Fashion Faux Pas-Teagan {Harringay Warehouse District – July

[Deleted]

Most fashions shows had some sort of theme these days. Tris was fascinated by it all in general.
Gabriel was an excellent designer in her opinion but he had unfortunately chosen
an aquatic theme for his latest collection. Not the best idea. Tris stood up against the sidebar of the
very fashion show he had debuted these creations, munching on a small triangle sandwich and glancing about.
Gabe had made an all-day event of showing his new line. The remaining guests were currently enjoying
intermission, waiting for the last bit of the show. Evening wear was always her
favorite.



Most of the crowd had cleared out after the hideous first round of garments;
which included papier-mâché fish heads, chiffon waves on a day dress, and webbed
feet that caused one model to trip and tumble off the stage. The stage ran
almost the length of the long warehouse and had been crowded before the show.
Now, about thirty people milled about, eating and drinking the free foods and discussing
the tragedy that was PCP, how great Gabriel had once been and how mad he was
now.



Just then Max appeared at her elbow, his face pinched and anxious. “Oh
love! I have never seen his so depressed.” Her friend said quietly to her. There
was a beat in which Tris weighted her options. She could suggest they just get
out of here and avoid the embarrassment that would follow their erstwhile host.
That wasn’t what a friend would do however. Besides intermission was supposed
to be an hour and it had only just begun, who knew by the time it was time for
the show to start Gabe might think better of it and call it off. With a smile
up at her friend she slipped her arm through his. “He will be fine.” She assured
him, glancing about again from under the brim of her hat.


She wasn’t herself convinced. Not many wizards were
addicted to drugs as far as she knew; in the muggle world, however, they ran rapid, and
many people were dependent on them. “What are we to do about it anyway hmm?”
she said encouragingly as she tugged him away from the wall. “Let us mingle!”
This seemed to perk Max up and he began to lead as he usually did, greeting people
he knew, which was about everyone. Introducing his ‘dearest friend’ Tris to people
she didn’t know, which it turned out was very many.


Over the years she had met a lot of people in the muggle world, most of them in her fashion adventures.
Max stopped abruptly between one group of people and the next. “I don’t know
you,” he said in his charming tones, managing to sound not the least offensive.
“This is a travesty!” he announced and Tris bubbled a laugh. Her friend could be
so exuberant! She turned to the girl who had caused such a reaction from him,
her smile still bright, she didn’t recognize her either.


She was very pretty though;
Tris was shockingly envious of her hair, which was nothing at all like her own
mass of tight curls but smooth and long. She was also very much struck by the girls bright steady gaze. “I’m Tris.”
She said reaching out to shake the other girl’s hand. She never used her full
name in the muggle world, less someone go snooping about. “Forgive my friend,
he simply knows everyone.” She adding, leaning forward conspiratorially, and
grinning from ear to ear. Max puffed out his chest and preened and she laughed
again. He was impossible!

[Teagan Edwards]

Teagan stretched her hands above her head as she scanned the crowd. She'd only been here a few months, and had been ecstatic to go to her first real fashion show. She'd always loved fashion, reading magazines as soon as she could get her hands on them. But actually attending a show? It was absolutely amazing. She had done her best to dress appropriate for the evening, making sure that she would blend in with the crowd. But the show had been so much more than she had bargained for - in a good way. Flashing lights, a long runaway. And so many people! Even if she was a little unsure about the choice in theme. She was a big fan of this designer, but his collection was a little peculiar this time. Still, she wasn't about to give up hope yet. While she had no place to ever wear a fancy evening gown to, she was still getting to enjoy the show. And she was going to stay until the end.

Groups were mingling all around her during intermission, and she had to admit she was starting to feel a bit out of place. She wanted to get into the community, but she wasn't really sure where to start. How was the daughter of a doctor supposed to branch her way into fashion? Especially working as a secretary, of all things. If she'd thought about it more, she would have looked for something in this industry when she moved here. But now was not the time to get lost in her thoughts, it was time to learn names and make herself known. A task that was easier than she expected as a pair of people stopped in front of her.

She gave a laugh as the man exclaimed that he didn't know her, giving a smile to the woman who introduced herself as Tris. "I'm Teagan," she replied as she shook the others girls hand. "And it just so happens that it's my first time at a show." These two seemed like a good time, and Teagan had to admit she was glad they stopped to say hello. Besides, someone who knew everyone? It would be important to make sure she made the proper connections at this sort of thing. "Sad to see so many people leave before the end of the show." 

