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Somebody That I Used To Know; Het, James fic, drama/romance
Topic Started: December 16, 2011, 2:04 am (14,463 Views)
Some_Kind_Of_Monster
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☠ (R.I.P) † Return Is Possible †
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As usual details are awesome! Just perfect.
I don't blame Jason to come and see Kat if the love is so strong for her that the wife has issues (Judy fuck off). The only thing I missed, since you spoiled me with such good writting, was the stalker at the fashion week, I wanted something creepy :lol:
When it goes to James I get the feel her heart will be happy to see him :D

You need to write an update, again :heart:
Edited by Some_Kind_Of_Monster, February 12, 2012, 8:55 am.
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Scorpion Flower
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Outlaw Torn
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Good descriptions as usual. :) I was also expecting something to happen related to the stalker, but I still loved this anyway.

Judy calling...well, she's a jealous wife, though I don't think I would call a woman even if I was that jealous, still, I understand her point. Then her admitting to Kat that Jason loved her...UGH!!!! SO CUTE! Man...I truly root for Jason in this, he's the one that has been by her side all the time, so I want her to be in love with him and caring.
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Voxx
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Some Kind Of Monster
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Thanks ladies! :heart:

Just remember, fashion week isn't over yet! Part two of the chapter is yet to come (at some point, if I can write the damn ending :lol: ) There is still the Chanel show. Anything can happen... :rolleyes: :biggrin

And yeah, Judy needs to lay off of it a bit. But isn't it interesting how her description of her marriage with Jason is slightly different than Jason's... Those two definitely have some problems they need to sort out.

@Fiometal...ah yes Tony Ward. He is indeed a real model who dated Madonna in the 90s and appeared in her sex book. He likes to be naked and sleep around :lol: I thought he would be a good choice for Kat to have done a risque shoot with.

I've got a busy week ahead of me (two papers and two midterms for school :ugh: ) and I've got this work obligation I need to deal with. But hopefully, I will be able to finish the damn ending soon! Thanks again :)
Edited by Voxx, February 12, 2012, 4:47 pm.
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Scorpion Flower
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Couples ALWAYS define their relationship differently:) Looking forward for the next update.
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Metalicious
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Blackened
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Just finished this in one go... you've done the unthinkable - you made me like Jason.

I don't like Jason. I really don't. I've always thought he was bratty and overly dramatic, but I am totally rooting for him in your fic! Brilliantly done. Looking forward to more. :biggrin
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Lilith
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Jaimelicious

Uh, what I'd give to be at Fashion Week in Paris. Loved the descriptions, one can imagine everything. :) Judy certainly looked bad lashing out at Kat. :ugh:
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Voxx
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Some Kind Of Monster
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Hey ladies! Good news! I finished the stupid ending to the chapter. I can't keep obsessing over it, so I'm posting it as is. If I for some reason am able to think of something better, I'll just edit it :lol:

Now, I have a confession to make. This is the longest chapter yet and I hope it doesn't bore you all to tears. But the truth is, fashion is actually one of my loves and Karl Lagerfeld is one of my favourite designers (unfortunately, I'm way too poor to be able to wear his beautiful clothes, but one can dream right? :) ) A note about the clothes I talk about... I hate 80s fashion. So I chose dresses from 09 and '10 collections. The good thing about Chanel is that their clothes tend to be very classic and aren't too dated by the time they were made. So I think it works. It's just a little bit of... a lie :)

I've posted (under the spoiler for those interested!) pictures of four dresses I describe because there is no way I can do them justice with words. I also posted a photo of of Chanel show in the Grand Palais, which is where I ultimately decided to have the show I describe. And finally, I decided to share what I picture Kat as looking like in my head. The only difference is that I picture her with green eyes, not brown.

@Metalicious: I am going to take that as a complement!! Thank you so much for reading! I really appreciate it! :heart: :heart:

Spoiler: click to toggle


Again, I know it's long. I apologized! But please enjoy! :)




Chapter 26 Continued

I awoke the next morning with a slight headache from the previous night's drinking. However, it was nothing a little Tylenol wouldn't fix. Dahlia, on the other hand, was feeling a little less than stellar this morning. In fact, it was her groaning in bed next to me that had woke me up before the alarm. But it was fine because the alarm was due to go off at any moment. In order to save her some pain, I reached beside the bed for my clock and switched the alarm off. Dahlia was hurting a little more than me because she had drank twice as much alcohol as I had last night, so I was sure she was feeling twice as bad.

I rolled over and gave her a poke in the back. "Wake up sleeping beauty. We have to get going soon or I'll be late and in some serious shit with Helmut".

I smiled at the ceiling as Dahlia groaned even louder, mumbling into her pillow in protest. The sound was too muffled, so I didn't hear a thing she said, but I could only imagine that she was cursing me up and down. I pulled back the covers and jumped out of bed, full of excitement and energy for the show despite my slight headache. I had pulled the covers back enough that Dahlia became exposed to the chilled morning air and she squealed in protest, bolting upright to grab the covers and pull them back around her. But she had no sooner done this than let another loud moan as the quick movements had shook her already pounding head jarringly.

