New Reality Pt. 3

The morning sun filtered through the curtains as Jazmine sat at the breakfast table, her usual cup of coffee steaming in front of her. Clea, however, seemed preoccupied, her gaze fixed on her phone, brow furrowed with concern. Jazmine couldn't help but wonder what had caught Clea's attention.

As she sipped her coffee, Jazmine's mind drifted to the outfit she had carefully chosen for the day. A pastel blue sundress adorned with delicate floral patterns clung to her form, the fabric flowing gracefully to mid-thigh. She paired it with white sandals that accentuated her freshly painted toenails—a subtle detail she had learned to do and knew Clea would appreciate.

The corset, a daily ritual, had become second nature. After a quick shower, she'd headed to Clea's room, the routine of removing and reapplying the corset a familiar dance between them. Jazmine marveled at how this garment, once a symbol of restriction, now embraced her like a second skin, enhancing her silhouette in ways she never thought possible.

Her thoughts meandered to her makeup choices—a soft, rosy palette that highlighted her features without appearing too showy. The meticulous application of eyeliner and mascara added a touch of glamour, emphasizing her eyes. Jazmine took pride in the progress she'd made with each passing day.

Yet, the air held a tension she couldn't ignore. Clea's unreadable expression cast a shadow over the morning routine, leaving Jazmine curious and slightly uneasy. She knew Clea was not one to easily reveal her concerns, but the weight in the room lingered like an unspoken question.

Jazmine cleared her throat softly, gathering her courage before speaking up. "Good morning, Clea," she greeted, her voice carrying a hint of hesitance.

Lost in whatever was displayed on her phone, Clea didn't react. Jazmine felt a twinge of embarrassment, but she wasn't ready to back down just yet. Taking a deep breath, she tried again, raising her voice slightly, "Clea? Can we talk?"

This time, Clea looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly before she sighed. "What is it, Jazmine?"

Feeling a bit relieved but also nervous, Jazmine ventured, "I couldn't help but notice you seem a bit... off this morning. Is everything okay?"

Clea set her phone aside, her expression a mix of frustration and disappointment. "To be honest, yesterday's outing didn't make the impact I was hoping for," she admitted, her tone sharp. "There's been no buzz, no headlines, nothing. It's like we're invisible."

Jazmine felt a pang of sympathy for Clea. She knew how much was riding on this venture for both of them. "I'm sorry, Clea. I know how much this means to you," Jazmine began, searching for the right words. "Maybe we just need to think outside the box. Get creative."

Clea's eyes met Jazmine's, a glimmer of hope flickering within them. "Alright, let's brainstorm. How can we get people talking?"

Jazmine leaned forward, her mind racing as she considered various ideas. "Well, everyone's always on social media these days. What if we tried to create some buzz there? Maybe a TikTok challenge or something?"

Clea nodded, intrigued. "That's not a bad idea. We could come up with a fun and catchy dance routine. But we'd need something to kick it off, make it go viral."

Jazmine felt a surge of excitement. "What if we filmed it during a photo shoot? We could invite some influencers, get them involved. Their followers would definitely join in on the challenge."

Clea's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "I like where you're going with this. But we'll need to make sure the photo shoot is iconic. Something that grabs attention."

They continued to bounce ideas off each other—debating the merits of various concepts, considering the pros and cons of each approach. From hosting exclusive events to collaborating with popular brands, the possibilities seemed endless, yet elusive.

As they delved deeper into their brainstorming session, Jazmine felt a renewed sense of determination. She realized that success wouldn't come easy, but she was willing to put in the work, to push boundaries and challenge norms, all in the name of making Jazmine Jade a household name.

They continued to plan, their shared vision bringing them closer despite the challenges that lay ahead.

Clea tapped her chin thoughtfully, scanning through their notes. Jazmine sat across the table, eager but slightly overwhelmed by the whirlwind of ideas. Clea looked up, a determined glint in her eye.

"You know, Jazmine, we shouldn't gloss over the power of social media. It's about time to get you out there," Clea declared.

Jazmine nodded, appreciating the necessity of this modern avenue to stardom. "But how do we even start? I don't have any accounts or followers for Jazmine."

Clea pulled out her phone, her fingers swiftly tapping the screen. "We're going to need someone to manage your social media presence. Someone who knows the ropes and can build your brand from the ground up."

Jazmine furrowed her brow, intrigued. "Where do we find someone like that?"

Clea's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Already got someone in mind." She dialed a number, and the phone rang a few times before a voice answered on the other end.

"Hello Ms. LaCroix. What can I do for you?" came the professional voice of a man.

"Yes darling," Clea responded. "I need you to manage a new talent we're launching. Jazmine Jade. She's going to need a complete social media overhaul."

There was a pause before a quick, "Is this a new starlet you've been working on?"

"That's right. We're need to take things to the next level," Clea affirmed.

