“Who Would've Thought Getting Knocked Down Would End So Well?”, chapter 19

I woke up with a start when my alarm clock began to screech. With my eyes barely open, I reached out to hit the snooze button, my hands clumsily sending the entire clock radio to the floor. Still emitting its unbearably high pitched wake up call, I yanked the plug from the socket. Sighing, I removed myself from the comfort of my warm bed as my feet touched the carpeted floor. Standing up slowly, I raised my hands above my head to stretch and let out a low moan, pleased by how good that had felt. Walking out of my bedroom and heading to the bathroom to take a shower, I smiled, knowing I would not have to fight Drew for bathroom time because he had already left for work. Passing Drew's bedroom, the door was slightly ajar and an envelope had been taped precariously to its surface. Carelessly ripping it off the doorframe, knowing it was for me, I opened the envelope quickly. There was a note inside.

Payback is a bitch, Amelia. NEVER POKE THE DREW. Acquired a souvenir from the attack! See enclosed.

Digging through the envelope I found another piece of paper. Unfolding it, I realized that Drew had taken a photo of me sleeping on my bare bed, the blanket and pillows still on the ceiling, in plain view. I could not help but laugh. He had gotten me good. I continued to the bathroom to get ready.

Sunshine bathed the bathroom in light. Stepping inside, I positioned myself in front of the large rounded mirror atop the sink. Observing myself at every possible angle, I shook my head, wondering what Adrienne had been thinking when she'd asked me to model for Adeline. Shrugging off the thought, I turned on the shower and waited for the water to reach the right temperature. Entering the shower, I pulled the curtain closed behind me. I was so wrapped up in the sensation of the water dancing upon my skin that I almost did not hear the door bell.

"I'm coming!" I yelled although I knew the person at the door could not possibly have heard me. Grabbing my towel, I quickly wrapped it around my body as I ran downstairs. I opened the door to see Billie Joe waiting patiently with his hands shoved in his pockets. He looked surprised when he saw me wearing nothing but a towel, beads of water dripping from my body and my hair clinging to my back. Unconsciously, his eyebrows raised slightly, dirty thoughts more than likely forming in his mind and stirring in his pants. Snapping back to reality, he smiled and leaned in for a kiss. When we pulled away, I stepped back to let him into the house.

I noticed the look Billie Joe was giving me. "No, Billie Joe. We can't, we'll be late."

He rolled his eyes. "Fine. But it's your fault for being so irresistible in that towel. Maybe you should be a model."

I shoved him playfully and headed upstairs to get dressed. I could hear Billie Joe downstairs, rummaging through the fridge. Not knowing what to wear, I gave up and threw on a black tank top and a pair of jeans. Besides, as soon as I arrived at the studio, I would have to change anyway. I was brushing my hair when Billie Joe entered the room quietly. He walked behind me and held me against him. Resting his head on my shoulder, we stared at ourselves in the mirror.

Billie Joe smiled and held me tighter, his emerald eyes glittering in the morning sun that streamed through the bedroom window. "You know, I've never looked in the mirror and seen something so wonderful." He kissed my shoulder softly; I was about ready to melt in his arms. We stood in that position for a few minutes, gazing at one another lovingly through the mirror.

"Uhhh..." Billie Joe began, "About your blankets and pillows..." he trailed off, looking upwards.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you about it in the car."

"We should get going." Billie Joe released me from his strong arms and we headed downstairs.

"Oh, I almost forgot..." Billie Joe headed to the kitchen. When he returned, he was holding a container. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion but he just smiled. "You can't model all day on an empty stomach. I made you breakfast."

Billie Joe was full of surprises. Smiling gently, I gave him a light kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, babe."

Billie Joe and I left the house and headed to his car.

* * *

Hectic did not begin to describe what I felt and observed stepping into the studio where the photo shoot was taking place. People were milling about the large space, rushing around as though late for very important appointments. Holding hands with Billie Joe, I looked around for Adrienne. I quickly spotted her; she was making final adjustments to an outfit that one of the models was wearing.

