4 - Anniversary

Sarah gave Madeline a tour of the upper floors. It was such a vibrant and a creative atmosphere everywhere they went. Sarah was an assistant working for the boss and Madeline was fortunate to being given a tour by her.

They got into the elevator and arrived at the last floor. Madeline was so excited as she stepped out. On this floor were almost naked models trying on the dresses on the many racks. Mannequins were also used to wear the premium dresses and Madeline couldn't help but stare upfront to see a gorgeous white shimmer gown on a mannequin stand. The hems and stitches were perfectly embroidered and it didn't take a genius to know that was the show stopping dress. It seems like a fashion show was upcoming.

“As you can see, we're getting ready for our next fashion show to release our latest clothing line. The boss would love all of these arrangements.” Sarah smiled at the models and Madeline already was thinking of a new sketch design in her head. “On to the next part of the tour Ms. Collins.”

Another room opened and Madeline knew the place to be the creative room. The smell of intense caffeine resonated in the entire space. Madeline could tell that many of the workers hadn't even left this room in the past couple of hours. Dozens of sketch papers littered the floor and some already being tossed into the already full trash bin. Judging by the intense atmosphere and working environment, it seems the fashion show was happening tomorrow or the end of the week.

“This is where all the brainstorming ideas happen Ms. Collins. You aren't yet here but if you succeed in the freelancing department, maybe my boss might consider you. Cathy?” Sarah pointed to a blonde woman with oval shaped glasses. She seemed busy sketching a pretty neat knee length dress on her sketch pad. Cathy was quick to put on her best smile and headed to where Sarah and Madeline stood.

“Meet Cathy. She's one of the reasons why PVH Corp still stays on top and in the newspapers, articles and headlines. Her designs are to die for.” Sarah gave the introduction and Madeline was quick to extend a hand. “Nice to meet you. My name is Madeline. And, I love your dress.” And, this made Cathy grin. “Thanks. I designed it myself.” Cathy soon took over the tour and was briefing Sarah on the progress of the designs and stitches. Everyone was busy either cutting fabrics to stitching of the dresses. Madeline counted up to about twenty-five workers in total present in the room excluding her, Sarah and Cathy.

“So.... You've seen how work is done around here Ms. Collins. We constantly work around the clock and there's less chances of going back home for a few nights. No doubt the pay is very good but you've already seen it all and I know you're only interning, so what's your decision?” Sarah now lead Madeline towards the freelancing department and stopped by the door to get Madeline's reply.

With a deep breath followed by a wide smile, Madeline nodded. “I accept to having my internship done over here Sarah.” And, Sarah smiled. “Wonderful. Welcome to PVH Corp once again.” And, she opened the door. Just like in the creative room, the freelancing department wasn't lacking in being busy. The only difference was the number of interns in the room which accumulated to over ten interns in total. Everyone got to sketching their respective designs and others were already getting to work on their designs using their mannequins as model figures.

“Also, your desk is over at the corner,” Madeline saw Sarah point at an empty desk by the left and a mannequin beside the desk. “I'll leave you to stay a while longer if you would like to. You start fully tomorrow and your client's information would be sent to your email before the end of today. Again welcome Ms. Collins.” With that said, Sarah left Madeline and walked out.

Madeline reached for her keys to unlock her locker and take out a textbook she would need for her next lecture. Her smile was constantly on her face as she made her way towards her class when she bumped into her two friends at college. “Where have you been girl? Lately you disappear and don't want to hang out with your friends.” Karen pouted as she blew a bubble from her gum. Jane didn't say a word and only clutched her books closer to her chest. To Madeline, having friends at this point was only a distraction. Jane and Karen were more like acquaintances than friends to Madeline. Even now, she wondered whether to share the good news of her internship with them. In her dictionary, the two of them didn't strike as the kind of people Madeline would want too close. But also they were the only girlfriends she had in the university. In short, she was a boring nerd to everyone in school.