[Deleted]

Tris wished she could have saved the girl, Teagan Tris reminded herself, from her friend. She wished she could have warned her that her words of never having been to a showing before now would invoke such loud enthusiasm from her friend. “We have a virgin here!” Max began to sing happily and the witch next to him could only laugh at his antics. The people present all knew how the flamboyant man was; they regarded him with keen amusement if at all. Now was no different.

Teagan, however, was not so aware and Tris could not help feel protective of her. She remembered her first fashion show. “He just means that you’re a fashion virgin love, don’t let him embarrass you. Max stop!” Tris scolded with a giggle. He had begun to pace around the younger girl, making appreciative comments on her outfit for all to hear. “He is right though; those boots are too die for. They go very well with your coloring.” She said with a smile. Max came between them then and offered each girl an arm.

Tris took hers with ease of having done so many times before. “I think our new companion has saved the night Trissy dear, I am most diverted.” And then he set them off around the room. They greeted a few people in passing and only stopped when Max came abreast with a surly looking fellow with stark gray hair. “Charles!” he said joyously and the other man scowled. “Oh don’t be so sour, it’s been ages!” The other man said something in what she thought was German; Max looked affronted, pulling himself away from the girls to engage in a heated conversation that Tris could understand nothing of.

“I don’t know who that is.” Tris admitting, sticking her chin toward the old man, finding it amusing that Max managing to find a person in the room she didn’t know. “So Teagan, what’s your story? And don't leave anything out.”

[Teagan Edwards]

Teagan was not prepared for the reaction that happened at her words. The man - Max - was gasping and proclaiming that she was a virgin loudly, singing happily as Tris laughed at him. She could only guess that he wasn't talking about her experience in the bedroom, and thankfully Tris cleared things up with her next words. Teagan gave a laugh, giving them both an appreciative smile. "Oh no worries, I'm not that easy to embarrass. He's going to have to try harder if he wants to accomplish that." Perhaps she shouldn't issue such a challenge to him, but the duo in front of her seemed fun and she wanted to spend more time talking to them if she could.

Max began to circle her, and Teagan smiled and thanked him at each one of his compliments. She hadn't been sure if this was a proper outfit for such a show, but he seemed to be quite fond of it. "Thank you Tris, I love them! Breaking them in was a challenge though - as it is." Teagan took the arm Max offered her with a grin, in awe as he took them about the room and greeted seemingly everyone. He hadn't been lying earlier when he said he knew everyone in the room.

Teagan was having more fun than she had anticipated, and couldn't help but chuckle as Max pulled away from both her and Tris, engaging on a conversation that seemed to in German. Max certainly was a man with many surprises. Turning to look at Tris, she gave a nod. At least she wasn't alone in feeling lost on who this person Max was talking to was. "Well, I moved here just a few months back from Wales. My parents live there still, they weren't happy about the move but you have to live your life right?"

Not happy was an understatement. They had wanted her to go to University right off the bat, to stay in Wales and continue helping with her father's practice. But she was her own person, and spreading her wings had been thrilling. Even if she wasn't sure what she wanted from life yet. "Anyway, just trying to figure out if I want to go to Uni, working as a secretary for a doctor in London. What about you?"

[Deleted]

The witch was impressed. Teagan took Max’s antics in stride, as if she were used to such extravagant behavior on the day to day bases. Most people needed a little time to become accustomed to her friend; not that she did, but the general population yes. But Teagan, Teagan would not be embarrassed by the likes of Michael Arthur Xavier. Tris liked her instantly. “Oh breaking in shoes is the worst!” the wild haired girl agreed. Muggles had it even harder as they had no spells to help cushion the feet during the process. Then again they didn’t know that so to them it was all normal.

~*~*~

Tris listened with one ear to Max as he conversed with the older gentleman and with the other she listened to Teagan. It was simple really, and it helped that she was more interesting in the girl in front of her. She couldn’t understand anything the men were saying anyway but she could discern it was a serious conversation. Max didn’t have those often as far as she knew…

“Right on!” Tris exclaimed to her new friends words of living one’s own life. “Free bird!” she said more loudly, laughing, and several people around them offered there sentiments. “Noone has to live your life but you, might as well do exactly what you want and make it as fun as possible. I’m sure your parents will come around.”  The slightly older girl was of the exact same thinking; she refused to let other people say what her life would be like. They, her mother primarily, didn’t have to walk every day in Tris’s skin; they had their own lives. It was simply selfish to want to be in control of more than one life, everyone had their own for a reason.

