Model This
Chapter 19: Thanksgiving Wishes?
I'm sure you guys don't want to hear my monologue. But, Model This will be updated every two weeks instead of every week until finals are over. I'm sorry! :'(
-Model This-
"Happy Thanksgiving, Bella! I'm so glad that you could join us."
I smiled and nodded at Esme, Edward's mother. The Cullen's had invited me over for their annual Thanksgiving party/dinner, and I happily obliged. This would be a good chance to speak with them about what was going on with Edward.
"Welcome to the party, Bella."
I shivered at the sound of that too familiar voice. The first model that I'd had problems with when my career first started. A blond, tall, leech named James Witherdale.
"Welcome to your first official photo shoot, Isabella. I'm your photographer, Raul Juarez. You will be posing with James. He's on his way. I'm sure you two will get along great."
I nodded and smiled that dazzling smile. Raul just shook his head and laughed, pointing me in the direction of hair and make-up. I sat down in the chair marked "Bella".
"Hi, I'm Jessica. You must be the new model, Bella," an average height, curvy, redhead stated.
I nodded and shook her hand.
"It's a pleasure to work with you. I hope we can do many photo shoots together!"
I chuckled at Jessica. She seemed quite excited to be working for this photo shoot. I later found out that it was her first gig as a make-up artist. The same photo shoot brought us to fame.
"Lauren will be working on your hair today. Sometimes we switch roles, depending on who we are working on."
I smiled at Lauren who hinted a smile back.
"So, we hear that you're working with James," Jessica said shyly with a hint of a question.
"That's what Raul told me. James sounds like a nice enough guy from what the other models have told me."
Jessica stuck her tongue out at Lauren who just grimaced in response.
"Why? Is there something wrong with James?" I questioned.
"I think he's a wonderful man," Jessica replied quickly with a giggle.
"Well, I think he's scum," added Lauren.
I know I looked quite confused. The girls got close together and bickered for a few seconds. Lauren turned back to me, about to say something, but we heard Raul. It sounded like he pulled out the bullhorn.
"We start the shoot in ten minutes, ladies! Oh, and James. Get ready!"
Lauren and Jessica looked panicked and quickly finished my hair and make-up in record time. Another blonde girl came up to be and helped me get dressed in under two minutes. Next thing I knew, I was being ushered back to where I first met Raul.
"Alright, ladies and James. We'll just be doing a simple photo shoot for the time being. Most of you, excluding James, are newer to the modeling scene. This photo shoot could make or break you. Just remember that. But, also, have fun with it!" Raul exclaimed while some of the models cheered.
I was one of the few that groaned. I did not enjoy the feeling of so much pressure. If I did one thing wrong, would my career be over?
Raul called the five of us over and we started immediately with the group shots. I was standing between Karen and Olivia, while James was standing behind me.
"Good facial expression, Heather. Just try to make it a little more default, Olivia. Great! Don't be afraid to do what feels natural!"
Raul kept spitting out commands and compliments for the next ten minutes. Once we got the many shots that he wanted, we were instructed of what to do for the couples' shots.
"No, this is not meant to be for actual couples. I just feel the need to clarify," Raul stated quickly.
I chuckled while the other girls were taken away to change their clothes. Raul had already told me that I'd be staying the same dress for most of the shoot. Since it 'just screams you', according to the crazy photographer. (Don't tell him that I called him crazy.)
Again, I was standing in front of James. We'd said a few words to each other between shots, but we hadn't been able to have an actual conversation. Almost right away I felt the atmosphere change the slightest bit. I didn't know if was just me or if something was about to happen.
"Put your hand on her shoulder, James. Make sure your other hand isn't seen."
James nodded and I felt his other hand make its way to my lower back. I honestly didn't think much about it. If the back of me wasn't going to be seen, why wasn't that a good place to put his hand?
I really started to think about it when his hand started traveling lower.
"That's it! Thank you James and Isabella."
I was relieved when Raul said that we were done. I just wanted to get away from the creep.
I went back to the changing room and undressed when I heard a knock on the door. I quickly put my robe on when James opened the door.
"Can I help you?" I inquired.
"You're a very beautiful model, Isabella. I'd love to make you mine."
He started stalking towards me and I felt myself start to panic. I felt his hand move to the sash of my robe, and I screamed. Jessica and Lauren came running in to see my robe starting to open and James moving impossibly closer.
Raul came running in once Lauren had managed to tie up James with some other sashes from robes. I won't get into the details of what they did to James, but suffice to say, it ended his career.
He's held a grudge against me ever since.
"Oh, it's so nice to see you again, James. It's just been so long," I remarked in a bored voice.
"It has been so long. I've missed you quite too much, Bella. How did you manage to get into this exclusive party of the Cullen's?"
I shrugged nonchalantly.
"I've known Esme and Carlisle for quite a long time. They were kind enough to invite me to this party. I'm more curious as to how you managed to show up," I replied.
He looked around nervously and I knew what had happened. He snuck in, somehow.
"I just had to see you, Isabella. Do what I never got to finish. It'd be easier since your lover boy is out of the picture now."
"What are you-"
His hand clamped on my mouth and I was dragged to the closest hallway where he tied my wrists together.
"You're not getting out of this one, Swan."
-Model This-
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