Paris Fashion Week

[ Spend 250 rings | None | 1000b ]

A short while later, you, Mia, and Payton are relaxing in the first-class section of a plane bound for Paris! You lay back in your reclining seat.

ADDISON: This is the life. Wrapped in a warm, complimentary blanket and sipping freshly squeezed orange juice…

PAYTON: Yeah, tell me about it. First class! I’ve got so much leg room, I’m dancing in my seat!

MIA: Yeah, you’re kind of freaking out the other passengers…

PAYTON: Who cares? In first class, there are no rules! Dance party! DANCE PARTY!

MIA: I’m not sure Payton ‘gets’ first class…

ADDISON: I’m not sure I get it either. Is there really a full dinner included for free?

MIA: I wonder what it must be like in economy class. Do you have to hunt for your food?

Mia hands you an ornate menu of delicious-sounding, fancy French dishes!

PAYTON: So what are you having, Addison?

ADDISON: I have no idea what any of this is, but I want the… Ratatouille.

You order, and a few minutes later, an attendant comes back with a colorful plate of sliced eggplant, red bell peppers, and bright green zucchini stewed in aromatic herbs! You take a bite and grin.

ADDISON: It’s like happiness is melting in my mouth… YUM!

PAYTON: You’d better save room. They’re serving raspberry chocolate souffles for dessert!

ADDISON: I could get used to this.

MIA: I never stopped!

ADDISON: So Mia, I didn’t know you had a cousin.

MIA: Yeah! Her name’s Brigette. She and I are the same age, so we kind of grew up together. Actually, she goes to Athena Academy, which isn’t too far from our school.

ADDISON: What’s she doing in Paris then?

MIA: She’s in this fashion design program at Athena where the top students get to show off their outfits in a junior fashion show during Paris Fashion Week! She’s going to be debuting her spring line! And I could be one of her models!

PAYTON: No way!

MIA: Yeah! Last season, Brigette picked me to wear one of her signature pieces, and I got to walk down the runway and everything! This season, I’m sure she’ll ask me to do it again. I’ve spent the last four months practicing my strut! I’m going to be stunning.

PAYTON: I can’t wait to see it! Paris cannot come soon enough! How much longer is this plane flight again?

ADDISON: Twelve hours starting… now!

PAYTON: Wait, what?

[ Addison, Mia, Payton | 12h | 8000c ]

A long plane flight later, you, Payton, and Mia arrive in Paris!

MIA: We’re not meeting Brigette for lunch at the Eiffel Tower until noon, so we have the entire morning to ourselves! You know what that means!

ADDISON: Sight-seeing at all the tourist attractions the city has to offer?

MIA: No! Eating expensive food and going shopping!

A short time later, you’re eating chocolate crepes while you walk down the Champs Elysees…

PAYTON: Mmm… this crepe is so good!

MIA: It’s Paris. Everything’s good.

PAYTON: Especially the escargot we had for lunch! Those were the tastiest oysters I’ve ever had!

ADDISON: Uh, actually, Payton, those were--

MIA: Shh. Shhhhhh. Let her have this.

Later, you shop at fashionable boutiques…

PAYTON: Look at this necklace! It has pink diamonds shaped like hearts!

ADDISON: Are you going to buy it?

PAYTON: Oh yeah. I’ll just ask my parents for an advance on my allowance for the next two hundred years.

MIA: Ready to move on? There’s another jewelry store just down the block…

PAYTON: We’ve already gone to three jewelry stores! How about we go shoe shopping? I hear Paris has an Ouch Ouch Pretty Feet branch around here…

You, Mia, and Payton wind up in the shoe store!

PAYTON: Ooh! Hello, pretty pink shoes with tiny silver ribbons! I’m going to buy you and take you home with me! Hey, Addison, where are the salespeople around here?

ADDISON: They disappeared into the back when they saw us. You know anything about that Mia?

MIA: I, uh… well, there was this one summer where my family stayed in Paris, and my dad and I were fighting all the time. I used to run into here and buy shoes whenever things got out of hand. I may have, uh, yelled at the staff. It looks like they remember me… are you guys ready to go yet?

PAYTON: Aww, Mia… I guess I’ll get my shoes later. Do you know where you want to go?

MIA: How about we go find some fancy French parfum?

PAYTON: I’m guessing that means perfume… but I wouldn’t be upset if it meant cookies…

A little while later, you wind up at a sophisticated perfumery where crystal bottles of all colors and shapes line the walls.

PAYTON: Okay, I’ve found my favorite. What do you think? Smell!

Payton waves her wrists under yours and Mia’s noses.

MIA: Whoa…

ADDISON: I think I got punched by a rose!

PAYTON: Well, the store clerk said I smelled great! Or… at least I THINK that’s what he said. He was waving his hands a lot and saying things in French… but he was smiling the entire time!

MIA: Are you getting anything, Addison?

ADDISON: I’ve always wanted a fancy perfume from Paris. But I’m not sure what to get. What does a eau de toilette smell like? Because I’m pretty sure that’s not going to smell great.