At her next words Tris nodded, recalling immediately that a doctor was like a muggle healer. She wasn’t sure how the pay was for a secretary in that field but theoretically Tris imagined it was a fair job for one so young. “Oh I’m so boring. I still live with my parents.” Actually, not really, I really live in the flat above Madam Malkins Robe Shop in Diagon Alley. But she couldn’t say that; what she could say was…”My mom is a tailor, so sometimes I work for her but mostly I’m just working on my first fashion line. I want to launch next summer.”

Max stomped his foot then and Tris glanced his way, he was completely engrossed. “Come on, he is acting strange.” Tris whispered to Teagan, linking arms with her. “Let’s go get seats, he will find us.” She assured her easily, smiling; it was so exciting to find a new friend! Tris lead them along the stage and sat herself in the middle of the front row of seats. She hadn’t sat here for the first part of the show but seeing as half the spectators were gone, she doubted anyone would mind. “So, what would you go to Uni for if you went?”

[Teagan Edwards]

With Tris' exclamation, many people around them began to chime in. And Teagan couldn't help but be giddy. It was like everyone here was a family, all sticking up for each other and rejoicing in the little things. It was absolutely wonderful. "Oh, I certainly hope they will come around. I'm their only kid, so it's really just adjusting to having me gone. Just being over protective parents." Incredibly over protective. Her dad had dragged her to an animal shelter, insisting that she get a dog for her flat. And while she adored the animal, it had been an adjustment period.

Teagan listened with her interest growing by the second as Tris talked about her life. How wonderful it must be to have a mother who was a tailor! While it was logical that parents and kids would have different tastes, it was simply fascinating that Tris had that sort of connection. "Oh don't be silly, there's nothing wrong with living with your parents. It's certainly cheaper to do so. But your own fashion line? That's thrilling! I'd love to see your ideas if you feel up to sharing!" Meeting Tris was a blessing to Teagan. Knowing someone who seemed to be around her age that also loved fashion and knew the scene? It was perfect.

But there was a momentary distraction as Max seemed to be getting annoyed, and Teagan nodded to Tris' words. She didn't exactly know Max well, but he did seem rather bothered by the conversation he was having. She happily followed Tris, glad to be able to rest her feet. "Oh, I don't know. All I've ever done is work in doctor's offices. I know my dad would be thrilled if I went to medical school myself, but I don't know if that's really me. I did love science though in school, so there's always that route to consider."

[Deleted]

“Oh you are so lucky to be an only child!” Tris exclaimed in her usual enthusiastic way. “I have a little brother, he is the worst sometimes. Anyway I’m sure your folks will come around, you are all they have after all. I imagine if I was all my mother had she might like me better.” It was true, but Tris made it sound like it was the funniest joke and laughed joyously about it.

It hardly bothered her, her mother’s opposing disposition. And really she thought she would miss Bash; but then if she never had a brother she wouldn’t know what to miss…Nah, Sabastian was a swat but he was her swat, brave and kind, and the most annoying thing ever. Tris smiled up at Teagan, she seemed perfectly happy being an only child.

“Says the girl all out on her own years before I was!” Tris bit her lip. Hanging around with Max had gotten her in the awful habit of interrupting people. She made it a point to force herself to show some manners for the rest of the night and not let her enthusiasm get the better of her. Her eyes grew wide when Teagan expressed a wish to see some of her work. It was nice having someone new around who didn’t think they were better than her, someone her age, someone to relate to. “Of course! We are friends now, we have to hang out and do clothes, I’ll bring some stuff over to your place one day. Oh I bet your place is so marvelous!”

Saying she lived with her parents still was a good cover and not so far off, she never had to invite people to her place because it wasn’t hers. But sometimes she wished she could have a place to bring her muggle friends that was safe for them, a place Tris could just hang out. It seemed she lived two lives, one where she was a witch and she working in a robe shop, and one where no one knew her real name and she was a fabulous fashion designer.

As Teagan talked Tris turned toward her, crossing her legs, resting her arm on the back of the chair next to her, and propping her bushy head on a perfectly manicured hand. She liked the way her new friend talked, and didn’t mind listening to her at all. She was interested in most muggles in general but in Teagan she saw potential for a lovely friendship. “Take no offense, but I found science very boring. For me I would be miserable in the medical field. Everyone is so serious! Do you design anything at all?”

