ELLIOT'S POVOnce more, I clicked on the folder where her pictures were cached on Instagram. I looked at each one, studying the expressions on her face, the background, and everything. Seldom had I seen a more beautiful woman than Zora. Her features were almost too perfect. It wasn't a wonder she was one of the top models in the world. There was a picture of her in a sundress, at the beach, with a straw hat on. The picture spoke to me. It was obviously taken with a phone camera. It was not professionally edited, but it was beautiful nonetheless. In the picture, the sun fell on her delicate porcelain skin. Her cheeks were flushed either with heat or exertion.Her long, dark hair fell in waves down her back. Her pink lips were curved into a half smile. What struck me most were those big brown eyes. There was an expression in them that seemed to say that they defied the world. I zoomed the picture. Her eyes were warm here. They had definitely not been warm when they had been looking a
ZORA'S POVI was dressing up the kids. Dressing up in my household involved laying out different articles of clothing, assisting the kids to dress, and then spending the rest of the time trying to keep their clothes properly on. They both could decide to use the restroom multiple times and in the process wrongly button up their shirts, leave their zippers half closed and in the case of Freya, muss the hair I had so painstakingly combed and styled. I was currently at the first stage now, that of laying out the clothes they were to wear. It was another weekend. Finn and Freya were the ones who had woken me up this morning, all giddy with excitement. Not content with shaking me awake, Finn had climbed on a stool and thrown the curtains open, letting in the bright, morning sunlight. During the week, Finn had made me promise to take him and his twin out. I had had a hectic week, hectic in more ways than one, what with meeting up with my modeling appointments and the whole contract canc
ZORA'S POV"Ms. Walters? Could you please respond to the questions?" asked the first reporter. There was a note of impatience in his voice and I could not resist shooting a glare at him. The nerve of these people! To act like I owed them anything. But I had long since learned that it was the way of the world and the price I had to pay for fame. That did not mean I liked it though. I felt hands clutch my trousers and at first I was startled, thinking one of these news hawks had gotten the audacity to physically restrain me. But it was only Freya, who looked so small and frightened. She met my eyes and held me even tighter. A camera went off with a flash right in her eyes. She slunk back and tried her best to hide her face in my shirt. Finn stood beside me, staring at the people expressionlessly. Apparently, he was unmoved by the whole scene. I knew he was affected by it as we all were, by the way he grasped my hand. As I got over my surprise, I began to look for a means of escape.
ZORA'S POVI walked into my office with Cheryl close behind me. I settled down before turning to her. "So, what am I to do today?" I inquired. After a glance at her iPad, she said, "There isn't very much to do today. All you have on your schedule is two commercials. That's all.""That's all?" I echoed, both relieved and surprised. Cheryl nodded. Since I had moved here, today was the least tasking day I had had. Coming to work these days almost literally meant working non-stop with little breaks in between. Having just two commercials meant I could go home on time, spend time with my kids, and also rest a little, considering the fact that my Saturday was stressful in more ways than one. "When exactly am I due for the commercials?" I asked Cheryl. "You have one by noon and the other...they requested that you tell them when it would be convenient for you."I thought for a moment. "Tell them I will be free by... 1 pm I should be done with the first commercial before that time."Havi
ZORA'S POVAfter a wait of about fifteen minutes, the petite secretary of Sleek and Chic who had ushered us in, made a second appearance. I was almost half out of my seat, thinking it was Elliot. Seeing it was only her, I gave a disappointed sigh and sat back down. "Is he going to be much longer?" I asked tersely with a pointed stare at my watch. She smiled apologetically. "I am so sorry about the delay, Ms Walter. I just came to tell you that he said he would be with you shortly. So, please exercise a little more patience."I turned away with a disgruntled sniff. The wait was already fraying my already-stretched nerves. "Can I get you both something while you wait?" she asked. I made no reply. I shifted uneasily in my seat."Nothing, thanks," Cheryl replied. The girl nodded and left. I looked at the gleaming leather desk, in front of which Elliot was to sit in a few minutes. I caught sight of my face on its surface and realized that I was frowning. I quickly did my best to scho
ZORA'S POVFinn held unusually still while I brushed his hair. He was better this morning, but I could still see the terror of last night lurking in his eyes. "Off you go now," I said as cheerfully as I could. "The driver will drop you off at school but I promise to come pick you up myself. Freya will join you at school tomorrow. Is that okay?"He nodded and glanced briefly at Freya who sat on the living room sofa looking a bit pale and wan. "Off you go, Finn," she said and waved her hand imperiously in the direction of the door. Finn rolled his eyes and shouldered his backpack. "Bye, Mum."I bent and he planted a kiss on my cheek. He was almost out the door when he hesitated, turned back, ruffled Freya's neatly combed hair, and ran outside before she could react. Freya smiled and looked fondly after him. It felt as though she wanted to go after him but couldn't. I was still worried about her and that was why I did not want her to go to school today. I wanted to take her to the
ZORA'S POV"Alright people... Ms. Walter, I think that is a wrap on the commercial for today," said the director. Quickly, I relaxed my rigid posture. There was a collective sigh of relief from the technical crew and the girls assisting me. The bright lights which were trained on me went off and I stepped away from the backdrop which I had been standing against. A glance at my phone told me that the time was 5 pm already. I was supposed to have finished the commercial at Sleek and Chic about an hour ago but the director had taken a lot of time and had kept me filming scenes until he was satisfied. I was so tired and I could not wait to start heading home."Great work, Ms. Zora," the director said, a man with a lot of nervous energy. "It's been a pleasure working with you today.""Likewise," I murmured. The director turned to a man who had been assisting him, who looked really tired. The director began speaking to him as they both headed out the door. "For the next commercial, see
ZORA'S POVAs soon as I opened my eyes the next morning, I knew I was in big trouble. My head was banging like crazy. It felt like the world's biggest band practice was going on there. Thankfully, the room was in darkness. The electric lights were off and the drapes were drawn. But even the little sunlight I could see from a tiny portion of the drapes sent waves of pain through my skull. I moaned softly and held my head in both hands as I struggled to remember what had happened last night, and how I had ended up in this pitiable condition. I remembered drinking, ordering for more drinks from the barman, and downing the drinks faster than he could pour them. Then I remembered trying to get to my feet, with the vague intention of somehow getting myself back home. I recalled that I had staggered and almost fallen. Strong hands had effortlessly held and kept me upright. The rest was blank. I looked around the room which was mine. I took in the familiar objects in it and muttered silen