Chapter Four

You scared the hell out of me Tess!" Raven exclaimed—striding over to her bed.

"Something isn't right with you. There's something different about you—I just can't seem to place my finger on it." Tessa looked closely at her little sister. 

She wasn't the same sweet girl, wasn't bashful—her posture was different, she moved and swayed her body like a proper model. Just the previous day, she was timid and gentle but the woman in front of her was someone else.

 Nervousness plastered around Raven's oval head. A good response seemed to escape from her lips, she was star struck debating on the perfect reply. A mental note reminded her it was all a dream—she had control over what was going on.

"NOT A DREAM. FOCUS".

The mysterious voice sang through her head.

"What do you mean Tess?" She asked trying not to display any emotion.

Pausing briefly, Tessa replied. "Never mind." 

Eager to ease the tension Raven spat. "What exactly do you want Tess? Get to the chase".

"Your interview's today." Her reply came quick.

Raven realized she was supposed to have an interview later that day. Fred had helped her get a job in a famous magazine company, despite the fact he wanted her to join the winery business. Raven was bent on becoming a writer.

"I totally forgot!" Jumping off her bed, she went over to her wardrobe. 

Tessa took a closer look at her.

"You were really excited about the job yesterday". 

Irritated and pissed off, she yelled. "Stop the interrogation Tess!" 

Tessa ignored her, eyeing the room once again—the framed poem written by Raven held her gaze. It was a poem about her insecurities, she chuckled thinking of how many people would kill to have her life.

"I need my privacy!"  Raven's voice brought her back to reality.  A little smile spread across her face as she walked out of the room quietly.

Raven didn't want any other person questioning her. Hunting for the right outfit added to the moment of irritation.

 She rolled her eyes after sighting the tenth outfit—none of the old and rumpled clothes were pleasing to the eyes. She couldn't believe she wore the rags she was starring at. 

Her eyes beamed in joy after spotting a decent dress, her aunt had purchased the dress it in Paris.

Dashing into her bathroom, she examined it carefully. The tub and towels were dry. The medicine cabinet above the sink had a mirrored door and behind it were over-the-counter-analgesics, and toothpaste, tampons, dental floss and shampoo. 

Simplicity was her nature before she became a model, her mother had purchased everything. The thought of her mother suddenly disgusted her. 

She grabbed her brush and went over to the sink that was a little too short for five-eleven height. Her reflection stared back at her—pore-less and rosy skin.

Her eyes twitched, suddenly snapping her out of her thoughts. Spending time with her father was her mission—nothing else mattered.

Showering didn't take time, she slipped into the dress, packing her raven colored hair in a ponytail . The sudden sound of her stomach made her eyes roll. She needed to eat breakfast. 

Wasn't eating in a dream a bad thing?

"FOCUS RAVEN".

The alarming yet comforting voice lingered through her head.

She darted out of her room in haste—eyeing the house like a student in a museum. Her father's voice brought a smile to her face making the dimple in her chin more visible. He was isolated in the dinning room with Mrs. Potts.

It was highly convenient for Raven, since the rest of the family weren't there. Her eyes dropped down to her father's plate, the melted cheese couldn't cover her dislike for broccoli. 

"Mrs. Potts, get me some eggs with avocado and do add some veggies, " She uttered and Fred raised his straight eye brows.

"You've always had a big appetite princess. Why the sudden change?" The breakfast Raven had requested for was absurd. 

She became unsettled, her hand travelled to her hair brushing it downwards. She forgot she wasn't a model at the moment, it was a part of her life. Her huge appetite was long gone.

"Why so quiet princess? Feeling okay?" He questioned, glaring perkily at his daughter.

"N...nothing dad. I'm not so hungry".

Fred had more questions. She was acting awfully strange.

"Dad..." Raven voiced out interrupting his thoughts. Fred raised his brows in reply and she watched as Mrs. Potts journeyed to the kitchen before spilling her thoughts.

"Well...I was wondering if we could spend the day together. After my interview of course."

Fred stared at his daughter closely—with a smile plastered across his face he replied. "Anything for you princess." 

Adjusting his glasses he continued. "Remember the date we spoke about? Arrangements have been made, he's a fine man princess."

Raven hated the idea of a blind date—deciding to play along she smiled.

"I promised you didn't I?" 

Fred watched as his daughter walked further from him, she was different no doubt—her attitude was somewhat strange.  

His thoughts made him oblivious of Tessa's presence—snapping out of it, he glanced at her. His lips formed into a frown as he carefully watched her. He had never seen someone chew so slowly and sadly.

****

The weather was beautiful outside, a web of clouds, back-lit by the failing sun, mist billowed through the trees and over the fields and hung low in the air, masking the place in a ghostly gray. It gave her the peace she was longing for.

Taking her car wasn't a choice for her, she needed to breathe—enjoy her time out as a normal person. 

It was awkward going out of the house—with no paparazzi following her from behind, no bodyguards. Attention wasn't bowing to her. She enjoyed fame, but a break was needed from the toxic life. 

The thought of her reality lingered through her mind. If it was all real, she should be in a coma. 

Was anyone worried about her?

A chuckle escaped her lips as the thought of the possible headlines dawdled in her mind—an attempted suicide perhaps?

Mind focused on the mysterious voice. Why was it helping her?

She believed she didn't deserve compassion.

Her imaginations were cut short after coming in contact with a strong body.

Falling straight to the floor, she groaned in pain.

Angrily, she got on her feet. Gazing at the figure in front of her. Her eyes widened as she saw who it was. His appreciative gaze traveling along her ample curve.

She couldn't believe her luck, he looked a bit younger—his bald shinning in its full glory. 

It was Simeon, he was bent hill on transforming her to a model around that period.

"Are you following me?”  

Grinning he replied,”Sorry about that darling.”

Staring at the beauty in his presence, he gave a faint smile, she was exactly what he was searching for.

"What do you want?" 

"You already know what I want darling. I can transform you to a super model.” He enthused—eyes sparkling.

"My answer remains the same. A big no".

Her words came out ruthlessly. She felt sorry for him, he was an amazing person-she had to put on a show.

Walking out on him, with her head up high, she felt his burning gaze.

Muttering under her breath.”He isn't a quitter.”

*****