BEAUTY UNMASKED

         By:Meena_Diasso

      *7*

I looked stunned at the message on my phone I blinked numerously maybe I just wasn't getting things right "IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING!" I  shouted in my brain,  I furrowed my brows thinking really  hard of the writing on the screen I squealed loudly mom rushed into my room "What's happening did you hurt yourself?"  she asked looking me over and rolled her eyes when she saw the smile on my face "You know you've outgrown this act right?" she muttered turning away I was so overjoyed my tongue was somehow tied I ran to her and shoved the phone into her  hands the smile on her face calmed me a bit,   but her smile faltered a bit as she looked at me with a very serious look,  "Are you really up for this?" she asked in a concerned voice.  I returned her smile and nodded "I can do this mom, I'm so happy I've been called  when I know there are numerous girls who'd like to be in my position  some far beautiful than I am" I uttered in a voice thick with emotion as my eyes shined with tears.

I felt a bit giddy as I prepared to meet up with Soraya,  "Hello Mrs Billings" I greeted  as I made  way to the sofa,  "Aw sorry I can see you are excited today?" she asked clasping her hands tightly together, I smiled at her excitement  I could tell mom  had already told her what was happening but I'd still like to indulge her "So a little birdie whispered some good news to me but I'd like to hear it from the horse's mouth tell me kiddo are the chirps really true?" I jumped from the chair and hugged her nearly knocking us over,  "It's true this Kiddo here" I uttered pointing to myself  "Has been called up by the biggest modelling show in Africa can you imagine I mean" I sighed and fanned myself from all the excitement "They called me up" I added in a strained voice bursting into tears,  I felt her clasp her hands tightly around me "Congrats kiddo I know you're gonna nail it and definitely come out a winner of  AFRICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL".  I smiled at the thought of winning I'm surely gonna win "And you're a winner whether  or not they name you one,  with or without vitiligo cos you're Mina one of the smartest  and most beautiful girls I've been privileged to meet" she whispered in my ear as if reading my thoughts.

***

Soraya joined me as I went to tell my group they were super excited for me, they threw a small backyard  party for me.

I was very tired when I got home from all the dancing but luckily for me I had two days to prepare for the  first screening there were lots of us so we had to be screened and then selected for boot camp,  I swallowed as I made my way to the taxi,  mom held my bag on her shoulder "Take very good care of yourself Mina and show them what you've got,  I know you're gonna emerge victorious" she said hugging me tightly. "And one more thing they don't have to crown you a winner because you're already one from over coming vitiligo. 

*

Sorry for the short chapter but the story is almost coming to an end plus I have another story which I posted on wattpad Unconditional love is really appreciate it if you vote and comment on the story. 

Graçias amigos

Lots of love 😘 , 

Meena_Diasso

meenadiasso.blogspot.com

Honeys2016.wordpress.com 

BEAUTY UNMASKED

                *6*

I closed my eyes as the memories of what I did invaded my thoughts,  she didn't deserve my outlash but why were all the treatments not accurate I don't want to be on a medication that wouldn't treat the patches 'but was I ready for this depigmentation that  would live me all white' I closed my eye and rolled over the bed mom was not very happy with my acts as well what I'm I gonna do.

*

"Hi Doc" I greeted shyly raising my hand up a bit,  I was surprised to actually see a smile on her face,  she rose from her chair and gave me a tight hug "please forgive me ---" "Hush now you're back that's all that matters I understand you were a bit overwhelmed with all that I said about the  treatments there's nothing to forgive" she retorted as she pulled me with her to the sofa.  I nodded meekly and held back the smile that was making it's way on my lips.  I met her eyes once we were seated and smiled "Uhm-i-uh" I sighed out the air in my mouth a bit and licked my lips "I've thought things over and uhm-i don't think I'll go through any of the treatments for now" I spoke out nervously,  she had the most surprised look on her face,  but hid it quickly and smiled "I'd say you've really surprised me but since you've not completely made up your mind I'll see look into the treatments for one that befits you" she said rheoterically  I squinted my eyes and bit the side of my lips as her words whirled around my mind,  I didn't want to say anything now but the little research I did online amazed me,  there lots of people with my condition who lived just fine with it,  maybe it was about time I held my head high like literally hold my head high without looking down I tried it when I was coming although I still looked down a bit but I'm doing OK,  I still need some confidence to get used to holding my head high like before.

