Chương 7: Chapter 6 - First encounter
(A/N It's too much of a drag to research what was and what wasn't created around 2005-2006. So in terms of technology, everything will be as it is already in our world.)
Once the ending ceremony was over, the team assembled backstage to celebrate the success of the fashion show. The lead designer was more than pleased about the result and gave a few words of thanks and invited us to attend a small party he was throwing at the end of the day.
As I was about to take my leave, I was interrupted by the said lead designer, "Arthur! Leaving already?" Olivier, the lead designer, exclaimed loudly with open arms.
" Yeah, I, unfortunately, have to my friend your day might be over. But I still have 4 fashion shows to attend," I replied with a tired smile.
"Oh, but you'll be attending the party tonight, right?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world," I replied with a grin.
"Ok, then see you tonight!" He said while waving at me.
I waved back with a smile before taking my leave. I was one of the most popular male models in the industry. Everyone wanted me at their shows, as it meant more visibility for their best outfits. Being in the fashion industry for 5 years has helped me garner a significant following. Following that attracted most designers, as my simple presence at certain shows and parties brought extra media coverage. This welcomed fame brought bigger checks but also a lot more work.
As I stepped out of the building by the backdoor, a significant amount of flashes followed as I was bombarded by paparazzi taking pictures. I had to act cordially in these situations, as a model my job was to get as much media coverage to promote the brands that sponsored me. I simply gave them a small smile, put on some sunglasses to protect my eyes from the constant camera flashes and was promptly escorted to the car by Ben.
As I reached the safety of the car, I took my phone out checked my notifications. Noticing a missed call from my mother, I decided to call her while Ben drove me to the next venue.
The call didn't connect so I figured she was busy and left a text message instead.
While Ben was driving around the busy New York streets, my wondering mind kept thinking about the short vampire that attended the fashion show. 'I wonder what she was doing there? Was she there because of me? *Shaking my head at the ridiculous thought,* if I remember correctly, she likes fashion, that's all it is, I'm overthinking this whole thing.' I thought.
At the end of the second show, I noticed the same little lady seated on the front row clapping happily at the second performance. I thought that maybe she really liked fashion.
After the fourth show, I noticed the same presence the gracious little vampire was again seated on the front row. This time, giving a standing ovation as I had just finished my fourth performance of the day for a big brand named Yves Saint Laurent. At that point, I had some slight doubt at the reason she was at every one of my shows but convinced myself that she was probably obsessed with fashion.
But after the fifth, I was convinced she was there for me. I mean what could explain her presence at a solely male fashion show. No female clothes were displayed throughout the entire presentation. As I was closing the show with the other models, I kept my gaze trained on her, trying to figure her out, but all I got in return was an impish wink and a mysterious grin.
This confirmed my worries, as I didn't want to get entangled in any vampire drama. My parents are human and vegetarian or not, vampires are still a significant danger to them.
So as soon as the show was over, I had some quick words with the lead designer and left promptly. The same annoying paparazzi flashes unsued as I quickly made my way to the waiting car.
Once I reached my hotel, I took a long hot shower which helped me think clearly. I wasn't a helpless human, if anything were to ensue with this encounter I could simply deal with it. And if push comes to shove, I can transport my parents to some other world, like some rom-com movie or anything of the sort. That way, no danger would come to them.
Satisfied with my reflection, I dressed up for the high fashion party that would be packed with celebrities, models and millionaires from around the world and left in the direction of Balmain's after-show party.
[Clothes worn for the party]
As I arrived, I could clearly hear the loud music playing, as celebs and models alike were already entering the exclusive party. Some people tried sneaking in but were refused entry due to not having an invitation.
I didn't have to show any invitation since as soon as I set foot outside of the car, I was bombarded by camera flashes from the paparazzi surrounding the building.
I took some poses letting the paparazzi get some good pictures to get a paycheck before walking inside. The bouncer simply nodded in my direction and let me in.
(A/N For those questioning the level of fame of the Mc, just picture him as the male version of Gigi Hadid. So he's a model with such a large following that he's treated like some Hollywood celebrity. For those wondering why I made the Mc famous, it's simply for the money and because I'm currently reading 'My Hollywood System' and got inspired by the main character's life in that fanfic.)
Once inside, I immediately looked for the food station. In these types of events, there is always a buffet placed for the attendees and after a long day of work, I was famished.
As I was filling my plate with the different exotic foods at the buffet, I was interrupted by Oliver who somehow managed to spot me through the crowded party.
"Arthur! I'm glad you could make it." He exclaimed happily.
" Oliver," I replied with a cordial smile, preventing the groan that almost escaped my lips.
"So, how was your day?" He asked.
"You know the usual, washing my hair and face like 10 times in a single day. So it can be restyled after each look." I said with a smile.
He gave a hearty laugh while patting my back as we kept having small talk for a couple of minutes.
Oliver was in his late thirties but acted like a teenager. Our conversation would always gravitate toward two main subjects, either business or girls.
Today was the latter, we were currently seated at a table on an interior balcony overlooking the dancing crowd. The dancers ranged from top models and celebrities to simple millionaires. "So, anyone caught your eyes?" He asked.
I kept observing the crowd, and indeed a couple of women were to my liking but just as I was about to respond a tiny raven-haired woman walked through the entrance. The woman wore a short black dress, showing her smooth porcelain-like legs. Her golden eyes practically glowed in the dimmed lights of the party. She looked up in my direction and gave me a small smile before heading for the bar and taking a seat.
[Alice's outfit]
"Yes, you could say that," I said.
He seemed to have spotted someone in the crowd as well. He waved to a blonde woman, who was shaking her hips to the music an acquaintance perhaps. The woman noticed him and signalled for him to come dance, an offer he was eager to accept. As he barely gave me any parting word and rushed downstairs to the dance floor.
Looking toward the bar, I noticed the tiny vampire was nowhere in sight, just as I was about to start looking for her. A bell-like voice chimed behind me, "Hi! Is this seat taken?" The voice owner, I recognized as Alice asked.
"Not at all, as I might have just been stood up for a girl," I said while pointing to Oliver, who was already dancing with the blonde bombshell.
"You might? It seems to me that your friend completely ditched you." She commented back with a snicker. "You won't mind me keeping you company then?" She asked seductively.
"Oh, you're pretty pretentious? Who said I needed company in the first place?" I asked with a slight smirk.
"I did!" She replied cheekily and took a seat at the balcony table overlooking the partying crowd.
"I think introductions are in order. My name is Arthur Leroy," I said, fully turning toward the short vampire seated at my table.
" Alice Cullen," she replied in an excited tone while stretching her hand in my direction.
Taking her hand in mine, I approached the outstretched hand to my lips and planted a light kiss on her knuckles. Her hands weren't as cold as I had expected, they were slightly colder than any human's but not noticeably so. I would place them at a comfortable room temperature cold, like a marble kitchen counter.
Without letting go of her hand, I proceeded to ask the question that had been on my mind since I saw her walk into the party. "Are you stalking me, Miss Cullen?"
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