"Ok, that's good." Adrienne stopped fussing with the piece of clothing and directed the model to an area where she could be photographed. I began to feel somewhat intimidated by the entire situation. Billie Joe seemed to sense my unease and squeezed my hand for encouragement.

"You'll be great," he whispered to me as we approached Adrienne.

Adrienne showed me around the studio and introduced me to most of the people working there. By the end, though, I could only recall a few names. Billie Joe was with me the whole time. He, of course, knew everyone there since he was very much involved with all aspects of Adeline. After a whirlwind of introductions, Adrienne led me to the hairdressers and makeup artists. When my hair and makeup were done, I almost did not recognize myself in the mirror. The makeup artist, Marco, had used dark, shadowy colours on my face, a striking contrast to my usual lack of primping. Biting my lip, I peered at myself shyly in every shiny surface I passed.

"Wow, babe." Billie Joe was eyeing me, surprised by the transformation. "You look so different but still so beautiful."

"Thanks." Moments after my hair and makeup were completed, I was escorted to a changing room. The area was bursting with people; female models and assistants flooded the area in an attempt to get ready or prepare others for their own photo shoots. Billie Joe would have to wait outside the restricted area until I was dressed. Coming out first in a mini olive coloured work skirt and white ruffled tank top, I suddenly felt quite self-conscious. Adrienne appeared out of nowhere and rushed towards me.

"Amelia, you look great. Let me just adjust that strap there." I stood still while I watched Adrienne make a few adjustments to the apparel I was now sporting. Tucking away a few stray strands of hair from my face, she took a step back to look at me. A smile appeared on her face.

"Perfect. Now it's time for the photo shoot."

Adrienne led me to a small white room. Lights of all sizes and shapes decorated the space and various objects lay in a corner, most likely used as props for the shoot. She left the room, returning with Billie Joe, who sat down to watch me pose for the camera. I felt very self-conscious and shy, and my facial expressions and poses were a reflection of that. I was frustrated with myself; I had always been able to adapt to new situations, but letting go of my inhibitions and insecurities proved to be one of the hardest things I'd ever had to do. The photographer, after having failed with every possible trick to loosen me up, decided to take a ten minute break. Adrienne exited the room with the photographer, leaving Billie Joe and I alone. After having walked towards Billie Joe, I settled myself in his lap and rested my head on his shoulder.

"I'm not good at this, Billie Joe."

"What's wrong, babe? You look so uncomfortable in front of the camera. What is it that's bothering you?"

Sighing, I climbed out of his lap and began to pace. I did not speak.

"Amelia?"

I stopped walking, but continued to avoid eye contact with Billie Joe. "It's complicated. You wouldn't understand." I fiddled with the Adeline Street belt I was wearing, trying to keep myself occupied.

"Try me."

"Ok." I sighed, finally looking into his curious green eyes. "I don't even know where to start. Ok, well, the way I look now isn't the way I always looked." Billie Joe stared at me, confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Recently, I lost a lot of weight. All my life, I had been overweight. Really overweight. And all my life, my dad made me feel bad about it, like I disgusted him or embarrassed him or something. It wasn't enough that I felt uncomfortable about my appearance, but he added insult to injury. He would criticize me, saying I would never find a boyfriend, that everyone would discriminate against me . . ." I trailed off, the memories still so fresh, so painful.

"I remember one Christmas, the only thing he gave me was a membership to Weight Watchers."

Billie Joe's eyes were wide with the new information he was receiving. "Babe, I'm so sorry about the way he treated you."

"Thanks, Bill. Anyway, I felt more and more uncomfortable, and I was trying to lose weight but it never seemed to work. I was so stressed at home, and when I was stressed, I ate. With everything that was happening with my parents, the amount I ate was the only thing I had control of in my life. Sometimes, I think that I almost wanted to spite him because he really hated seeing me look like that. Anyway, after moving out of my father's house, I became really serious about losing the weight and with the support of Drew and my sister, I was successful and have been ever since."

"Wow" was all Billie Joe could say.