[Teagan Edwards]

Teagan had never really considered herself lucky to be an only child. All her friends had siblings growing up, and she'd been jealous of the dynamic between them. She'd never had anyone to bicker with, or share clothes with. She'd always wanted a sister, someone who could keep her secrets and be her best friend. But her parents had been content with just her, and so she'd never gotten to experience that. "No! You're the lucky one, I'm sure. I would have loved to have a sibling, although I'll admit I'd much prefer a younger sister than a brother," Teagan exclaimed, smiling at Tris' joke. "And I do hope they come around. Or I'll have to get someone to talk some sense into them."

But she had to roll her eyes at Tris' next statement. Sure, she was out on her own, but it was a pain. Bills to pay, cooking her own food. She'd have given anything to come home to one of her mother's delicious meals after work. "Oh come on, I'd kill to live with my parents sometimes. Cooking for myself? Ugh! It's the absolute worst. But please do come over! I'd love to have some company!" Not to mention, cooking for one person was a lot harder than she had originally thought. She always had more leftovers than she knew what to do with.

Teagan couldn't help but laugh when Tris mentioned that science was boring, "Oh trust me, I know. Listening to my dad drone on and on growing up was sometimes exhausting! But I like to keep my brain challenged, got that from my father," she said with a shrug. "And I haven't designed anything of my own yet. I wouldn't even know where to start!"

Leaning back in her chair, Teagan flipped her hair over her shoulder as she scanned the crowd. It seemed like there was still a good amount of time before the next section of the show started. "Tris, tell me more about you! Any love interests?"

[Deleted]

Tris could only shake her head and smile at her new found friend. Her initial assessment of Teagan was correct: she was a sweet girl. Tris was sure her parents were just adjusting to their daughter stepping out on her own. Maybe it would have been easier for them if she siblings. “Well you can borrow my brother sometimes, he will show you how awful he is, and you can also use him to make your parents come to their senses.” Tris chuckled.

Bash really wasn’t that bad and when he was away at Hogwarts Tris could admit that she missed having his dopey face around. Life could get boring; it was sometimes nice to have a cohort around. Especially a little rascal like Bash. But she was also good at going out and finding fun and friends, like tonight, she had found Teagan. “Well when I come over I’ll cook. I know how to make exactly two things so we will have chicken alfredo.” That was not a joke but it was funny and Tris found herself laughing and looking forward to this visit to her new friend a lot.

Even if Teagan wasn’t also an aspiring designer, she was still a great girl and obviously into the scene. “I could teach you if you wanted but really, look at you, you’re a model. I bet you have a beau, I don’t not right now that is, im married to my clothes.” Just then the lights shifted into the down position and the lead designers assistant appeared apparently out of nowhere on the runway. She looked haggard and as if she had been crying but she was sporting a tremendous smile. Max appeared then and stole Teagan’s attention with overtures about how fabulous she was. Tris laughed and nodded along and it was announced that the show would indeed be going on.

[Teagan Edwards]

Teagan gave a laugh as Tris offered up her brother, just trying to imagine how her parents would react if she insisted that some boy they didn't know was going to be her sibling for a day. "Oh, I can't even imagine how my parents would react. But maybe I'll take you up on that offer next time they are in town!" Surely he couldn't be that bad. Tris had spent years with the younger boy, so it was only natural the two of them would have some tiffs. But perhaps Teagan wouldn't find him aggravating, seeing as she hadn't ever met him.

Redirecting her thoughts back to the conversation at hand, she gave a grin and a nod. "Fantastic! You'll have to teach me, most of my meals are on the go or breakfast. I can cook a great breakfast, but it does get sad always eating toast and eggs for dinner." Breakfast for dinner was a tradition in her family, but it was usually reserved for special occasions. Now that it was something she ate regularly, she was getting rather tired of it. And spending all of her money on eating out wasn't exactly helping, but she needed a break.

Before Teagan could continue conversation, the lights dimmed and she turned her attention to the stage. The girl didn't look happy, something she found concerning, but before she had much time to think Max had returned with lavish compliments. She gave a laugh, more than happy to quietly joke with him as they watched. She leaned closer to Tris trying to keep her voice quiet. "Do you think that model was okay? She looked a little upset."

[Deleted]

Laughing out loud, Tris turned to Teagan, her eyes bright. "That happened to be the second thing I can make. Chicken alfredo and breakfast. Looks like we aren't getting far between the two of us." she joked, bumping shoulders with the younger girl. Two single ladies who were career bound? They didn't have time for cooking! They were too fabulous. T was right though, eating alone wasn't all it was cracked up to be, but she didn't make comment, not wanting to bring the mood down. 

