From catwalk to catfight
By the Masked Writer
Anna and Julia were two of the hottest rising stars in the fashion world. Both had been handpicked by an elite modeling agency to headline a tour promoting a major swimwear and lingerie line. At 20, Anna was slender and graceful, at 5’10 and 18 pouds, with long dark hair that cascaded down her back, a fair complexion, and soft, expressive features. The “sweet girl” look. Julia, 19, was slightly more athletic at 125 pounds and same height as Anna. Her fiery auburn hair falling in waves over her shoulders, her sharp cheekbones and piercing eyes gave her a striking presence. Both Their itinerary was packed with glitzy runway shows, exclusive parties, and photoshoots in exotic locations. For Anna, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. Julia, on the other hand, seemed to treat it like business as usual. Despite sharing the same age, their personalities couldn’t have been more different.
Anna was shy, hardworking, and eager to please. She had worked tirelessly to achieve her spot in the spotlight and didn’t want to let anything jeopardize her dream. Julia was bold, confident, and carried herself with a nonchalance that made people either admire her or hate her. Julia’s slightly toned physique hinted at a touch more physicality, whereas Anna’s lithe frame gave her a natural elegance.
The agency had booked them a shared hotel room to foster camaraderie, but the arrangement only heightened their differences. Anna spent her free time rehearsing poses and practicing her runway walk. Julia, however, would come and go at odd hours, sometimes with strangers who spoke in hushed tones.
t was late one night, while Julia was out, that Anna stumbled upon the truth. She had been searching for her misplaced earring when she noticed Julia's suitcase partially unzipped. With a glint of curiosity—and perhaps unease—she kneeled down and open it further. Inside, under a thin layer of clothing, she found small, tightly wrapped packages. Transparent, they were full of a white powder. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized what they were. Drugs. Too much for one person. It was proof of trafficking. Her hands trembled as she closed the suitcase, her mind racing. What would this mean for her?
When Julia returned later that night, Anna’s unease was palpable. She sat stiffly on her bed, unable to meet Julia’s eyes. But the moment Julia saw her suitcase had been disturbed, her demeanor shifted. She looked at Anna, her piercing gaze almost soft. “Anna,” she said, her voice unusually gentle. “did you open my suitcase ?”
Anna swallowed hard but nodded. “Julia, I can’t… I can’t be part of this. If someone finds out, I’ll be accused too.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, fear laced in every word.
Julia moved closer, sitting on the edge of Anna’s bed. Her expression was almost pleading. “Listen to me,” she said, her tone soft but insistent. “You don’t understand. I didn’t have a choice. They… they made me do this. I can’t get out now. Please, Anna, just forget about it. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you.”
For a moment, Anna almost believed her. But then Julia’s face hardened, and her voice dropped. “But if you go to the police,” she said, her tone now sharp and threatening, “then you’re not just ruining me. No one will believe you didn’t know. You think you’ll walk away clean? You’ll go down with me, Anna. So keep your mouth shut.”
Anna’s heart pounded. Julia’s sudden shift from pleading to menacing sent a chill down her spine. She wanted to run, to scream, but fear rooted her in place. Julia leaned closer, her voice a dangerous whisper. “Keep your mouth shut or I’ll shut it down for you!””
Anna’s mind raced. She was terrified to see Julia’s threatening attitude, but the thought of being implicated in a drug trafficking operation was even more horrifying. She had to find a way out, but how? The walls seemed to be closing in, but could she let let Julia’s threats paralyze her ?
Over the next few days, Anna lived in a state of paralyzing indecision. She avoided Julia as much as possible, but you can’t completely avoid somebody who sleeps in the same room as you. Julia’s demeanor also changed, for the worst. The pleading and threats of that first night gave way to a steady stream of bullying. She would make cutting remarks about Anna’s naivety and her supposed inability to handle the pressures of the industry. Julia’s slightly greater physicality became a tool of intimidation; she would loom over Anna, corner her, or nudge her forcefully under the guise of casual interactions.
Anna had never physically fought in her life. She was deeply unnerved by Julia’s bullying. The thought of being physically assaulted terrified her. She could not figure out how she could defend herself and imagined Julia as some sort of evil Black Widow or Catwoman, expert in hand-to-hand fighting. Julia’s slightly more athletic built seemed like an insurmountable advantage in Anna’s eyes. Every time Julia blocked her path or invaded her personal space, Anna’s heart raced. The fear kept her in a constant state of tension, her every move measured to avoid provoking Julia further.
One morning, as Anna tried to leave for a solo walk to clear her mind, Julia blocked the doorway. “Where do you think you’re going?” Julia asked, her tone dripping with condescension. When Anna tried to step around her, Julia shoved her back lightly but firmly. “You don’t make a move without me knowing about it. Got it?”
Anna’s fear deepened with each passing day. She was terrified of Julia’s growing aggression, but what scared her even more was the possibility of being implicated in Julia’s crimes. Every time she thought about going to the authorities, Julia’s ominous words echoed in her mind. And yet, Anna knew she couldn’t live like this forever. A breaking point was inevitable.
