Life Begins at Midnight

Impertinence

Richard West came at six thirty, and was in a bad mood as he had never woken that early after he left behind his swimming days. He had never attached so much importance to a model before. He tried to warn himself that she'd most probably be a disappointment.

She was punctual. She arrived at the gate of the Zephyr complex at six thirty three, and Richard received an update. She reached the Lounge by the pool at six forty seven, having being driven there by one of Richard's chauffeurs, whom she thanked graciously.

Once in the Lounge, she looked around and smiled genuinely. She didn't need to look at the watch wrapped around her wrist to know that she was on time. He saw her smile. The first time someone had smiled so naturally, not at him, but at the wonders around. He was used to people simpering at him, and plastering fake smiles for him, but here was someone who hasn't even noticed his existence and was smiling of her own free will. Somehow that smile did untold things to him. It made him feel shallow and fake. It made him want to show off to this girl, trying to earn one of those fabulous, genuine smiles. But it also made him want to hurt her. To push her till she broke. Because he felt ignored and unimportant. He wanted to punish her for not smiling at him first. For showing him up to himself. He couldn't believe the type of feelings just the presence of that girl was inciting in him.

He felt like a monster. He could see she was inexperienced and innocent. He could be at peace with himself only if she gave him a reason to be beastly. So he decided to goad her till she said something remotely rude, and then to let himself go and see how much it took to break her. The thought filled him with some sadistic pleasure, and at that moment he realised that he hated himself the most in the world.

Approaching Richard, she had at once apologised "I am so sorry if I made you wait."

He noted the witty wordings of the apology. She did not say she was late, she knew she wasn't. But she'd still made him feel that it was worth his while to wait for her till she came. But he wasn't the man he used to be. Her bright eyes and innocence were too pure for him to bear, and he badly wanted to see her fall. So he decided to be rude. "Who are you, anyway?"

"I'm Analemma Wrenner, from the Polson Academy. I was informed yesterday by Ms. Hawthorne that I was to be modelling for you today." She spoke as if she had not heard his rude tone, or seen his smirk.