When the show began again Tris sighed, leaning in to hear what her new friend was saying to her. She thought it might have been a comment on the first gown, which was too disastrous to even describe, but no, it was something more troubling. Glancing to the side-stage, where she knew the tearful woman was standing. A line formed between her brows, concern for a poor soul caught on the opposite end of a crazed Gabe, and all of his unfortunate models. Would she be okay? This business was sometimes difficult, that was no secret. Most people knew what they were signing up for. Some had to learn the hard way. 

"I'm not sure." she admitted after a moment. "I hope so." she added, thinking of the webbed toed girl and her nasty spill, and everyone else backstage caught in Tornado Gabriel. Oh, people were going to be talking about this show for weeks! Just then a familiar face -more familiar than everyone else rather- walked onto the stage. Well, strutted. Even in a skin-tight gaudy blue dress adorned with real seashells, and a matching multilayer floppy hat, her friend still managed to look fierce. Grabbing hold of Teagans hand to get her attention, Tris leaned in close, her eyes tracking the models progress. "That's a friend of mine, Liz. She's great, I'll introduce you after the show. You're going to love her!"

[Teagan Edwards]

“It would seem that way,” Teagan answered as she laughed, so pleased that she had made a friend at the fashion show. She’d considered asking Kyra to come with her, but she couldn’t bother the older woman every time she wanted to leave her house. It was hard, coming to a new country where she didn’t know anyone. It wasn’t as if she could quickly pop back home and visit her folks, as much as she wished that was a possibility. Because she certainly did miss having a home cooked meal by her mother, or watching her father sigh as he read the newspaper in the mornings. But here she was, out and about on the town at a fashion show, and she’d met a friend. A kindred spirit. Someone else to come over to her place, to chat about daily life. At least, that was what Teagan did hope came from this. She missed her best friends, but she got this feeling that her and Tris could be really close if they were given the chance.

The show was back on, limiting their conversation, but they spoke in hushed tones, Tris pointing out a model to her that was on the runway. “She kinds of looks like my friend Kyra,” Teagan whispered back, wondering if the two could be related. Probably not, the world wasn’t that small. The show continued, the two of them whispering thoughts about the designs to each other, and before Teagan even realized it the show was over. People were standing and milling about, trading thoughts about the designs, and Teagan didn’t want this day to end. She was having so much fun, she’d met amazing people. Turning to Tris, she gave her a smile, “I don’t have a beau either,” she said with a laugh, shrugging her shoulders. “Just me and my dog, he’s the love of my life. But, there is this cute mysterious boy at one of the cafe’s I go to. I need a reason to talk to him.”

[Eliza Thatcher]

This was her calling, it was what she was best at, and Liz hoped to be doing this for the rest of her days. Walking the runway was where she felt the most like herself and now was no different, even if she was walking in one of the most embarrassing runways of her short life. It was a fashion show and she would always feel at home here, no matter if Gabe was totally wigging out on whatever new drug fad was going around. She could handle him, she could handle anyone. So she bypassed the hysterics just behind the curtain and strutted her way onto the runway. Lights. Cameras. Applause. Who wouldn't die for this life? Eliza would kill for it. 

Then it was over and she was back in the chaos of crying girls and screaming make-up artist and she sighed. It always went by too fast, all the buildup for a walk that took thirty seconds. Shaking her head she waited around impatiently until the remaining models lined up for their final walk. Usually, Liz liked being last, walking out with the designer, but this time she was more than pleased to be lamely in the middle of the pack. Then it was done and she practically peeling herself out of the ridiculous mermaid dress and gaudy hat. 

She dressed in her own clothes and slipped out of the back before she could witness any more of the catastrophe. In the warehouse proper it was less hectic and fewer people milling about. Most were just taking advantage of the food and beverage provided and Liz did the same as far as a class of champagne went -even if it was absolute sh*t. She wouldn't touch the food here even though she was famished. She was just contemplating her dinner plan when she spotted a friendly face. "Max." she shouted, catching the older man's attention. Then she spotted an even dearer friend - no offense to Max- with him and she nearly squealed, making her way over to the little group with haste. "Tris!"  she exclaimed when she reached them, bending slightly to give the darker-skinned woman a tight hug. "It's been too long." she said earnestly before her eyes then landed on the third in her friends little party. "Hello." she greeted easily and with a practiced smile, offering her hand for a shake. "I'm Eliza Thatcher, pleasure."