Epilogue

“Why are you making me go to law school? I don’t want to be a lawyer.”

“Honey please, we know what’s best for you. You’ll love being a lawyer. There’s no future in being an office manager or some corporate stooge.”

“It should be my choice what I want to do with my life, Mom.”

“Not when we are paying for it, kiddo. Do as we say, and you won’t have to worry about student debt. That should be a business decision you can understand.”

“I hate this! Let me be my own person!’ Ashley stormed out of the room. Fights like these were a daily occurrence now. Ashley pushing for her own life and choice, and her parents fighting to hang on to their control of her. They tried bargaining that if she went to law school, she could live in a dorm, but it would have to be a women’s only dorm with a curfew. Ashley was not having any of that.

The end of the school year was quickly approaching, and Ashley still hadn’t decided what she wanted to do. She had been accepted into both school programs; she got acceptances to everywhere she applied. The deadline was in a couple of weeks as well as graduation. Ashley had exams as well, but she didn’t really worry about those too much, she studied when she was home and knew the material flawlessly. Nikki was not in the same boat, she had to study relentlessly for her good grades. Nikki got accepted into a community college to become a Veterinary Technician.

The two girls had barely spent any time together since the night of prom two weeks ago. Any of her other friends she had were no help, they just said to do what her parents wanted without even thinking about it. No good argument other than money.

Nikki knew the whole story, the lack of independence, and the control on her that their money would possess. It was a bargain she didn’t think she could sign on to. She now has tasted freedom and drank independence; she was not ready to lose that again. But she also couldn’t afford school on her own. Sure, she could get a job and file for student loans but that would put her in debt for decades.

Then there was Scott and Rick. She was still doing work for them, filing forms, organizing trips, and now buying supplies like lights and wardrobe. They always offered to pay her, but she always refused out of pride. They were her friends and she just wanted to help them out because they helped her discover herself. The only curious thing was Scott asking for permission to show more of her pictures to someone, she just didn’t know who or why. She had agreed, mainly because she trusted them, but she wondered what was going on with that.

She only was able to interact with both of them online recently, mainly to help with their work. They were back on the road for another photoshoot in Los Angeles, and then another in New York. They seemed to be more in demand of late, which she was happy for. They were both very talented photographers and knew how to get what they wanted from their subjects.

Just as Ashley was starting to calm down, her parents entered her room.

“Don’t you dare storm off like that young lady. We are finishing our conversation,” her father said.

“What’s left to discuss, you’ve chosen my life for me. Up until this year, I’ve done everything you’ve asked. I’ve barely had a life, outside of cheerleading, and that’s only because you used to be one.” Ashley was quite mad now.

“We’ve done everything we can to make sure you have the best life possible,” replied her mom, “I’d have killed for the things you have when I was your age.”

“But that’s you, what you want. I don’t what those things. You still see me as a little girl but I’m not. I’m an adult deciding my future, and it is MY future.”

“If you accept the business program, you won’t see a dime from us in support.” Her father barked.

“That’s fine with me. If I have to sell my body on the streets, I’ll do it just to be free of both of you.” Ashley said, grabbing her purse and pushing past them.

“Where do you think you’re going, Missy?”

“Anywhere I damned well please, Mother.” Ashley walked down the stairs and out the door. She didn’t really know what to do now. She had to go somewhere so she headed for Nikki’s.

After she rang the doorbell, Nikki answered quickly, “What the hell is going on? Your mom called me saying you took off; said you were being irrational. That I should call her if you showed up.”

“Yeah, I couldn’t take it anymore. They weren’t listening to me; they just want me to their 8-year-old girl and obey their every command. I can’t do it anymore. I won’t let them run my future like they ran my last 18 years.”

“Sounds like you finally snapped,” Nikki said, giving her friend a hug and leading her to her room, “So what are you going to do?”

“I’ve decided to accept the invitation to the business program. Mom and Dad won’t pay anything, so I’ll have to get a loan or something. I don’t want any of their money anymore. I’ll get a job flipping burgers, cleaning toilets, or stripping, I don’t care but they can’t control me anymore.”

