9
After lunch the pair headed to the shop that TK had spotted and Adriana admired the casual yet subtly classy dress. It was a black spaghetti strapped dress with a square cut at the chest and silver embroidery all over. The dress was made of a stretchy material so that it could be easily put on and taken off. The skirt was a simple pencil styled skirt which was nether restricting nor flared. When TK tried it on, the hem fell too close to the knees than Adriana preferred but she could easily alter that. She reckoned taking the hem up by around two inches would be perfect for the girl. The dress hugged TK's body in all the right places and Adriana nodded appreciatively.
"Well done Rayne for finding it."
"It caught my eye." TK shrugged. She looked at herself in the mirror for a moment and deliberated. It was simple, elegant and suitable for dinners too. All in all it was a multi tasking dress for TK, if she kept good care of it, she could wear it for all sorts of occasions.
After searching around the store, Adriana also picked out a white knee length skirt which flared and TK wore low on her hips. It was suitable for picnics and going to the beach and various other types of functions. There was a top which matched the skirt well. It was a black crop top which hugged her chest slightly with flared short sleeves, loose around her waist and exposed a strip of skin between the top and the skirt.
"You should keep that ensemble on; it looks very cute and mature on you." Adriana suggested.
"No way, it's bad enough that you've made me try on all this stuff today, I'll stick to the shorts." TK shook her head vigorously as she changed out of the skirt and black top.
"Oh and the others gave me a call just now, they want to meet up for dinner at a restaurant by the beach."
"Awesome! I love those kinds of places. Does it have a terrace?" TK asked enthusiastically.
"I think so."
"That's so cool…"
"Rayne?" Adriana called from behind her as they walked down the street.
"Um hm?" TK smiled turning her body to the side ever so slightly with a sweet smile on her face. The snap of the camera captured the shot with TK's pose with one of her hands carrying a bag over a shoulder. Her hair was flowing in the wind from the movement of her head too.
"Perfect." Adriana smiled.
"Did you just…" TK trailed off awkwardly.
"Want to look?" Adriana held out her camera and showed her the picture. TK gulped and turned around immediately to hide her blush.
"So uh… don't you have to spend time with the others to decide on their dresses and the like?"
"Not unless it's directly to do with costumes on set no. Since they're both relatively established actresses, they'll both have contacts to contact for clothes. They'll both have someone to they want to contact."
"Why not you?" TK asked.
"Because this is the first time I've met Kelly and Kat." Adriana explained patiently. "They both probably have a dresser that they feel more comfortable with since they would've worked with them before."
"So… others with your type of job help actors and actresses pick out clothes all the time even when it's not on set?"
"Yes, and right now I'm dedicating myself to you." Adriana smiled.
"Thank you Adriana." TK smiled softly. "I know that dealing with me when it comes to fashion cannot be easy. So thank you."
"You're really not as bad as you make yourself sound Rayne. I've dealt with worse. The hardest is when someone demands to wear something when I know the dress blatantly doesn't suit them."
"Let me guess, then after the failure, they blame you for their mistake."
"Spot on."
"Man that must be tough." TK grimaced. "Why can't people admit their own mistakes?"
"There must've been times when you've wanted to hide or avoid the truth."
"Of course but I still tell the truth."
"Not everyone has your courage Rayne. Maybe you will encounter a time when there is something you do not want to admit, maybe even to yourself."
"A time when something happens that I don't want to admit it to myself?"
"There will probably come a time when that happens Rayne; everyone goes through that sort of experience some time in their life."
"The way life works, there probably will." TK agreed.
"AH!" Adriana suddenly shouted startling TK and causing the younger girl to be alert. The next moment TK was yanked mercilessly into a shop and she wondered how Adriana still had energy to move so vigilantly after all the shopping they'd done already. Adriana whirled around the racks picking up several items then ushered her into a changing room. Sighing, TK placed the bags she was holding down and changed into the various things Adriana gave her. It was simple really; there were two stylish pairs of denim shorts and four tops. "You said you were wearing shorts tonight right? Well then you have to wear what you've got on." Adriana declared on the second top TK modelled for her.
She was currently wearing a cute white rose patterned lace cami over a black cami. The two were attached and the straps were thick, black and surprisingly comfortable. She'd almost expected the strap to rub her shoulders. The shorts were faded blue denim with the rim stylishly ripped but not overly done. She then swapped her own black sandals with the ones that Adriana handed her and gave Adriana a twirl for inspection. The top was slightly loose allowing breeze to pass through. It was a great top for the summer season.
