were closed as well. "Umm… I…"

"You're still in high school? How in the world are you pulling this off?" Jane was startled by Xavier's words. It took her a few breaths to realize that he didn't sound angry at all.

"It hasn't been easy…" she answered sheepishly, still trying to reconcile the idea that the musician was in her front room and that he had somehow learned her secret. "In fact, everything is a total mess at the moment. I've been trying to think of a way to end all of this without hurting everyone."

Xavier had moved closer to Jane without her noticing. Now he was looking down at her as he softly asked, "Is that why you said no to our date? You were afraid that my reputation would be ruined if the Press found out that I was going out with a… how old are you, anyway?"

"Seventeen," Jane answered, unable to pull her eyes away from his.

"And when will you be eighteen, Jane Quimby?" His words were soft, almost caressing.

"In November," Jane replied, feeling slightly breathless.

Without warning, Xavier bent down and pulled Jane into a kiss. Unlike the one on the subway, this kiss was soft and gentle, but it somehow seemed to zap the strength right out of Jane's limbs. She found herself clinging to the taller man. More importantly, it was her who deepened the kiss. Then Xavier pulled back and said, "That was my bid."

When Jane could find her voice, she repeated, "bid?"

"That's right, Jane Quimby. When you turn eighteen I have the feeling that there might just be a line of men trying to catch your attention. You were right about me: with the Press dogging my footsteps I can't afford to be caught dating a seventeen year-old. But come November of next year, when you are old enough I might just show up on your doorstep… and when I do, I want you to still remember that kiss. I doubt that any of those other guys will kiss as good." Xavier assumed his best heroic pose.

Jane blushed, but she was able to return a mocking smile, "Awful sure of yourself, aren't you?"

Xavier smirked, "If you want, I can repeat the kiss to prove my point?"

Jane took a step back, "You probably better not." Then she turned even redder as she admitted, "That was a very dangerous kiss." After a pause where they held each other's eyes, she asked, "So… you're not mad at me anymore?"

Xavier's expression turned serious… and then gentle, "I'm not angry. I know now that you really were trying to protect me. But will you take some advice from me, Miss Quimby?"

Jane nodded, and Xavier said, "Don't keep up this lie too much longer. I know what it's like to try to keep up a false front all of the time. It isn't fun… and it isn't worth it. You have serious talent. Let that talent speak for itself and tell the truth before you get hurt."

Xavier left Jane with an almost-platonic hug, but not before promising, "One year, little Miss Jane. If some lucky schmuck hasn't won out by then, expect me on your doorstep."

As Jane watched the tall, dark and handsome man drive away, she couldn't help but wonder what her life would look like in one year.

And she hated herself for allowing Billie's image to invade her thoughts again.