" I'd like to meet people with my kind of condition" I blurted out quieting her, she nodded then hugged me "I'd not say you're moving fast but is a step in the right direction,  that's exactly what you need,  meeting people with your condition ushers your mind to accept it" I nodded at her words,  this is good "But uhm--do you think I'd be accepted in  the modelling world with this?" I asked hesitantly chewing on my lips, "Let's take this one day at, I don't think your mind and body is ready to be exposed to the world just yet,  you'll have to accept yourself wholeheartedly before sharing yourself with  the rest of the  world" I nodded at how true her words actually were,  o wasn't ready for that yet I had to heal first that's the most important thing healing myself first and bracing myself for the snide remarks that'll be coming my way, this wasn't going to deter me not one bit.

***

The following days that followed were not easy at all, mom was so proud of me,  and I'd been able to make some process being

1. I held my head up ever since I discussed it with Soraya.

2. I've met with people with my condition and amazing doesn't seem to cover just how I feel. The main point being vitiligo is not a curse.

3. I'm a proud member of BEYOND THE SKIN a group of people with skin conditions.

4. I've grown  emotionally and mentally after all sessions with the group and Soraya.

My hand shook a little as I hovered  the pointer on the upload icon I've come a long way from almost getting there to being there  I read over the words I breathed harshly out,  'I'm I ready for this?' I closed my eyes and clicked on the button "The deed has already been done" I whispered in the air.

By Meena_Diasso

meenadiasso.blogspot.com
Honeys2016.wordpress.com

BEAUTY UNMASKED

                   *5* 

      
I was happy with my visits to Soraya,  she had almost everything figured out,  we were going to  go through the treatments today and I couldn't hold on the giddy feeling,  "You look very happy today Mina" she said with a smile on her face as she took her seat,  I smiled back and nodded, "I don't want you holding your hopes up and being disappointed so I'd advice you have an open and really think about all what I'm gonna say after we're done".

"We can go with the simplest one, the non-medical treatment and it involves using make up to cover the patches up" she said smiling widely I nodded thinking about her suggestion that would be simple but how can I conceal all the patches when I have some on my back.

"Stop thinking so hard young lady" she said snapping me out of my reverie. I blinked and smiled "OK so we've gone through the non-medical treatments (make up,  self tanner and skin dye)   which has virtually no side effects". I nodded "But it has repeatedly applied to get the natural-looking result", "And time consuming" I added, she jokingly rolled her eyes and continued.

°• Then we have the medical ones that include the LIGHT TREATMENT,  PUVA LIGHT THERAPY,  SURGERY, UNCONVENTIONAL TREATMENT, DEPIGMENTATION AND MEDICINE APPLIED ON SKIN" I nodded I just pray there is a treatment that suits me in there,  "Mina I don't want you to hold your hopes up as I said before,  all these treatments are not very reliable with the exception of the depigmentation which I don't think you'd be interested in,  first I want you to love yourself,  know that these patches can never kill ya ok" she started in a  serious tone but ended jokingly,  I chuckled and nodded.

*"The near simplest one after the non medical ones is the application of medicine on the skin,  mostly prescribed for vitiligo on small areas,  the medicine is a super-potart topical corticorsteroid which maybe combined with another medicine to improve results" the medical terms were making my head swim "But they are least effective on the hands and feet and some topical medicines can't be used on the face,  they have side effects and can cause skin atrophy ( the skin becomes paper thin, dry and fragile)*.

*In light treatment light is used to repigment the skin,  patients sites in a light box or receive excimer laser treatments.
The light box is used to treat widespread vitiligo whiles laser is used to treat small areas it works best on the face and least effective on hands and feet". I had quite a few patches on my feet and hands I nodded "Treatment may disappear within a year of stopping treatment though"*.

