3 - Her Dreams

There was a small diner downtown and two blocks away from their apartment building. Kane opened the door for Madeline and they got in. They both took off their jackets as it was a little bit cold outside. The diner was mostly packed by the bar with friends clicking mugs of beer and tequila. A typical Sunday evening ritual. Kane hated going to such places but this was what he could afford at the moment until he cracked a business deal.

They took a seat by the window and a tall waitress came to attend to them. “May I have your order please?” The kind girl asked. She should be in her early twenties judging by her appearance and body structure but hey, appearances can be deceiving. “What would you like Madeline?” Kane smiled and Madeline only got her hands on the menu card set on their table.

“A cheeseburger with some fries and onion rings.” This made Kane surprised at her choice. “Is there a problem?” Madeline asked as the kind girl noted down her order on her notepad. Kane shooked his head with a smile. “No no. It's just a surprise that you would want to eat such high greased foods. You never eat junk foods.” He said. “Well, I was craving some creamy cheeseburger tonight. I would wear it off when I exercise. You wouldn't like me being fat.” Madeline shooked her head at her words. Just the thought of her being fat was enough to not fully wet her appetite anymore.

“And you sir? What would you like?” This time, Madeline helped pick out the menu for Kane. “He would like the salad with extra tomatoes anddd some little mayo cream on the side.” Kane smiled as Madeline gave the waitress exactly what he wanted to have. Only she knew his likes and dislikes so well by heart.

“And, any beverages to top up?”

Madeline was about to respond but Kane was quick to say. “My girlfriend here would have the cranberry juice and I would like an iced tea, please.” Madeline's heart warmed up from inside. He knew her favourite drink in the world was cranberries. Nothing could ever come close to cranberry juice for Madeline and Kane knew this secret of hers for the past years of their relationship. The waitress smiled seeing their blooming love and understanding and left to get their orders by the counter upfront.

Madeline couldn't help but stare into Kane's emerald green eyes. Everyday he only got hotter and dashing. What she ever did to strike a handsome and a fully focused guy like Kane in her life. Maybe she did a very good deed in her past life. “I see what you did there,” She smiled. “I can't let only you show off. You know I never slack off at anything.” Kane proudly said.

“I wish I could take you to a five-star restaurant to celebrate your achievements but I can't right now.” There was a low tone towards the end as Kane said his feelings. Madeline placed her hand on his and he looked into her eyes. A smile from her side did ease Kane a little but not being able to take his girlfriend out on a fancy date was a bother to him. “It doesn't have to be now. When you do become very rich and successful, you can spoil me rotten with fancy dinner dates and an expensive champagne. Everything will fall into place Kane. I promise. And right now am very happy that I get to celebrate this milestone in my life with just you. It's all that matters to me. We're just twenty-one and have our whole lives to live and explore the entire earth when we both become successful.”

“Please smile for me, otherwise I would also feel low.” And, Kane brought out his best smile. Just then their order reached their table. One look at the burger with both cheddar and mozzarella cheese sticking out from the burger was enough to wet Madeline's appetite to the fullest. “Cheers! To you on your path to becoming a famous fashion designer.” Kane raised his glass of iced tea in mid air. Madeline smiled and also raised her glass of juice and kinked before they both took a sip. The night was beautiful and Madeline couldn't wait for tomorrow.

.........

Madeline stood in front of a four-storey building. The bold white engraved words of PVH Corp at the top of the building. She was a little giddy inside that she almost forgot to pay the taxi man her fare. She had a white jumpsuit on from her first savings two years ago. She let her hair down and had a light makeup on as appearance mattered a lot in the world of fashion. She was a step closer to her dreams and she could literally feel it in her bones.

She moved her heels and walked into the building. As soon as she walked in, she was almost face smacked by a clothing rack with lots of beautiful gowns and dresses. “Am so sorry.” The woman with big glasses on quickly apologized and moved the rack towards the next hall in a hurry. Madeline made her way towards the reception desk and gave the pretty receptionist her acceptance letter which she printed earlier before coming here.

The woman called in for another assistant who was to lead Madeline into one of the waiting rooms for interns. While she headed towards the waiting room, Madeline couldn't help but take full notice of everyone all decked up and dressed to the tea. It was a combination of both sensual and professional. Her jumpsuit wasn't the lastest trend but it was still good and plus it looked nice on her figure.

She got into the room to meet more interns and it wasn't a surprise that many students would want to intern at a famous fashion company. Madeline took her seat and sent a quick message to Kane about her arrival. Last night she slept in Kane's arms and she couldn't help but smile. Her life seemed so beautiful and perfect and everyday she was grateful to God for this.

Her name was being called through the speaker in the waiting room and she immediately got up to her feet and walked out. She was lead into an office that was only white and cream colored walls. The atmosphere was a perfect spot for inspiration. A showcase of a few premium design dresses on display. Designs that caught Madeline's eyes. A tall man was behind the desk and Madeline later got to know he was going to interview her.

“We've seen your sample designs Ms Collins and are very happy with it. You really do know how to use the needle. And, also your application letter was spot on. It says you helped your university in preparing for the inter-school fashion parade.” The man smiled as he searched through her file through the computer in front of him.

“My mom is a seamstress and has been a good designer back in my neighborhood. I learnt all the tips and tricks from her. From using a pencil and able to sketch designs to handling a needle and bringing such designs to life. It's my passion sir. And I would like to learn and experience more growth from this company.” Madeline stated proudly. All of her works and achievements was all thanks to her mama.

“I see. Your design was one of the few selected for our freelancing department and fun fact, you'll start your internship in the freelancing fashion department. We want you to get deeper into the field with a practical experience. Do you accept?” The man asked. Madeline could literally scream out of her lungs at this moment. She couldn't believe she was already on a roll and a step closer to her dreams. She smiled and looked up towards the ceiling. Her hardwork was paying off and once she was done with her internship and this info was added to her credentials, she could get a chance at opening her own fashion store and become the next chanel or Gucci brand.

“....I accept sir.” She fought hard to speak as happiness had somehow managed to clog unto her throat. “Then welcome aboard Ms. Collins.” She shaked hands with the man and couldn't help but giggle. Madeline knew she was now in a territory that was filled with only competitiveness. Many would also thrive and try to reach the top but Madeline was a fighter. She had worked extremely hard to get to this point in her life and she was more determined than ever to pull through till the end.