Aim High, Never Rest

“Wonderful job at the shoot today, Hannah” my makeup artist told me as she removed the work of art on my face.

My assistant handed me a jacket to put over my scantily clothed upper body. I stopped shivering to the air conditioning in this room and smiled brightly into the mirror.

Usually, I wouldn’t be in such a bright mood during photo shoots but today, I feel like I glowed in the presence of a camera.

Jordan’s departure was last week and it created a lot of drama. Maxine is the one creating the shit like it revolves around her. Her anger towards Kendall is just so unreasonable. He didn’t do anything wrong but she just gives him a lot of bullshit, throwing mean remarks at him when he got in her way or something.

Jordan’s departure forced Maxine to create a scene. The last few days, Maxine turned into a slut. She dressed in lingerie’s, short skirts without her usual leggings or panty hose to cover half her ass and legs. Half of her boobs are showing most of the time and it’s as if she embraced it. To me, she is just a stupid teenage girl turned rebellious.

She is angry that Jordan left, I understand but she is just so stupid to react like an attention whore due to the anger of her boyfriend’s leave in Palm Woods.

Her clothing and her sluttiness was the center of many topics recently, and I often dwell myself into the gossips.

Honestly, I might be doing it to boost up my self-esteem or something. But I like it. When other people are looked down on, it makes me feel better. When my imperfections are not the center of attention, part of my insecurities takes a back seat.

Viewing other people’s imperfections increases my self-esteem. I mean, who cares about my flobby belly when Maxine just turned into a slut? With everyone talking smack about her, I do not have time to worry about my ugly face without makeup on.

Besides Maxine’s increasing popularity amongst the residents, and possibly press, Carley became a rising star as the mean girl from South Air. I chase this show like my life depended on it for the past three years. Now, with someone I actually know as a new addition to the show, I feel more enjoyment watching it.

Carley and James are friends again which makes me happy. I remember giving James advice to get Carley smothered but he decided to back out last minute. He started thinking more of the Jordan situation and jealousy got the best of him, so he never made the attempt to make up with Carley. I don’t know what happened between them but they are friends again.

Another thing bothering me was Collin.

Two days ago, I returned to Palm Woods late after my shoot ran over time. Katie had returned home early because it was past her curfew so the hotel lobby was nearly emptied out. Collin was the only one there, sitting alone on the usually crowded sofa. His bleach blonde hair was a mess and the look of stress painted on his face.

I remember sitting beside him to asking what was wrong. He didn’t trust me at first but then after I reassured him, he told me about the growing tension between the band as his endless arguments with Maxine began to create a feud between all four of them. I didn’t say anything mean about Maxine, even if I was tempted to.

Then he told me about Carley. He, alike James, has a big-ass crush on the TV star. I mean Carley is very beautiful, I have to admit. Sometimes watching her lowers my self-esteem. It makes me think of how unattractive the girl in the mirror is.

He told me how he’s been acting like a dick to her and feeling very bad about it.

I find it so hilarious how Carley drove two infatuated guys into taking their anger out on her due to jealousy.

So wherever drama went, I made sure I was in on it. That was what kept me from passing out throughout the whole week. This week, I did not suffer from lack of sleep or create stress due to the overload of schedules. I managed my time well and Katie was great help.

Besides, in three hours, Carlos will be taking me out to ice skate. I can never forget that fact.

“Your makeup is removed, you may leave after getting dressed. Katie is waiting for you by the limo” the makeup artist informed me, pulling me out of my clouded head.

I smiled at her, legitimately before walking out to the dressing room. I quickly switched out of my sacred bra and panties, replacing my attire with my knee length blue dress with an expensive black colored jacket over it.

After I put on my heels, I walked out of the building and met Katie by the limo.

“How was the shoot today?” she asked.

I looked down at her lack of height and smiled at her.

“Never been better” I replied before getting in the limo.

She entered after me and closed the door behind.

She pulled out her magazine and opened it to my Baracuda campaign. I was in a gray backdrop with a set of golden, crystalized brassiere and panties. The heart-shaped perfume bottle in my hands glowed seductively at the viewers of this ad. I mean, they made me look like some kind of goddess, using my face to attract consumers to buying the product.