"No arguments, you're wearing that." Adriana stated leaving no room for debate and headed to the counter to pay. "No need to change out of it. I'll pack your clothes don't worry, I won't throw them away." Adriana laughed when she saw the expression on TK's face. It was one of sheer horror in case her clothes were thrown away. TK gave a sheepish smile and a relieved sigh at that and followed Adriana to the counter.
"Are we nearly done? We've spent more money on clothes in the space of a day than I would've done in a year." TK asked.
"Nearly, we need to shop for shoes now! All you have is trainers and those sandals and that won't do!"
"Okay, on one condition. No heels allowed."
"Rayne, you're going to have to wear heels sometime in your life, so why not get started now?"
"Nuh-uh, no deal. No way."
"How about wedges?"
"What the hell are they?"
"I'll have to show you."
Adriana had a specific shop in mind and the pair weaved through the streets at a leisurely pace so that TK had a chance to look around at the shops they hadn't been into. "Adriana can we go in there? Please." TK tugged on the other woman's sleeve and pointed at a shop with dozens of hats.
"Sure." Adriana nodded. TK hurried over enthusiastically and her eyes travelled over the hats and gloves in wonder. Well it seems that I've found your accessory preference. Hats and gloves. Suddenly she felt a weight on her head and TK grinned at her. Looking in the mirror she admired her reflection. The hat suited her, which was a surprise. Adriana was not much of a hat person.
"I was right, it does suit." TK beamed before trying on various hats. She settled for two hats, a beanie hat and a cap. Adriana couldn't help but think that the normal beanie made TK look like an artist, especially the way she tilted it to the side as her style. Scanning her eyes around, Adriana transfixed her eyes on some bracelets. She scanned her eyes over them and looked back at TK. She chose a bunch of black rubber bracelets and some hair ties. She bought those and the hat that TK planted on her head. TK then paid for her own things: her two hats, a pair of gloves, a pair of sweat bands and a shoulder slouch bag.
After a couple of detours thanks to TK's love for food and patisserie, they finally reached the shoe shop Adriana had in mind.
"Ah! Adriana!" a tall man in his mid 30s smiled when he saw who had entered the small but beautiful shop.
"Hey Zach, this is my latest project Rayne. Rayne, this is Zach, whenever I need shoes I come to this guy." Adriana introduced.
"That's mean Adriana." Zach mocked a pout causing TK to laugh.
"Nice to meet you, I take it you're Adriana's admirer or boyfriend?" TK asked daringly.
The pair immediately blushed. "How did you notice?" Adriana asked curiously.
"The way you talked, it was in your tone. It's different compared to the way you talk to other guys." TK stated like it was the most obvious thing in the word.
"She's rather observant isn't she?" Zach chuckled. "Anyway, what types of shoes are you two fine ladies looking for today?"
"I was originally thinking some heels but this girl objected. I'm thinking a nice pair of boots that will go with this dress." Adriana said as she lifted the dress for the chat show from the bag.
"Buckles, or straps up the sides, black, suede, I think I have just the right thing." Zach said as he disappeared to the back. TK just stared.
"What was that?"
"Zach can almost always think of the right shoes to go with any particular outfit." Adriana explained with a fond smile. "Oh Rayne, this is what I meant by wedges earlier." Adriana lifted a pair of black strapped wedges. "They would go quite nicely with your outfit, why don't you try them on? They'll be easier to walk in than heels."
"Okay…" TK nodded hesitantly and switched shoes. She stood up and walked around a little. "I'm a little unbalanced here and there but on the general whole I think I can live with these shoes."
"Good, then stay in them." Adriana smiled.
"This is what I had in mind." Zach stated and held up a pair of boots with a two inch block heel at the bottom of each boot. "Try them on."
"How did you know what size I was? You didn't even ask…" TK marvelled.
"I can often give a pretty accurate guess with just a glance." Zach grinned proudly.
"Impressive." TK switched again but required help from Zach to place the straps on and twirled a few times and even jumped a little in her boots. "These I like," she beamed decisively at them. "And they're so comfortable too. Can I just stay in these?"
"No, get back into those wedges Rayne." Adriana shook her head with an amused smile.