“You know you can’t just run away from them though; you have to live somewhere till you start college.”

“I know, I just needed to get out of there for a while. I would move out if I could afford it, but I can’t even afford the schooling that got me in this fight.”

“How much do you have saved?” Nikki asked.

“Not much, my parents wouldn’t let me work and control my bank account, so none.” Ashley thought for a second, “Well, there is the $3000 in cash I have left from Rick and Scott hidden in my room.”

“You know they’d pay you for the work you do around the studio. They’ve offered it numerous times.”

“I know, truthfully, I never even asked what they were offering. At the time I didn’t need to worry about making $10 an hour or whatever for filing stuff.”

“Well, I know you don’t want to, but maybe have that conversation with them. I’m sure they’d help you out, you know they love you.”

“I know, that’s one of the reasons I always said no. We’re friends who also happen to have sex, and I don’t want to complicate it any more than it already is.” Ashley stopped, and evaluated her current position, “I guess I’ll see about what they would pay, I’m going to need a job or five. What about you?”

“My parents are helping me with some of my costs but I’m going to have to get a job this summer. Maybe a pet store or something, I’ll have to see what I can find.”

The two girls chatted for over an hour, talking about what their next year was going to be like. It would be difficult since they were going to different schools, but at least they were in the same city. Just a few buses or a cab ride away, and they could hang out. But still, the mood was slightly somber at that realization. They agreed that they would try to find a place to live together in second year once they both tried living in campus residence for a year. It was important to try to meet new people too, and that was a way to do that.

But Ashley was going to miss seeing Nikki and, in that moment, she reached out to her friend and pulled her in for a kiss. Nikki, liking where this was going, and wrapped her arms around Ashley and kissed her hard back. Hands started sliding onto each other’s asses, then up to their young tits over their clothes. Ashley, getting bold, moved her hand down into Nikki’s shorts, underneath her panties and through her red bush, finding it’s target in her wet slit.

Nikki moaned at the feeling of a hand stroking up and down her cunt and spread her legs to allow better access to all she had to share. Nikki also followed suit, dipping her hand into Ashley’s pussy. Both girls were rubbing each other’s pussies, fingers rubbing clits and dipping into tight passages.

Their mouths were hungry for each other, tongue running against each other. Hands firmly inside each other’s clothes. They were both turned on by this impromptu moment. Ashley placed two fingers inside Nikki’s hole and curled her fingers, massaging a little bump a couple of inches inside. Nikki’s legs nearly gave out from the pleasure, as she came all over Ashley’s hand, soaking it and her panties. Once she recovered, Nikki tried to do the same, using two fingers to find that magic spot inside her friend.

Suddenly, Ashley’s phone rang, breaking the moment. She figured it was just her mom trying to call her again, but it was Scott. They never called her; it was text or messages in their chat. Ashley picked up the phone.

“Hello Scott, what’s up?”

“Ashley, good, you answered. Can you come down to the studio today? Like right away?”

“What? Why? What’s going on, is everything ok?” Ashley looked at Nikki, who mouthed ‘what’s going on?’, Ashley simply shrugged a puzzled look on her face.

“Everything is fine, but there’s something big we need you here as soon as possible. Can you get free?”

“Yes, I’m at Nikki’s right now. I had a fight with my parents, and they don’t know where I am already.”

“Ok, Nikki is welcome to come too, if she wants. She’s always welcome but we need you here, pronto.”

“Alright, I’ll call a cab and be there as soon as possible. Bye.” Ashley hung up the phone, Nikki looked bewildered. Ashley tried to explain whatever that phone call was but didn’t really know herself. Nikki didn’t really have any plans for the day, so she agreed to go with her. Ashley attempted to log into her Uber account, but it looked like her parents blocked it. Luckily, after the initial incident, Ashley kept cash in her purse for just such and occasion. She called a cab and soon the two girls were heading back to the city to see Rick and Scott.