After a dazzling fashion show, the girls returned to their hotel room still dressed in their stage outfits under an overcoat. Anna wore a striking orange bikini with intricate fringe details on the bandeau top, paired with shimmering bronze bottoms that hugged her hips. Her look was completed by a wide-brimmed pink hat, giving her an air of playful elegance. Her delicate stiletto heels accentuated her long, slender legs, showcasing her ethereal figure. Julia, on the other hand, wore a minimalist black bikini that emphasized her sharp, athletic physique. The halter-style top framed her toned shoulders, while the matching bottoms highlighted her defined hips. Her nude heels added a touch of sophistication, and her confident stride made her seem larger than life.
As soon as the door closed behind them, both girls discarded their overcoats. Then, Julia turned to Anna, her piercing gaze locking onto her. “We need to talk,” she said, her voice sharp and commanding. Anna froze, clutching her handbag tightly, her pulse quickening.
“I don’t want to talk,” Anna replied, her voice trembling slightly. She tried to step around Julia, but Julia moved swiftly, blocking her path. “You’ve been acting strange,” Julia said, her tone growing darker. “I don’t like it.”
Anna’s heart pounded as Julia stepped closer, her imposing presence filling the small space. “I’m not going to let you ruin everything I’ve worked for,” Julia hissed. “You think you can just ignore me? Keep looking over your shoulder, Anna. I’m always watching.”
Anna tried to muster her courage. “Leave me alone, Julia. I’m not your enemy,” she said, though her voice betrayed her fear. But Julia smirked, her confidence unwavering. “You’re scared of me,” she said mockingly. “I can see it in your eyes.”
The room’s tension snapped like a taut wire as Julia stepped closer to Anna, her sharp gaze cutting through the charged air. “You’re not leaving,” Julia hissed, shoving the door closed behind her. “We’re settling this now.” Her dilated pupils and sweat-glossed skin indicated that she was under the influence.
Anna took a step back, her slender legs trembling beneath her orange bikini. She clenched her hands into fists but held them close to her chest, unsure of how to defend herself. The delicate fringe of her bandeau top swayed with each shaky breath she took, while Julia’s more athletic frame, clad in her sleek black bikini, seemed to radiate raw aggression.
“I won’t let you intimidate me,” Anna said, her voice barely above a whisper, though the fear was evident in her trembling tone. She turned, intending to make a dash for the door, but Julia was faster. Her hands shot out and clamped around Anna’s throat, pinning her against the wall.
Anna’s eyes widened in terror as Julia’s grip tightened. The world blurred around her, the fringe of her top brushing against her heaving chest as she struggled for air. A sharp, suffocating panic set in, and Anna’s mind screamed, This is it. She’s going to kill me.
But the thought of dying here, trapped and powerless, ignited something primal within her. Summoning every ounce of fear-fueled strength, Anna clawed at Julia’s hands, her nails digging into soft skin. Julia’s grip faltered just enough for Anna to twist her body and shove her assailant away.
The force sent Julia staggering back a few steps, and Anna, gasping for air, found her voice. “You won’t win,” she spat, though her knees threatened to buckle beneath her. She raised her hands defensively, her slender arms trembling but ready. She had felt Julia’s strength and found it wasn’t near as overwhelming as she had thought.
Julia let out a frustrated growl and lunged at Anna again, this time aiming a clumsy punch at her midsection. Anna dodged awkwardly, her movements instinctive rather than skilled. She tried to retaliate with a swipe of her own, but her fist barely grazed Julia’s shoulder, doing little more than making her stumble. Neither woman had the strength or training to land an effective hit, their blows serving only to exhaust them further. Anna also realized Julia didn’t know much more about fighting than she did.
The room became a chaotic battlefield of flailing limbs and shallow breaths. Julia managed to shove Anna onto the bed, climbing on top of her in an attempt to pin her down. “Stay down!” Julia barked, her voice ragged with effort. But Anna refused, her adrenaline surging as she twisted her body and kicked her legs wildly. One of her knees connected with Julia’s stomach, not hard enough to seriously hurt but enough to make her lose her balance.
Anna scrambled to her feet, her orange bikini bottom glittering under the overhead light as she tried to regain her composure. Julia, fueled by anger and desperation, came at her again. She swung wildly, her punches missing more often than they landed, and when they did connect, they lacked the force to do any real damage. Anna blocked clumsily, her forearms stinging with each impact.
Their thin physiques and lack of muscle offered little protection, and every hit left them both gasping for air, their bodies protesting the unfamiliar exertion. Sweat glistened on their skin, and their heels clicked unevenly against the floor as they stumbled around the room, locked in their messy, desperate battle.
Julia’s slight advantage in strength gave her the upper hand initially. She managed to corner Anna against the dresser, pressing her forearm against Anna’s chest. “Give up!” Julia snarled, her voice hoarse. But Anna’s fear, coupled with sheer determination, refused to let her surrender. She grabbed at Julia’s arm, pushing with all her might, and managed to wrench herself free.
The fight dragged on, both women growing visibly more exhausted with each passing second. Julia’s movements became sluggish, her punches slower, her breathing labored. Anna, though equally tired, began to notice the cracks in Julia’s aggression. Not only was she not invincible or and expert fighter, she was wearing down even faster than Anna. Maybe because of the substance abuse. The realization gave Anna a surge of confidence and fear gave way to anger.