MIA: It kind of depends on what you like. The best way to figure out your scent is to think about what you like to do on dates! Are you more into the outdoors, a romantic dinner, or a day at the beach?

ADDISON: I like… The beach.

MIA: I know exactly what you want. Try this!

She spritzes you with something from a colorful bottle. The scent of citrus, sand, and sea foam fills your nostrils.

ADDISON: Mmmm… it’s like summer and salt! I’ll take it!

Still later… You accidentally end up in The Louvre…

MIA: Whoops! Wrong metro stop. Let’s go.

ADDISON: Hey wait, the Mona Lisa’s at this museum! We should check out the world’s most famous smile!

PAYTON: Okay fine, but can we make it quick? This trip went from mini skirts to mummy masks way too quickly.

They stroll through the museum, viewing classical statues and famous paintings.

ADDISON: The Mona Lisa is so pretty!

Suddenly, a tour group filled with really hot guys and girls blocks their path!

MIA: Wow, did you see the cute one on the left?

PAYTON: Not as cute as the one in the middle! Come on, Mia, let’s go wherever they’re going!

Much much later, you walk out of a beautiful Parisian theater after having watched a black-and-white film called Je t’aime!

PAYTON: I didn’t understand the film at all, but I loved all the scenes where the hot people made out!

ADDISON: You mean… the entire movie?

MIA: It’s artistic! Anyway, ready to head to the Eiffel Tower now? It’s going to be a little bit of a walk…

PAYTON: I was born ready!

On the second level of the Eiffel Tower, you find Brigette sitting at a table for four.

BRIGETTE: Bonjour, Mia! Mwah! Mwah! Bonjour, Mia’s friends! Welcome to Paris!

PAYTON: Thanks!

ADDISON: It’s nice to meet you!

You try to shake her hand, but Brigette gives you air kisses instead. You sit down at a table where tart grapes, white cheese, and slices of warm bread are waiting.

BRIGETTE: Eat, eat. I have so much to tell you!

MIA: So, Brigette, how’s your fashion show?

BRIGETTE: It is coming together quite nicely! There are still many things to do for the show tonight, but I am enjoying myself! The energy and rush of it is exhilirating! You are coming backstage to see my newest designs, yes?

PAYTON: We are, aren’t we?

MIA: Yes!

BRIGETTE: And Mia, I do believe I have a dress to show you. Come, let us head out.

[ Addison, Mia, Payton | 18h | 10000c ]

You, Mia, and Payton go to a dressing room at the Carrousel du Louvre, where Brigette’s show is being held.

BRIGETTE: The theme of my collection is the natural beauty of flowers. You can see the floral patterns and shapes I’ve been using here…

ADDISON: It’s very pretty!

MIA: Yeah, it’s great, real lovely, flowers and junk… so where’s this dress you wanted me to see?

Brigette brings them over to a pedestal where a beautiful dress in vivid pink and green is displayed on a mannequin.

BRIGETTE: Here it is. My inspiration, the setpiece of my show… I call this dress the Fleur de Lis!

MIA: It’s so… neon.

BRIGETTE: Do you not like it?

PAYTON: No, we LOVE it! It’s beautiful! The triangular skirt at the bottom is a nice touch! It looks like the real flower! It’s so cute and pretty and eeeeee!

BRIGETTE: Yes, that was the whole point! I like your enthusiasm, Payton. Actually, would you like to try it on? When I created it, I always dreamed someone springy and passionate like you would wear it.

PAYTON: U-uh? Me? I… I would LOVE to!

MIA: What?

BRIGETTE: Go put it on then.

Payton bounds out of the dressing room, wearing Brigette’s signature dress, the Fleur de Lis! She bounces giddily and twirls in a circle, sending the dress dancing around her!

PAYTON: What do you think?

MIA: Uh, it’s okay, I guess.

BRIGETTE: C’est magnifique! Simply wonderful! You are perfect for the energy and vivacity of the colors!

ADDISON: Yeah, Payton. It’s stunning! What do you think of Payton’s new look, Mia?

MIA: I… I don’t know what to think!

BRIGETTE: Now that I have seen you in it, I am convinced. There is no one else who can wear it! Would you show off the Fleur de Lis for my spring fashion show?

PAYTON: I’d love to!

MIA: Wait, what? You’re letting HER wear the dress down the catwalk? I thought you were showing off the dress because it was for me…

BRIGETTE: Well, originally, yes, but the dress looks so splendid on your friend, does it not?

MIA: No! It looks… it looks awful! I hate it!

ADDISON: Mia!

PAYTON: Mia, I…

MIA: How could you? I thought you were my friend!

Mia runs through the doors, dashing out into the street.

ADDISON: Mia! Mia!

BRIGETTE: Oh dear… I was just so excited about how Payton looked in the dress. I didn’t think about Mia’s feelings… I should go to her…

ADDISON: But what about your show?

PAYTON: Yeah, Brigette. You have to prepare. Addison and I will look for Mia.

[ Addison, Mia, Payton | 1d | 12000c ]

You and Payton search for Mia.