"Consider it done. I'll be there in 10 minutes for a meeting."

Clea hung up, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Perfect. He'll guide us through this process, build your online presence, and get people talking."

Jazmine felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. Social media was a whole new world for her, and she wondered how much it would change her life. Clea, sensing her thoughts, leaned back in her chair.

"It's a game-changer, Jazmine. But it's also your key to the world. We need people to see you, to know you, to love you. And for that, we're going to make you unmissable."

Jazmine took a deep breath, ready for the journey ahead. In just 10 minutes, her digital presence would be set in motion, and she'd be one step closer to becoming the star she had always dreamt of.

Henrik Andersson, Clea and now Jazmine's social media manager, sat comfortably on the living room couch, a sleek tablet in hand, displaying graphs and charts that seemed to dance with potential. Clea and Jazmine flanked him, hanging on to his every word as he explained the intricacies of their social media strategy.

"So, Jazmine," Henrik began with a confident smile, "we're starting with the basics. We need a strong foundation, and that means letting the world see the real you. People love authenticity."

Jazmine nodded, ready to embrace this new venture. "Got it. Real and authentic. What's the plan?"

Henrik tapped the tablet, bringing up a simple checklist. "First off, we'll begin with a selfie. A casual, everyday shot to introduce you to the world. You with Clea would be a great start, giving some context to your connection. People love a good story."

Clea chimed in, "We need them to see that Jazmine isn't just another face. She's a rising star, and I'm here to guide her."

Henrik nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Then, we'll delve into ambassadorship. I've reached out to several brands, but we'll need to finalize the details with them. We want something that aligns with your image. Maybe fashion, beauty, or even lifestyle."

Jazmine felt the weight of the decisions ahead but trusted in the process. "Sounds exciting. Any leads on the brands?"

Henrik leaned back, crossing his legs confidently. "A few possibilities, but I'll need to make some calls. We'll get you the best deal and the right exposure."

Clea interjected, "And how often should she post?"

Henrik gave a knowing smile. "Consistency is key. I'll handle the posts, ensuring they're strategic and optimized for maximum impact. We're not just posting; we're creating a narrative."

Jazmine absorbed the information, appreciating the strategic approach. "I guess I'll need access to my accounts too, right?"

Henrik nodded. "Absolutely. You'll have full access, but all posts will go through me. It's about crafting a narrative, creating anticipation, and keeping the audience engaged. We want them invested in your journey."

As the meeting continued, they delved into hashtags, audience engagement strategies, and potential collaborations. Henrik's expertise shone through, making the daunting world of social media seem like a promising avenue for Jazmine's ascent.

By the end of the meeting, Jazmine felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The plan was in place, and her digital journey was about to kick off. With Henrik at the helm, she trusted that her online presence would soon capture the hearts and minds of her future fans.

The trio gathered around, each contributing their expertise to the upcoming masterpiece that would be Jazmine's first selfie. Clea, with her innate sense of glamour, surveyed Jazmine's old phone with a disdainful look.

"Clea, this phone is ancient," she remarked, frowning at the outdated device.

Clea wasted no time. She pulled out her own phone, swiftly texting her assistant to procure a new one for Jazmine.

"Don't worry, darling. You'll have a shiny new phone by tonight," Clea assured Jazmine, her fingers dancing across her phone screen.

Once the phone situation was sorted, they turned their attention to the impending selfie. Henrik, tablet in hand, became the designated photographer, ready to adjust the selfie to capture the perfect moment.

"Now, Jazmine, let's make this unforgettable. Confidence is key," Clea advised, already plotting the perfect shot.

Jazmine nodded, determined to channel her newfound confidence. "Got it. Confidence."

Clea, ever the perfectionist, began her subtle adjustments. She delicately nudged the neckline of Jazmine's sundress, encouraging a hint of allure without crossing any boundaries.

"That's it, darling. Show a little more, let them wonder," Clea murmured, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

Henrik, observing the interaction, focused on the technicalities. "Alright, Jazmine, find your light. Let's make sure we capture your best angles. And Clea, keep that subtle, erotic energy. We want this selfie to sizzle."

Jazmine felt a mixture of nerves and excitement, but she trusted Clea's guidance. They experimented with various poses, tilting the phone at different angles, finding the perfect balance between alluring and tasteful.

"Beautiful," Henrik exclaimed, capturing a candid moment of Jazmine mid-laugh.

Clea, satisfied with the result, smiled approvingly. "You're a natural, Jazmine. Now, let's try a few more. Variety is key."

The impromptu photoshoot continued, with Clea's expert touch and Henrik's photographic prowess creating a series of captivating selfies. The process was a collaborative effort, each contributing their unique skills to craft an image that would kickstart Jazmine's journey into the digital spotlight.

As they reviewed the photos, Clea couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. "You're going to break the internet, darling."

