Hold Onto Love — Chapter 21

Lydia's POV

"The second place goes to Jessica Benson. Congratulations Jessica." Jessica was a beautiful blonde girl. She has blue eyes and I remember seeing her earlier. Her dress was way more beautiful than anyone.

"Now, he first place. It's for a very special girl. People and companies from all over the America have seen her photoshoots." There were loud cheers. I can't believe it.

Oh my god!

"Yes, it is Lydia Hayes. Congratulations Lydia." I stood there frozen for a nanosecond and then I was pulled into a hug. I did it! Oh my god. I am a finalist!

"Congratulations to all of you. You all will be in front of us and many other people again for he finale. We will meet to tomorrow. Till then, bye ladies. You all can go backstage now." The host said politely and we rushed back there.

I got so excited. Later that evening me and Em went back home, had a mini party and enjoyed ourselves. Blake, Alessa and my whole group was very happy.

Lexi and Drake hung out with us and the next morning was here soon. I was getting my make up by Nia. All of us were very nervous.

The outcome of my make up was amazing, again. We did the shiny kind of eyeshadow today. My lips were painted red. My cheeks had highlighter to highlight my cheek bones.

I was looking perfect. But, i was beyond nervous. Looking at others dresses, i wasnt really sure that I would make it to the top three.

Only God can help me now.

I was the first one to walk today. I put on my confident attire, took a deep breath and went for the walk. There were too many people today.

Almost 15 judges and a crowd of almost 2000 people. I have done better though. Almost 100,000 people have seen my photoshoots. If they liked it then I really have a big advantage today.

There were cheers everywhere. I looked straight ahead. As I reached the end of the ramp I turned from side to side and turned around to leave.

'Look what you made me do' by Taylor Swift was playing in the background. It was Em's turn after me. So, naturally we met half way, gave eachother a smile and high-fived.

She had a smile on her face. I went to the backstage and looked in the TV. Everything went downhill on that moment. I saw that Email suddenly panicked and her gown was torn in half.

What the actual fuck.

I looked around at girls. I saw all the girls panicked except for Jessica. She stood at the end of the room with a smirk. I saw 2 or 3 make up artists rush towards Em. They cut off the dress and brought back Em to the backstage.

I immediately rushed towards her. "Oh my god. Are you okay?" I asked. Emily seemed pretty cool in this situation. "Yup. I am good. And honestly guys don't worry this happened. Modeling isn't my thing anyways." Em anounced.

Well yeah. She was kind of right. She has always loved singing. It's her passion. Also, she is pretty good and acting to-.

"Although, we need to find out who cut my dress." She whispered in my ear. The crowd was silent for some minutes until the show resumed. The rest 3 girls walked and looked stunning.

As soon as the ramp walk got over, we were asked to change into the dresses provided by them. I had a cute turquoise dress for me and Em had the orange one.

Our gowns were taken except for Em's because it was destroyed. I looked at Jessica. She looked really happy with the situation.

I took my phone and texted Em....

Me: Jessica.

Emily: Yes. I know it's her. We have the CCTV footage here. It's a secret and noone actually knows about it.

I looked up at her with a frown. She pointed towards the wall above my makeup area. There was a tiny camera which I am sure noone has noticed yet.

I looked away immediately.

Emily: I will ask the judges to view the footage.

Me: good.

We were soon called on the stage. The judges were introduced and then one of the judge started the speech.

"The dresses were very beautiful. The performance was amazing. The walks were amazing. Every thing was good except for one disaster that happened. Does the contestent has anything to say?".

The mic was handed to Emily. "Well, there is nothing to say. I feel that designing and modeling are not my thing. I have always been good at singing. The only thing i like is shopping though." The crowd laughed lightly. Even the judges did.

"Although, there is one thing that I would like. There is a small camera in the make up room. I would like you all to play the recording. " Emily said. There was a moment of silence and then murmuring everywhere .

The judges exchanged glances and then the chairman of the university ordered to play the recording on the screen.

The scene of last night was played. We saw that everyone's dresses were hung on the racks. Then came the scene of midnight. They fast forwarded and then came the scene of this morning at 5 a.m.

