Life is a Deception (sample)

Photoshoot

24th November 2015

It was a long drive to the mall. I could tell that Fathima was mentally exhausted with me being behind the wheel.

We wander around the mall while looking around for the crew. The place was quite appealing with clean, shiny walls and floors, a monochrome design with plenty of golden stores, and the fragrance in the air giving the feel of being in a plain field. It gives me the feeling that I'm outside in some park...

Fathima spots the crew near the fountain, which is in the dead centre of the mall. It's not hard to spot them when there are plenty of people just staring down from the balconies with curious eyes.

We head towards the crew, and before I join them, I thought I'd treat Fathima by allowing her to shop around while I'm busy, so I take my credit card out of my pocket and hand it to her.

Fathima: What's this for?

Samuel: They told me it would take a few hours to finish this, so you could have a little fun while I work.

Fathima: You're joking, right?

Samuel: No, no, go ahead and start spending.

Fathima jumped happily and ran off while I approached the crew. As I got close, Sarah spotted me and seemed like she was about to say something, but before she could, someone grabbed my shoulder and began to talk in a loud voice.

Man: So, you're that man!

Samuel: Yeah... But who are you?

Daniel: My name is Daniel Johnson, but you could call me Dan.

Samuel: Hi Dan?

Daniel: Eh... Is that supposed to be a question? When you're on my work grounds, there will be no disrespect—got it?

Samuel: Yes... But I still don't know who you are...

I don't know what I have said, but I somehow made Dan mad, which resulted in him wrapping his hand over my shoulder and forcing me to bend down so he could grind his fist onto my head. To my luck, Sarah came in to stop Dan from doing any further damage.

Sarah: Are you crazy? Do you know who you're hurting, Daniel?

Daniel: He is that Gustavo man who we talked about. I was expecting to be disappointed in his looks, but you have good taste, Sarah.

Sarah: Oh my God... Daniel, you were the one who told me that Gustavo couldn't make it. This man here is the owner of the KSC, and if the boss you knew you mugged him, they'll kill you.

Daniel: (Holds my hand with both of his) I am sorry for what I did, Samuel... I did not know you were the owner of the KSC.

Samuel: It's all right... And please, call me Sam.

Suddenly, Dan looked back at the fountain and began yelling.

Daniel: Alright! The fun time is over. Everyone, get to your positions now!

Sarah: (Grabs my hand) We must hurry, we don't have much time.

Everyone within the crew began to run back and forth as if we were late. Sarah ushered me to the dressing room, where two other crew members handed me a shirt, and trousers, and shoved me into the room. I started to feel the rush and panicked with the staff. I am clueless as to what's happening... As I leave, Sarah pulls me again and passes me off to the stylist. Since everyone was in a rush, they quickly fixed my hair and took me to the photoshoot.

With that, I found myself next to Sarah, ahead of the fountain and the entire crew watching us. Dan stepped in front and began commanding us.

Daniel: Excellent work so far. (Points towards the photographer) Arjun is our cameraman today, so you better pose for the camera and no one else. We'll start from the fountain and then move to the Vogue Garment fashion store. Nothing would ruin us today as we have security everywhere to protect this celebrity guest with us. And let's get this started, please.

With Dan's introduction, Arjun began his work by telling us how to pose. He had Sarah sit on the fountain's edge and made me kneel to her while holding their perfume as if I were offering it.

Then he had me sit next to Sarah while holding her hand. Sarah kept her composer well, considering that this was her profession. But me, on the other hand... I start moving around as I wonder what I must do.

Arjun grabbed me to put me into his 'perfect pose'. He then tells me, 'Stay', which made Sarah giggle. Arjun takes the picture and speaks.

Arjun: Perfect. Let's move to the store now.

We all marched to the store, but the crew left the equipment behind.

Samuel: (Turns to Sarah) Is that all right?

Sarah: Hmm?

Samuel: The equipment... They're just leaving it behind.

Sarah: Oh, yeah, it's fine. Daniel would have the second group collect everything after we leave. You know, 'For efficiency purposes'.

Samuel: All right then...

Sarah: Also, is this your first time modelling?

Samuel: Yes, it is. Why ask?

Sarah: For a man, you behaved well.

Samuel: Sorry, what was it that you said?

Sarah: Nothing...

Having reached the store, we take our final shots. Arjun loved having Sarah with me saying, 'Dan, they may be the best partners you've ever brought to me.'

It seemed like Sarah enjoyed her time as well. Her smile said it all.

Dan grabs me from over the shoulder once again and speaks...

Daniel: Hey kid, you did perfect.

Samuel: Thank you.

Daniel: Plus, I've never seen Sarah smile so much during work. Maybe... she likes you.

Samuel: I doubt that she would want me to be her friend.

Daniel: Friend? No, no, I'm talking about love.

Samuel: Love? That would be more towards the impossible. Besides, I don't think of her that way.

Daniel: C'mon kid, stop lying to yourself. Everyone loves her.

Samuel: I suppose that I'm not everyone.

Daniel: You aren't chasing her heart huh? This makes you more perfect to me.

Samuel: How would it make me more perfect?

Daniel: Sam, I want you to work for me as a model along with Sarah.

Samuel: I'll have to decline...

Daniel: Why would you decline?

Samuel: I mean... I have other things that I must deal with.

Daniel: Like?

Samuel: It's confidential.

Daniel: All right then... But I won't stop trying.

Dan left to instruct the crew for the clean-up, and I took my leave. But, as I turned around, Sarah grabbed my hand and told me.

Sarah: Let's meet again sometime. I had so much fun today thanks to you.

Samuel: Yeah... Let's meet again...

Sarah let me go and returned to the crew while waving goodbye. In the meantime, I tried to figure out a way to find Fathima in this big mall...

I should've given her a phone...