"If I trip up tonight, I blame it on you." TK pouted. "These straps are pretty complex…"
"Sorry, they may be a little awkward from your position." Zach rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "It'll be easier for someone else to remove them."
"Okay." TK nodded and thanked him as he removed the straps for her.
"If we leave around now we'll make it on time." Adriana suggested.
"Why don't you join us Zach? We're going to dinner by the beach." TK offered sweetly.
"I don't want to intrude."
"Don't be silly, the more the better." TK beamed. Zach couldn't refuse such a sweet offer so he agreed.
"Don't worry Zach; I have a feeling that she has that sort of effect on most people." Adriana giggled as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I am so up for food!" TK cheered.
"You ate half an hour ago."
"That doesn't count, that was only a piece of cake." TK pouted. "Oh! Asking you to join us won't disrupt your work will it?" she asked worriedly.
"If it did then Zach wouldn't have agreed." Adriana laughed. "Don't worry Rayne, its fine."
"That's good. Then let's go!" she urged as she picked up all the bags.
"Let me carry a few of those." Zach offered after he locked up the shop.
"It's alright, don't worry about it." TK shook her head.
"Rayne is fine carrying things; she's a food shopper as she calls herself." Adriana laughed.
"Really? You don't look like you eat THAT much." Zach mused.
"I do a lot of exercise to compensate for me heavy eating. Other wise I'd be obese." TK explained. "Beach and food, perfect combination!"
"So you mentioned Rayne was your latest project?"
"This girl Zach is Rose Hathaway."
"As in the sassy lead actress Carlisle has been seeking for the past few months? Wow, to think such a cheerful kid can fill the shoes. So how old are you?" he asked her curiously.
"15."
"Nice job landing lead role."
"Thanks, I'm trying not to think about it actually. It's my first."
"First lead role?"
"First film role. Ever."
"Good luck, you'll have fun I reckon." Zach smiled encouragingly.
"Thanks." TK smiled nervously. "I just hope I don't let people down, because of that I'm going to try my best," she declared. "You take shotgun, I'll take the back."
Adriana called the others to let them know they'd be a little late due to traffic. Just as Adriana hung up, TK suddenly slapped her forehead.
"What's wrong?" Zach asked worriedly.
"I know what we forgot Adriana."
"What?" Adriana asked in shock.
"A phone." There was silence between the trio before Adriana started laughing.
"Sorry, I reckon that's my fault. I was so excited that I completely forgot you needed a new one," she smiled.
"I'll just get one tomorrow." TK shrugged.
"Rayne, Adriana, over here." Jake called to the trio as they stepped onto the terrace. "You changed," he gestured at TK.
"Adriana." TK stated and he nodded in understanding. "Where's Kelly and Quinny?"
"They'll be late apparently." Karen smiled.
"Who's the guest?" James asked curiously.
"I'm Zach," he introduced himself with a smile.
"And proudly Adriana's boyfriend." TK beamed cutely. Everyone turned to look at the couple causing Adriana to blush as she sat down at the table. They each introduced themselves to Zach and TK sat between Konstantin and Adriana and opposite Jake. She turned in her seat and gazed out at the beach. Several people were still relaxing on the sand and some were still swimming.
"Let's head out onto the beach afterwards." Jake suggested.
"You read my mind." TK smiled.
"Rayne, as awesome as you look in your own style of clothes, you look so cool right now." Karen complimented.
"Thanks." TK blushed. She felt something at her ear and when she reached up she picked out a flower, the stem was still damp. When she looked back at the table, she noticed that the mini vase was missing a flower. Looking up at her male neighbour, she saw Konstantin give her a charming smile.
"It seemed fitting," he mused. TK blinked at him for a few moments and Karen who'd noticed the interaction watched with a bated breath.
"Thanks dude. Quite the charmer, aren't you?" TK teased lightly.
"I've been told that a few times." Konstantin chuckled.
"So what've you all been up to for the rest of the day?" TK asked curiously. "I've been forced shopping."
"Aw admit it, it wasn't that bad. You found those sweet shops and that hat shop." Adriana teased.
"Yeah, there was an amazing hat shop! I could've lived there. And the sweets and book shop too." TK sighed dreamily. "It was a well stocked book shop too."
"Really?" Konstantin asked.
"Yeah, they've got a good range, you should go there. I can show you tomorrow maybe, I forgot to get a phone today so I'll have to get it tomorrow." TK offered.