*The PUVA LIGHT THERAPY involves using the UVA light and a medicine called Psoralen to restore skin color, Psoralen may be applied on the skin or taken as pill and can treat widespread vitiligo.  Treatment may take a year,  and can affect the eye, It also has side effects".

*With the surgery unaffected skin or skin cell is removed and replaced to the part that needs pigment and side effects include failure to work,  cobble-like skin and infection*.

*With the unconventional treatments  we are not certified but some vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes have been reported to restore skin color in people who have vitiligo. Most have not been studied so there's no evidence to support the treatments*.

*Then the last but not the least it's Depigmentation which involves removing the remaining pigment from the skin, which leaves you completely white. It's a gradual process it takes 1-4 years but we recommend it to patients who have little pigment left*.

My head was whirling by the time she was done,  "I'd say you shouldn't rush into things now I'd like you to really think thoroughly if you can go through any of these treatments, Most of our patients don't go through with the treatments though" she advised.

I couldn't ease the thumping of my heart as she showed me the pictures of some vitiligo sufferers. Mine was a mild one one lady had it all over her body her face look freckled,  I was amazed when Soraya attested that she had vitiligo, though she looked more like an albino (no offense to albinos).

I looked from the pictures looking intently at Soraya "What'd you do if you were in my situation?" I asked watching her intently,  I could tell she was caught off guard she opened and close her mouth totally lost of words "And do you think my aspirations will ever come to pass with these things on my body?" she smiled which was quite annoying "Will I ever have a guy come up to me and profess his love for me in this state?". I was getting annoyed with the smile on her face,  she was already married to have such a problem I am all but a girl who's never had a boyfriend because I was too busy getting my grades and building my career she had no ideas what this felt like
"ANSWER ME DAMMIT!" I busted out.

                           Meena_Diasso
                            honeys2016.wordpress.com
meenadiasso.blogspot.com

BEAUTY UNMASKED

BEAUTY UNMASKED 🎭

                               *4*

I detached myself from everything I called the agency and told them I had lost interest in  the job,  all the small magazines I worked with stopped calling me especially when the patches appeared on  some parts of my face,  I stood in front of my dressing mirror studying the horrible patches,  I bit my lip tightly to  feel if I was in a dream,  " Why me?" I questioned quietly,  I held my hand up,  mom wanted us  to visit another doctor bit I couldn't  bring myself do it,  I ignored  the knock on the door, and focused on the reflection on the mirror, I smiled sadly and gnawed on my lips not caring if I injured it or not.

I opened the  cabinet and pulled out an old photo album I carefully opened it and stared at the pretty girl looking back at me,  I smiled sadly and opened the next one,  I threw it away when I couldn't bear the torture anymore, I picked myself off the ground and went to my bedroom I lied on the  bed gently caving myself into my body "Please give me the strength to pick myself up" I prayed not even knowing what I was praying to. 

I forced myself out of my room the next morning if mom was happy she didn't let on,  I smiled at her and did my normal morning routine with her,  but I was amazed when she wasn't dressed  for work.  "Mina.." she called out when I was walking to my room,  "Get ready we're going out" she uttered in a stern voice and looked away.

I took in her stoic expression and walked back to my room what was she planning,  I couldn't wear a sundress,  the patches were now on both my knees and across my calves. I chose a long sleeved button down dress shirt with jeans and tied my hair in a ponytail.  I wore a hooded sweatshirt on the shirt pulling out the hoodie to cover my face.  Mom shook her head when I came out but didn't utter a word.

Mom was quiet during the ride to the wherever she was taking me,  I had an eerie feeling it wasn't going to be good,  but she was in no mood to talk to me so,  I just looked outside the window as the driver drove to wherever we were going to, "Come out we are here" mom said snapping out of my reverie.

I stood aside as mom paid the driver and held my arm,  I held my head down as we walked I hated the strange looks I'll  receive from people,  I say will cos I've been cooped up in my room since all this started,  but I wasn't ready for  the funny remarks and strange looks  I was going to  receive seeing myself in each morning was punishing enough.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I felt the cold air hit my face as we walked into the place but I still held my head down now thankful for the hold mom had on me,  I how busy the place was people shuffling around,  mom seated me on a waiting chair like I was some deterred people which in actual sense I was,  I wish I had something to keep myself busy though,  I pulled the sweatshirt to cover my fingers, I didn't know how long she'd been gone,  but it was getting on my nerve,  why would she let me just sit here with some strangers i don't know and expect everything to be OK.