I grabbed a hold of the covers and gave them another yank, smiling, as I stood over the bed. She held on tight though and they didn't budge, a clear indication that she had no intention of getting out of bed anytime soon.

"Dahlia! Get in the shower or we'll be late. It will do you good too, probably sober you up a bit and help with that headache" I teased her. She gave one last groan of protest, but she complied and slipped out of bed, shuffling into the bathroom in silence. A few seconds later I heard the sound of the shower turn on.

I wouldn't be able to shower this morning because I would be having my hair styled. As a general rule, the hair stylists preferred that the models didn’t wash their hair the day of a show because the extra oils helped to hold the hair in place and make it easier to work with. Freshly washed hair tended to be too silky and too fluid and didn't hold all that well. Plus, the stylists had many models to get through before the show. They didn't have time to be fighting with everyone's hair. They needed everything to run smoothly so that the show started on time, otherwise they would have an angry designer on their hands.

I walked over to my wardrobe to both get dressed and choose a dress to change into for the after party that I was required to attend. Unfortunately, Dahlia would not be attending it with me because she would be on her way to Charles de Gaul airport to catch her flight to Montreal. I had to admit that I was slightly disappointed that she wouldn’t be able to join me. Without her, I probably wouldn't have anywhere near as much fun.

I sorted through the hangers in my closet, pausing on a few dresses, but then ultimately deciding I should wear a Chanel dress to the after party. It would be the politically correct thing to do. I could only imagine if I showed up in Valentino or even worse, Christian Dior, considering that Helmut knew they were courting me.

I ended up choosing a stunning Karl Lagerfeld haute couture creation that he had made for me personally this past summer. However, I had not had the perfect opportunity to wear it yet. It was a simple white Grecian inspired floor length strapless satin gown. It was slim silhouette, but still loose and flowing, and the top was encrusted with silver jewels and beadwork. It was so ornate that would not need a necklace. And hey, who says you can't wear white after Labour Day. I knew it would make Karl happy when he saw me wearing it. I put it into a garment bag and then I chose silver heels and several large, chunky sterling silver cuffs to pair it with. I put those in the garment bag too and then zipped it up.

The outfit I chose to wear to the show was a little more casual. I chose leather leggings and a long white loose fitting white blouse that I paired with a charcoal grey cable-knit cardigan and then I belted the whole ensemble. I decided to complete the look with knee high boots that had a comfortable two inch heel. It was day time, so I didn’t need to go all out with the heels.

I pulled my hair up into a knot on top of my head and then went into the bathroom as Dahlia was coming out. I quickly washed my face and then moisturized it, took two Tylenol for my headache and then finishing my quick morning routine by brushing my teeth. When was I was finished I came out to find Dahlia dressed, her wet hair pulled back into a tight bun on top of her head, and ready to go. I grabbed my garment bag and purse and then we left, hailing a cab in the street.

This time, instead of going to the Carousel du Louvre, we were going to the Grand Palais des Champs Elysees. It was important to Karl that he be different than everyone else. If everyone was having their shows at the Carousel du Louvre, well then goddamnit, he was going to have his show somewhere else that was even more spectacular and beautiful. Personally, I thought he picked a better location anyways. The Grand Palais was simply gorgeous with its domed glass roof that let in a lot of natural light. I knew the show would look amazing underneath it.

The cab arrived about twenty minutes after we got in it. When we pulled up there was a throng of press waiting outside to catch models, designers and anyone who was anyone as they arrived. There was always a lot of pushing and shoving as they all snarled like wolves at each other, each of them wanting to get the best photo or the most scandalous comment. It was always a competition between them and I was continuously amazed at how the throng would be quiet and unmoving while the car was still far enough away that they didn't know if it would pull up to where they were. But when it became clear there was a person of interest inside, the horde would suddenly come alive, snapping like a great beast, a leviathan of pure evil with the intent of destroying its prey. I can honestly say that I hated the press.

We got out of the cab and the press waiting outside started to snap photos as we walked up the stairs. The all started to shout at me in one voice and ask me questions all at once. I tried to ignore them, I generally didn't respond to the press when they swarmed me like this, but when I finally registered what they were asking me, I almost missed a step and stumbled. Dahlia was there beside me though and she grabbed my arm, leading me towards the doors with a surety I could trust. The press continued their assault, closing in around us, attempting to cut off the escape route that was the front doors. I felt a little light headed as the questions were spat at me, continuously, and I couldn't help but feel like I was caught in an artillery fire with the no end in sight.

We were finally able to reach the doors, mostly thanks to Dahlia's determination to get inside. Once there, I had to show some ID to the security team at the doors before we could go in. The security guard looked at my ID and then smiled at me almost sympathetically while the press continued to take photos like mad men and hurl questions at me, almost like they were insults.

"Ms. Plushenko, is it true that you dated two men from one of the most notoriously womanizing bands in rock and roll?" one of the shouted at me like a rabid dog, gnashing his teeth, pen and paper ready to scribble down my answer. I turned my face away from him and ignored him the best I could, only to be harassed by someone on my other side.

"Katerina! Is it true that you broke up with James Hetfield because you were pregnant and he didn't want it?" another asked me while their camera went off in my face. The flashing light blinded me for a few seconds, but I felt Dahlia grip my arm and pull me through the doors. I followed her blindly but thankfully, a little dazed and completely shocked by the reporter’s question.