Entering the room was Jessica.

Just as I thought.

She was wearing a hoodie but you could clearly see that it was her. The crowd gasped dramatically. It is clearly like a movie. It's the part where a person's crime is released in front of everyone and the audience go all dramatic and shit.

Jessica had a backpack with her. She removed a scissor and cut the edges of the gown. She was pretty smart actually.

The dress tore when Em started walking because she was swaying her hips. I looked over Jessica. She looked kind of shocked and embarrassed as hell.

The video paused. Jessica was disqualified and Em wasn't in the competition anymore. So, now it was just me and 2 other girls whose names I don't remember.

One was a brunette with olive skin. She looks really pretty. The other one was blonde with a tan skin. She was gorgeous as hell and had that attitude with her.

"Now, it's time to announce the winner. I will cut the slack and get going already. The third runner up is Ashley Montana!" The blonde grinned happily but you could see the disappointment in her eyes. She had that fake smile on.

2 judges crowned her, announced the price she was getting and the amount of money too. She seemed happy but also disappointed.

"The second runner up is the one who deserves to get this place. Jenkins and Lydia, please step forward." One of the judges announced.

We both stepped forward. Jenkins smiled at me. I smiled back. Her hand was shaking so I grabbed it and gave her hand a squeeze.

"The second runner up deserves the spot because she is selected by her modelling skills. Jenkins congratulations you are the second runner up!" Jenkins was frozen for a nanosecond until she got two steps away and screamed. I followed because I was the owner of the first spot.

We both hugged eachother and jumped. "Congratulations Lydia Hayes. That makes you the winner of this finale. Many companies already want to work with you. Congratulations again both of you!" We were beyond happy.

I was literally crying. They crowned us and handed us our gifts. There was a special after-party for us. My mom and dad were beyond happy with us.

Aaron had thrown a party for me. Blake, Julia, Alessa, River, Nate, mom and dad had visited a week after. They had been with me and I had never ever been so happy.

This was the beginning of my what I am today.

I know where this is heading.

Blake took my hand in his and interwined our fingers. I gave it a light squeeze.

Mrs.Parker opened her mouth and blurted everything. "He wanted you and Blake to get married."

"Since you both were children." My mom completed. Actually, I don't know what to feel. There is this excitement within me and then there is nervousness.

Then there is the worst of all. Fear.

Of getting rejected. What if Blake doesn't want to marry me.

I looked at him. He had a blank face on. But, his hand still held mine, tightly. I bit my lip. "Say something..." Emily said.

Blake blinked twice and smiled at our parents. My heart soared with emotions. "I have no problem until Lydia objects the decision."

"I don't have any problem too." I said quickly after Blake completed his sentence. Our parents smiled brightly. "Okay then. Discuss the matter and let us know when and where you want the wedding to be held." My father said.

The Parker's stayed back for lunch. Blake and I didn't get any time alone because Alessa and Julia kept on gushing about how fantastic our wedding was going to be.

Emily, Aaron and the boys were more than happy with the news. Emily was even coming here after we decide the date of our wedding.

The Parker's soon left. I went to my room, had a good shower and laid on my bed thinking how blessed I am. I had everything I need and I thank God for all the blessings.

My thoughts were cut off when my phone buzzed.

Blake: Be ready at 1. I am taking you away for some time alone. Yes, it's a date.

I took in a deep breath. This guy will be the death of me.

Me: I love you.

Blake was quick to reply.

Blake: you can't even imagine how much I LOVE YOU.

I smiled as I kept my phone on the night stand and fell into my deep slumber.

***

The next morning, woke up at 6:30 and went straight to gym. I worked out for an hour and went to my room to have a relaxing shower.

A/N Guys, I want you all to take a moment and count your blessings. The chapter is still going to be continued. I want you all to do so to realize how lucky you are.

I know there are many countries that is/have suffering/suffered terrorism. But, today I am taking up Syria.

First of all, TERRORISTS HAVE NO RELIGION. NO RELIGION SUPPORTS MASS KILLING OF INNOCENTS.