I can’t say that it wasn’t affective. Because since recruiting me as the new face of the female Baracuda line, their businesses had been more successful.

I can boost my self-esteem up with that thought.

“My mom also says she wants us both to meet her in our room when we return to Palm Woods” Katie informed.

I nodded and grinned. I can’t wait for the ice skating date with Carlos. Since the failed kiss at night of the Benny Bear movie, I feel like he might not ask me out again. But he did and I’m so glad he decided to give me another chance.

Hopefully this time won’t be a fail.

We returned to Palm Woods and the lobby is the usual on an afternoon. Kandi is nowhere to be found as always since she spends most of her time filming for Varsity Vampires 3. But it doesn’t make a difference to me anyways because we never really attended to our friendship lately. If I wasn’t attending to a photo shoot, she is filming. And totally vice versa.

We walked to 2J to be confronted by Katie and Kendall’s mom.

“Hey girls” she greeted.

“Hi Mrs. Knight”

“I’d like to talk to you two, Hannah specifically” she said, a little frown on her face.

“What’s wrong?”

“Just know that it’s nothing personal, Hannah”

“Okay”

“I don’t want Katie to manage you anymore” she announced.

“What?” we both stared at each other and then back at Mrs. Knight.

“I make money, lots of money!” Katie yelled.

Mrs. Knight shot her an apologetic look.

“I’ve seen the ads from Hannah’s shoot and I don’t find it appropriate that a ten year old should be involved in it”

It makes sense. I mean, I am posing half naked for most of my shoots and Katie is only ten. She should not be involved in my lack of clothing and the amount of seduction given to each advertisement.

“But mom—“

“Katie, listen to your mother, I think she is right” I said logically.

I think I mostly feel guilty that Mrs. Knight disapproves of the lifestyle that I’ve pulled Katie into. If I were a mother, that would totally be the case.

Katie turned from me and her mother with her shoulders slumped. She shot us one more evil glare before retreating to her room.

I looked at Mrs. Knight with an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry that I stole your agent away. But if you ever need help finding an agent, tell me what I can do to help”

“Thank you, Mrs. Knight, but I think I know what to do from here on. It’s not that hard to find an agent when your face is plastered everywhere in the Baracuda world”

Mrs. Knight smiled at me and we said our farewells. I ended up retreating to my room. Cassie was sitting in the living room with her gossip magazine on her lap. She eyed the articles with fascination. I walked past her to enter my room and I decided to get ready for the date.

I put my Louie Vuitton bag on my desk, right on top of my homework pile and started flipping around for more appropriate clothing for a skating environment. I ended up wearing a white tank top with a Prada jacket and pants made of latex.

My wardrobe improved since I started making my own money. I earn enough money for my family and for myself to spend. With all the money and no way to spend it, the only alternative was to buy top brand clothing.

However, my dad got a decent office job so I’m not the only one earning money to support the family.

When I was done, I left my room and decided to head downstairs. When I entered the elevator, Logan was inside.

“Oh, Hannah, good to see you” he smiled politely.

“Hi Logan, will you be driving us today?”

“I kind of have to if Carlos don’t want to walk to the ice rink”

“You know Carlos would mind the walking” I warned.

Logan sighed inwardly nodding in agreement.

“That is why I’m here, preparing to resume to my chauffeur duties”

“Logan, thank you”

“What are friends for, right?”

“Yeah” I said as the elevator door opened.

He walked out and I trailed behind him.

“So, how was your shoot?” he asked casually.

“It was good actually, it’s going to be the last Baracuda line of the season but I heard they’re going to recruit Eoin Macken into the project for the next season’s line. The CEO wants hotel arrangements for him made in advance and I suggested the Palm Woods. They agreed, actually. Going to be crowded with chicks here” I rambled on, realizing that I might be boring him.

“Who’s Eoin Macken?”

“He’s this very attractive male model and he’s also an actor. Chicks dig him, man”

Logan laughed a little as we approached Carlos on the sofa.