"Katerina! Is Jason Newsted going to divorce his wife for you?" I heard one last reporter call to me as the doors closed firmly behind us. But, because they were made of glass, the cameras continued to their assault, flashing away completely undeterred by the barrier in between them and their prey. Dahlia's grip on my arm tightened and she dragged me further inside and then pulled me around a corner.

"What the hell was that all about?" she asked, more rhetorically, than to me personally. I could tell that she was angry about their questions and the way they had pretty much attacked us when we had gotten out of our cab. But I was still dazed from the questions and I couldn't seem to formulate any words to respond to her.

I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing came out, because I honestly couldn't think of how the press could possibly know about my past with Metallica. I just ended up shaking my head in response, looking at Dahlia with what I knew was something close to fear in my eyes. This was probably my worst nightmare come true. I had worked very hard to keep my past and personal life private and separate from my work. But now it had caught up with me and it appeared that it wasn’t going to go away any time soon. It almost felt like some kind of mini scandal. And maybe it was because I had a squeaky clean reputation.

I closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. There was nothing I could do about it now; I had to focus on the job I had to do today. Perhaps tomorrow I could sit down with Helmut and come up with a statement to release to the press. I just still couldn't figure out how they all knew, and especially about James. Jason, I could understand. But the press knowing about James was a real mystery.

"I can't worry about it now. I'll just deal with it later" I finally replied lamely.

I opened my eyes and then set off in the direction that I knew backstage was located. Dahlia and I hadn't gone far when Helmut came zooming out of a room and intercepted me.

"Nope, Katerina, don't go that way!" he said hurriedly as he grabbed my arm and garment bag and then began to steer me in the opposite direction towards hair and makeup. "Karl is a little bit upset right now. He thinks you're upstaging his big day. Let's just give him some time to calm down, shall we? He will get over it, don't you worry" Helmut told me as he pulled me into the room where hair and makeup was being done. Dahlia followed us closing the door.

I swallowed nervously at Helmut’s words. This was bad. I did not want Karl Lagerfeld to be pissed off with me, especially over something that wasn't exactly my fault.

Helmut deposited me into a chair and then snapped his fingers at one of the assistant stylists to get their attention. The assistant stylist thought they he wanted them to start working on my hair, but Helmut hissed at him angrily when he started to take it out of the bun on top of my head. "Not you! This is Katerina Plushenko. She's the face of Chanel. We want the head stylist to do her". The stylist immediately stepped back and apologized profusely before scurrying off to find the head stylist.

"Look Katerina, I think I owe you an apology for what's going on today" Helmut said to me as he came to stand behind me, looking into my eyes through our reflections in the mirror. His own handsome blue eyes mirrored the concern in my own.

I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously. "Why?" I asked him carefully.

I saw him swallow nervously, something that I had never seen him do before and I felt my stomach drop a little. A nervous Helmut was not a sight I wanted to see. He was usually so astute and sterile, a typical German personality. But I liked about him because I always knew what to expect from him. But this was different and a little scary.

"Well do you remember that interview you did with Vogue, that you said didn't end up going that well?" he asked me, testing my memory of that day.

I felt my face harden and turn into a mask of neutrality as I waited for him to continue. He knew I remembered it perfectly well. I had called to let him know how terribly it went and how the journalist had not been interested in Chanel or fashion in the slightest.

"Turns out she wasn't really from Vogue. She works for a tabloid. And her name isn't even Laura. She had been contacted about someone from your past who gave her a few tips about you. She then called me, posing as a columnist from Vogue named Laura, who really is a columnist at Vogue, asking to do an interview with you. We've been so busy getting ready for today that I didn't really check out her background as well as I normally do. I believed her when she said she was from Vogue and I granted her the interview. Her story was printed today. She probably waited until the Chanel show to cause an even bigger stir" Helmut confessed to me and I could already hear the apology in his tone.

I tried my best to not let the anger show on my face, but I could see it creeping stealthily into my eyes. It really wasn't Helmut’s fault. I didn't blame him. However, I wanted to know who this mysterious person from my past was because I was going to their ass when I found out. Not to mention if I ever saw this Laura, or not Laura, chick again, I'd kick her ass too.

"It's not your fault Helmut. We'll deal with it tomorrow. Let's not ruin Karl's day by addressing it now" I said to him. He nodded in agreement and then gave my shoulders a squeeze as the head stylist showed up to do my hair and makeup.

"Well I'll leave you to it" he said to me. "Come on dear, let's go have a drink" he said to Dahlia, linking his arm through hers and leading her off in the direction of refreshments. She gave me a weak smile of encouragement and then followed Helmut out of the room.

I was in the hair and makeup chair for close to three hours as the stylist blew out my hair and then styled it into a sleek pony tail. He then braided the top of the ponytail in a complex braid I had never seen before, before letting the ends out to flow like a normal ponytail. The braid was stunning and looked like it had been modelled after the way horse's tails are braided for equestrian competitions. He then proceeded to do my makeup. Everything about the makeup was natural and subdued except for the eye shadow, which was intense and added a pop of dramatic colour.

