Welcome to America

"And for first place, Marzia, from Sweden!" The announcer yelled, everyone clapping, and I was so zoned out I didn't even know they started. The lady by me nudged me and I snapped out of it and stood, smiling the best I could, and I walked over and got my medal, and my check, I forgot that the check was 500,000 dollars... Holy shit!
I then looked over at the lady walking up onto the steps, she was the manager at The "Pretty Green" clothing line.. My favorite brand! And she shook me hand. "Hello, Pretty Green head photographer." I was ecstatic.. So happy and excited, but I felt so empty.

I went back to the dorm, feeling upset, the girl who plays Meg with me. "Lavender, everyone has their bad days. I have mine too. Dont get so worked up." She sat with me on my bed and I handed her sheet music. "That one note. I cant. Its so.. Hard!" I put my face in my hands and she rubbed my back. "You'll be fine."

Soon, the whole thing was over, and it looked like I had a new job, a photographer for this clothing line. I headed back to the dorm, my medal around my neck and flowers and a new camera and such in my hand, and 500,000 dollars in my bank. I smiled shyly at the girl that was sitting there with Lavender, and I silently set my stuff on my bed.

"Just come with me tomorrow and we will go get our nails done, then we will practice and practice. You got this role for a reason." She squeezed my shoulder before saying hi to Marzia and leaving.

I smiled at her as she walked out, and I then just looked down at my medal in my hands. I was happy about this, just not with how things were really going at the moment. I was just so guilty and sad, I didn't know how to fix things with us.

I looked up and saw her medal. "Congrats." I said softly and I laid down.

"Thank you..." I said, and I looked up at her. "Hey.." I said softly.. "I hope you know that I deeply regret what I had said.. And I can't get the guilt off my chest... I'm so so sorry Lav..."

I looked up and sighed, sitting up. "It's okay.." I whispered.

I set my medal down and I cautiously walked over and sat by her, and I pulled her into a sweet hug, my face in her neck.. "Its really not okay... But it will never happen again. I don't want you to think for one moment that I'm ashamed of being with you.."

I closed my eyes and hugged her back. "Okay.." I whispered, closing my eyes.

I rubbed her back, and I pulled away and looked at her, and I gently pressed my lips to hers, relief washing over me, maybe I did fix this, maybe just this one time.. I couldn't let something like this ever happen again. I wanted to really be committed now..

I kissed her back softly, warmth spreading my body. I missed her.. I can't imagine losing her..

I slowly pulled away and smiled at her, kissing her cheek softly. "You don't know how worried I was.. And how stressed.. But, I managed to get first place, and get 500,000 dollars, and I'm now the head photographer for my favorite clothing line." I said, excitement clear in my voice. "Next weekend, I have to fly to New York for a photoshoot."

I grinned and kissed her briefly. "I'm so happy for you baby. You deserve it." I hugged her tightly.

I smiled, and nodded. "Thank you.. How about we go to the car dealership? And get us a car? And maybe I'll learn to drive.. I want to try to get over my fear.. I'm tired of taxis." I said, smiling

I smiled. "Okay.." I got up and we took a taxi to the bank and then we went to a car dealership.

Once at the dealership, we walked around outside where the cars were, I liked them alot, but I knew I wouldn't drive as much, it would be Lavender that did most of the drving. "What's catching your eye?"

I walked around and read the descriptions of the cars I liked and I really liked the blue Subaru. Its very safe, which should ease Marzia's mind. I explained this to her and it also has leather seats. It's really nice. "What do you think?"

I did like the car, it was pretty sweet! "Let's get it." I said, smiling up at her. And maybe I'll work my way up to getting my own car later on, I have to get used to driving again. We went inside and did lots of paperwork for what felt like forever, and they got the car ready and we made a deal, and it was ours! Well, we put it under her name. We stepped outside and the guy handed her the keys and we got in, and soon we were off! It sounded nice too.

We cruised around for a while and then we went to dinner. "How long are you gonna be in New York?" I asked.

"Just the weekend." I said. "Did you want to go? Or stay back?" I said. "I know you have rehearsals and stuff." I said, taking a drink of my soda.

I reached over and took her hand. "I can go with you. I have that weekend free."

"That will be amazing.. I didnt want to go alone."I said, and kissed her hand softly. "And I am supposed to get a really nice fancy hotel. And fly first class.. I can get used to this whole professional photographer thing.." I said, smiling.

I smiled and gently ran my fingertips up and down her arm. "I'm happy for you babe."

"Thank you.. I never thought that this would ever happen to be honest.." I said, and looked up, as the waitress came over, and got our orders and was on her way. I got a steak, and I was looking forward to it!

I got chicken strips and a coke. I ate quietly, looking around the restaurant.

"When is your first show?" I asked, cutting into my perfect steak. "I'm really excited for it."

I took a bite of a chicken strip and looked down. "In about 3 weeks."

"Wow." I said. "I was hoping it was sooner." I said, with a light shrug. When we were done we headed back to the dorm, and I pulled out my sketch book, I had to finish my drawing.. Then I remembered it was Saturday night.. "Hey.. How about clubbing tonight?" I said, raising an eyebrow as I glanced up at her.

I nodded. "Yeah.. Just no accepting drinks from random people. Or exes.." I chuckled.