Semra’s BitsChapter 1: Did I do the right thing?
Sixteen years ago; a week after the announcement...Semra bit her lip nervously. She’d never spend this much time with the other models and she was feeling rather uncomfortable. She felt like a third wheel and mostly kept to herself, looking out the window of the car at the passing scenery. They were nearing a huge mansion.
The car began to slow down and eventually stopped, right before the path leading to the door. Semra stared at the house, completely overwhelmed. The other girls grabbed their purses and she quickly did the same. Following the others, she headed for the door.
After the contest ended, the agency surprised Semra by offering her a contract. While thrilled, she wasn’t sure whether to accept it or not. She was still in college after all, her exams were coming up… She had to make a tough decision. Accepting the contract would mean she’d have to drop out of college and live with all the other girls in one big house; she’d be swamped with jobs all the time, she’d have no time for friends or family and there was no guarantee she’d be successful.
After discussing it with her family and several sleepless nights, Semra decided to take the leap and packed her bags.
When they reached the door, the models were greeted by their new manager, who introduced herself as Miss Summer Wine. Tons of girls had made it to the top under her guidance, so Semra was pretty glad to see she didn’t get some no-name shady guy as a manager. A good manager was everything in this world.
The other girls did most of the talking, while Semra looked around and took in her surroundings. The house looked even bigger up close, she couldn’t even imagine what it would look like inside. She felt like she had to pinch herself.
After the quick introduction, Miss wine gave them a short tour of the mansion. Semra could only stare, jaw wide open. She was used to living in a tiny room with a smelly roommate on campus,
this was on an entirely different level. They had fountains! Inside! She could barely believe it.
After the tour, the girls settled down to get some lunch. It turned out they even had their own chef -- Semra nearly drooled at the thought of all the mouth-watering dinners they’d be having, not to mention delicious desserts. Her hopes were dashed though when Miss Wine mentioned they were all under a strict diet and instead of desserts, the girls would be eating salads and carrots. Pouting, she remained silent.
Lunch was interrupted by Miss Wine's cellphone. After exchanging a few words, she hung up and informed the girls she’d be leaving for the day and that they were to make themselves comfortable.
"Did you see that pool out in the backyard?" the girl nearest to Semra asked. Semra frowned while trying to remember her name. Iseul?
"Ugh, I'm
dying to take a dip," Mirin sighed while fanning herself.
"It's an awfully hot day today..." Josy started, winking.
The girls exchanged looks. Semra smiled. Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all…
While Semra preferred the ocean, the pool felt great too. She had a great time playing around with the girls, splashing and dipping eachother under water. She got on especially well with Iseul, who reminded her of her older sister.
There was one girl, Sophia, who didn’t join in the fun and stayed on the side though. Semra wasn’t sure what to think of her, she seemed pretty stuck up.
Afterwards, they were all starving after hours of exercise in the pool, but they wanted to get cleaned up first. Sophia and Semra shared a bathroom on the second floor and Sophia hogged it for the
longest time.
She sighed while leaning against the wall, tapping her foot impatiently. What on earth was Sophia doing in there?
After what seemed like ages, Sophia emerged from the bathroom. Semra took one look at her and covered her mouth in an attempt to stop a burst of laughter.
Semra cheered silently. Lucky! Apparently, their chef got a call while the girls were cleaning up and it turned out his wife was in labor. He left in such a hurry he didn’t even notify the agency, so they were free from eating rabbit-food that night.
Semra took it upon herself to cook dinner for the girls. Searching the fridge, she decided to take the easy way and make some hamburgers.
While Semra cooked, the other girls took their seats at the dining table.
Semra was rather pleased with how the hamburgers turned out, but it seems Sophia had a different opinion…
"Semra honey, you want me to eat
this? Do you
know what kind of stuff they put in this meat?" She sighed.
Semra shrugged and took another bite out of her hamburger. As long as it tasted good, everything was fine by her.
After dinner was over, Iseul offered to do the dishes. Semra took this opportunity to head up to the study and turn on the computer. She'd promised her mother she would keep her notified of everything that’d happened, so she wrote her a lengthy email describing that day’s events.
Downstairs, she could hear loud music and the girls laughing. They were still going at it and by the sound of it, having a small party. Semra was feeling a bit out of place though, so she didn’t join them.
Not knowing what to do with herself, she decided to head to bed early. She wasn't that tired yet, but she was feeling homesick all of a sudden… did she do the right thing by coming here?
Sighing and turning in her bed, she tried to get some sleep. With the way her schedule was looking, she’d need all the rest she could get.
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End of Chapter 1: to be continued.
NB: this chapter is written in a pretty simple style; next chapter will be more story-like, like in the prologue. 