While I sat in the makeup chair one of Helmut's assistants came by with a copy of the tabloid that had printed the story. I flipped through it and read it all very carefully. I tended to avoid reading tabloid garbage, because the content was generally never true. But this time, I wanted to know what had been printed. Basically she had written about what she asked me; though she had manipulated the majority of my answers, probably to conform with the information her contact at given her. She even offered a few speculations of her own about my past, including the pregnancy thing with James. Almost everything she had printed was false. The only things that were true were that I had lived with Jason in San Francisco and that I had dated James for a short time. I tossed the magazine down and shook my head in disgust. But there was nothing I could do about it now.

When the stylist was finished, I made my way over to where all the models were getting dressed. The show was due to begin in twenty minutes, so I had to get dressed fast and then find my shoes. As usual, the dressing area was chaotic. Most of the girls were in states of being half dressed, waiting for the rest of their garments to be found or the fit adjusted. Seamstresses hurried about with needles and thread to fix the fit of some garments, while others ran by with scissors to clip stray threads. I found my garments and quickly stripped out of my clothes, including my bra, and pulled on my first outfit. Wearing bras on the runway was a big faux pas. Why I have no idea. It just was. I was wearing a total of three looks in this particular show and I was both opening and closing the show, so I needed to hurry.
The first garment I put on was a beautiful white sheer, floor length dress. It had strategically placed white lace flowers across the front and down the dress to protect my modesty. The middle of the dress had a higher concentration of white lace flowers. As with this entire collection, it was haute couture. I then slipped into my heels just as Karl Lagerfeld came by to inspect all of the models and make sure his garments looked perfect. The theme of this particular collection was black and white and it was absolutely stunning; one of the best collections I had seen to date by any designer.

He stopped in front of me, giving me what I assumed was an appraising look. But I couldn't really tell because of his trademark sunglasses. He leaned forward and embraced me warmly and when he did this, I realized I had been nervous and that I was now relieved that he wasn't angry with me over the press this morning.

"Katerina, you look stunning as usual. Let's have a good show, yes?".

I smiled and nodded at him, not trusting myself to speak at that moment without a shaky voice. He took a hold of my hand and walked me to the front of the line up. Several of the girls smiled at me in greeting and I returned their smiles, the rest gave me cold stares, still hating me for rising to the top so quickly. Helmut stood nearby, list in hand and ready to direct the girls as they came off the catwalk to get changed into their next look. The music started indicating that show was going to start.

"Ready?" Helmut asked me.

"Yes" I replied. And I was. My body was buzzing with excitement and I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as it always did before I walked in a show.

"Okay, go" Helmut directed me and I walked out from behind the screen and onto the catwalk.

The catwalk was a little unorthodox, but creative and different. It was a glassy, black surface and a little slippery, but I was able to keep my balance as I walked gracefully down the length of it. Three quarters of the way down the runway there was a large white structure with a door way that we had to walk through and then continue down to the end of the runway before walking back down the length on the opposite side that we walked down, and then back behind the screen. All in all, it was about forty seconds that I was out there. I was able to keep my face neutral and composed as the press snapped blinding photos and major fashion critics scrutinized both me and the garment, scribbling notes furiously in their notebooks. I didn't allow myself to look around and see who was in the audience. I looked straight ahead and did my job, and did it well.

I ducked back behind the screen and then hurried off to change into the next garment. There were people standing by, ready to help me change as quickly as possible. I threw my arms up over my head and while one assistant undid the back of the dress, the other quickly pulled it up over my head, careful to avoid my face and hair. I then stepped into the next dress that another assistant was holding open and ready for me. It was Karl's modern take on the little black dress that Coco Chanel had forever immortalized as being a staple in a woman's wardrobe. This one was a sequined number, knee length; with a structured shoulder and a capped sleeve. I stepped into it quickly and then one of the assistants zipped it up expertly. I smiled my appreciation and then hurried back over to Helmut in my four inch heels, no easy task let me tell you.

I waited for the last four girls to go ahead of me and then Helmut sent me out for the second I time. I made the second loop just as gracefully and composed as the first one. However, when I ducked back behind the screen to change into the last outfit, I had a strange thought.

What if my stalker had called the tabloid journalist with tips from my past? They obviously knew enough about me to know about the photos in my parent's house. The thought made me queasy and I stumbled in my heels as I reached my rack of clothes. The assistants didn't seem to notice, or maybe they didn't care. The unzipped my dress and I shimmied it down my hips with their help until it fell to the floor. I stepped out of it and then into the last garment for the show. It was a beautiful white silk organza evening gown. It was cut into a mermaid style and had three distinct sections, each section separated by a black band of fabric. The bottom part was wispy and flowed away from the body to make the mermaid shape, the middle section was ruffled and the top section was similar to the bottom. It was a gorgeous gown, a definite show stopper. I just hoped that I would be able to keep my composure while I walked the runway with it on. I was starting to freak myself out as I thought about the very real possibility of my stalker having contacted the press. What would the point in that be? What were they trying to accomplish, other than scaring me, because that was working.

I stumbled over to where Helmut was waiting for me. He gave me a puzzled look as he looked at my face.

"Kat, fix your face darling. Be pretty, not scared".