With the promise of a new phone and a gallery full of stunning selfies, Jazmine felt a renewed sense of anticipation for the digital adventure that lay ahead.

The dinner table was adorned with a spread of carefully prepared dishes. Jazmine sat down, her appetite keen, ready to indulge in the evening meal. Clea's assistant, a figure in the background whose presence was barely acknowledged, diligently worked on transferring Jackson's phone into the promised new one.

Jazmine took a moment to reflect on how her perceptions of meals had shifted. She had grown accustomed to the routine of a single, albeit skimpy, meal a day. Surprisingly, it had become more than enough to sustain her. As she lifted her fork, savoring the aroma of the food, she noticed Clea studying her intently.

"What's on your mind?" Jazmine inquired, curious about Clea's scrutiny.

Clea's gaze lingered on Jazmine's arms, and she noted, "Your skin is starting to look a bit freckled on your arms."

Jazmine glanced at her arms, finding nothing particularly unusual. Nonetheless, Clea, ever vigilant, moved to the cupboard and retrieved a bottle of pills.

"Take these every day with breakfast. They'll keep your skin flawless," Clea instructed, placing the bottle in front of Jazmine.

Jazmine examined the label, recognizing it as a supplement she hadn't encountered before. She raised an eyebrow, seeking clarification. "What are these?"

Clea leaned in, a hint of authority in her voice. "Collagen supplements. They'll do wonders for your skin. And speaking of breakfast, no more Jazmine-labelled coffee for you. Stick to the regular grounds, okay?"

Jazmine nodded, a bit perplexed by the sudden change in her routine. The notion of switching from her beloved coffee to the regular grounds felt like a subtle disruption. Clea's insistence on maintaining a specific regimen highlighted the meticulous nature of her approach.

"Got it," Jazmine replied, making a mental note to incorporate these changes into her daily routine.

As dinner continued, the atmosphere retained its air of refinement, each moment punctuated by the clinking of utensils against fine china. Jazmine, now armed with new directives for her skincare and dietary habits, couldn't help but wonder what other adjustments awaited her on this unpredictable journey.

Clea's phone buzzed with a message, and a smile immediately graced her face. She glanced at Jazmine, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Henrik posted the photos earlier today, and he reposted from my account. Guess what? You've hit a thousand followers already!"

Jazmine's eyes widened, a surge of exhilaration coursing through her. The rapid growth of her social media presence was beyond her expectations. Jackson, tucked away in the recesses of her mind, reflected on his own struggles, realizing his personal account had never surpassed 344 followers.

"That's amazing!" Jazmine exclaimed, the thrill of newfound fame sinking in.

Clea, reveling in the success of their strategic move, nodded with satisfaction. "Reposting from my account definitely helped. And trust me, it's only going to get better from here."

As they reveled in the celebratory atmosphere, Clea's eyes flickered towards her assistant, who lingered in the periphery. An unmistakable look of disdain crossed Clea's features, her irritation palpable.

"And you," she directed her glare at the assistant, "could've checked the account yourself if you had finished your job. Instead, you're sitting here like a bump on a log."

The assistant, stung by the remark, lowered her gaze, muttering an apology. Clea's firm hand in managing Jazmine's burgeoning social media presence left little room for errors.

Clea's phone buzzed once more, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she read the incoming text. A triumphant smile spread across her face, revealing that whatever Henrik had to say was more than just good news.

"Jazmine, you won't believe this!" Clea exclaimed, her excitement contagious.

Jazmine turned her attention, curiosity brimming. "What is it?"

"Henrik just secured a brand deal with Alani Nu!" Clea announced, her voice pulsating with enthusiasm.

"Alani Nu?" Jazmine's eyes widened. "I've heard of them. They even have that Kim Kardashian special flavor!"

Clea nodded, confirming the significance of the brand. "Exactly! And here's the best part," she continued, "the deal goes through if we can show up for a photo shoot tomorrow!"

Jazmine's face lit up, and the two women — the man dressed as a woman and the woman — shared a moment of sheer delight. Their plans were catapulting into reality faster than they had imagined. "That's incredible!" Jazmine cheered.

"We've got to seize this opportunity," Clea declared, still reveling in the moment.

As Clea read the remainder of the text, she shared the details with Jazmine. "The shoot is set for tomorrow, and they're expecting us bright and early. We'll make a statement with this one, Jazmine Jade."

Jazmine, overwhelmed with joy, couldn't help but join in the excitement. "Absolutely! I can't wait!"

Clea grinned and pointed toward the staircase. "Now, my dear, you better get some beauty sleep. Tomorrow marks your first day on a set as Jazmine Jade."

With a heart brimming with anticipation, Jazmine nodded and headed upstairs, ready to embrace the transformative journey that awaited her under the spotlight. As she settled into bed, the allure of the burgeoning fame mingled with the warmth of accomplishment, and she drifted into a night of dreams, all tinged with the promise of a radiant future.