"That would be nice," he nodded.
"Can I join?" Karen asked.
"Sure, but I'm not trying on any more clothes. I'll go with you if you would like though."
"Not even one thing?" Karen pleaded with innocent eyes.
"Nope."
"We'll continue this debate tomorrow. Oh, Kelly!" Karen gestured as the older girl approached the table.
"Hey guys." Kelly smiled in greeting. "How've you all been for the past… seven hours or so? I got in the shower as soon as I got back then slept for the rest of the time."
"That's pretty much what I did." Karen giggled.
"I swam and watched TV." Jake grinned. "I'm glad I went for that swim," he said as his grin widened and he sent TK a wink.
"The pool was huge!" TK laughed at his light flirtation. "Oh! Have you three been to the house yet?" James, Kelly and Karen shook their heads. "There are two ensuit rooms on the top floor and two other rooms. There're four rooms on each floor. All three terrace rooms are taken though I'm afraid."
"Let me guess, by you three right?" James arched his brows.
"Yep." Jake smirked.
"Why didn't you pick a room with a bathroom?" Kelly asked TK curiously. "Wouldn't that have been the first option when living in a house of boys?"
"I wanted the terrace more." TK smiled. "And it's on the first floor. There's a bathroom close by so it's fine."
"The second floor isn't that much higher." Jake laughed.
"I'm lazy, what can I say? I couldn't be bothered to go one floor up. I was desperate to get into the pool." TK shrugged.
"So what did I miss?" Harrison asked as she settled in the seat beside Jake on the end of the table.
"Nothing much, what took you so long?" TK asked.
"What, did you miss me that much?" he teased.
"In your dreams dude." TK rolled her eyes.
"Traffic," he answered.
"You know, I just realised something. Is it just me or does a certain guy keep avoiding questions?" TK smiled mischievously as she turned to Konstantin.
"I think you're right, you're the only one who didn't answer how you spent your day Konstantin." Jake commented.
"So how did you spend you day?" TK asked curiously. "Wait actually; let me guess… you were reading a book!"
The table fell silent for a moment anticipating his answer. He just stared at her for a moment before replying. "How did you manage to guess?" Konstantin asked.
"You were reading back at the airport and you were interested when I mentioned the book store. Process of elimination." TK deducted smartly.
"You sound like a detective." Karen giggled.
"I'll make a good one, or so I've been told." TK declared proudly.
"You'd make a mighty cute one." Kelly added.
"And with your skills, you'd catch them easily even if they try to run." James pointed out.
Just then the waiter appeared to take everyone's orders. The chat was halted for the next five minutes as everyone ordered different dishes.
"I just had a stupid but great idea! You know how pretty much everyone on this table is within the 'group' in Vampire Academy? And we're going to be living in the same house too. So, I was thinking, we should give a name to the main house. I mean, at boarding schools, each house has a name an all. Among various readers of Vampire Academy, the group in the series is simple known as the Vampire Academy crew. As original as that is, it's so boring. So who's up for making up a random name for ourselves?" TK suggested.
"You're right, it does sound stupid." Harrison commented with a smirk.
"But a good idea nonetheless." James retorted.
"As for actually coming up with a non cheesy name, that's going to be hard." Kelly frowned.
"I just realised… the group's name not including Dimitri and including Adrian Ivashkov spells M.M.A.C.R.E.L… We're nearly a fish group." TK grimaced. Everyone stared at her for a moment before breaking into hysterical laughter.
"How about the Vlad's gang?" Kelly suggested. "It does all happen around St. Vladimir after all. Most things that happen revolve around the school at some point."
"That is so true," everyone nodded.
"The Vlad's gang it is." James grinned.
"It has a ring to it doesn't it?" TK smiled.
"Let's call the house St. Vlad's mansions!" Karen cheered. "A poor replica of the school that the characters live in, but it is still where we'll be spending a lot of our time."
"That's not necessarily true." Adriana shook her head. "Think about it, most of the filming has to be done somewhere that resembles the school within Vampire Academy right? There will be a lot of travelling back and forth. That house is only temporary for the cast to stay in whenever we do film in the studios in LA."
"She does have a point." Kelly sighed.
"We can still keep the group name though, and we'll call wherever we stay St. Vlad's for the fun of it." TK declared with a smirk. "What good is the work if we don't throw in the fun?"