I nodded at him and then gave my head a shake. He signalled for me to go out. Thankfully, my face naturally fell into his neutral mask as I walked down the runway for the last time.

Don't think anything. Don't think at all.

The camera flashes helped me to keep focused on the task at hand, as did the slickness of the floor. I had to concentrate to make sure I didn't slip and fall in my four inch heels. I completed the circuit and then all but dashed back behind the screen. I saw Karl approaching me smiling. He gave me a warm kiss on the cheek as the models began the last walk around all together now.

"You were lovely darling" he complemented me.

"Thank you" I said accepting his complement graciously because they were so rare. He took a hold of my hand and we walked out together. The models were walking ahead of us, clapping, as did the audience. They gave him a standing ovation. When we got to the end of the runway Karl waved and took a bow before retaking my hand and turning to walk back down the runway. When we were all safely behind the screen he began to congratulate and give kisses to his favourite girls. I slipped away to go get changed.

I walked back to my rack of clothes and slipped out of the beautiful gown, handing it back to one of the design assistants. I put my clothes back on and then went back to hair and makeup where Helmut had hung my garment bag. Generally, there was champagne and a small party backstage after a fashion show, but I tended to avoid these. I wanted to take my time getting dressed for tonight.

I found my garment bag easily enough, but decided to do my hair and makeup first. I found a bathroom and washed off the runway makeup. When it was all gone, I went back into the makeup room and reapplied some makeup, but to my own taste. I kept it simple, natural and not over the top. When I was satisfied, I let my hair down. I brushed it out a bit and then took a curling iron to it, giving myself soft, feminine waves that were reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. When my hair was done, I stripped down to my panties and then carefully put the dress I had brought on. The dress, because it was strapless, could not be worn with a bra. I put the shoes I had brought on and then the silver cuffs. My other clothes and boots I zipped back up into the garment bag I had brought. I then folded it over my arm and went in search of Helmut’s assistant.

When I found her, I gave her my bag and asked her to see that it was returned to my apartment. I told her I had left a spare key on top of the door frame so that the intern (because let's face it, that is what interns do. They are never let to do anything that is actually important) could let them self in. I only asked that they return the key to where they found it because Jason would be in need of it when he arrived in Paris. We had arranged for him to find the key there. Helmut's assistant took the bag from me and promised that she would see it got home safely. I thanked her and then went in search of Karl.

I found him talking with some of the press that had been allowed backstage after the show. When he saw me in his dress he smiled and excused himself to come over and talk to me.

"I must say Katerina, that you look absolutely stunning".

I smiled broadly and gave him a mock curtsey. "It's the dress. It makes me look good. I have a brilliant designer to thank for that" I replied to him, playing his game.

"Shall we"". He smiled at me and then gave me his arm. I looped my hand through it and then followed him through the Grand Palais to the front doors, where I knew a limo would be waiting for us. I found Dahlia waiting at the doors for me.

"Excuse me a moment?" I asked him. He nodded and I let go of his arm to embrace Dahlia. She hugged me back warmly.

"I wish you didn't have to go" I told her truthfully. I loved having her here in Paris. She helped to keep me sane.

"I know. But like I said, I might be moving to Montreal. Nicholas and I will be discussing it more when I get there. If I do, you'll have to come visit me! Montreal is your home, so I won't take no for an answer" she answered me. I pulled back to look at her and was shocked to find that there was unshed tears glistening in her eyes.

"Oh my gosh! Dahlia why are you crying? What's wrong?? I exclaimed, concerned for her.

"Nothing! I'm fine! I swear! I'm just so overwhelmed. You were amazing today. You looked so beautiful. You look so beautiful now! I just can't believe how far you've come and how much you’re life has changed. I'm so proud of you" she said to me and I could hear how genuine she was in her tone.

I smiled and gave her another hug. "Thanks Dahlia. That means so much to me. You remember where the key is?". She nodded at me that she did. "Okay good. Say hi to the boys for me!" I begged her happily, even though I knew she would.

"I will. And you, call me if you need to talk about you know, James or Jason or this crap in the media. Promise?" she asked me.

"I will" I promised her. "Now go, or you will miss your flight!".

She hugged me one last time and then left through the front doors. I walked back to Karl and took his arm again while he spoke with several well wishers. When he was through, we finally went through the glass doors and outside, back into the angry mob of press that had grown even larger than from when I had come in.

We slowly and carefully made our way down the stairs. I held on tight to his arm for support because my heels were very high and I was a little unsteady due to the excessive camera flashing. The press shouted questions, some at me, many at Karl. He answered a few and joked with a few of the journalists he knew a little more personally. I did my best to ignore them and just keep upright. My mind had wandered back to my earlier revelation about my stalker. I was still freaking out inside. I just wanted to get to this damn party. I needed a drink to calm my nerves.

One of the cameras got particularly close to my face and I turned my head away as the flash almost sent me into a seizure (metaphorically speaking). I frowned, annoyed, but then something caught my eye. I craned my neck a little to try and see around the crowd of reporters, but there were too many, and I started to think that my eyes were playing tricks on me and I hadn’t seen what I thought I saw. But then, one of the reporters jumped forward to ask Karl a question about his collection and through the gap that she left I saw him, or what I presumed to be a him, again.