As Julia lunged once more, Anna sidestepped and shoved her shoulder hard, sending Julia crashing into the corner of the bedframe. Julia let out a pained grunt, her body slumping slightly as she struggled to regain her footing. Anna, her chest heaving, hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward and pushing Julia again, this time with enough force to send her sprawling onto the mattress.
Gasping and trembling, Anna stood over her, the world spinning from exhaustion. Julia tried to get up, her fiery hair sticking to her sweat-drenched face, but her limbs moved sluggishly. “You… can’t… win,” Julia rasped, though the conviction in her voice had faded.
Anna shook her head, her fear now replaced by a fierce resolve. “You’re done, Julia,” she said, her voice steady despite her trembling body. Without giving Julia a chance to respond, Anna grabbed her phone from the nightstand and stumbled toward the door.
Julia made one last, feeble attempt to grab Anna’s ankle, but her hand fell short. Anna shoved her back with one arm and Julia stumbled backward. Her feet, still clad in high heels, slipped on the floor, her long legs gave way beneath her, and she collapsed to the ground, her back against the edge of the bed, completely drained of all energy. She did not look tough anymore. She just looked like a tall, lanky girl, more bones than muscled, drenched in sweat, breathing hard, vanquished. Anna yanked the door open and ran into the hallway, her heels clicking wildly as she dialed the police. Her voice shook as she spoke, but relief coursed through her with every word. It was over. Julia’s reign of fear was finished.
Anna slumped against the corridor wall, her phone pressed to her ear, her trembling voice explaining the situation to the emergency operator. Her breath came in shallow gasps, and the adrenaline pumping through her veins made her body shake uncontrollably. She clutched her stomach with her free hand, the weight of what had just happened finally starting to settle in.
Moments later, the wail of sirens echoed through the hallway, growing louder until they stopped just outside the hotel. A wave of relief washed over Anna as heavy boots thudded against the carpet. Two uniformed police officers, a tall, broad-shouldered man and a robust woman with a no-nonsense expression, came striding toward her. Behind them followed a concierge, nervously pointing to the room.
Anna straightened herself, still shaking but determined. “Officer,” she said, her voice cracking slightly as the male officer stepped toward her. “She’s in there. She tried to—” She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I’ll tell you everything. I’ll testify.”
The officer nodded, his gaze calm but serious. “You’re safe now, miss. Take a deep breath. We’ll handle this.”
While Anna remained in the hallway, the female officer advanced into the room, her hand resting on the cuffs at her belt. Julia, still sitting on the edge of the bed, glanced up with wide, furious eyes as the officer approached her. “Get up,” the cop ordered, her voice firm but calm.
Julia scowled and attempted to wave her off. “I didn’t do anything!” she spat, her voice cracking with exhaustion. She tried to stand but stumbled, her legs weak and unsteady after the struggle. When the officer grabbed her arm, Julia jerked it back in a feeble attempt to resist, but her strength was gone.
“Don’t make this harder than it has to be,” the officer said, her tone like steel. With practiced ease, she twisted Julia’s arm behind her back, eliciting a frustrated grunt. The metallic click of the cuffs snapped into place as the officer pulled Julia’s other arm around, securing it just as easily despite Julia’s half-hearted squirming.
“Let me go!” Julia hissed, her fiery hair disheveled and sticking to her face. She tried to twist out of the officer’s grip, but the policewoman merely tightened her hold, planting a hand firmly on Julia’s shoulder to keep her steady. “Enough,” the officer said coldly. “You’re done.”
Julia’s head dropped, her energy spent. Her once-commanding presence had evaporated, replaced by the defeated figure of a woman who knew she had no fight left. The officer guided her toward the doorway, where Anna stood, clutching her phone to her chest.
Anna looked at Julia, their eyes meeting briefly. The defiance in Julia’s glare was gone, replaced by a flicker of something—fear, perhaps, or shame. But Anna didn’t flinch. She lifted her chin and held her ground, her resolve finally solidified.
The male officer stepped closer to Anna, his notepad in hand. “Miss, can you explain exactly what happened here?” he asked gently. Anna nodded, taking a deep breath as she steadied herself. “Yes,” she said, her voice still shaky but gaining strength with each word. “She threatened me… and then she tried to—” She gestured toward the room behind them. “She attacked me. But I fought back. I’ll tell you everything, Officer. I’ll testify.”
The officer gave her a reassuring nod, jotting notes as she spoke. “You’re doing the right thing,” he said. “We’ll make sure this is handled properly.”
As Julia was led down the hallway, the female officer’s grip firm on her arm, Anna watched her go. The fiery-haired model muttered something under her breath, but her voice was too weak to carry. Whatever venom Julia might have still harbored, it was powerless now.
Anna closed her eyes for a moment, letting the tension drain from her body. When she opened them again, she felt a new sense of clarity. She had faced her fears, stood her ground, and survived. And now, she was ready to move forward, free from Julia’s shadow.
The end