I felt a hand draped over my shoulder I wanted to look up but I already knew it was mom, she hugged me then rose up,  and followed her I watched her hold the knob she released it and raised my head up "Look into my eyes Mina" I looked up and bit my lip "I want you to know that I love you,  and I don't care how or what you look like you'll always be my baby girl" I nodded and scrunched my lip "You have to go in alone now,  and please do cooperate ok" I nodded and held the knob,  she went to the other end of the hallway and sat on one of the waiting chairs which I didn't even realize was there,  she nodded and motioned to the door when I hesitated.

**

I closed my eye and opened the  door,  "You need to come in you know" a voice prodded,  I didn't know how long I had been standing there I opened my eye,  and entered the room,  I looked up and couldn't hold the smile that suddenly tugged on my lip,  I don't know why but I fell comfortable with the lady sitting on the chair.  "Come have a seat" she said in a friendly voice pointing to the chair,  opposite her,  "Or would you prefer the couch?" she asked quirking an eyebrow and pointing to a long sofa opposite her in the far end of the room,  the place looked cozy and had a hint touch but I didn't feel like going there with her it was like I was being held by something although I really felt like going there.  I shook my head and she nodded,  I slowly walked to the chair and greeted her,  but didn't sit down "Have a seat Mina" I nodded and sat down.

"I finally get to meet you Mina your mom has told me quite a lot about you" I nodded not knowing what exactly mom has been saying about me,  "Starting off I'm Soraya Billings and let's just say I'm a very good friend of your moms" I nodded "So tell me Mina how do you feel?" I swallowed hard how could I tell her,  I looked down at my fingers intertwining and releasing them, "I-i " I started off but kept quiet again  "I -i -I  feel like dying" I finally blurted out,  I was surprised by my answer but that was how I really felt,  dying would be a comfort,  "Ok " I looked up knitting my brow,  "Why do you want to die Mina?" she asked quietly,  "I feel less human, and I feel like a disappointment to my mom" she nodded "But your mom is really proud of you,  she told me you did really well in your exam". I smiled at the memory,  I was good in school and mom really wanted me to further my education but she supported me when I made a bargain with her,  I'll only go back to school if my modelling career hits off.
Although she was sad she still supported me.  I nodded and  she smiled,  “I want you to go back home and think  about your life, would you stop living just because you have spots  littered all over your body?” she asked quirking her brow,  her words brought a sense of peace to my being,  I nodded quirkly, "And Mina I want you to  know you're  beautiful and never think less of yourself" I smiled and nodded.

"I want to go through the treatments with you,  but I'd like us to do that tomorrow, I've already stressed you out" "Thanks" I said rising from the chair,  "No girl,  you don't do that to your mom come over here" she said motioning for me to join her I she met me halfway to her chair and squeezed the life,  out of me.  I was rigid when she touched me but eased into the hug. "Thank you" I whispered into her ear.  "Join your mom and please don't let her worry so much ok" she muttered pulling from the hug and looking into my eyes.  I pursed my lips and nodded.  "Good girl now let's go see mummy and clarify things".   
I stayed outside as she spoke with mom,  they've been in there for some time,  mom came out beaming like a kid who'd been handed his favorite candy,  she hugged me without speaking and held my hand as we walked out of  the building,  I still couldn't hold my head up.

                                                                      Meena_Diasso
meenadiasso.blogspot.com
honeys2016.wordpress.com

BEAUTY UNMASKED🎭

       Q: I want you to tell me what you think BEAUTY is, is it all about your facial features and physique......... thinking .......
Watcha say?! Share ya views.....