Tall, broad shouldered and well built. Obviously a man. He was dressed in black jeans, a leather jacket and a black hoodie, with the hood pulled up and covering his face. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and he slouched a little, almost like he was trying to disguise his true height. Despite this, I knew he was watching me. His body was squared to me and I could feel it. I could feel his gaze taking me in, roaming over my body and appraising me. It made my skin crawl in horror as I came to the conclusion that it was him. I could feel my heart rate increase tenfold and my palms started to sweat, even as I held onto Karl's arm. I almost became paralyzed with fear, but Karl's slow and steady pace kept me moving forward. But just as soon as I saw him, he was gone, as the crowd closed in around the gap made by the vacant reporter. I tried to crane my neck to catch a glimpse of him again, but to no avail. He was gone.

We finally made it down to the street and to the waiting limo that would whisk us away to the Chanel after party. The driver came around to the passenger side and opened it graciously for me, holding his hand out at the same time to help me in. I took his hand gratefully while I gathered my gown with my other hand. As I was climbing in I saw another man that surprised me and just about gave me a heart attack as we locked eyes.

He was standing slightly back from the media circus, so I could see him clearly. He was dressed in black jeans, black t-shirt and a leather coat; very similar to the hooded man I had just seen. His long blond hair and darkened slightly and looked browner than the last time I had seen him. He had also grown some facial hair and had it shaved into the handle bar style. It made him look about ten years older than his twenty-six years. His icy blue eyes though, they were the same. And they were staring straight into mine, cold and uncaring. I almost froze while I was in the process of climbing into the car, but my momentum kept me going and I slid right in. However, even seated I could still see him. His arms were crossed over his chest now and he watched me watching him. He didn’t wave, or smile or do anything. And I didn't know what to do either. The only thing I could do was slide over and let Karl climb in after me, which he did, when I finally did slide over.

The driver closed the door and James was gone from my sight. I sat in the limo, stunned into a silence that Karl didn't seem to notice as he chatted away happily to me about the show. I had enough sense to nod at the appropriate times and smile when needed, but for the most part, I was inanimate as I thought about seeing James for the first time since he had stormed out of my office in San Francisco. I remembered that the last thing that I had said to him was that I had fucked Jason and that I had said it to hurt him. The queasiness from earlier returned and it was all I could do to keep myself form throwing up from nerves in the back of the limo onto Karl Lagerfeld.

Mercifully we arrived at the L'Opera where Chanel was holding their after party. The driver came around and opened the door and we both slipped out, Karl far more gracefully than I had. It was like that man had no bones in his body, he just folded up and out on command. I took his arm again, endured another round of camera flashes in the face, and then finally made our way inside the beautiful historic building.

I spent the majority of the night at Karl's side, making small talk and laughing politely along with everyone else. I had grabbed a glass of champagne almost as soon as we had arrived to calm my nerves. I flitted about, socialized and played the part of the gracious host with Karl. But all the while at the back of my mind, there was James and the mysterious hooded man. I also knew that if James was here in Paris already, then so was Jason. I was anxious to leave and go see him. I stayed as long politeness required and then made my exit around midnight. When I told Karl I was leaving, he joked that I must be Cinderella, leaving at midnight before my carriage turned back into a pumpkin.

"Don't leave a glass slipper behind" he called to me, clearly drunk, as I waved goodbye to him, though it made me smile nonetheless.

I slipped outside, thankful to find that the press had dispersed and that I was alone. Since it was now mid-October, the air was chilly and my bare shoulders immediately registered the cool autumn air by puckering with goose bumps. I wrapped my arms around myself in an attempt to ward of the chill. However, I did find the cool air to be comforting and it helped me to clear my head of the jumble of thoughts bouncing around inside. It was like being wrapped in the arms of a familiar lover and I dropped my arms to embrace the feeling. I smiled a little to myself and decided to walk a few blocks before hailing a cab home. Perhaps while I walked I would be able to sort out my thoughts.

I started off in the general direction of my apartment, which was west. I had to bunch up my gown slightly so that I could walk properly without tripping over it. It was slow going in my four inch heels, because my feet were starting to go numb from wearing them all evening (beauty is pain, I reminded myself light-hardheartedly), but I was still happy to be alone with space to think.

I was walking along quite happily when I thought I heard something behind me. I strained my ears while I continued to walk. Yes. There it was. It was the sound of heavy footfalls behind me. The sound they generated on the pavement was slightly faster than the clacking of my own heels. I thought back to the mysterious hooded man outside the Gran Palais a little nervously and sped up my pace, though with some difficulty as my feet protested under me. Behind me, I heard the heavy footfalls increase in pace in response. To me, that made it apparent that I was being followed. My heart rate tripled as my fear started to take over. All of my instincts were telling me to run, to get the hell out of there! But my mind was telling me that if I ran, the person following me would run after me and I would lose. I was in four inch heels and I was sure the person following me was a man and he would be able to outrun me no problem.

Despite the cool evening air, I started to sweat as waves of fear began to crash over me, each one heightening my senses, each one sending me into a higher state of frenzied panic than the last. I felt my body start to shake a little as I listened to the footsteps that sounded even closer to me. I wanted to run. I needed to run. My body was screaming at me to run.

