1. The City of Light

“Don’t be ridiculous, Andrea, everybody wants this.”

The flashes of the cameras are blinding, like lightning strikes in the dark interior of the town car. As the door opens, Miranda steps out gracefully, her poise never faltering in the face of the chaos waiting for her. 

I sit still for a moment, my heart pounding from our conversation. I watch Miranda stride toward the steps of yet another grand Paris venue. She exudes an effortless confidence that makes my chest tighten. With a deep breath, I open my own door and step out into the crisp Paris night.  

The cacophony of reporters, paparazzi, and glamorous onlookers surrounds me, but my gaze is drawn elsewhere - to a fountain across the street. A moment of peace amidst the frenzy. I imagine just walking away from everything, my fingers loosening as my phone slips into the water, the chaos dissolving around me. For a brief second, I see myself back in Ohio, untouched by the whirlwind of Runway - untouched by Miranda. 

But that's just it. I’ve changed, and I want to embrace it. Nate and Lily don’t understand, but I don’t want to be the same girl they deemed acceptable. I’m stronger now, more confident. I’ve found limits I didn’t know I could push past, and the part of myself that’s emerged is someone I actually like. This Andrea Sachs isn’t just different on the outside - I’ve grown beyond the Midwest transplant I used to be. 

I turn away from the fountain, a new determination settling in my chest. I hurry up the steps behind Miranda, my heels clicking against the concrete, but even amidst the flashing cameras and the shouting, there’s a strange calm within me. 

Miranda is already halfway up the stairs, ignoring the chaos. Just before stepping inside, she glances back, her eyes catching mine. Instead of the stern look I expected, Miranda’s lips hint at a smile, her eyes sparkling for just an instant. I nearly stumble but hold her ground, feeling warmth spread through me. Everything else melts into background noise. 

Picking up my pace, I catch up to Miranda, stepping beside her as we enter the venue. We’re ready for whatever the night has in store. 

For the first time, I don’t shy away from the flashing cameras. I walk in with my head held high, embracing the confident woman I’m becoming.

After all, everybody wants this.