"I know. I'm sorry I never shared that with you, it's something I was trying to put behind me. But you know what? In a twisted way, my father was right about a few things. After I had lost the weight I was treated differently, better almost. And people looked at me differently. I think that's terrible cause I needed the support back then . It's not really fair, I'm the same person inside and I feel the same. And I'm still very self-conscious about my body. I thought that this experience would help me get over my insecurities, but it brought everything back to the surface. It's hard to talk about."

Billie Joe walked over to me and wrapped me in his arms. "Amelia, I hope you know I would be with you no matter what you looked like. The reasons why I love you can't bee seen in a mirror, or a photograph."

"Thank you Billie Joe. It's just hard to shake those insecurities, after all, I'm still the same person inside."

"I know, babe." He thought for a moment. "You know what? During the photo shoot you should think of all the things that you have achieved so far in your life. And I don't just mean the weight loss, but the fact that you moved here to California without anyone's help, that you're smart, independent, resourceful, beautiful and trustworthy . . . and I can go on all day, but just use that to boost your confidence and it will be reflected in your pictures."

Smiling, I looked at Billie Joe admiringly. "Thank you, I'll give it a try. You help me through so much, I'm so lucky to have you."

"Really?" he replied, "Because I feel like you're the one being cheated; I feel like the richest man in the world when I'm with you."

Leaning forward, I touched my lips to Billie Joe's. Our kiss was passionate as our emotions were conveyed without words. Just as we pulled apart, the door to the small room was pushed open as Adrienne and the photographer entered.

"I'm ready." Adrienne and the photographer exchanged glances, surprised by the confidence I suddenly exuded as I strode to my position in front of the camera, not hesitating. Billie Joe was right, thinking about my achievements helped me to feel more self-assured.

Hours later, after posing in a myriad of outfits in front of a dozen different sets, the day was over. Having changed back into my own clothes, Billie Joe and I prepared to leave. Adrienne spotted us and strolled toward Billie Joe and I.

"Amelia, thank you for coming, you were a natural."

"Eventually . . ." I trailed off, blushing.

Adrienne waved her hands in front of her, dismissing my statement. "Don't worry about that. There will be a pay cheque waiting for you at the front desk. Feel free to model for Adeline anytime, I took a look at some of the proofs from today's shoot and your pictures are amazing. The camera loves you. Call me whenever you want to work."

"Wow, thanks, Adie." I was surprised. In addition, I had just found a job that paid well where I could work only when I wanted or needed to.

"No, thank you . I'd better go, but I'll see you two later."

"Bye Adie." Billie Joe ran a hand through his already messy hair. Adrienne smiled at the two of us then headed back to work.

In the car, there was a comfortable silence between Billie Joe and I. Stopping at a red light, Billie Joe turned to look at me.

"I'm proud of you, Amelia."

"You are?"

"Yeah. You were able to get past your insecurities and accept a challenge. You were amazing in there." The traffic light turned green and Billie Joe continued to drive me home.

I could feel my cheeks burning and I knew they were turning a deep shade of red. "Thanks. I couldn't do it without you." I turned to look at him though he was focused on the road; I could not imagine life without him. We continued towards my home, the silence falling upon us once more. When Billie Joe pulled the car into the driveway, I placed my hand against his thigh to get his attention.

"You coming in?"

He shook his head and shifted his body to the right so that we were facing one another. "I think I'm going to head home, get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow." I'd almost forgotten that tomorrow morning, Billie Joe, Mike, Tre, Drew, and I would be packing my belongings into a moving truck and sending it all to Billie Joe's - I mean our - house. I was excited.

"That's probably a good idea. I should get some rest too, well, after I remove my bedding from the ceiling." I rolled my eyes.

Billie Joe chuckled softly. "That was great. I have to congratulate Drew on that one."

"I'll be sure to let him know while I'm strangling him." It was Billie Joe's turn to roll his eyes. After sharing one more kiss, I got out of the car and watched Billie Joe back slowly out of the driveway.

"Bye babe. I love you."

"Love you too." After the car disappeared from sight, I pulled my house keys out of my purse and opened the front door. Tomorrow would be a big day, and I could not wait.