Eve Taylor stared at the clock above the receptionist's desk, watching as the seconds achingly ticked by ever so slowly. An array of emotions and thoughts surged through her system, creating an inner mental conflict as to why she was even here in the waiting room. Her attempt at distracting herself with the analogue antique failed, just like reading the stack of fashion magazines and browsing her phone. The anxiety held her chest tight but Eve kept a brave face. She didn't want to be here: Eve told herself she'd never step foot inside another modelling agency but considering the invite came from an old echo in her past, she had to break her promise.
Eve gently wiped her eyes, taking in a deep breath as to calm herself down and looked around the room to see the others waiting. She caught a glimpse of two younger girls, aspiring models who were whispering and giggling to each other as they very obviously talked about Eve. They pointed at the Eurasian championship she placed in the set next to hers where one of her handbags would normally sit, teasing her for bringing childish toys to the agency. Eve looked away as the two girls shunned her, reminding Eve of even more past chapters in her life. She tried ignoring them but the giggles resonated through her brain, turning into laughter. Eve began having headspins again, similar to when her championship celebration with her Cerberus team-mates. It was becoming unbearable: Eve needed to get out.
"Eve Taylor. She'll see you now."
The receptionist called out her name as she stood to her feet, looking to exit the agency. Everyone stared at Eve, waiting for her to proceed into the office. Eve wanted to leave but now she had no choice but to continue: she didn't want to embarrass herself in front of the many people in the waiting room. So, Eve leaned down and grabbed her championship, remaining as collected as she can as she got led into the office by the receptionist. Eventually, the receptionist opened the door and invited Eve inside. Cautiously, Eve stepped in and the receptionist quickly closed the door behind.
Eve took in modern furnishings and classic artwork mainly depicting women in extravagant outfits, letting herself go for a second and appreciating the effort put into the room. However, her feel-good high didn't last long as the head agent emerged into sight: a sight Eve couldn't believe.
"Maggie?"
"Eva! It's so good to see you!"
Maggie instantly walked over to Eve and wrapped her arms around her, hugging her. Eve didn't reciprocate, shocked to see what she was told to be true: her former best friend from her modelling days had indeed create her own agency.
"It's been a long time, Eva."
Maggie noticed Eve was feeling slightly uncomfortable, stepping back and fixing up her suit in an attempt to show Eve she was going to be professional. Maggie went to her personal lounge, inviting Eve to sit on the guest chair.
"Over a year."
"Indeed... and what a year it has been for the both of us! I'm running my own place of business, giving those who can't break through into the modelling world a chance & you are a professional wrestling champion! I'd say we'd call it a successful year."
Maggie smiled at Eve but again, Eve didn't show the same courtesy.
"That's one way of describing it..."
Eve took her time sitting down, attempting to get comfortable. Maggie looked directly at Eve, happy to see her friend but slightly worried, unable to pick what is bothering Eve.
"Well... you've probably got a big schedule so I'll keep things brief. As I said, I built this place for talented people who need a helping hand achieving success in the modelling industry. I created this place because of the words you said to me in that hotel of January 2014: you felt discouraged by our industry turning its backs on us. Many models, mostly aspiring, feel the see way. This place is dedicated to your vision and through hard-work & dedication, we are up and running... and well, I wanted to say thank you for giving me the idea."
Taylor stared at Maggie, waiting for her to continue.
"You summoned me here to thank me?"
Maggie raised her index finger, telling Eve to wait. She fiddles around with her briefcase before putting a binder out on the coffee table in-between the two. She opens it up, causing Eve to look at it with intent.
"It's a modelling contract, Eva. It's your modelling contract."
Eve looked up to Maggie to make sure she was serious. Maggie nodded as Eve went back into the contract, flipping through the pages.
"This place was built in your honour and I want to honour you by making you my premier model; the face of our brand. It isn't some ridiculously-low offer either, Eva. It's a proper contract. We're growing in sponsors and endorsements as well as establishing some lucrative deals with the biggest fashion companies. With you, international supermodel turned professional wrestling sensation, we can use your popularity to turn this place into something amazing..."
Maggie continued to sell the point across to Eve but the words became muffled as she completely ignored her friend, staring at the contract. It was extremely tempting to Eve but the emotions she felt in the waiting room began to boil in the pit of her stomach, slowly rising up. She closed the contract and chucked it across the coffee table, shutting Maggie up.
"Over a year ago, I told you of my decision to become a professional wrestler and you warned me it would be too dangerous for the likes of me."
Eve picked up her championship, placing it on the table.
"Yet, for some reason, I managed to become the first-ever female competitor to hold a singles championship. No partners, no help... I won this title all by myself through real hard-work and dedication, unlike you."
"I'm sorry?"
"Don't interrupt me, Maggie."
Eve darted a nasty look towards Maggie who is confused at the situation but abides by Eve's wishes.
"I did this by myself. All by myself... which means you were nowhere to be seen. Over a year ago, in that same room, I told you to visit me any time and until today, you never bothered to get into contact with me. You couldn't care less about your supposed best friend until the day I became a hot commodity among social media and created more buzz than any model in the fashion world. You invite me here to show off your fancy agency and offer me a contract because it will benefit you?"
Eve shaked her head.
"Where were you when I really need you, Maggie? Huh? I had to struggle by myself in the harsh environment and you didn't even do so much as to send me a Facebook message."
"I don't understand-"
"Of course you don't!"
Taylor stood up, unable to remain seated in her state. Maggie tried to calm down, getting close to put an hand on her shoulder.
"Don't touch me you selfish bitch!"
Eve swatted Maggie's hand away, looking to hurt somebody. Maggie took a step back in disbelief.
"I didn't come here to appease you and catch up like old times, Maggie. I had half a mind to leave many times before I came in here. The only reason you and I are in the same room is because I needed to remove another past chapter of my life if I want to succeed moving forward. I've got an intense battle coming up against sworn enemies of my Cerberus brethren and I have to team up with an intimidating Russian competitor all the while keeping an eye open for a nerdy role-player who is getting in my business and possibly gunning for my championship... I don't need a past chapter I thought was dead haunting me."
Maggie was speechless as Eve took a moment to collect her thoughts.
"Whatever friendship you thought we had Maggie, it's dead and gone. I'm ending this before I become used and abused just like what happened with me when I thought I found my best friend to replace the hole in my heart you created. I got rid of Aubrey Sloan and now I'm getting rid of you, Maggie... you and this shameless contract to enter an industry that only wants me for my popularity. I'm better than that."
Eve puts her championship around her shoulder.
"Goodbye forever Maggie. Don't contact me again."
Taylor walks out of the office, leaving her former best friend Maggie dumbfounded by the events that just occurred, sitting back into her couch to think about it all.
-----------------------------------------
Eve walks back into the waiting room, walking tall and confident as she walks past the two aspiring models who were still giggling and pointing at Eve. Instead of ignoring them, Eve stops in her tracks and turns to the two girls. She slaps one across the face as hard as she can and grabs the other by the hair, almost ripping it from her head. Everyone in the waiting room gasps, shocked by what they are seeing. Eve looks directly at the girl.
"You will never make it in this business. You are unattractive, you have no sense of fashion and above all else, you have no redeeming qualities. You have no right to make fun of the greatest supermodel in the world and the Third Head of Cerberus. If you have any doubts about what I said, I suggest you tune into the beating I'm going to give Hard Metal Penetration on Meltdown."
Befores security. can restrain Eve, she shoves the aspiring model back into her seat and leaves the premises feeling confident, like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She exited the building with a wicked smile across her face... almost as if she had enjoyed the experience.