"Oh! I see. So it was not planned." Stefen looked at the nervous girl, once again awed by her grace. The girl was very nervous, but she did not stop smiling. She had maintained a graceful and stylish body posture too.
Vicky did not reply but just nodded slightly in a "no." She did not have the heart to tell in front of the entire audience that Cheryl did not consider this show as worthy enough to partic.i.p.ate and also created a havoc backstage. That would be the girl"s as well as the company"s insult!
Stefen paused slightly before framing his words carefully. "As much as I want to appoint you as our permanent show-stopper, rather than a subsitute, that would not be fair on my part, if I do that without a healthy compet.i.tion."
Vicky was stunned at Stefen"s words. He was actually praising her?!
"I also appreciate you trying to cover up for Miss Cheryl not just for her job but also for the ruckess she created back-stage. You have also proved that without any prior intimation or practice, you can rule this position." Stefen continued, looking at Vicky in admiration. He was actually surprised at Vicky"s presence of mind and maturity. The girl had every chance to bath mouth Cheryl, but as usual she had stuck to her ethics.
Vicky was stunned at her boss"s words. She did not know what to reply to him, so she just nodded in grat.i.tude.
Stefen wanted to say much more to the girl, but he controlled himself. He turned towards the announcer, his face was now stern and angry. "Somebody! Go tell Miss Cheryl that if she needs her position, she has to be here in five minutes and walk the ramp with Miss Vicky. Otherwise she can kiss her job good bye. We only like professional ethical people!"
The entire back-stage staff could not help but giggle happily at their boss"s words. They were happy that finally "Miss Att.i.tude" was shown her original position.
Vicky stood gracefully at the centre of the stage, waiting for Cheryl. She was happy that their would be a healthy compet.i.tion for the position. Where as Stefen was explaining the other to designers about the procedure.
Stefen then took the microphone again and announced."Since, this is the most important post, we would conduct an auduence poll too. Whoever gets more votes, amongst the two will sign a three year contract. We are giving you each one board, which two different colors on each side. Those who vote for Miss Cheryl, will put up red side and those who chose Miss Vicky will put up green side."
Cheryl who was summoned by an employee, had by now reached the back-stage, unaware of all the mishappenings. The stylists quickly rushed towards her, handing over Vicky"s outfit to her. "Cheryl! You have to be on stage! Quickly wear Vicky"s outfit!"
Cheryl looked at the outfit in disgust. "I will wear this? Are you crazzy? I don"t wear second- hand things. I will walk the ramp as it is." Cheryl threw away the outfit and rushed towards the stage smiling proudly. This Stefen! He has to flaunt me to the world! What will this company do without me?
"No...no....wait...wait..." The stylists shouted but Cheryl already had reached the ramp. Soon the music started and Vicky stood aside, to let audience focus on Cheryl. But, she was stunned to see Cheryl in a white dress and clenched her fists in nervouseness.
Cheryl started her walk, looking straight at the cameras. Stefen smirked a bit and stood up again. People thought that he was about to give another standing ovation. Suddenly, Stefen signalled for the music to stop.
Cheryl stopped her walk and looked at Stefen, smiling proudly. He cant even wait to announce me as the show-stopper! How impatient and naive!