   

                        «3»

I swallowed to wet my suddenly dry throat “What does it mean doctor,........ is... it dangerous?” I stuttered out,  he gave me a sad smile and shook his head,  “Well it's a disorder that appears on  the skin when the skin loses its melanocyte” I frowned and shook my head in confusion "Well it's an autoimmune disease that happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body,  and in vitiligo it attacks the melanocytes in the body" "I..." I huffed out and closed my mouth again, what was happening to me,  what was did he mean by autoimmune,  and a disorder  "It's not life-threatening,  it won't affect your well being but I'll still run some test on you to check that,  but vitiligo doesn't affect your health in any way it only affects your physical outlook and sometimes the mouth and eye" he assured does he mean my body was going to  be draped in these white patches,  my breathe quickened as all the dreams I've ever had flashed over my eyes.

I don't even know how I left the doctor's office I pulled my key from my door and opened the door to my house looking around like I was a stranger to it,  I felt like an intruder,  I am a damn intruder,  maybe to this world,  I've worked my butt of since childhood for this job,  only eating what  will help with my figure,  and using the best of skin products and just as I'm near fulfilling this dream God  decides to punish me with this godforsaken ailment.  I slumped on my bedroom door and propped heavily on my bum.

I heard when mum came back from the hospital but ignored her when she knocked on my door, I was still in the same position I was when I came from the hospital I hugged my legs and burst into tears "I'm only 19 with my whole life ahead of me,  why now?" I asked quietly I remember when the doctor said it had no cure,  I had to live with these marks for the rest of my life.

The following day was hell cos mom was at home today and bombarded me with questions about my visit I felt like yelling at her, the questions were getting  annoying  didn't  she know  to just keep quiet when her questions were not being answered.  I breathed in deeply trying to reign in the anger that was hurriedly building up inside me.  "It's nothing mom he said it be normal" I said rising from my chair,  "But you've not even touched your food" she complained as I headed to my room "I don't feel like eating mom" I replied and rushed to my room.
I'm a disappointment, I'm nothing but a disappointment.

I heard as she knocked on my door and coaxed me to open up bit I ignored her and continued crying silently,  I stood  and wobbly walked to my study desk and powered up my laptop and typed "vitiligo" in the search engine

"Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches. The extent and rate of color loss from vitiligo is unpredictable. It can affect the skin on any part of your body. It may also affect hair, the inside of the mouth and even the eyes.

Normally, the color of hair, skin and eyes is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning."

I blinked at  the definition,  so it was true,  I remembered the doctor mentioning melanocytes. I pushed the laptop down and threw almost every object in my room.  There were insistent loud knocks on the door this time "Mina open the door now or you won't like it when I open it myself" she warned behind the  door but that only fueled my rage "Go away mom", "Mina I want you to open the door ok" she said in concern. I propped myself and walked to the door I opened it hurriedly moving back to my room, “What is wrong with you?” she asked in a slightly angered voice I shrugged and looked away,  "What is wrong with you Mina I want answers not body language" I rolledy eye "The marks are permanent" I said turning to see her expression she had a a frown on her face "I mean the white patches on my skin are permanent and can never be treated" her frown deepened. "I mean my illness is chronic VITILIGO has no cure" I said crying out,  "Aw Mina, that's not the end I know there might be something a doctor can do about this,  don't stress yourself too much" she advised pulling me in  a tight hug.

The heavens was in contrast with mom's words because the days that followed were worse almost every part of my body was sparsely covered in white spots,  my world kept crumbling the more, WTF does this have to happen to me, what did  I ever do wrong to  deserve this......

***

Well now you have ur answers on what vitiligo is and the doctor told Mina it has no cure,  that was what my uncle was also told but luckily for him he only has it on two fingers.... How will she cope with it...... And to the question up 👆there "WHAT DO YOU DEFINE AS BEAUTY?"

BEAUTY UNMASKED

Check out this story cover I made with Covers by Wattpad! Download the Covers app here: http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=wp.wattpad.covers

BEAUTY UNMASKED

Check out this story cover I made with Covers by Wattpad! Download the Covers app here: http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=wp.wattpad.covers

BEAUTY UNMASKED🎭

This one story is all about self love and knowing self worth not a romantic story,  sorry if that's not what you're looking for but I promise you'll not regret reading it. 😉.

