A bit longer than previous chapters.
I tried to stick to the guides about fashion week as best as I could, but having never seen or attended one, I could only go with what Google gave me.

Normal disclaimers apply.

"Mom, Dad, Alice." I greeted them at the airport on Wednesday afternoon, hugging them each in turn.

Esme refused to let go. "Oh my boy. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too. All of you." Even though I towered over them, it felt great to be surrounded by their arms once more. "Hey Ali. Have you gotten taller?" The top of her head now reached the middle of my chest.

"Yep. Three whole inches. And I'm growing my hair too." She grinned up at me, her pony tail swinging down her back.

"Amazing pipsqueak."

I lead them out of the airport and to my car, loading their suitcases in my trunk before driving to Demitri's house. I came down from Albany for the duration of the show and they would be staying in the pool house with me.

"Welcome! Welcome!" Demitri said, wearing a bright, floral print silk robe and swim trunks. "I'm so pleased to finally be meeting Edwards family. He's told me so much about you all." He hugged each of them in turn. "Come, come. I've laid out a nice lunch for you all."

That's Demitri speak for 'getting the caterers in'.

"Demi, how about we let them get settled and freshen up from their flight first." Felix said, coming to greet them. "Doctor and Mrs Cullen, It's a pleasure to finally be meeting you." He shook their hands in a more civilised manner. "And this little doll must be Alice." She blushed when he picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. "Edward will show you where you're staying so you can have a quick rest and refresh."

I showed them the way to the pool house and set their suitcases inside the door.

"Well they seem...interesting." Esme said, putting down her purse.

"They're really nice guys mom. Demi may be a little eccentric, but he has a heart of gold and Felix is just one of the nicest, easy going guys I've ever met. He's helped me a lot."

"Does he usually dress like that?"

"Not at all. You caught him coming out of the sauna. He's probably changed by now. Here's your rooms. Mom, dad you'll be in the master room. It has an ensuite just through here. Alice, your room is through that door. There's no ensuite though, so you'll have to use the main bathroom."

"This place only has two rooms. Where will you sleep?" Carlisle asked.

"The couch is comfortable." I shrugged.

"Oh sweetheart, we can't ask you to do that."

"It's fine mom, really. The couch is comfortable. I fell asleep on it plenty of times when I stayed here. Go and unpack. I'll meet you in the main house when you're ready." I kissed her cheek and left them to get settled.

000

Siobhan and Liam joined us later in the evening, going over the schedule for the next three days. Demitri's showings would be held tomorrow night for evening wear and Friday midday for the winter range.

I wouldn't be needed until tomorrow afternoon, so I had plenty of time to show my family around.

"Edward, don't forget about the meeting you have Friday evening." Siobhan said, after my family had called it a night and went to bed.

It wasn't really a meeting. She had set me up on a blind date with one of the interns at her publicity firm.

"I still don't understand why you did this though. I'm pretty sure I can get a date myself."

"Ed, you've been here almost three months and the only people you socialise with are the ones in this room and your lesbian neighbours. You can't enjoy the perks of going to a bar, as you're not of legal drinking age, so there's no chance of you meeting someone. This guy is your age. He's new in town too, so you have that in common. Just one date and if you don't enjoy yourself then you don't have to see him again."

"Fine. What's his name?"

"It won't be a blind date if you know all about him, now will it? I'm not asking you to fall in love with him. Just be patient and you'll find out on Friday." She said, finishing off her third glass of wine.

"Ugh you're insufferable. I'm going to bed. I'll see you all in the morning."

I silently slipped into the pool house so I didn't disturb my family and collapsed onto the couch, falling into a restless sleep.

000

Sight seeing with my family was great. We visited the Empire State building and took in the NY skyline from a three-sixty degree view. It was breath taking. Afterwards we went for a bit of shopping in Times Square. I couldn't help but join in with Alice laughing at the giant pictures of me on the sides of buildings and the Kournikova advert playing on the screens.

I treated them all to some outfits for the fashion shows they would be attending, insisting it was the least I could do after all they've done for me.

By the time we got back to Demi's Siobhan and Liam were waiting for me. She handed out the VIP passes to my parents and sister, before whisking me away for fittings and a run through.

"A car will be here to pick you up at five." I called out as I was being ushered out of the door.

Upon arrival I was immediately grabbed by Felix who took me straight to Demitri, away from the flashing lights of the press. "Oh Edward, I'm so glad you're here. I can breathe easier now that my star attraction has arrived."

Demitri pulled me over to a tent where all of his designs were hanging on racks and in garment bags. There were several other models milling about, but I had my own rack of suits and outfits specifically tailored to me.

"Someone get him into hair and makeup!"