“Hi Hannah!” he squealed excitedly, jumping from his seat.

“Carlos” I grinned at him.

Just the sight of him excites me to no end. I want to jump around like a lunatic, or when I’m on my sugar high or something. Maybe I want to kiss him, a lot.

“Let’s get going” Logan said, pointing to the direction of the door.

Logan dropped us off at the ice skating rink and promised to return in an hour. Apparently, he has some plans involving making up his biology homework since he missed class due to Gustavo’s studio arrangement time.

I don’t know. But I already feel bad for taking up his time, so he better have time to himself to get things done.

Carlos smiled at me before running over to the counter to get us skates. I followed him and stood beside him.

“Shoe size?” the bore looking lady asked.

“Seven and a half” I said and the lady turned from me to get the skates.

Carlos screamed his shoe size loudly to the lady, startling her. I laughed a little at his excitement. He is just too adorable.

We both retrieved our skates and put them on. And then we got on ice.

I am pretty good skating and walking on ice, so rounding the rink was no problem for me.

Carlos was skating beside me, matching my speed as we just simply circled the area. Then I declared a race and whoever makes it to the end of the rink wins.

He sped past me and I decided that I cannot let him win. It is something very playful but it would be cool if I could actually skate faster than him.

However, he reached the end of the rink before I made it half way.

Maybe I’m not as good as I claim myself to be.

Carlos held his hands up in victory, flashing me the biggest victorious smile I’ve ever seen him break out, in history.

My heart started beating rapidly at the pleasure of watching him smile. He looked so happy just skating. He just looks at everything so positively, it’s just so cute. I wonder how he cancels out all the negative in his life. If I followed his method, then I can maybe live the Hollywood life like a real Hollywood princess.

We both left the rink to drink some coffee and eat some food. I ordered a Caesar salad in a box while Carlos ordered a basket of fries with dino fingers on the side (from the kids menu). We sat at a table, chomping our food.

My salad has the dressing but this time, I tried to push the threatening thoughts out of my head. I’m here with Carlos on a date, there is nothing I need to worry about.

He kept stuffing his face with food while I watched in amusement. I really love watching him eat. I’ve never seen a teenage boy eat food like it’s the highlight of his life, before I met Carlos anyways. He is just so different and unique from everybody else.

There is no other Carlos, I just wish that I can have him. I want to call him my boyfriend, I want something more beyond this friendship.

“Hannah?” his shaky voice pulled me from my own session of admiring him.

“Yeah?”

He looked around him and dropped the dino fingers into the basket. He looked at me, opening his mouth only to close it. I tilted my head in confusion as I continued to observe him.

“I like you” he said, looking down at his food as a tool of distraction.

My heart started beating rapidly again, mind wandering over all the potential we have with each other, all the couple-ly things we can do. Maybe we can be together, that there’s a possibility.

“I’m sorry, Hannah. I didn’t mean to—I just—I know I’m not perfect but—I—never mind”

“Carlos, I—“

He interrupted me.

“I know I tend to repel girls because of my personality. I am an impossible person to attract girls. I’m not asking you to sympathize with me… or asking you to have to agree to a relationship. But I like you”

I looked down at my hands and smiled widely at it.

“Hannah?”

He sounded scared, like he feared for his life. If I said a word wrong, he might run out of the rink in fright.

“Carlos?”

His teeth clattered nervously and I feel so bad for making him anticipate. But I was recollecting my thoughts and choosing for the right words to say.

I want this moment to be perfect.

“Can I kiss you, Carlos?”

If I mentioned that his victorious grin was the biggest possible for his standards, then I just totally lied.

He shot up from his seat immediately and ran over to kiss me. His hands cupped my face while I wrapped my arms around his neck.

The kiss lasted for a few seconds, but they are the best of my life (not that I had much). My heart threatened to jump out of my chest and I feel my whole body burning. This felt like a dream that didn’t look like it was destined to come true.

“Hannah?”

“Yeah?”

“Will you be my girlfriend?” he asked with an adorable, hopeful pout on his face.

Why the hell would I ever say no?

I’ve been waiting for this for quite some time now.

“Yes!”