CHAPTER 12 - FASHION WITH VISION

As the day continued, Viveria and Drake had practiced well for the audition which was going to take place the next day. Drake had assured Viveria, that all she had to do was follow his lead. Though, Viveria was feeling totally incapable, she knew she had to do well, not only for herself but also for her whole class. She won't let anyone down, specially Prof. Raymond who had shown faith in her.

Midnight, at Viveria's apartment....

Viveria was completely engrossed in her assignment for her internship, she realized it was past midnight and decided to take a break.

Incoming Call: Daniel

Daniel: Hey, did you have your dinner yet?

Viveria ( realizing now she was going to receive an earful from Daniel, decided to lie) : Yes, totally. The spicy fried chicken was too good.

Daniel: How many times have I told you that you are a horrible liar? Also, since when do you have spicy food? Anyways, I know you haven't had anything, so just open the goddamn door to your apartment, will you?

Viveria happily running towards the door. She just feels so excited and comfortable, whenever Daniel shows up at her apartment. She doesn't admit it to anyone, but living alone does get too much for her sometimes.

She opened the door and there he was! Daniel was wearing blue jeans with a loose white shirt tugged out. His hands were carrying a home made tiffin box and as he saw Viveria, he gave her a warm smile.

Settling down inside, Daniel could feel that something was bugging Viveria.

Viveria: I really love you Dan. You are the best. You always know when I'm hungry and more importantly, you always know how to cheer me up. Also, I love your cooking. You are a wonderful chef. Now let me eat first, I'm so hungry!!!

Daniel giving Viveria a sarcastic look: Why I thought you had spicy fried chicken? But, on a more serious note, why are you skipping your meals Vive? You know it's not good for your health. What would you have had if I hadn't brought you dinner?

Viveria: There is milk in the fridge. Plus, I do have chocolates and chips, instant noodles and cookie. Remind me to give you some cookies before you leave.

Daniel giving a disgusted look, decided to not talk about this topic further.

Daniel: Well, so tell me. What's wrong? Are you nervous for the auditions tomorrow?

As Viveria did not get much time to narrate the incident of the day to her friends, she had informed them via text about her selection for the fashion show audition. They all had supported her and Dew even suggested that she would look adorable based on the theme.

Viveria ( stopped eating and looked at Daniel with a serious face) : To be honest, I just feel like suddenly I'm too much into the limelight you know? Like, yes I am popular and I do a lot of work everyday, but of late my life has been too much eventful, for my own liking. Plus, though Drake is helpful and nice to me, I still have this horrible hunch, that something is going to go wrong! Also, I'm the girl who walks with books and can't even see without my specs , always running around frantically to save some time. I'm always too busy to care for my looks. How am I supposed be all glamorous and pretty and fashionable? I'm just not meant for such stuff and it's just getting to me so much, I..I..

Daniel: Okay, Okay. Vive, calm down. Breathe in and breathe out, okay?

Viveria did as she was told and became lost in her thoughts again.

Daniel: See, one thing which you must remember is that you have always been a hard working person and have always completed every challenge which has been given to you. Just be yourself Vive. Remember the world can't like you if you don't like yourself. Just hang in there and after all it's just an audition. So stop this self pity and take a good rest. Also, tomorrow when you walk at the stage, keep in mind that you are a person who believes in a better world, so make that your shield and prove that the better world starts with you. I believe in you Vive.

Viveria gave Daniel a warm hug. And as Daniel left, he made sure that Viveria had taken her medicines on time. He knew, tomorrow would be a tough day for Viveria, but he will be there right by her side as always.

The next day....

At, Walstrom High School Auditorium....

The stage was ready and a huge bunch of students had gathered to witness the auditions for the fashion show, after all, most of them just needed an excuse to bunk classes. Others were looking forward to a great experience and cheering for their respective class representatives for the fashion show. There was a beautiful rectangle shaped silk cloth that was hanging, on which the theme was written - 'VICTORIAN ERA FASHION'

Meanwhile, in the Rehearsal Room....

Dew was wearing, high heeled black leather boots with a three piece black suit along with a cravat. He usually wore shirts and sweatshirts with the top two buttons open, exposing his sexy neckline; however today, he was looking very charmingly well groomed.

Rosie was also participating and she was wearing a light yellow ball gown with golden embroidery and golden heels. She had her hair loose and was busy giving her face the last minute touch ups. It looked like she would be the winner and nothing would change that!

As Viveria came out of the changing room, all eyes were transfixed at her beautiful attire. She was wearing an ocean blue off shouldered silky ball gown with matching blue heels and she had her hair styled into a loose wavy hairdo, which was a part of the crimping hairstyle of the Victorian era.

Anxiously Viveria walked past the staring eyes and sat in front of the mirror for doing a light makeup. However, she knew that her eyes were paining from wearing the contact lens and thus she would have to keep her makeup to a bare minimum. Watching herself in the mirror, she couldn't believe that she had pulled it off. She never knew she would look so beautiful.

Now all she had to do was find Drake.

