“Plans? Ha!” Melody all but snorted at the idea. “One of my friends younger sisters is getting married this weekend and I had been conscripted into doing her hair since she and her fiance are tight on money. Eh,” she shrugged casually “at least I’ll get free food out of it so it balances out.”
“You’re easy to please.” The brunette laughed with an amused grin on her face. The two had been working at the theater together for the last four years and got along rather easily since they shared the same kind of humor having both grown up with a house full of boys.
“Hey, it was between that or stay at home and harass my roommate while working on some outfits for the upcoming fairs.” Yes, she totally had plans on being a fairy with iridescent colored wings for the fantasy faire at the end of August. Despite being a little rough around the edges and borderline tomboy growing up, Melody definitely had a young girly side to her that refused to be ignored.
“I’m sorry…” Both women paused in their conversation to glance over at Chris, the stage manager, talking to a young woman with black hair that looked to be in her early twenties maybe even late teens; never know these days. “All of our intern positions are full. I wish I could help you, I do-”
“Hey Chris!” Melody hollard to get his attention as she set down her tomato pin cushion on the chair beside her. “Give me one moment, I’ll be right back.”
Grace simply nodded her head and with a quirked brow and arms crossed over her chest she watched her friend make a v-line towards her manager like someone driven by a purpose that could not be stopped even if a twenty foot walk blocked her way. “Hey, did you get my request two weeks ago asking for help?”
If ever there was a time to catch him off guard this was undoubtedly it. Eyes wide with a deer in the headlights blank expression he blinked at her as if she were some alien. His whole body language spoke more than what he was willing to say in front of their guest as he stared at her obviously less than thrilled that she had so casually inserted herself into their conversation. “I don’t believe I did, no.” He lied.
The grin that spread across her face was one of triumph at his admission, he knew by that look on her face that Melody was no fool and she knew he had read the request but to save face denied it. “Well then.” She promptly turned her attention to the young woman beside them. “Can you sew?”
The second voice made Delilah stop and turn. It had been a long shot coming to the theater but frankly, after the year she had gone through, an internship had been the only option she had not to lose her place in design school. Not to mention it kept her mind busy. That was what she needed now. To focus and relearn how to be...Delilah. Not all this huff about giving that up. Arthur had reminded her who she was.
“Yes Ma’am. I have been sewing for years.” Delilah offered with a polite smile, her hand also extending out a small black book. A portfolio of work as well as small sections showing off different skills she had with a needle and thread. “These are some of the things I have done more recently. Concept to finish protect.”
“Fun yet functional,” Melody commented then turned the page to an evening dress. “Ooo very elegant, I like it. You have a knack for design that’s for sure.” Hell I’d wear this if only I had an occasion to wear it to. As someone who would rather make then buy something, that thought alone spoke volumes.
“I can also provide references if you like?” Delilah offered, quickly stealing a glance back at the woman standing there trying to hold up her skirt before looking at the man she had come to meet. He seemed rather...annoyed? The look made her quickly glance away and back onto the older woman before her.
“If you have them that’d be great but I’m honestly more interested in seeing some of your creations in person. Your pictures are gorgeous but I’d like to see your craftsmanship first hand if you could bring some of your pieces in either later this afternoon or in the next few days. You see,” Melody handed the portfolio back to its owner seemingly satisfied with the projects that were highlighted. “The clothing I’ll need your help will receive a lot of wear and tear from the performers as do some of the props I’ll need help with; drapery, reupholstering some of the furniture that got torn. So on and so forth.”
“Anyway,” The older woman cleared her throat and looked her manager in the eye. “I think I can take it from here. I’ll let you know if she’ll work out otherwise you’ll need to send one of your interns my way or we simply won’t be ready in time.” Same story different day, so much of preparing for an opening came down to the wire just before they opened the doors. Even then they were still scrambling the day of.
Chris, on his part, let out a sigh. Lips pursed into a thin line clearly irritated with his Designer he was stuck in a position where there was no room for argument or objection. She had, in a way, undermined him and they would be having a discussion later about it “Do what you need to do Melody. I have to take care of some orders that haven’t arrived.”
“Sounds good. Thank you.” No more than a second passed and the two women were alone to continue where they left off.
“Anywho…” She began again after turning her attention back to the fresh face standing next to her. “Tell me a bit about yourself. Your passions, your history in fashion design.” The way Melody spoke with her hands now that they were unoccupied gave the raven haired woman the distinct impression that she was taking a far more casual approach to the whole interview process.
There was a split second in there Delilah had to wonder if there was something more going on between the Manager and the woman who approached her. However, not her place and she just watched the exchange with her eyes.
“I apologize. Did I come at a bad time?” Delilah started, pulling the black portfolio back against her chest as she watched the male walk off in what she had to admit was a horrible looking mood. Not the best way to start off an ‘interview’ or even a potential intern.
But as the woman turned once more, Delilah quickly took note of the shift in her stance and voice. She was far more animated and alive than she had been when squaring off against the Manager. It honestly drew a smile to Delilah’s face and allowed her shoulders to relax a moment.
“Well, my name is Delilah. I have been interested in fashion since before I was old enough to using a sewing machine and making my own clothes as well as friends clothes since high school.” Dropping her hands, Delilah extended her arms out a bit, showing off the loose sleeve top she was wearing. “I did this top a few weeks ago. Just something to get by in the summer heat.”