Fuck it.

I grabbed my gown with both hands and started to run down the sidewalk in a frenzy to get away from whoever was following me. But my mind was right. As soon as I started to run, I heard the footsteps behind me break out into a run. It didn't take them long to catch up to me. Within a few seconds of taking off I felt a strong, firm grip close around my arm, pulling me to a stop.

I opened my mouth and let out a blood-curdling scream, telling myself I would fight off my attacker, even to death. They spun me around and I prepared myself to punch, claw, kick and scream at them. However, what I saw wasn't what I expected. Instead of a black hooded figure, I saw long dirty blonde hair and piercing blue eyes staring at me in alarm. He immediately let go of my arm and took a step back, hands raised in the arm, showing me he meant no harm.

When I registered that it was James who had been following me, I nearly choked on my relief. I leaned forward, my adrenaline rush still coursing through my veins, my heart still racing and my body still trembling. I slowly sunk to the ground, crouching on the sidewalk, as I didn't think my shaking legs could support my weight. I had been on an emotional roller coaster all day and now it felt like it had run itself off of its tracks. I felt my emotions explode out of me and I began to sob deeply, my body shaking violently. I buried my face in my hands as I allowed myself to feel everything I had felt today all at once. I sobbed from fear, pain, grief, anger, anguish, happiness, sadness. I had felt them all throughout the day, but in this moment I felt them all at once and I was a complete wreck. While my violent sobs wracked my body, my breathing started to become laboured as I couldn't seem to get enough air. I felt like my throat was closing up. I started to take deep breaths, but I couldn't, because I couldn't stop crying.

I felt James kneel down in front of me and I felt the heat from his hands as he reached for me, his hands inches away from my skin. But he didn't touch me. I heard the sound of his leather coat rustling as he pulled his hands back.

"Kat, I didn't mean to scare you. Please don't cry" he begged me softly. "Shit" he whispered as I continued to cry uncontrollably. "Fuck. Kat, stop crying please, I can't deal with that shit! Fuck!" he shouted as I continue to sob.

He leaned forward and I could smell alcohol on his breath. It made me stand up suddenly, helping to bring me back to reality. He sobered my almost immediately and felt like a cold ice bath, helping to quell the heat of my fiery demons. I breathed out heavily, and closed my eyes while I backed up a few paces from him. I took a few more deep breaths and I was able to calm myself down, now that my brain was registering that I was safe.

I sniffed and swiped at my eyes before turning back to James. He was staring at me, shock plastered all over his face.

"What are you following me for?" I asked him angrily. "It's midnight for Christ's sake! How the hell did you even know I was here?".

I have to admit, this wasn't exactly the way I had imagine speaking to James for the first time after San Francisco. I had thought I would be calm and collected. I wouldn't be shouting or angry. But here we were, fighting after we were seeing each other for the first time in over a year and a half. It was poetic almost.

James opened his mouth and then closed it lamely, unable to speak. He just continued to look at me and I felt his eyes roaming over my body lustily.

I shook my head in disgust, tears flying off of my cheeks. "Whatever" I said to him disappointed.

I saw a cab turn around the corner, coming towards us. I stepped up the curb and raised my arm, calling it over. The driver pulled up the curb and I opened the door to climb inside to go home. If he wasn't going to talk to me, I wanted to go to bed. I didn't need this right now. I climbed inside and was about to close the door after me when James finally called to me.

"Kat, wait".

He was standing again, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans. He eyes were lowered and he wasn't looking at me.

"I have to go James. I'll see you tomorrow" I answered him sadly, but at the same time letting him know that I was indeed going to be at the Metallica show. I had decided as I said it that I was going to go. I wanted to know what he had been doing waiting for me all night.

I closed the door and gave the cab driver my address. He nodded in response and pulled away from the curb. I watched James through the window. He didn't raise eyes to watch the cab pull away. I can't say I was surprised.

When I finally arrived home I was exhausted. I had taken my heels off in the cab and I carried them in my hand as I wearily climbed the stairs to my apartment. I tried to the handle and found it unlocked as I had expected. I opened the door and let myself in, expecting to find Jason up and waiting for me.
Edited by Voxx, February 13, 2012, 7:19 pm.
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Scorpion Flower
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Outlaw Torn
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And I hope Jason is there waiting for her. :biggrin amd awake!!! I can't wait for them to have their thing.

I almost choked thinking it was not James following her and sighed in relief when it was, but that was kinda creepy. :lol: I understand him though, he didn't know how to aproach her.

Lovely written.
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Some_Kind_Of_Monster
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:bow Despite the cool evening air, I started to sweat as waves of fear began to crash over me, each one heightening my senses, each one sending me into a higher state of frenzied panic than the last. I felt my body start to shake a little as I listened to the footsteps that sounded even closer to me. I wanted to run. I needed to run. My body was screaming at me to run.


I was biting my nails reading it :o :ugh:
You are an amaizing writer, that inspires others to be better once or a writers at all :huggie:

Jesus woman!!! I want more.

