A Hush In The Waves

01

"Is everything set? Ladies, are you all ready?"

I straightened up when the event organizer suddenly entered the dressing room where we, the models, had been preparing. The excitement was clearly visible on their faces, while I, on the other hand, was frowning and looking completely out of sorts. Holy moly.

I took a deep breath before I stood up and examined myself in front of the large mirror. I look like a zombie today! Well, no wonder, because I just found out that the event is actually going to be held at this very pool resort.

"Are you okay, Maurette?" a makeup artist suddenly appeared beside me. "Y-yeah," I said, smiling at her before gently nodding. s**t. Is it really that obvious that I’m nervous?

After the organizer gave some instructions, I headed straight to the restroom to calm myself down. I couldn’t walk the runway like this! Especially since I'm going to be the one who will wear the swimwear suit designed by Phanty, a Hollywood designer.

Why am I so nervous?

I had seen the stage setting earlier. It was located over a vast humpback coral pool covered entirely in glass, so the water was clearly visible from above. Still. I sighed. I was about to step out when someone suddenly entered and quickly pulled me back in front of the mirror.

"Satana!" I exclaimed in surprise upon seeing the stern face of my sharp-tongued friend. Her arms were crossed as she looked at me seriously. "Where's your manager?" she asked, her brows furrowing in unison. I just shrugged and leaned against the countertop. "I already fired her." She nodded in satisfaction before stepping back, scanning me from head to toe. I'm sure, just like me, she’s disappointed with the manager I chose. I wasn't sure if that witch just tried to sabotage me.

I chewed on my bottom lip and shot her a glare. With the sharpness in her gaze, I am sure she’s about to say something that would only make my face even worse.

"You're acting like an i***t," she said, yawning quietly. I knew it! I just rolled my eyes in response and shook my hands frantically in the air, muttering the names of some unknown saints.

I’ve been nervous for a while now; I had a strong feeling that something bad was going to happen tonight.

As we exited the restroom, the models were already lining up in the hallway. Satana had already drifted away from me by the time I reached the end of the line. Everyone was busy thinking about their poses, and although it's not something I usually do, I found myself thinking about mine as well. A few minutes later, the event began. A singer was already performing on stage, the audience was applauding, and the various cameras flashed, waiting for us models to step out wearing beautiful swimsuit attires.

Calm down, girl. I took a deep breath and looked up as I watched the other models step out one by one. This is it, Calixia Maurette Zamora. Just focus, and nothing bad is going to happen.

If I had known earlier that this event was going to be held here, I would’ve just stayed in my unit and took my beauty rest. I even planned to get my hair dyed and attend a yoga class. I’ve canceled so many plans today just for this event, and now this is what I’m going to face.

It’s not that I’m afraid of water, I just don’t know what will happen if I fall in, just in case. Alright, maybe I am.

"Just don't look down, don't look down..." I whispered to myself as I walked toward the small staircase at the side of the stage.

I flashed a smile at the event organizers before they helped me climb, even though I only had to take three steps to reach the top. Sometimes, being beautiful really is a bit overwhelming.

While standing at the side of the stage, waiting for the cue from the organizer, I glanced at the large screen next to me and watched as Julie, wearing a white bikini, twirled gracefully as she reached the end of the long runway. She's one of my friends in this line. She's so confident and charming, and it's rare to meet a model like her who's so down to earth. She perfectly managed to strike a pose by the small fountain at the front. I sighed, imagining myself walking up to that spot. I just hoped I wouldn’t faint.

When I saw her walking back, that's when I noticed the blocking for the runway. All the models entering would come from the left and exit on the other side. Oh my God! I've never been this gassed. I swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and mentally prepared myself. I held my head high, waiting for a couple of seconds to sync up with the song’s timing.

"Ooh, there's somethin' about, kind of woman that can do for herself. I look at her, and it makes me proud, there's somethin' about her," the male singer’s voice echoed. I took a deep breath, smiled, and thought, Here I come.

As soon as I took my first step, the applause doubled. I walked gracefully towards the center, letting out my most confident, spicy smile. I could feel the gazes of the crowd, their astonished cheers ringing out. I even saw a few of the other models peeking from the other side, probably just to see me. Gosh, Maurette, just focus.

The spotlight focused on me, following my every step and movement. I walked calmly, my eyes fixed straight ahead. My shoulders were steady and aligned, my hips swaying confidently with every step I took, and my chest moving in sync with the rhythm of my long, graceful strides.

The flashes from the large cameras and the applause followed me as I reached the halfway point of the stage, where a local artist was already waiting, singing. I smiled and extended my hand to him as he offered it to me. He's familiar, I think I've seen him somewhere before.

"'Cause she work like a boss, play like a boss. Car and a crib, she 'bout to pay 'em both off," he sang into the microphone, eyes were on me.

He smiled at me as we walked together towards the end of the runway. When we reached the end, I let go and immediately showed off my look. I made sure to flaunt the crimson bikini I’m wearing before turning to face the other models for our final look and walk.

It was so nice knowing that many international designers, influencers, and celebrities had come tonight. I also spotted some familiar faces in the crowd, including my cousin, who was with Satana.

As we reached the end and struck our different poses, I finally let out a sigh of relief because, at last, my ordeal was almost over.

After a few seconds, I relaxed and was about to exit when the organizer gave me a series of quick shakes of the head, smiling. Clueless, I stayed in my spot and struck another pose.

What are they waiting for?

As the male singer finished his song, he walked to the center, smiled, and struck a pose. I joined in with the applause from the other models, hiding my irritation behind a fake smile. What is happening? This wasn't part of the plan we discussed earlier. I had no idea!

The singer returned backstage just as fireworks lit up the sides. I thought that was the end, so I took a step forward to head down, but suddenly, the glass where I'm standing moved! s**t! My mouth dropped open in panic as my heel slipped, causing me to fall straight into the pool!

I immediately tried to hold my breath and raised my hand, attempting to keep myself from sinking. But with my 6-inch heels, I failed.

I'm so doomed.