Chapter 12: Going with the Flow
Asia by Morgen
"Alright ladies it's our time shine," the stage manager said. "Remember, the whole world is out there, and we're talking about our reputation here!"
The models walked in as the music gave the cue.
One by one, the models posed in the conservative manner their dress accorded them to but with a touch of flair, the models gave off a smooth transition from the stiff competition their dresses strictly complied to.
"My god! I don't know what to do! I might faint if they'd recognize me" Tomoyo tried to joke to feel better.
"Relax Ms. Tomoyo, just walk as we've practiced. And I think you should smile because your outfit requires you to. Although it's quite European, I'd say," one of the models soothed Tomoyo.
"And besides, no one would recognize that it's you at a glance. And even if someone did, you still look good," Sakura said.
"Thanks girls, I wish I had your complete confidence," Tomoyo smiled appreciatively.
"Ms. Tomoyo it's your turn now!" someone called out.
"Okay!" Now relax girl, feel the dress, walk as if it was nothing. After all, Eriol designed it, a voice teased. Shut up! Tomoyo retorted silently.
And Tomoyo moved in. As she turned to face the crowd, she was met with gasps, whispers, and flashes from cameras. But she fought it all by walking simply. Her dress - a regal violet silk gown, with a turtleneck collar, empire cut waistline and shirred torso fully emphasizing the slim curves of her upper body. From the waist, the silk cloth flowed down in a straight silhouette, with a slit in front of her right leg starting from the thigh downwards. The sleeves were long and cut wide similar to a kimono's. Her long hair was tied in a sleek ponytail. The upper length was folded neatly on top of her head like a Japanese geisha, accented with a traditional hairpin and the rest of her mane was allowed to flow down in its natural wave.
I must be dreaming, Eriol thought as he gazed upon the amethyst-eyed beauty.
"Are they trying to fool us? That doesn't look Asian at all!"
"Designers must be crazy. First, Le Soleil. Now Morgen. What are they driving at?"
"They must've had a collaboration or something."
"Oh hush up! Her 'Asian-ness' carries it all!"
"She should've become a model!"
"I never thought she'd look so gorgeous!"
"That's Tomoyo Daidouji?"
Eriol laughed at the people who were whispering amongst themselves.
As astounded as he was, the press photographers were having a festival. They almost used up their supply of films as they caught every angle of Tomoyo's splendor.
Aichi and the others couldn't be as stunned as others were.
"I guess it wasn't much of a bother after all," Aichi whispered.
Tomoyo was having difficulty walking. Try as she could, the reaction of the people couldn't help her confidence. She tried looking at the people, accidentally capturing the admiring gaze of Eriol. Oh no! He recognized me, she thought in a panicky tone. As she reached the end of the ramp, she turned. Unfortunately, the hem slightly caught in the heel of her left shoe. God help! Her mind went in frenzy as her body tipped over for the expected fall. But reaction told her right leg to move and balance herself. The outcome? As Tomoyo turned, the sudden movement of her leg swung the garment, creating a shimmering effect and further exposing her flawless limb. Every camera in the room caught the action.
Whew! That was close, breathed Tomoyo. Walking back, she smiled in relief for her nightmare was over.
"Tomoyo! How was it?"
"The stage manager said you were fantastic!"
"Why don't you try it again?"
Numerous lauds showered upon Tomoyo when she appeared backstage for the removal of the make-up. She smiled nervously as she felt peace among the crowds.
++++++
"Did you see how she strutted down the ramp?"
"Yeah, I couldn't believe she was good enough."
"She should've become a model instead. She's born for it."
As the audience filed out, the Morgen delegates remained in one corner to wait for Tomoyo and Sakura.
"Look there they are!" Aichi excitedly called out. The others rushed to meet them with smiles.
"You were very good Ms. Tomoyo!"
"Imagine, the designer wearing a creation!"
Tomoyo's expression changed. "It wasn't ours."
The whole quieted, facing Tomoyo. "What do you mean?" Satomo asked.
"Aichi."
"Very well." Aichi began narrating the occurrence. Mortified faces assimilated the information with some difficulty as the girl recounted the accident. When she revealed the other party involved with the switch, the whole crew gasped in complete dismay.
"So, the displaced design from Le Soleil was actually ours and vice versa?" one person asked.
"Yes." Tomoyo confirmed. The stillness continued for a few more minutes before they decided to go rest.
++++++
"Is it true Mr. Hiiragizawa?" Ms. Curtis, Eriol's secretary, queried. "About the switch?"
"Yes. And I don't want any scandal about this, either. I'm going to fix this myself," Eriol replied with finality.
"Yes Sir."
