Down the Mississippi River floats what looks like an eighteenth century, paddle wheel, showboat. Fish are jumping in the warmth of the southern sun, and a spray of mist forms from the steamboats massive paddle wheel. On the forecastle of the boat lies a beautiful blonde woman. Wearing a red one-piece swimsuit, she lies back on the deck, looking up towards the midday sun. Metallic black sunglasses drink in the light, and beads of sweat begin to foam on her brow.
A camera shutter clicks, and music plays loudly in the background. Several unfamiliar voices are murmuring about trivial things. The importance they give to their mostly tenuous topics are slightly warped in nature, and kind of comical.
"I think, that's that." Said the photographer as the sun was getting behind a cloud. His stiff black hair and neat little goatee resurface from behind the camera.
"Oh, thank God!" Said Tammy. "I could use a drink."
She slowly picks her damp, sweaty body off the hot wooden floor.
"Are you coming to the party?" Said the photographer.
"Heh!, no, I don't think so."
"Oh, come on. What else do you have to do?"
"Well, I got a date with this jurk I'm supposed to marry, then there's the society ball... and, oh yes, I'm supposed to go shopping with Princess Catherine."
"You mean Princess Catherine De Novo?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"How do you know her?"
"She kept bothering me about something, back in grade school. I don't know, but I can't get rid of her. So... now she's my friend."
"I thought all those royal types had private tutors."
"Only those in line for the throne. Her handsome older brother... had a private tutor."
"How many royals do you know?"
"Now don't tell anyone, because I'm a little embarestd about it. But technicaly speaking, I guess I know them all-but... The Princess Catherine is my friend."
"You say that as if it were an everyday thing... Why do you want this job?"
The photographer glances at the crowd behind her.
"Never mind, stupid question."
"No, it's not that," said Tammy, referring to the crowd, "It's because... Look, I don't know why I'm telling you this, but you seem like a good person, so I'll take a chance. I'm looking for something more for my life. I can't exactly explain it, but I know there's a better way to live. A way that's not what they want for me. But when I say, better, I don't mean, better. But... more real, somehow."
"And modeling is part of your plan?" Scoffs the photographer, and began to pack up his gear.
She turns to face the crowd and is met by a large round of applause. Through a forced smile and a wave of her hand, Tammy said: "Not really, but yeah."
"Yeah right." Said the photographer.
Tammy turns to look at him, smiles, and mouths the words: "I hate this."
Walking out from the crowed is the producer of the event. Her name is Natalie, and she seems very excited.
"Fabulous! My dear, you were absolutely gorgeous!" Said the producer of the shoot. She's a dark-haired, petite, former model in a black short skirt and olive colored blouse.
"Thank you, Natalie. Have you seen my robe?"
Natalie snaps her fingers at an intern and spoke to Tammy:
YOU ARE READING
In The Shadow Of The Tower
Science FictionTwo super-rich kids grow into young adulthood and struggle with their feelings for one another. She has loved him for quite some time, but he is unsure and needs to figure things out. She is also engineered by her father's company to love someone el...