Back when terrorism took place in Syria, many innocents were killed. It was back in 2008. 500 children were killed in February 2012. 400,000 people died in war. 475,000 died in civil war.

There has been many more deaths. Small children are being affected by the bombing done. Small children have lost their mothers. Their fathers. Their sisters.

Lydia's POV

2 years. 2 years ago all the shit went down. My break up with Blake. My patch up with him during summers and my shoot. My winning.

I am now a popular model. I have a clothing line too which is successful. It's been a week since I am back here. Back in my hometown.

It feels great to be back here. Me and Blake are going well. Everything is perfect for me these days.

The only thing that bothers me is the behaviour of my parents. They seem a little sneaky lately. Right now, I am in my room with Julia and Alessa.

Emily and Aaron are already married. Shocking right? Actually I wasn't kidding when I said that a lot of shit went down. Emily was pregnant with Aaron's baby at our last year of university.

They had a cute girl a year later and got married. They live in Manhattan. Their daughter's name is Isabella. She is too damn cute.

Emily's parents were really supportive at the time of her pregnancy. Aaron's dad was a bit upset but then he eventually accepted it.

Now, he loves Isabella. He loves his granddaughter too much. Even my parents love her. She is a little bundle of joy who is adored my everyone.

We are watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S right now. My phone vibrated in between interrupting us. It was a text from mom saying that I should come in the living room with girls.

"Mom is calling us in living room. Let's go." I switched off the TV and we skipped downstairs.

I was shocked to see mine and Blake's family sitting in the living room. Blake and the boys weren't found anywhere.

They must be at work.

I went and sat next to mom. "Why is everyone so tense?" I asked. Mom fidgeted on her seat, something that she does when she is nervous.

"We will be telling you everything as soon as Blake arrives." My father stated and I furrowed my eyebrows.

"But wh-" I was cut off when the bell rang. One of the maids came out kitchen and opened the door. Blake entered, looking hot as ever.

I literally melted when I saw him. He looked so handsome, it almost seemed unreal. In his business suit, he can get any girl to fall on her knees for him.

But, he is mine.

His eyes looked around the room and stopped on me. I sighed when he gave me a girl. I am sure I looked like a highschool girl who was head over heels for a boy.

And I am.

I am head over heels for Blake. I am in love. I love him. He took long strides towards me. My mom shifted a little further on the couch to make room for Blake.

He sat next to me and then greeted everyone in the room. I kept on looking at him. His well defined jaw line. Oh my god.

He looked at me and I blushed when he caught me staring at him. I looked at him through the corner of my eye. He was now looking ahead and had his signature smirk on.

Mr.Parker cleared his throat. "So, Lydia and Blake. We have something really important to tell you both." He stopped and looked at dad.

"What is it?" I asked them. Julia and Alessa were sitting there with pursed lips but I can see the glint of excitement in their eyes.

"So, you know that we have been close because of your grandpa. Your grandfather was friends with Blake's grandfather. They had a wish before they died." Dad finished.

I have watched many videos in which father's are losing their families. Mothers begging for their children to be spared. Children about the age of 12 taking care of their siblings.

I have seen the videos of newly born children dying. Children dying of starvation.

This is why guys. Count your blessings. You have everything that they don't. You have parents. They don't. You have food. They don't. You have a house. Theirs have been bombed away. They live on the streets during cold days.

I know it's deep and it's ruining the mood but it's important. Pray for them. That's all we can do. Every prayer counts.

Back to the chapter.

It is 12:50 right now and I am dolled up for Blake. The bell rang and I opened the door. Blake was standing there in a navy blue shit with its sleeves rolled up and it was paired with black jeans.

He checked me out shamelessly from my head to toe. I didn't notice that he had a bouquet red roses in his hands until now.

"All dolled up for me." He said as he smirked checking me out again. I hit his head when he stared at my chest. "Eyes up here."

I was wearing a dress. It was classy but cute. He handed me the bouquet of roses. I when to side and said one of the maids to keep the bouquet in my rooms and rushed back to Blake.

As soon as I reached him, he pulled me into a sweet toe curling kiss.