She hadn't seen Drake since morning and that was making her more nervous.

Suddenly Viveria felt a picture being snapped. Turning around she saw it was Dew.

Dew: I swear to God! You are the most beautiful lady in the room, babe. I'm so proud of you Viv. I'm sure you will be selected today. You look mesmerizingly stunning. Well done!

As Viveria blushed and smiled at Dew, she said : You don't look too bad yourself, Dee. I never would have imagined you would look so groomed up and noble.

Laughing out loud, they heard the final call for all the participants to be present at the backstage, as the show was about to start.

There was still no sign of Drake, anywhere!

Viveria started to panic, she had been calling Drake frantically and there was no response. She was supposed to follow his lead for the audition and that's how they had practiced. As, Viveria was standing alone in the backstage along with all the other participants, she felt her palms getting sweaty. She was the third contestant and the show had begun.

When Viveria's name was announced, she felt as if she couldn't move. ( Why was this happening to her? Why now? How could she go alone?)

But at the same moment she remembered Daniel's words from the previous night.... Remember, the world can't like you if you don't like yourself.

Viveria took a deep breathe and went on stage....

As she started to walk, she felt her legs shaking, but her head was held high. ( I can do this!)

As she walked a few steps ahead, she did not realize when her gown had stuck with her heels and within an instant she fell down loosing her balance!

As the crowd started to laugh, Viveria could feel her eyes burning with shame. She had screwed it up. That's it. It was all over now.

One of the judges was about to go on stage and even Dew was about to enter the stage to help Viveria. Daniel had gotten up from his seat and began running towards the stage. However, someone was already way ahead of them.

Suddenly, the crowd started to cheer and Viveria saw Xavier entering from the other side of the stage.

Xavier was dressed in a navy blue three piece suit with matching blue patent leather shoes and shinning cufflinks. He looked like the Prince Charming of some Disney fairytale.

Xavier looked at Viveria worriedly and just as he was about to pick Viveria up, bridal style into his arms; Viveria suddenly stopped him with her hand. Viveria had sensed that Xavier would do something like this, but though Viveria loved romantic scenes like these, now, was not the time to fall in love!

Viveria ( whispering to Xavier) : Don't you think it's a bit too much? I don't want you to save me. I can do this on my own! Didn't you say this was not my cup of tea? Well, guess what, I'm going to prove you wrong.

With a determined look, Viveria tried to stand up on her own, she felt the pain pulsing through her body. Her ankle was cramped and her legs were paining from the impact of the fall. However, as she started to walk again, she felt losing her balance, once again.

Xavier caught her hand firmly, stopping her epic fall.

Xavier ( whispered to Viveria) : Well, just let me help you walk. I promise I won't go overboard. Just trust me.

Viveria felt her heart skipping a beat. As Xavier walked side by side , holding firmly on to a limping Viveria's hand; the crowd started to cheer more loudly.

Viveria who felt a deep blush creep up her cheeks, tried her best not to show it.

To Viveria's surprise, Xavier had stopped midway and with a questioning look asked her, whether she was okay?

Giving him a reassuring look, Viveria, let go of his hand. As Xavier stood behind, Viveria slowly and carefully walked to the front of the stage. She was going to do it alone. She was her own hero!

As Viveria was asked by one of the judges about her condition, she gave them a reassuring reply stating, she was fine. As, the question - answer round started, the crowd became quiet.

Judge 1: So, what is fashion according to you?

Judge 2: Do you feel, the Victorian era fashion was better than modern fashion?

Viveria could feel her confidence returning back, she knew her answers and now she was in her comfort zone. Holding the mike near her mouth, she stated....

Viveria : Good afternoon, respected judges. Thank you for the questions. Firstly, fashion for me is just not about looking good. For me it is about looking the way you truly are. Fashion for me has always been a means of expressing myself. I usually, prefer the casual and daily style of clothing, which makes me feel comfortable and which can easily be carried off. I firmly believe, that fashion is for all. From a casual top to a strapless top, from mini skirts to long pants , everybody has a right to look good. People should wear what makes them beautiful and happy. I feel fashion comes from the heart and the heart can never be wrong.

Secondly, I feel that though Victorian era fashion is very polished and precise, modern fashion is also not bad. We must change with time and modern fashion is more diverse and aesthetic compared to Victorian era. Victorian era fashion did represent literature, elegance and and beauty of the mind, but modern fashion represents innovativeness, freedom and self fulfillment. I feel that, as long as you wear what you feel is right for you, fashion will always be the magic wand which will guide you towards your own self happiness and will help the world look at you in a different way.

Thank you.

As, the auditorium was filled with claps, Dew had a proud look on his face, Xavier was also clapping for Viveria and Daniel and Jackie were cheering for her from the audience. Viveria felt relieved and satisfied at the same time.

No matter what the result is, she had given her best and that's all that matters.

Will Viveria win the fashion show? Will she be able to understand Drake's motives? Will she fall in love with Xavier?

Is it all over or has the story just began?