Shadow: The bigger picture

Fay has always been very purposeful with her life. This she learned to live with when the silver spoon she was born with in her mouth was forcefully snatched from her; her father lost his well-paying job and they had little to no sayings to start up a petty trade for her mother.

Ever since her father who was in his late forties became jobless, he mostly rubbed off the frustration on Fay. I focused all my financial attention on you, to give you the very best education could offer. Now, there's nothing to show for it, is there? These words have become hers, like her shadow and at a young age of 18, Fay vows never to live as a product of her father's constant nag.

Picking up part-time jobs, attending classes and modeling too, she makes a little earning to put some food on her family's table. Also managing, 22 years old Fay tries to top up her savings for her big dream of becoming a clothing line CEO. Of course, she knows she'll have to start small and she was as willing as ever with that mindset deeply rooted in her head and heart.

It was Saturday today that means she'll work as a waitress, a model to launch some sport gears for a relatively known gym for free of course since they were doing her a favor to allow her showcase her sporty stature and lastly, a local rock star's manager at a nearby party house. These were the last things she put on her mind before getting five hours of sleep after an exhausting friday night.

Welcome to Warm Cuddles café. What will you like to have?, a dutiful Fay enquired of the dashing brown skinned male customer she stood above.

Hi, I'm new here actually, returned the deep tender voice from the attractive face with those amazing eyes looking up at her. Would it be a strain to get a menu of what you guys serve?

Of course not. Here you go. She reached out a thick black single folded menu to the customer. I'll give you some time to make a pick. Ding the bell when you're ready. Fay excused herself heading to a newly arrived couple who seemed like regulars at the cafe.

Hey Joel, welcome. I thought I saw you with Mona. Where's she at? Fay exchanged pleasantries with her bestie's fiancé. Uhm, she asked to use the bathroom. She should be here right about now. Ha, there she comes.

Mona darling!!!, Fay hugs the red haired girl with some freckle dust right across her face who signaled for a tight embrace. You didn't call or text me back all through last week Fay, what's up girl?, Mona asked inquisitively.

I am so sorry my dear, I've been really chocked with work but I'll gist you everything that has happened; every single thing you need/want to know and that will be after I take your orders. So what do I get you both? The usual?
The couple chorused a "yes" laughingly. After serving the newest order she had in hand, Fay returned to the other customer she handed the menu.

So what can I get you now?, this time, she was expressive. Uhm, get me a latte, a bagel for takeaway and a cup of coffee; extra milk and sugar. Thanks. Moments later Fay was promising to see her bestie by noon; by then she'd be free for the chit chat they planned to have and with that, she waved the couple bye.

Noon came by real fast. Fay knew she needn't disappoint her friend this time so she hastened up the last chores she had in hand to finally end her waitress activities for the day.
A knock came on the door of Fay's room. She was sure it was Mona. It was their agreement initially to meet at hers. I'll be out in a minute Mona. I think I got grease in my hair, called out Fay who was busy in the bathroom.

You're getting ready to leave to...?, questioned Mona who suspiciously eyed her friend as she prepared to head out. I'll be off to the photo studio for a modeling gig I bagged few days back. It's also one of the things I planned to mention to you today. Will you get a good pay from this one?, Mona asked sarcastically. There was no response to that.

Fay look, Mona continued. I understand that you're very ambitious about having your own clothing line and it's really strong of you to cater for your parents too but dear, you need to get a real job. Since you are done with schooling, why don't you settle down for a well paying job, go on dates, get engaged like me and become a parent? Living can be much easier that way than this long walk to freedom you want to achieve which is seeming more distant as days go by. Give it a really good thought my dear, that's my advice for you.

At the studio while Fay was getting ready, she still heard Mona's words loudly ringing in her head. Sighing, Fay braced herself and shook off the advice that didn't seem to be an encouragement to her. I've come this far to go back. Instead of settling for less, I'll push forward. I can't afford to turn out like my father. It's all for my freedom and I'll do all I possibly can to get it.

Source

This is the final stage of today's shoot. Go get dress Fay, ASAP. The Director in charge order nicely. Clumsily, Fay bumped into a mister who turned out to be the customer she attended to earlier at the café. I am so sorry sir. Did I ruin anything?

It's okay Miss. Are you alright? You seem to be in a rush, replied the brown guy. Yes, I mean No, I mean... I model here so I need to go to the changing room for the last stage of the shoot, Fay said.

Really?!

Yes, I've model quite a number of times now.

That's amazing. OK here is my card and my name is Jason. I am an investor in this gym and I also own a clothing line. You've heard of "Jaypicks" right?

Oh my goodness, you own Jaypicks?!, exclaimed Fay.

Yes I do Miss and I'll like to have a sport line as well. You will do great in modeling those for me. So what do you say? Deal?

Call me Fay and I can start immediately if you want me to, she replied excitedly.

OK. Give me a call when you're done with all these here. Let's talk about payments and other related stuff, Jason said happily.