                            «2»

I walked out of the doctor's office more confused than when I entered it,  I decided to go to the hospital mom works and it seems they didn't have a dermatologist so   the doctor gave me a referral note to the Central Hospital.  Mom was sad after I relayed what happened at the go-see to her,  she's always known I wanted nothing  than to be a model walking down the runway for the world's famous designers,  I huffed and rested my head on the bar of the trotro (ovan) I made mom inspect  the patches on my back immediately I got back from the go-see and she said it was two big white patches in my spinal area.

I fanned myself with the envelope in my hand,  I want this to be already done with.
I sucked in a deep breath and knocked on our front door mom didn't have work today she mostly visits friends on her day off but she promised to stay in I hugged her when she opened the door.  "How did it go what did the doctor say?" she asked in a rush I sighed and forced a smile on my face "I don't really know mom but he gave me a referral letter to the Central Hospital do you think is something severe? " I asked the latter frowning “Don't worry sweetie everything will be ok, it will all disappear before you know it, you still have those go-sees to go for don't stress yourself ok” she said rubbing my back in soothing circles.

I smiled mom always has words to encourage me,  I gently laid my head and closed my eyes daydreaming of how our life will turn out when I land the modelling job, God the trips, the dresses I'd wear and the photoshoots I sighed in content smiling like I already had what I wanted.

"I can see you're already dreaming about this modelling thing" I heard mom say snapping me out of my reverie, I fluttered my eye open smiling like a loon "I can't help it mom I love the job so much, you could tell the agency was really impressed with me yesterday but everything changed when they saw the white patch" I uttered my smile dropping when I remembered what happened  "It shall be well Mina" she encouraged shaking my arms.  She usually does that when she wants me to ginger up.  I chuckled and rolled off her lap walking to my room it's  been a long day and I still have to go to the hospital tomorrow.

****

I left for the hospital immediately after my morning devotion with mom,  the Central hospital is usually crowded,  so to avoid coming home late you have to go there as early as you can if possible at dawn,  I looked around at all those who were also going to  see the dermatologist one lady had this lump like things on her skin one looked like it was going to drop off anytime, I rubbed my arms and closed my eyes suddenly scared of what was yet to come.

The bell rang signaling the end of the doctor's meeting with the patient that had entered, I closed my eyes as the woman I sat next to entered the doctor's office.
I opened my eyes and sat up, tapping my feet on the ground,  I was growing impatient as time went by,  I jumped out of my chair when the bell rang again earning me dirty looks from some of the patients I smiled and  uttered a quiet sorry to them which I'm sure was heard by no one.

I smiled at the doctor and sat on the chair opposite his "Good morning sir" he nodded and replied smiling back.  "So I can see on your file that you have patches on your skin?" he asked I nodded and held my hand up showing him my patch covered fingers, he frowned as he studied my fingers "Is this the only part of your body that has a patch" "No I have some on my back but I can't see it myself" he nodded and scribed something on the file.

"Do you have family members with the same condition" I shook my head running through my mind to remember if I've seen any family member with the same condition.  "No I don't" I uttered.

"Do you or any member of your family have any autoimmune disease? " "No"

I was getting irritated with his questions "Did you have a rash, sunburn or any skin problem before the white patches appeared?" "No" I replied again I huffed this is really annoying.

"Did you have some type of stress or physical illness" I shook my head if only the stress I'm going through after discovering these patch can be considered a patch trigger factor.

"We'll ran some test on you we'll take a small biopsy of the affected skin and examine it, then run some blood test and eye test on you, go to the lab with this they'll carry it out you'll have the results in three days, well see you on Monday then" I nodded and rose from the chair, I made my way to the lab.

I cringed as my finger was pricked with the pin.

**

"I told mom all that happened at the hospital so do you think it's bad,  I don't like how I'm feeling" I sighed out rubbing my arms from the sudden goose bumps,  "its going to be ok" mom assured me on the phone,  the weekend had been filled with nothing but fear and anguish,  I had a call from Vanessa asking if I was ready to join them, she was quite disappointed when I told her I was still going under treatment, she said they'll employ someone as I worked on it. I lost all hope when she said that.

Why does everything in Africa has to be about queue I mean I had to join a queue when I was here to see the, and now I have to join a queue for a simple test result.

