A Fashion Facade

Chapter One I aroused, placing my hand on my pounding heart. I groaned rolling over, I sat on the bed as I reached for my alarm clock on the wooden table that served as my desk, my sketchbooks laid on the table, every page was adorned with a new design, my pencils, my fabric scraps were scattered on the table and all over my room. The only window in the room was covered with a thin, faded curtain. "s**t! it's 9:30 already, I am late for work" I yelled, jumping out of the bed, my feet hitting the cold floor, my bed creaking from the force. “Frank is going to be furious”, rushing to my tiny bathroom, where the sink faucet dripped constantly and the tiles were cold, I quickly undressed, brushing my teeth. "Breath in, Lily " I whispered as the water flowed down my back. My mixing valve was faulty so I had to bathe in cold water. I walked out of the bathroom shivering as I rushed to my closet. I sneezed on my elbow struggling to find a suitable dress to wear. I put on the first dress my hand could find, I stood at 5'4" with a slender build. My auburn hair fell in loose waves around my face. My green eyes sparkle. I caught a glimpse of myself in the small, chipped mirror hanging on the wall and grimace spinning round, to get the back and the front view of the dress. The dress has a modest neckline with short sleeves and a knee length hem. It was too big for me, but I had no time to change anyway. I grabbed my coat rushing out of the apartment. My apartment building was old and rundown, with peeling wallpaper. The elevator had been out of service for months. my footsteps echoing in the empty stairwell. walking into the street, the brisk morning air biting at my cheeks, The sidewalk crawling with people rushing to their destinations, impatient drivers honking their car. I work in a rundown diner, called “Frank’s Place," I pushed open the door, assaulted by the familiar scent of old coffee and greasy food. The fading tiles and damaged leather booths that adorned the diner. Old Pictures of the diner during its prime hung on the wall. Slipping to the staff area to change into my uniform, a white blouse and tightly fitted black skirt. "You're late!" I turned to see frank. He is a burly man in his fifties, with thinning hair and a permanent scowl etched on his face. Wearing a greasy apron and sweat-stained shirt. "I’m sorry boss, It won't happen again." I apologize. "It better not," Frank grumbled, turning his attention back to the grill. "We've got a full house today, so get moving." He yelled. "Yes sir" I echoed. I tied my apron around my waist and took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for another long day. Margo was already working the tables, her short blonde hair swaying as she moved. Her bright smile and easygoing nature made her a favorite among the regulars in the restaurant. "Hey, Lily," Margo said, flashing a grin as she walked closer to me, she held her tray tightly in her hands. "Rough morning?" "You could say that," I replied, forcing a smile. "How's it going so far?" I asked. "Same old, same old," she said with a shrug. "But guess what? I set you up on a blind date tonight!" She said with a smile. I frowned. I hate blind dates. I always tend to meet rich assholes. "Margo, you know how I feel about blind dates." I reasoned "Oh, come on! It'll be fun. He's a nice guy, and you deserve a break," she insisted. "Please, just give it a shot?" She pleaded. "You know I am not going to stop asking till you say yes" she declared. I sighed. "Fine, but only because you would not stop pestering me about it." "That's the spirit girl, you are going to have fun tonight !" She said, giving me a playful nudge before walking to the kitchen. " I hope so" I whispered to myself going back to work, with customers coming and going, orders piling up, and Frank barking out commands from the kitchen. I took a moment to lean against the counter, my feet aching from hours of standing. "Lily, table five needs a refill," Frank called out, snapping me back to reality. "On it boss," I replied, grabbing the coffee pot and making my way to the table. The man looked up as I approached, his expression one of impatience. His eyes were cold and unfriendly. "Refill sir?" I asked, with a smile. "About time," the man muttered, pushing his cup toward me. How rude! I inwardly scoffed I poured the coffee, trying to ignore his rude demeanor. "Anything else I can get for you sir?" I asked politely. "No, just hurry up the next damn time," he snapped. I bit my tongue to stop myself from cursing at him, nodding, I moved away quickly. Margo was waiting with a sympathetic look on her face. "Some people are just mean," she said, shaking her head. "Are You okay?" "Yeah," I nodded, " it's just another day in paradise," I replied. The rest of the day passed in a blur, and by the time my shift ended, I was about to collapse. I changed out of my uniform. "So, your blind date," Margo said, grinning. "What blind date?" I asked feigning surprise "Yeah, I am not buying it," she frowned. "Are you excited?" She smiled, as her mood brightened up. "Not really," I admitted. "I will do it. To stop your whining." "That's the spirit!" Margo said, giving me a hug. "You'll have a great time, I promise." I doubted it, but I didn't want to disappoint her. "Don't be late" she warned, rushing out to catch her bus. "I will text you" she yelled. I made my way back to my apartment, taking a quick shower and changing into, a simple, duchess black dress that Margo had lent me. I looked at myself in the mirror, adjusting my hair and applying a bit of makeup. I arrived at the restaurant, feeling out of place among the well-dressed people and the elegant decor. The hostess led me to a table where my date was already waiting. He was a handsome man, with dark hair, sharp features. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit. He looked up as I approached, his brown eyes assessing me . "Lily?" he asked, standing to greet me. "Yes, that's me," I replied, smiling nervously. "Nice to meet you. I'm David," he said, shaking my hand. "Please, have a seat." I sat down. We exchanged pleasantries, and for a moment. He seemed charming and attentive, and I began to hope that Margo was right. As the conversation progressed, it became clear that David was more interested in bragging about his wealth and status. He talked endlessly about his numerous cars. "So, what do you do for a living?" he asked, leaning back in his chair with a smudged look on his face. I hesitated, “I’m a waitress," I honestly replied . His expression changed instantly, his smile fading. "A waitress? Really?" He yelled with a scowl on his face. "Yes," I replied, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "But I'm also a designer. I hope to produce my own line someday." I added to ease the attention. "Interesting," David said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But being a waitress doesn't exactly scream ambition?" My heart sank, and I struggled to find a response. "It pays my bills," I said quietly. "Everyone has to start somewhere." "I guessed so " He shrugged clearly unimpressed. "I suppose. But honestly, I was expecting someone a bit more... established. Margo did not tell me you were just a waitress" he frowned. I felt my confidence slipping away, "Thank you for dinner," I said politely, standing up. "I should be going." "Sure, whatever," David replied dismissively. "Good luck with your... designs." I walked out of the restaurant, feeling humiliated each step I took echoed in the quiet streets. "That i***t did not even offer to drop me off," I scoffed. " I couldn't even defend myself, I am pathetic". I thought out loud The street lights flickered, casting eerie patterns on the pavement. I turned a corner, my apartment building in sight. The street was empty. "Almost there," I whispered to myself . I heard a sound behind me. Footsteps heavy and deliberately approaching fast. My heart leaped into my throat, and I froze, Increasing my footsteps I reached the door leading up to the entrance of my apartment, I felt a presence behind me. A hand grabbed my shoulder, my heart stopped, a scream catching in my throat. My eyes wide with fear, I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead.. "Who... who are you, I don't …..have…any ..money ?" I stammered. No response, He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. A car passed by, its headlights illuminating the street, I looked around frantically, but there was no one there. Shaking, I managed to unlock my door and dart inside, slamming it shut behind me. I slid to the floor, hugging my knees to my chest.