The Art of a Monster

Ch 6.April/13/2009

Stefano remained confused and a little frustrated for the past few weeks. He couldn't figure out why he couldn't convince himself to turn her into art. He had hundreds of chances to get her, but he changed his mind every time. Valeria was going to look beautiful. She was going to be his masterpiece. Perhaps it's because she already is one. She is beautiful after all. But he had to use someone else for his art instead. It made him a little disappointed. He tried to think of a reason why as he walked down the sidewalk towards the opera house. Without warning, he suddenly thought of a reason that seemed almost impossible.

"Don't be so foolish Stefano. That is not the answer." He said to himself.

He walked into the opera house and down the lobby towards the auditorium when he heard the sound of a piano. He followed the sound wanting to find out who was playing it. He opened the doors and the music grew louder. He looked over at the corner of the stage and saw Valeria at the piano. It was beautiful, yet dark. Stefano walked over and watched her play. Her eyes were closed, but she did not miss a single key. He was entranced as she played the last few notes. She opened her eyes to the sound of Stefano clapping quietly. She blushed a little.

"I didn't know that you played the piano." Stefano said.

"Ever since I was fourteen." She replied as she started to close it.

"Please, play more." Stefano said. Valeria smiled when she heard his request. She opened it and started playing. Stefano sat down in the seat next to her. The song she played inspired him. He closed his eyes and let his imagination take over. After awhile Valeria stopped.

"That's all I know of that piece, but it's my favorite." Valeria said after Stefano opened his eyes.

"What is it called?" Stefano asked.

"Serenade for strings a C major. It's meant to be played by a cello or a violin, but I don't know how to play those." Valeria replied. They heard the doors open and several people came in to get ready for practice.

"I should probably get ready. Are you staying?" Valeria asked.

"Always. Rachel wants me to pick some of the dancers to take pictures of to make a poster for the performance. It will hopefully bring in more people." Stefano explained.

"Who are you going to pick?" Valeria asked curiously.

"Depends on how well each person performs today." Stefano said smiling. Valeria smiled before going to the back.

"Rachel says that the man sitting in the seats will pick the best dancers today for a poster." Taylor said.

"He's very sexy. His accent makes it even better." Alice said. The other girls hummed in agreement.

"Well I know for a fact that he'll pick me." Hannah said before she looked at Valeria sinisterly.

"Sorry Valeria, but I doubt you stand a chance." She finished.

"Ya you're so good at dancing, you became a background dancer." Stela mumbled sarcastically. Valeria smiled at Stela's statement before everyone went on stage and warmed up. They then got into place.

"Alright, let's start with what we did last week. The end of act two." Rachel said before she played the music. Stefano examined each person carefully. It was hard to not think about turning them into his art. The last person he watched was Valeria. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Every step was light and quiet. Every move was elegant. Her performance made her more than worthy, but he was going to pick her anyway. Practice ended early so that Stefano could do his work.

"Mr. Valentini, who would you like for the poster?" Rachel asked as the dancers waited eagerly. Stefano looked at each dancer.

"Ms. Stela and her sister Ms. Beth, Jack, Peter, Gabe, and of course " Stefano paused and looked at the anxious faces. He noticed Hannah's proud, snobby expression. He had a good feeling why she was always in the back.

"Ms. Valeria." Stefano finished. The others looked at her in confusion.

"Everyone else, you're free to go. Be careful, it's getting dark out." Rachel said. Valeria and the others gathered around Stefano.

"I have my equipment set up in the back if you would follow me." Stefano said before they all went backstage.

    "That looks brilliant Ms. Stela." Stefano said before he took several pictures. Stela then smiled as she stepped away next to Gabe.

"Ms. Beth, are you ok with Peter holding you up? I know he is not your partner on stage." Stefano said as Peter and Beth stepped up in front of the camera. Beth nodded her head. Valeria watched Stefano work, eagerly waiting her turn.

"I've never had the chance to talk to you Valeria. You keep on leaving right after practice." A voice said next to her. She knew it was Jack. She felt her blood starting to boil. She took a deep breath.

"There's nothing to talk about. You are my dance partner this year, nothing more." Valeria replied as calmly as possible.

"I know we had some faults, but I still have feelings for you." Jack said as he slowly reached for her hand. Valeria quickly moved it.

"You were always drunk. You cheated on me. I have no desire to be with you again." Valeria said trying to hold back her anger.

"Valeria, Jack." Stefano said. Valeria took a deep breath to bring her back to focus on the picture and not her ex. They stepped up in front of the camera. Stefano examined them.

"Jack, I would like you to place your hands on her waist, and your right leg to the side. Have more pressure on your left." Stefano said as Jack adjusted to what Stefano wanted. Once he was satisfied with Jack's pose, he turned his attention to Valeria.

"Ms. Valeria, I would like you to have your left arm held straight up and your right arm back and horizontal. I want you to have your right leg parallel to your arm as well as on your toes." Stefano said. Valeria did what she was told. She tilted her head up slightly and looked towards her wrist. Stefano smiled as he got the camera to focus.

"Stand still, you look perfect." Stefano said before he took the picture.