ADDISON: Mia knows this city better than we do. She could be anywhere.

PAYTON: Well, she’s really mad. Where would she go if she were really upset?

ADDISON: I think I know. We’re going to find her… At Brigette’s apartment.

PAYTON: You think so? I guess it wouldn’t hurt to look.

You and Payton rush to Brigette’s apartment, but it’s empty.

PAYTON: I don’t think she’d come here. This isn’t her home. Wouldn’t she want to go somewhere comforting? ...like a shoe store? She said she used to go to Ouch Ouch Pretty Feet when she argued with her dad. She’s probably there! Come on!

You and Payton run across town to the shoe store, Ouch Ouch Pretty Feet, where Mia shoves a shoebox into the store attendant’s arms.

MIA: I’m a size six and a half! How hard is that to find? And don’t talk to me about how sizes are different in Europe! I’m angry and fragile!

You and Payton approach her carefully.

MIA: Great. It’s you. What? Do you want to take something else away from me? How about these shoes?

PAYTON: No, Mia. I’m worried about you. You kind of ran out in a hurry…

MIA: Oh, so you noticed? I wasn’t sure you did when you were drowning in all the neon tulle you were wearing!

PAYTON: Mia…

MIA: It clashes with your hair, by the way.

ADDISON: Mia, please try to calm down.

MIA: Why should I?

ADDISON: Because… Your face is turning red.

MIA: What? Where?

ADDISON: Kind of all over. It’s because you’re so tense. Just take a few deep breaths.

Mia flashes you one angry glare before taking in a couple deep breaths. After a minute…

MIA: Okay. Fine. I’m okay. How’s my face? Back to perfect?

ADDISON: Yep!

PAYTON: Look, Mia, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to steal your moment in the spotlight. It just kind of happened and…

MIA: Stop it, Payton. I’m sorry. I’m the one that said all that terrible stuff about you. It’s just that my dad and Max have stopped talking to me, and Brigette’s the only family I’ve got left. I was so excited when I thought about being in her show because it felt like… well, it was like I was really part of a family again. Then I saw you in the dress, and it just made me feel like I’d lost Brigette.

PAYTON: You haven’t lost Brigette. I’m not your replacement, Mia. And I didn’t realize how much this meant to you. That’s why I’ve decided not to model.

MIA: What? You have to! The dress looks great on you!

PAYTON: No! It’s not worth it. I don’t want to model if it means you can’t.

MIA: Are you serious?

PAYTON: Of course. If anything, you should model. She’s your cousin.

MIA: I don’t want to do it if you can’t. Let’s just both NOT model!

ADDISON: I hate to point this out… but it’s not going to matter if we don’t leave right now…

MIA: Oh, right! To the fashion show!

[ Addison, Mia, Payton | 1d | 250b, 50r ]

You, Payton, and Mia rush to the Carrousel du Louvre where Brigette is pacing the floor.

BRIGETTE: Thank goodness you’re back! Mia, I hope you are okay with Payton wearing the Fleur de Lis…

PAYTON: Actually, Brigette, I’m sorry, but I can’t wear the dress. I don’t want to model if it means Mia can’t!

BRIGETTE: Ah, I see. Well, I think I have a solution. Why don’t you BOTH model?

PAYTON: You mean it? We can both go down the catwalk?

BRIGETTE: Yes! I have just the dress for Mia to wear!

MIA: You do?

Brigette brings out a flowing white gossamer dress.

BRIGETTE: It’s elegant and refined, with a somewhat confrontational beauty… just like you!

MIA: All I heard was ‘beauty’... I love it!

BRIGETTE: What about you, Addison? You look like you appreciate fashion. I have an outfit that would match your already sophisticated style.

ADDISON: Really? Model? For real? Yes, I’m so in!

Brigette plucks an outfit off the rack for you.

BRIGETTE: Now, everyone, go get dressed! I need you primped and polished!

A little while later, Brigette’s fashion show starts! Models stride elegantly down a long white catwalk. When it’s Mia’s turn, she struts to the end and strikes a fantastic pose! Next, you go up! You saunter down the catwalk in a wrap-around dress and shiny high heels! Then up next is Payton. Her bright green and vivid pink dress draws the attention of the crowd! She strikes a pose as cameras flash all around her! Then all the models come out to stand with her, signaling the end of the fashion show. The crowd goes wild!

PAYTON: Ha ha!

ADDISON: Yeah!

MIA: Go us!

On the plane ride home, you, Mia, and Payton relax once more in first class.

PAYTON: I can’t believe that went by so fast…

MIA: Yeah, time flies when you’re modeling!

ADDISON: I don’t think anyone at home will believe what an awesome time we had!

PAYTON: Yeah, I know! French food, French fashion, French shoes, and all the sights of Paris! That was a perfect trip!

MIA: They’re going to be so jealous when we tell them!

ADDISON: Yep! Good bye, Paris! You were good to us!

MIA: Good bye!

PAYTON: Or as they say in French… adios!

MIA: Don’t you mean--

ADDISON: Shh. Shhhh. Let her have this.