:heart:
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CarpeDiemBaby
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:o wow! James, at last! :biggrin
Hope Jason could be in the house waiting for her :heart: :drool
I don't know but I think that the other man who was seeing her is Michael :ugh:

MORE PLEASE!!! :heart:
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Lilith
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Jaimelicious

Wow! I enjoyed all the detailing of the fashion shows. And loved every dress. Fashion is one of my passions too! :horns2

I still dunno if I should be relieved, I also don't think James is the stalker, although his first encounter with her was creepy and lame. Poor James, lol

Also here, waiting to see if something happens with Jason when she comes back home! :drool
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Voxx
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Thanks again for commenting ladies. You know that they are always appreciated and much loved :heart: I'll try and post the next update as soon as I can. I'll have a week and a half off from school very soon, so I'm hoping to maybe get a jump on a few chapters. Wish me luck! :)

@Scorpion Flower: I'm glad you found the last scene creepy. I tried my best, but I don't know if I'm cut out to be a horror writer :lol: And yes, Jason is indeed waiting for her inside. Whether or not they get up to anything, I can't say. You'll just have to wait and see.

@SKOM: Thank you so much! Your comment means so much. Jeeze, I never thought I would inspire someone. You truly flatter me :blush: I hope I can get more up soon for you! :heart:

@Fiometal: Yes, James at last! And I promise that they will talk and soon. I can't say how it will go though! And, I won't say too much about the stalker, because well, that would be no fun! :P But I can say that we will be finding out more about him shortly. Stay tuned!

@Alma: Thanks so much! I'm glad someone appreciated all the little details about the fashion show :lol: I love fashion, probably a little too much! Gosh, I hope that doesn't make me a snob! :lol: And yeah, first encounter was creepy and lame. But, she smelled alcohol on his breath. Maybe he was drunk because he didn't know how to face her?? Who knows :biggrin I do, obviously! They will have a proper encounter soon enough!

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tuesday's gone
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Sorry I neglected commenting for a while, though I read every update eagerly when it was posted.

so, I'll start from the end. I'm afraid that the person waiting for her in the apartment is not Jason. My guess would be the stalker :ugh:
Katerina is being a bit too carefree and reckless if you ask me. First, to decide to keep the stalker a secret, then to decide to walk home alone after she saw the suspected stalker watching her, then to enter her unlocked door without a second thought... I know that the meeting with James was a bit distracting, but still...

What I absolutely loved the most (and not meaning to diminish your hard work in painting a fashion show, which you did wonderfully by the way) was the description of James, his posture, and finally his eyes when they met hers - that moment was an absolute winner!

As pathetic as Judy's attempt may be, at least she knows what she wants and fights for it, which is not exactly something Katerina can say about herself. I find her "he's a married man" thoughts about Jason a bit self-delusional. If she is so determined about keeping away from him because "he's a married man" then there is no place for preserving their friendship on the same level it once was, because it was never really only a friendship.

To conclude, this element of mystery intertwined with the love triangle is very good! Good luck on your papers.
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Voxx
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February 15, 2012, 5:57 am
Sorry I neglected commenting for a while, though I read every update eagerly when it was posted.

so, I'll start from the end. I'm afraid that the person waiting for her in the apartment is not Jason. My guess would be the stalker :ugh:
Katerina is being a bit too carefree and reckless if you ask me. First, to decide to keep the stalker a secret, then to decide to walk home alone after she saw the suspected stalker watching her, then to enter her unlocked door without a second thought... I know that the meeting with James was a bit distracting, but still...

What I absolutely loved the most (and not meaning to diminish your hard work in painting a fashion show, which you did wonderfully by the way) was the description of James, his posture, and finally his eyes when they met hers - that moment was an absolute winner!

As pathetic as Judy's attempt may be, at least she knows what she wants and fights for it, which is not exactly something Katerina can say about herself. I find her "he's a married man" thoughts about Jason a bit self-delusional. If she is so determined about keeping away from him because "he's a married man" then there is no place for preserving their friendship on the same level it once was, because it was never really only a friendship.

To conclude, this element of mystery intertwined with the love triangle is very good! Good luck on your papers.
Thanks for the well wishes! Everything is due tomorrow so after that I'm home free (and home literally) for a week and a half for spring break!

You know when your characters do things that you just DON"T agree with but you can't make them do anything else!? Yeah, that's kind of my problem with Kat. I agree she is being very carefree about her potential problem. She's worried about it, but won't do anything about it. I can tell you, that will change, but it won't be because she wants it to change. I finally decided (today) how to make her deal with this very serious threat to his person.

For me, it's hard to completely hate Judy, because let's face it, Jason pulled a pretty dick move by lying about the identity of his roommate. So, I can kind of understand why she's so jealous, even if her jealous is slightly misguided and her anger isn't necessarily directed at the right person. And, you're right, if she loves him enough to fight for him, that's got to count for something right?

As for Kat and Jason...well I think it's time that she starts to confront her very real feelings for him. She's trying to take (what she thinks to be) the higher moral ground here, but she is certainly being naive if she thinks that everything is okay and "the same" so to speak, between them. Their relationship is going to drastically change in the next chapter. I won't say how, I will just say that it is. :)

Ps. I hope you update your fic soon! I miss it :) No pressure though!!
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CarpeDiemBaby
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