Two middle aged blonde women came over and directed me to their work station. "Hi Edward. I'm Kate and this is Irina. We'll be doing your looks for Demi's vision. Please relax. We're not going to make you look like a preening peacock." She said as a tall, dark skinned man walked past me with bright blue eyeshadow on.

"Bonjour, mon cheri." He said in a thick French accent, kissing Irina on the cheek.

She giggled and patted his cheek in return. "Laurent, this is Edward. Demi's new star model and the face of Kournikova. Edward, this is Laurent, my husband. He's one of Demi's ex models, but he loves to help out at fashion week."

"It is a pleasure to meet you Edward. If Demi gets too much you let me know. I love taking the queen down to a more reasonable level."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, worried that he'd hit him.

"He can get a little hysterical at these events and I am the voice of reason. I worked all the four major shows with him for ten years. You soon learn how to handle someone in that amount of time."

I nodded in understanding as Kate finished playing with my hair.

"Ooh the perfect sex hair."

"I wouldn't know." I said without thinking. "My boyfriend left me before we ever got that far."

"You're gay?"

"Yeah."

"Oh sweetie. You're gonna break so many hearts." Kate said, squeezing my shoulders gently. "You're all set. Demi only wants the one look on you tonight. Just come to us for touch ups. Nothing worse than a shiny face under all those lights."

I got up and thanked the two women, leaving them to torture some poor, stick thin girl to within an inch of her life. I don't think I've ever seen hair pulled that tight before.

I put on the first suit. It was a navy three piece with gold pinstripes. The waistcoat was gold silk at the back, with the same pinstripes running down the front. They were teamed with some patent gold brogues and a gold tie on top of a white shirt.

I don't look half bad, even if I do say so myself.

The nerves set in as I made my way to the back of the runway. I took the time to perfect my walk and not look like I had a stick up my ass.

Head up. Shoulders squared. Neutral face. Walk with confidence.

Those four things played like a mantra in my head.

"Edward!" Demi ushered me to the front. "Oh my god you look so deliciously fuckable right now."

"Don't let Felix hear you say that." I smirked.

"I'm used to it." He said, coming up behind Demi. "But I know he won't stray." He slipped his arm around Demi's waist and held him close. "Excited about your first catwalk?"

"Yeah. I think so." I nodded, feeling positive.

"Great. Let's see your pose."

I stuck my thumbs in my pants pockets, turned my head to the left and kept my eyes down cast, crossing my legs at the ankle.

"Complete natural." Felix said while Demitri emitted a high pitched keening sound. We both looked at him with quirked eyebrows before continuing on our conversation. "Okay, so remember, you walk down as you are now, pose, remove jacket, pose again, walk back up and then it's straight into outfit change and repeat.

"I got it. I got it." I laughed, clapping him on the back. I took the steps up and waited in the wings for the current models to come off of the runway.

The director motioned me on and I stepped out under the bright lights and camera flashes.

Head up. Shoulders squared. Neutral face. Walk with confidence.

My family was sitting in the second row and Alice was waving like crazy. I shot her a wink and carried on walking. The photographers went wild.

I made it to the end where I struck my pose, shed my jacket, hooked it over my shoulder on two fingers, posed again and walked back up. I came down from the stage to find Demitri hyperventilating into a paper bag.

"Demitri?"

"Edward, outfit change. Now!" Felix said, steering me towards the rack of clothes. "I'll sort him out."

I quickly shed the navy suit and pulled on a forest green one with a charcoal shirt and tie, teamed with black suede loafers. I jogged back to the runway and did it all again. Switching up the poses each time.

By the time the event was over I was exhausted. A total of eight outfit changes and then the final walk on with Demitri.

We still had the after party to attend.

I changed back into the navy and gold suit, Demi had said it was his finest work so far and wanted to show it off. I posed for some more pictures before I grabbed my street clothes and made my way out the front to where everyone was waiting.

Alice spotted me first and came bounding over, hugging me around the middle. "Oh Edward, you did so well. I was able to get some pictures on daddy's camera. Every one at home is going to be so jealous."

"Okay Ali, breathe." I said, squeezing her back. "You'll have to let me see them when you get them printed."

"I will." She grinned.

"Sweetheart, you look so handsome." Esme enveloped me in her warm embrace.

"Thanks mom. I actually quite enjoyed it."

She placed her hand on my cheek and I leaned into it. "I don't think I've ever seen you happier."

"Good job son." Carlisle clapped me on the back. "I will admit now that I was a bit dubious of this whole thing to begin with. But seeing you up there looking so confident and relaxed, I know you made the right decision for you."

"Thanks dad. That means a lot." Knowing that I now had his full support made my heart swell.

"Are you guys ready to go? I want to get out of here before the tabloids descend upon us." Demitri asked, coming to stand with us.

"Yeah. We're actually going to head back to the house."