I swallowed hard as I walked to the doctor's office with the results in my hand, I was even afraid to open it.

I looked at him as he read the file,  "Wilhelmina the test shows you have Vitiligo" he uttered looking up from the file in his hand.

I blinked rapidly trying to fathom what he just said "What the hell did he mean by vitiligo?" I screamed in my mind.

###########

So fellas have you ever heard of vitiligo,  I have an uncle who has it buh he has it on his two fingers his index and middle finger.  Do you know of the condition?  Do you think modelling and vitiligo can walk hand in hand when all that Mina wants to do is modelling.

            ..                By : MEENA_DIASSO

BEAUTY UNMASKED 🎭

 

                        «1»

I looked at my fingers surprised at the white patch on my middle and index finger I studied it carefully, it was not scaly but I was scared it might be  a nuisance when I  have a go-see today.

I hurried to the bathroom and bathed then went downstairs for breakfast, mom was still in her room sleeping from her late night shift.

I breathed heavily as I walked into the agency, I  greeted the receptionist returning the smile she had on her face with one of my bright ones,  then hurriedly  made my way to join the queue after she'd shown me where to go.  “Good morning” I greeted the girl sitting on the chair before mine,  she  nodded but didn't even spare me a look I shook my head rolling my eyes,  I wasn't going to allow any wannabe damper my excitement today,  this was the headstart I needed to hasten the pace my career was going ; I needed to move from doing cover photos for small magazines,  it didn't hold the intrigue it used to,  I needed to be on bigger magazines and runway for the créme de la créme of the fashion world.
I held my portfolio tightly and closed my eyes offering a short prayer before entering the auditioning room.

I greeted the two judges with a small smile on my face , the first one smiled  back "Good afternoon I'm Vanessa my colleague is Leah, will you tell us your name?" “I'm Wilhelmina Asare but I go by the name Mina” I replied as I handed my portfolio to her "Mina show us what you've got, walk back to the door and do a catwalk to that side" she asked pointing to the far end of the room.

I walked infesting years of training in it,  they smiled and looked at each other "How long have you been doing this?" Leah asked quite impressed I smiled looking from one to the other "I've been doing this since I can remember" "OK go to the changing room back there and change into the couture dress we have shoes there too pick your size and come do another walk" I nodded and hurried to changing room and changed into the elegant backless el couture and heels. I came out and they both had their eyes fixated on me,  "Show us if you can rock an El couture  Mina" I looked ahead and pushed my shoulders back and cat walked to the other side then did the same walking  back to where I started.

They were both giving me strange looks making the smile I was ready to give drop,  "Did I do anything wrong?" I asked hesitantly  my heart thudding   "No sweetie"  Vanessa the friendliest among them said "but it seems we might have a slight problem" they turned from me whispering to  each other "Since when have you had that white thing on your fingers" she asked eyeing the white patch that covered my two fingers,  I gave them a strained smile "Uhm I just saw it this morning" I was scared they'd deny me what I wanted, "And do you know you have the same patches on your back?" I shook my head vigorously and tried looking at my back to check it out myself "No need honey but I'd advise you come back after you've treated it,  cos you have what it takes to be a super model" I swallowed hard and nodded,  since when did this thing spread over my body without me noticing.

I went back to the changing room and changed back into my attire,  and walked sadly home,  I just hope this thing disappears soon.

*****

I went back home my ego totally deflated I've been practicing this since I was a kid watching every modelling reality show that aired on TV,  I look up to super models like Naomi Campbell, Iman El Badwi,  Tyra Banks,  Adriana Ambrosia and the likes. I watched fashion shows and modeling reality shows religiously ,  I have the figure to be in the business, slim,  tall and pretty even if I'm not super pretty.  I gingerly wiped the angry tears that had begun falling from my eyes,  I hope it's not anything serious and would disappear just as it has appeared on my skin,  nothing was going to stop me from the modeling career I've always yearned for.

#Unedited

    A/N

I've always wanted to be a model (wishful thinking) 😂😂 anyone who knows me knows that. So pals what do you think is Mina's problem. The modelling world is all about flawlessness,  Need ur views.