The girls arrived at the studio about thirty minutes later. There were several vehicles parked in front and people going in and out of the building. Ashley figured they must have been doing a photoshoot for a client, so they quietly entered and stayed in the back. There were about ten people there, some were sitting and watching, a tablet in their hands. They were probably evaluating the pictures as they were shot. There were hair and makeup professionals by the dressing tables fixing up a model for their turn. Rick was by the stage, taking pictures of two women in short black dresses. Ashley guessed it was a clothing photoshoot by the way he positioned them.

Nikki saw Scott on the other side of the room and drew Ashley’s attention towards him. They approached but stayed out of the main cacophony around them. When they neared, they saw Scott was talking to a man on his phone who seemed upset about something. An exasperated Scott saw them and brightened up a bit.

“Hello ladies, sorry we didn’t think you’d get here so fast. Just give us another twenty or thirty minutes,” Scott told them before resuming his discussion with the man. “No, I’m sorry, I just don’t have those release forms. I can’t make them appear out of nowhere.”

“Well, we need them to be signed off today.” Said the man.

Ashley jumped in “Which releases are you looking for?”

“For DiPietro’s clothing line shooting today, Ash.” Scott replied.

“Who the hell is this?” asked the man, suddenly aware of Ashley and Nikki’s presence.

“I’m Ashley, DiPietro? Yes, of course. They are in your incoming work folder; I completed them last week. Just need the signatures and date. I’ll get them for you.” Ashley left, Nikki in tow, to get onto Scott’s computer. She logged in and dug around his computer until she found their shared folder. She found the form, printed it off, in triplicate, and returned to the two men.

“Is she your secretary or something?” The man asked, rudely.

“No, she’s our part time business manager. Thanks, Ashley.”

“No problem, Scott.” Ashley walked away grinning. Business manager? She liked the sound of that.

Ashley ended up being required a few times to fetch missing paperwork or complete forms. Nikki pitched in too, running to the printer and scanning signed forms. It was interesting to watch a real session. Lots of moving parts happening around them. Lights, fans, clothing changes, quick setups, and Scott and Rick changing up with each model. They did it for breaks and to get feedback from the representative of the advertising agency, and the designer’s team, in this case, DiPietro himself and his assistant.

Ashley could see now why they asked for her help those months ago, a lot needed to be worked out in advance for these shoots to go smoothly. The shoot slowed down, and people began packing up. Rick and Scott were done shooting and were talking to the DiPietro and the lady rep from the ad agency. Rick waves the girls over to join them.

DiPietro looked confused “Who are they? They didn’t wear my styles today.”

“No, Mr. DiPietro. This is our business manager, Ashley, and her friend Nikki. They were helping sort out some paperwork for us,” replied Scott. Rick looked a little confused having missed the interactions earlier.

“Business manager? She looks like she could do more,” pointing to Ashley. “Get her style 6C!” His assistant looked Ashley up and down, then disappeared into the racks of clothes.

“No, no, no ... Mr. DiPietro, Ashley is going to college. She isn’t a model.” Answered Scott.

A voice suddenly joined the conversation. “Yet...” it belonged to the advertising rep, “I want to see how she does.”

“Ashley? This is your call.” Rick said. The assistant arrived with the clothes. It was the little black dress from earlier. Ashley looked at everyone, looked at the dress, and nodded. She took it and headed to the back to change. Nikki followed.

“What the hell is going on here, Ash?”

“I don’t have a clue, but this dress is beautiful, and they picked the perfect size. It’s just a couple of pictures, what harm is there in that?” She remembered thinking those words here before. She laughed to herself. Ashley stripped down to just her pink panties. Nikki helped her carefully put on the black dress, to keep from damaging the fine fabric. Next were the black stiletto heels and matching bag. Ashley closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and walked back to the waiting group.

Ashley looked stunning. Scott had her move into the lighting and began his work. Ashley had gotten pretty used to taking directions from Rick and Scott, so she just did what she was told and improvised the rest. Turn here, move there, hand goes here, leg there, turn smile, serious, and all that stuff. It was still fun but a little scary with new people watching her. She could see DiPietro, Rick, and that lady talking. They were looking at the photos as they got to the tablet, pointing, and commenting. She still didn’t know what was going on or why they were asked to come here.