“Oh wow. I’m impressed, I would have swore you bought it from JC Penny or someplace over near the mall.“ Melody reached a hand out indicating that she’d like to actually look at the stitching on the sheer sleeve. “May I?” She asked before basically fondling the poor girls clothes For all intents and purposes, just looking at the shirt Delilah wore it looked professionally made which only served to bring about a whole slew of additional questions she wished to ask if only she could get a closer look.
“Of course.” Delilah smiled, a beam of pride at what the woman said. Her arms extended out a bit more so she could see more of the shirt and how it was made. “And thank you. I couldn’t find something I liked so I decided to do it myself. Why buy when you do it just how you want? Only down side is have to be a bit careful when washing.”
“That’s how it is with most things that are hand made depending on the material you use.” Melody absently commented while analyzing the stitching on the inside seams. “There is a little bit of puckering here otherwise it is very clean.” Chances are it was due to a dulling needle trying to punch through the more delicate sheer organza fabric. “I’m curious, about how long did this take you and did you hem the edge with a serger or by hand?”
“I got lucky it was in the folds.” Delilah admitted, a small blush on her cheeks as one of her flaws in the top was pointed out. Normally people would miss it. However, it was still upsetting to hear it picked out. Shaking it off, Delilah bit her lip for a moment. She was clearly adding up some time.
“For this one? Serger. Just something quick to get moving. I can do by hand if need as well.” Delilah commented with a shrug. “I think this one was about...four to five hours.”
“Not bad,” Melody nodded her head appreciative of the time spent. Considering it was something made for herself there was no need to rush through something that she planned to wear frequently as the weather got warmer. “Did you make your own pattern or end up following a premade one from the store?” Neither answer was right or wrong. On one hand it showed that she was creative, took initiative and had an ability to problem solve. Then on the other hand it would show that she was able to carefully follow directions and listen to instructions. Both great qualities that had value in a place like the theater.
“This one was a pattern. I had to edit it a bit because I wanted a bit more movement in the top and the pattern was fitted. But I can work either way.” Delilah raised the black portfolio in a small lift to motion towards it. “Everything in here that had a sketch was done on a pattern I made. If it was a premade, I noted it as well. Honestly... “ Delilah said with a smile. “I prefer to make my own. I can edit it as needed and still make it work. Premades have their place but sometimes, you miss one corner and you might as well trash the entire piece.”
“True. But that’s also when you’re able to improvise and make something that was ordinary into something unique.” With a smile on her face Melody shrugged in a way that suggested either way worked so long as the deadline was met. “Either way I think you would be a great addition to our team, I feel like you bring a lot of talent to the table. My only other question for you, other than the technical hiring stuff, since this is a paid internship...” she waved her hand dismissively since that’d come later. “Is how well are you working with tight deadlines, snippy performers, and overall dealing with stress.”
“You got to understand the days leading up to a performance are fine and go at an easy pace but once the shows start going a LOT...” Melody emphasized knowing full well just how much s**t could happen no matter how prepared they thought they were. “...Of things can and will go wrong.”
This woman was blunt. And that might have been a tip of the iceberg. The way she was putting it, Delilah had to wonder if this is how she wanted to handle this. But with one hell of an inhale, Delilah nodded. “I’m good with deadlines as long as I can get my hands on come coffee. Stress doesn’t bother me one bit…” She doubted there would be any dying bodies around here. Well, real ones. Being a senshi did have perks on helping her manage stress. “And Snippy performers, honestly I can understand it when the show is going on. All eyes on them right?” Delilah gave a smile that clearly said she could fake it as long as needed. Actors...
It was the time before that she would make sure they got to know one another. As long as there was some sort of an apology later, she could make due with snippy for some time. That she learned back at school. They gave her a wake up call.
“So, when may I start?”
“If I can pin down Chris and have him get you started on the paperwork you could start as early as tomorrow. He’ll be able to work with you on your schedule and any vacations you may have pre-planned.” For the most part they were fairly flexible and able to work around schedules except for the day before and the day of a performance.
Sometimes she missed being an intern but then she remembered the grunt work and under appreciation with lack of ability to tell a person to shove it and quickly dismissed the former yearning. “Do you have any questions or concerns you’d like to ask before I go get him?”
Nodding as she explained, Delilah felt the smile growing on her face. Somehow she was going to do this and it was going to help her get back on the right path. This was her dream. Not Phact’s. Not someone who died long ago…
“Tomorrow would be perfect. I’m sure I can work anything I had planned around once I know the schedule for the shows. Nothing too set in stone.” Delilah smiled.
“Oh, I do have one question.” Folding the portfolio in her arms and across her chest, Delilah gave her a more polite smile. “I didn’t catch your name. Is there something I may call you besides Miss?”
“Ha.. haha.. Yeah” The question came as a surprise which startled a laugh out of her “You can call me Melody or Melz. Either one works.”
For a brief moment she glanced over her shoulder at Grace just long enough to see the curious yet mildly impatient look on her face. Melody sighed then turned her attention back on Delilah. “I should probably head back over there to finish up with the alterations. It was great talking with you and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. I will go flag Chris down if you could wait here a few moments.”
“Thank you Melody.” Delilah offered with a rather happy smile. Her eyes followed the woman’s gaze back to the woman standing behind them watching. It was then it dawned on her what that woman was doing and she felt a small pit in her stomach. Oops.
“Not a problem. I’ll wait here for you and him. Better to get paperwork out of the way when needed.” A small laugh and she was back to normal. It was going to be a good summer.
Sirene Naiads
