> timeline- one year after epilogue of GB

The Re-Rise of Nora Lawrence
By Iman Nour

Nora Lawrence became a household name after her photoshoot with Madonna. Time after time again, she stunned us with her killer poses and signature pout. However, despite her fierce poses, Nora Lawrence may perhaps be one of the sweetest people out there. I have personally had the privilege of knowing her since we were children as well as collaborating with her on many projects. She quit modelling for a few years but now she is ready to burst out of her cocoon and remind us why we fell in love with her in the first place.

Iman: Nora, it's wonderful to see you again! Last time we met was at Sundance wasn't it?

Nora: Yeah! I was there to support my friend's film. You should all check it out. It's by Spencer Kingsley and it's called 'Sun Burst'.

Iman: I definitely will. I watched his debut film 'Queenly' and fell in love with his style of writing and directing. He's very talented. Would you ever consider acting or directing?

Nora: I actually have a small role in Spencer's next movie. It's more of a cameo really. As for directing, well, I don't think it's for me. I lack the creativity it takes to become a director.

Iman: Well, what you lack in directorial skills you make up for with your struts on the runway and gorgeous photoshoots.

Nora: Thank you! I just find modelling to be so therapeutic.

Iman: Why did you quit in the first place?

Nora: Many reasons. My decision was probably influenced with the guy I was with at the time but I also wanted to focus on my physics degree. Unfortunately, I had to drop out due to some personal issues.

Iman: And what made you come back?

Nora: I love the art of modelling. It really is an art. Colour schemes, textures, poses; there are so many variables to photoshoots, just like a painting, and I just think that's amazing. However, unlike when I was younger, this time I take more control of my photoshoots. If I have any ideas I'll share them and if there's something I'm uncomfortable with doing I'll tell the photographer.

Iman: And I noticed you deleted your Instagram which is a big move for someone in your profession.

Nora: Honestly, I just found social media to be so intense and stressful. I do have another Instagram account but it's private and I only use it to look at memes and comment on my goddaughter's photos.

Iman: Do you ever see yourself going back to a public account?

Nora: I don't know. Maybe. I hate all those ads on Instagram for diet products and corsets etcetera so if I do make an account I'll post the antithesis of those terrible ads. I'm all for a healthy lifestyle but some models and influencers take it too far.

Iman: I agree. And the effect it has on young girls is horrible!

Nora: Exactly! As a teen I really struggled with my weight. But now I've learned to just try and stay healthy and accept any weight gain or loss that comes my way. I've thrown out my weighing scale.

Later, Nora reflected on her youth and how she dealt with fame.

Nora: I had a love-hate relationship with the fame. It was fine outside of school but then in school all I wanted to do was be normal. And most of the time that worked out fine. Sometimes it didn't.

Iman: I guess, well, for years the question we have been dying to know was what happened at that infamous Trinity Gala. I was there, of course, and I know what happened but I would like to hear it from your point of view.

Nora frowns and looks outside, breaking eye contact with me.

Nora: It was a messy night for all parties involved. All I really need to say on that matter is that we're all friends again. Madeline and I are closer than ever now.

Iman: And what about Oliver.

Nora: I wish Oliver a long and happy life but yeah we got a divorce.

On hearing this I become evidently shocked. Nora notices my shock and smirks.

Iman: I saw you two had gotten married but I thought it was just a rumour! And now to hear you're getting divorced?! Tell me more!

Nora: There really isn't much to say. We're just... incompatible. But I wish him all the best.

Iman: Any new men in your life?

Nora: Maybe? I don't really know. To be honest, I'm just focusing on myself right now. I feel like all my life I have had this fear of being alone and because of that, as soon as I found myself single, I realised I really didn't know who I was. I have been following this dumb template of what I thought my life should be like instead of listening to my heart and doing what made me happy. But I'm done with being complacent in my own unhappiness. I refuse to let myself return to that weak mindset again. I deserve to be happy.

Throughout the entire interview, Nora was nothing but kind and caring, offering me cups of coffee on her fabulously modern coffee machine. As I finished off the interview, I asked Nora one final question.

Iman: What's your favourite quote?

Nora: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."

Iman: Brutus?

Nora: It's a line from Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar'. Literally it means our lives are not destined by the stars or by the moon. There is no such thing as destiny, only what comes about from our actions. To me, it means that no matter how tough my life seems, I can always take control and create my own destiny. It's my mantra.

My interview with Nora was a enlightening experience. I learned so much from her. Nora Lawrence should not be taken for granted. She is so wise despite her age and so humble despite her fame. Get ready, World. Nora's about to take you by storm.