Page 32 of Barron's Second Chance
She saw a few girls gape wide-eyed at each other, and a few others nodded and smiled as if they knew this and were willing to put the work in.
"How old were you when you left home?" A girl named Rylee asked.
"Eighteen. Literally graduated and moved straight to New York. It was my first time being away from home by myself, and I was terrified. I moved into a small studio apartment in a safe neighborhood. My mom and dad helped me out with rent for a bit, but I also got some nice paying jobs."
"Was Linger Denim your first job?" Rylee asked. She had clearly been following her career from the start.
Eden smiled as old memories resurfaced. "Yes. I know the ad was quite risque." Soft giggles ran out among the group. "But I was eighteen when I did that. There were long discussions between myself, my Mom, my agent, the photographer, and the set director. They proposed a few looks, but ultimately the final decision came from me and the other model, Grant. They all made me feel at ease and comfortable enough to use my voice, which made me say yes in the end to the final spread."
She surveyed the group of girls, soaking in their faces that were tuned into her and hanging off her every word.
"Not all situations in life will come that easy. There will be people in your life, in your career, that will pressure you into things for money, fame, or your next promotion. There may even be a boyfriend, girlfriend, or friend who may want you to do something you're uncomfortable with. Never allow yourself to be in a situation where your morals, well-being, and mental health are compromised just to keep the peace or please someone."
Changing tactics, Eden stood. "I noticed in your introductions that many of you use Instagram and TikTok. Let's talk about that. Who else has felt social pressure, whether through your peers or celebrities you see on social media, to look or feel a certain way?"
From there the conversation took a turn towards social media and the pressures young girls felt to gain followers, earn views and likes. There were a lot of honest and hard discussions that made Eden tear up and she readily expressed her opinions and experiences with certain agents, photographers, peers and the various social media platforms that she was part of. All were kept anonymous, of course, but she was in a privileged position in her life and career to expel some life advice to very impressionable teen girls.
Their talk lasted just over two hours, mainly due to Rylee shyly asking her for a selfie, causing the rest of the girls to follow suit. She even got them to take a group photo that she planned to post on her Instagram page later and would pass onto Kelly to promote her summer classes for next year.
At the end of the class, Eden stood by the door as they filed out, giving each girl a hug and a gift bag to take home. As the last person left, she saw that Bailey was nervously waiting by her stool for her. Eden's face lit up in genuine pleasure as she quickly strode towards the girl, her arms outstretched.
Bailey walked into her hug, her head coming up to her bosom and on instinct she gave Bailey a kiss on the head and squeezed her tight.
"Let me look at you." She held her small frame out and gave her a watery smile. "I always knew you would grow up to be a stunning young lady."
Bailey blushed as she giggled at the compliment. "I have so many photos of us together. Barron copied them for me and I have them all over my bedroom."
She tensed a little at his name but pushed her adverse feelings for Bailey's cousin aside. "I would love a copy of them," she told her.
"I'll be sure to get you some."
Eden jumped at the deep voice coming from the open door.
"Barron!" Bailey exclaimed in joy. She pulled a speechless and pliable Eden by the hand towards the door. "It's Eden!"
She had a feeling that Bailey didn’t know the reason why she and Barron had split up. And why would she? Even though she and Barron were essentially kids, what had happened between them was a very adult situation. Eden could sense genuine joy from the younger girl and figured she was probably unaware they had been a serious couple. After all, she was only seven when Eden last interacted with her.
Barron smiled indulgently at his younger cousin. "I know, hon; we saw each other at the barbeque."
"Oh." The girl visibly deflated, probably excited at the prospect that she was reuniting past friends.
"But we didn't talk much at the barbeque." She finally found her voice and glanced up at Barron before turning back to Bailey. "So this is a nice surprise," she lied. She didn't want her picking up on any negative energy between the two. This wasn't the time or place. However, it was taking a lot of effort for her not to cuss out Barron for once again ambushing her.
"Her Mom and Dad are working today, so I offered to pick her up," he told Eden softly, sensing that she was upset and deducing that she rightly thought he was trapping her.
Again.
Eden nodded in acknowledgment of his words but made no further comment. Her body was wound up in barely controlled rage. The feeling was so overwhelming that she felt like she could burst into tears of frustration if she attempted to speak.
"Hey, kiddo." He held his car keys out to his cousin. "Can you wait for me in the car? We'll practice your driving before I drop you back at your parent's."
Bailey squealed before snatching the keys off him. "Bye, Eden." She zeroed in on her again for a hug which she gladly reciprocated. She picked up one of the pink carrier bags and handed it to Bailey with a smile. "Don't forget your gift bag." She gave her a wink. "The lip balm's one of my favorites."
Bailey excitedly thanked her before leaning up again for another hug. She really was the sweetest girl. Asshole cousin or not, she was keeping Bailey in her life.
After she scurried out, the silence in the room was deafening, and the strain palpable.
Barron wore a pair of gray athletic shorts and a black sleeveless t-shirt. His hair was a little disheveled as if he had been running his hands through them. She tried to ignore his defined biceps, broad shoulders, and summer tan. He had definitely filled out nicely over the years; she had to admit. He had been handsome as a teenager. But as a grown man? He was beyond gorgeous. As much as she hated him, even she could admit that he was a fine piece of specimen.