"But what about the after party?"

"I don't do parties Dem. And besides, I'm underage. I won't be allowed in the bar."

"Fine. Fine. We'll probably be back late, so don't wait up." He sauntered away and let us leave discreetly.

000

Friday was hectic. I was all over the front of the fashion rags and dubbed the 'Winking (cat) Walker'. I think I pulled an optical muscle rolling my eyes at that one.

I had to be at the events tent by eight AM for rehearsal and an interview for Vogue magazine.

After that was done I was straight in to hair and makeup with Irina and Kate.

"I can't believe you were cheeky enough to wink while on the catwalk. I thought for sure Demi would start having kittens." Kate said, teasing my hair back and trying to tame it. Does your hair ever lay flat?"

"Only when it's wet." I shrugged.

Some time -and almost an entire tub of pomade- later my hair was slicked back at the sides and the top was teased back into a bouffant, similar to how Elvis had his in his younger years. I hardly recognised myself.

"Oof Kate, you've done it again." Laurent said as he walked past with neon pink lipstick on. "Have either of you seen my beautiful wife anywhere?"

"She went to help out with the models two stations down.

"Thanks loves." He said, sashaying away.

"You know, if he wasn't married to my friend I would swear he was gay." Kate said, watching him walk away.

"We're not all that flamboyant." I chuckled.

"Oh shit Edward. I forgot. I'm sorry."

"No offence taken." I stood and kissed her cheek. "How much washing is it going to take to get all of this product out of my hair later?"

"A couple of times should do it. It's not wax, so you're safe from excessive scrubbing."

"Thanks."

I left her to it and went to see what selections Demi had put together for me today. The rack was full of his winter lines that would be released later this year.

I pulled out the first ensemble. Tailored brown slacks, a white shirt similar to the ones I was wearing yesterday and a chunky knit cardigan that tied in the middle in various shades of taupe. It was so soft and cosy. Not something I would usually go for. Teamed with some brown loafers, I looked like I was ready for a retirement home sixty years early.

I don't know what Demitri was thinking when he put this outfit together. His grandfather maybe.

I took off the cardigan, undone a few buttons on the shirt and rolled the sleeves up before putting the cardigan back on and pushing the sleeves up on that too. I didn't have time to make any more adjustments as it was my turn to go on. I hurried up the steps and took to the runway.

000

It was mid-afternoon by the time I finally finished. I was a hot sweaty mess and savoured the cool February air outside of the tent where I met up with everyone.

There had been twelve outfit changes today and they mainly consisted of knitwear and heavy overcoats. Add in the mix of the hot lights and constant movement, I had needed to see Kate and Irina a lot more so they could touch up my hair and face.

All I wanted to do was relax and spend some time with my family, but I still had that stupid blind date to go on.

"Edward, we're going to head to the hotel near the airport. Our flight is really early tomorrow morning and we don't want to disturb anyone."

"You don't have to do that dad. I don't mind driving you to the airport in the morning."

"Son, you look exhausted. You need your rest and a decent bed to sleep in."

"But, I feel like I've barely seen you. Let's go out for a late lunch or something."

"No. Our taxi is going to be here soon. Get some rest." Carlisle patted my shoulder and took their bags through to the main house.

Alice approached me shyly clutching some pictures in her hands. "What's up pipsqueak?" I pulled her down onto the couch next to me.

"Uhm, will you sign these for my friends please?" She handed over two glossy photos of me.

"Got a pen?" I asked, chuckling. I haven't been asked for my autograph yet. I didn't think I was well enough known for it to happen. Alice handed over a gold marker pen. "Who are they for?"

"Bella and Eric."

"Who's Eric? Is he your boyfriend?" I teased.

"No. He's...like you." I knew instantly what she meant. "He get's picked on by the other boys because he likes to wear nail polish and lip gloss."

Okay, I wasn't that extreme, but I knew exactly what to write to him. I signed the front of both pictures and left a note for Eric on the back of his.

Carlisle came back in to get mom and Alice. "Taxi's here ladies."

I squeezed Alice in a hug. "Don't grow up anymore. Not until I'm home, pip."

"I can't make any promises." She replied, sniffing a little.

Esme pulled me into her embrace next. "Oh I'm going to miss you."

"I'm gonna miss you too, mom. Thank you for coming."

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world sweetheart."

I followed them out to the front of the house and waved them off as the taxi drove them away.

000

I entered the restaurant and gave Siobhan's name to the maître d.

"Ahh yes sir. The other member of your party has already arrived. Let me show you to your table."

The person had his back to me as I approached.

I pulled out the chair across from him and sat down, taking the offered menu.

I looked up and drew in a sharp breath. "You?!"

"Hello Edward."

Uh oh! Who's his mystery date? All guesses welcome.

Let me know what you think.

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