Stepping inside, Celine was met by the soft glow of the television and the sound of Audrey's laughter. The maids bowed deeply in greeting. Audrey, clad in a golden silk nightdress that looked like it belonged on a Hollywood red carpet, sipped from her glass of milk on the coffee table beside her and ate from a bowl of fruit.
'Celine!' Audrey exclaimed, setting down her glass. 'Back from your charity mission, I see? How was the visit to the orphanage?'
Celine grinned, the memory of the day's warmth flooding back. 'It was amazing! We played games, they told us stories…' she started, then stopped, noticing Audrey's intense concentration on the screen. 'What are you watching anyway?'
'Fashion Week highlights!' Audrey declared, gesturing wildly with the remote. 'Look at that dress! Sparkly and daring, just like you, Celine!'
Celine chuckled, feeling a familiar pang of guilt. The designer dress shopping spree now felt frivolous compared to the day's genuine connections. She sank onto the couch next to Audrey, taking the glass of milk and taking a big sip.
'Actually, Audrey,' she started hesitantly, 'I think there's more to life than just designer clothes and social media.'
Audrey paused the TV, her brow furrowed. 'More to life? Where is that phrase coming from?'
Celine took a deep breath. 'Today...today was different. Helping those kids, meeting those artisans...it felt real, you know?'
Audrey's eyes softened. She scooted closer, placing a warm hand on Celine's arm. 'Tell me everything,' she said gently.
Celine launched into a detailed account of the day's events, starting with the initial nervousness at the orphanage and the shyness of the children. She described the scene with vivid detail, the rhythmic thump of the skipping rope, the shy smiles, and the heartwarming scent of freshly baked bread. As Celine spoke, Audrey listened intently, her gaze fixed on her sister.
Celine recounted the connection she felt with the little girl at the orphanage and the simple act of sharing a bracelet. She described the bustling art market, the vibrant colours of the handcrafted textiles, and the passion radiating from Amarachi, the artisan. She even mimicked Amarachi's animated explanations of the different beads and their symbolic meanings.
When Celine reached the part about Amaka, the shy girl with a talent for beadwork, Audrey's eyes widened. 'Wait, so she wants to go to Diamond Snow?' Audrey interjected. Diamond Snow is the best school in Nigeria, known for its top-notch education from nursery to secondary levels. Naturally, everyone would want to go there. Audrey wasn't surprised at all, but the girl's boldness in aspiring to attend such a prestigious institution, despite knowing that only the wealthiest students can gain admission, both surprised and fostered a genuine likeness for Amaka.
Celine nodded, a triumphant smile lighting up her face. 'She does! And guess what? Prince and I…' she began, then stopped, realising Prince wasn't there to share the credit. Instead, she finished, 'We might have secured her a spot.'
Audrey's surprise morphed into delight. 'Oh, Celine, that's amazing! You see, even a simple visit can have a ripple effect. You're making a difference, Celine.'
Celine felt a warmth bloom in her chest, a validation that went beyond the designer clothes and social media likes. This feeling, the joy of helping others, was something new and addictively positive. She leaned back against the plush sofa, a comfortable silence settling between them.
'So,' Audrey said, a playful glint returning to her eyes, 'what's next for our reformed socialite turned philanthropist?'
Celine laughed, a genuine, carefree sound. 'Let's see,' she mused, her mind brimming with possibilities. 'Maybe we incorporate some of the artisans' work into our next Diamond Snow fashion show, showcasing their talent alongside the big names. And definitely another visit to the orphanage, maybe involving some of the school clubs.'
Audrey grinned, grabbing the remote and unpausing the TV. 'Sounds like a plan,' she said. 'But first, let's finish watching this fashion show and get some inspiration. After all, a good cause doesn't mean neglecting your sense of style, right?'
Celine rolled her eyes playfully. 'As long as we don't forget the stories behind the clothes, Audrey.'
'Does that mean you will stop having fun?'
'I am still the same Celine. Though I love the charity event, I won't stop being Celine Njemanze. I'll do my thing as always, and I won't forget to help out…'
'That's my little sis,' Audrey smiled sweetly at her.
Then, smiling back, Celine headed upstairs for a good bath, after which she drifted off to sleep in her lavish bed.