“Let's just say I've been a bit busy.” That was all Madeline could say. The three of them had the same lecture and once the bell rang, they all headed straight to class. “I also see that things are going well with Kane?” Karen was one to get in on all the gossip. Jane rolled her eyes. “Duh, they've been dating for almost three years now and that's something.” And, this immediately hit Madeline at the back of her head. Her third year anniversary with Kane was coming up this week. She still couldn't believe that they were heading to three years in their relationship.

“Honestly am surprised you haven't had at least two abortions. I heard that Sophie had her third abortion last week and it hasn't even been up to six months since she started to date Gerpard.” Karen whispered on their way to class and Madeline couldn't help but widen her eyes. She wonders where Karen gets the time to study while making sure she knew every student's personal life in campus.

“No way! Sophie from chemistry class?” Jane covered her mouth. Madeline shooked her head and pretended to hear but her ears had stopped listening to their gossips. Instead she wanted to find ways to make her and Kane's third year anniversary special. Lately Kane had been feeling down even though he didn't show it. Only Madeline knew how much effort he always put into his work to make it big in life someday. And, yet everytime he was being turned down by big investors. Madeline wanted to make it a special day to not only cheer up Kane but also show him that she would always be by his side.

“Earth to Madeline!” Karen snapped her fingers within Madeline's face and she blinked out of her thoughts.

“What?” Madeline asked.

“Jane was asking you if you take care of yourself while sleeping with your boyfriend? There's no such thing as being too careful girlfriend.” Karen said and Madeline gasped. “It's my problem girls and yes I am taking care of myself.” Madeline said. “That's good Madeline. You wouldn't want to end up pregnant right in the middle of your school year. That would be bad.” Jane shooked her head. This got Madeline to think. She had pills at home and always took them. But she recalled not taking those pills for some days because it had been long since she and Kane had sex not until two days ago.

“I know our Madeline wouldn't take that chance. She's all focused on her future of becoming a fashion designer and getting straight As and attendance.” Karen chuckled as they entered into the classroom.

Madeline got back to her apartment and just as she thought, her contraceptive pills had finished a long time ago. She sighed and decided to head to the supermarket nearby when she received an email from Sarah. It contained the information of her client. It also dawned on her that she needed to inform Mr Yang about quiting her part time job at the restaurant.

Kane informed of coming home late so Madeline decided to quickly run the errand of getting the pills and make dinner before Kane returns home. She made waffles with toasts and scrambled eggs. She did her assignments next before getting her phone to check the email sent by Sarah on her first ever client. Kane came home very late but instead of wearing a tired and gloomy expression on his face, he seemed excited and Madeline was now impatient to hear the good news.

“So.... How did it go this time?” She asked as her anxiety spiked.

Kane tossed his bag on the couch and with the speed of lightning ran to hug Madeline and carry her off the ground. With wide eyes, Madeline clutched her fists on both his shoulders and heard him laugh. “I got a positive response Madeline! The interview went fantastic today! Am meeting with the actual client tomorrow. My time to rise to the top has finally come Madeline! FINALLY!” Kane raised his voice at the end as he couldn't contain his excitement.

“Am so happy Kane!” Madeline held his face close and Kane kissed her first before she could. They both moaned in each other's mouths and Madeline tried to get her hands all over his broad back. Kane went to pull at her hair and curling her head up to now suck on her neck. A breathless moan left her lips as she closed her eyes to feel his wet lips against her soft skin.

“Should we head to our bedroom?” Kane smirked. His green eyes turned to dark shades of jade as desire was prominent on his face. “What about dinner?” Madeline touched her tongue and playfully eyed him. Her act only made him groan deeply and Madeline could now feel his rod poking her rear. “You're my dinner tonight babydoll.” His voice only got deeper and sexier. And, Madeline slapped his shoulder. “Don't call me babydoll.”

“Your wish is my command.” Kane said and moved to glue his lips with hers as he carried her to their bedroom.