Finally, after 15 minutes, DiPietro said it was enough. She left the stage and joined Scott, Nikki and the rest. “That was wonderful Miss Ashley,” said DiPietro, “Thank you. Unfortunately, I must go now. I hope to see you again soon.” He said goodbye to everyone else and was quickly out the door, his assistant sprinting behind him.

“So, why did I just do that?” she asked.

“That really was great Ashley,” Rick said, giving her a hug. “He’s interested in working with you in the future. I have his card.”

“Really? Wow, that’s insane. Is that why you called me here? To meet him?”

“No, we didn’t expect any of that to happen actually,” said Scott, “We wanted you to meet...”

“Me,” the rep spoke up again “My name is Anya Burke, my firm constructs advertising campaigns for various high-end brands. Fashion, athletics, fragrances, and jewelry. I saw your picture in the gallery here a while ago and inquired about who you were. I’d never seen you before on the circuit or at auditions. Rick and Scott said they discovered you and that you worked for them.”

“She was the one asking to see more of your test photos,” Scott interjected.

“Yes, I wanted to see what you could offer. I was impressed already by what I was shown, so I asked them to get you down here to meet you. The little shoot with DiPietro was a just a coincidence, but he sees what I see. Natural charisma. You didn’t even need the hair and make-up artists. You put on a dress and owned that camera. How much modelling have you done, really?”

“None, well except for Scott and Rick, to test out the lighting, lenses, or other equipment.” Nikki suppressed a laugh at that last one. “My parents don’t even know about any of this.”

“How old are you?”

“18, I start college here in the fall. Business program.”

“18, eh? Well, you are old enough to do whatever you want, and college is expensive. We pay $1000 per session, and if the client has you be the primary focus of the campaign, there’s a $10,000 bonus. That should help with books.”

“I ... uh ... wow, are you serious? Who would do the photos?” Ashley was curious.

“Well, we work with a lot of photographers but, since you must stay in town most of the year, probably Rick and Scott. I’ve already taken the liberty of showing a few clients some of your work. I have three lined up already, if you want to sign up with us.” Mrs. Burke concluded.

“Who are they?”

“I can’t give you specific brands until you sign, but I can say one is an elegant dress line, one is high-end athletic clothing, and the other is lingerie. Do you have a problem with nudity? There are pay bonuses for it.”

“I don’t, as long as that isn’t the primary focus.”

“Ok, so would you like to sign with us?”

“Think about this Ashley,” Rick said.

“No pressure,” added Scott.

Nikki just hugged her and nodded, in affirmative.

“Ok, send me the contract and I’ll read it over.”

“Perfect, well I’ll be heading out then. It was great to meet you, Ashley, and Nikki. I’ll send the details to you shortly. Rick, Scott, great work as always today. I’ll let you know about the next shoot.”

Ashley and Anya exchanged information before Anya left. Ashley was still in shock over everything that just happened. “So, what the hell just happened?” Ashley asked, still wearing the black dress.

“Well, I think you just became a professional model,” replied Scott, “and DiPietro wants you too. Well done.”

“My parents will lose their minds when they find out. They’re already not going to help me with school. They’ll probably kick me out on the street.”

“Then you find a place to live till school starts in the fall.” Said Rick, “just someplace temporary until you can move into a dorm.”

“I don’t have the enough money to pay for a place to live. I only have about $3000 right now and that needs to go to school.”

“Well ... that’s not entirely true. You have the money you earned working for us.” Said Scott.

“I’ve never asked for money for that.”

“Doesn’t mean we weren’t paying you. You seemed pretty adamant about not accepting the pay, so we just put the money in a separate account just for you. Here, look.” Scott pulled out the computer and logged into a bank account, revealing $20,000 in it.

“What the hell? There’s no way I earned that doing your paperwork.”

“No, that would be about $5000. The rest was your percentage of the extra work we were able to book because you were helping us.” Answered Scott.