Strolling through the park was one of the activities that relaxed me the most, and it was fortunate to live not far from one, or from such wonderful places to lose your sight. My mother often says that I spend a lot of time lost in the clouds thinking about a thousand and one things, but the truth is that it calms me down, and helps me think clearly, something that in many moments is truly important. And if I'm listening to music, I can spend all day drawing or reading without even realizing the time.
Now, I was listening to Chopin's Ballad No. 10, that version they used for the anime of "Your lie in April." A very beautiful piece. Sometimes, when I was drawing, I could vary the colors or the way I draw according to the music I am listening to, and that is simply how I am inspired in the best possible way. I took out of my portfolio the only book of which I had a small copy, "Romeo and Juliet." Even Rose, who is a lover of romance, was thrilled when she saw that this book by William Shakespeare was being read again., but the truth is that I saw it differently. I did not see love, the truth is that I do not even believe that someone who claimed to be in love with another woman overnight fell in love with another woman just because she was "impressed". What I really saw was hatred, what it can do and how it influences our decisions so much.
If the Mostesco and Capulet family had never started fighting each other, both Romeo and Juliet would never have met that way. It is even possible that Romeo himself had already declared himself to his first love. But people hate each other for some stupid reason, and because of that there is always collateral damage. It is not a love story, at least for me.
-. I didn't know that book eaters used to be outside the library - I heard someone say just as the music ended with the last notes of Chopin's piece.
When I looked away from the book and raised my face, I came across some gray orbs that attracted me and left me thinking only about it. Although it was only for a few seconds that I came back to reality, once in my five senses I noticed the person who owns those eyes, and to my surprise, it was that boy so heavy that he had not accepted the cell phone.
I do not usually believe in fate, but if this is one of its signs I think it is very wrong.
-. Are you not planning to say hello? –Asked the very obnoxious one.
-. Hello - I managed to say after a few seconds in which my brain was activated again - What ... What are you doing here?
-. That is what I should ask you, "he said, taking a seat next to me on the bench." I didn't know you would like to come here to read.
-. I don't usually come here actually. I just didn't want to go home and found it… relaxing.
-. So ... Could it be said that you are free?
-. Something like that.
-. And what brought you here today? I looked at him for a few seconds before answering, given that it was strange for me to even talk about the most normal thing with Alphonse.
-. Some friends and I spent a while at the place across the street. When they left they went to college because they had classes, and I chose to hang out here.
-. And what do you read? He asked as he bent a little to read a little of the contents of the book that he still had open in his hands.
-. I do not think you like it.
-. Romeo and Juliet? I nodded. "It's good, although I must admit that among Shakespeare's plays I prefer Hamlet."
-. I'm a little surprised that you know about him.
-. Anyone who has ever attended school knows about the best works of William Shakespeare.
In this he was right.
-. Although there are much better books than that, even Wuthering Heights is a somewhat different than good romance book. Although I must admit that it is not one of my favorites either.
-. You don't like to read about romance.
-. I think rather that it is trite - I looked at him with some curiosity to explain his comment - You see, in most of the books of that genre the protagonist is a silly in love and honeyed, like Romeo, or someone who could catalog cold and unfeeling, like Heathcliff . When they created them they inspired thousands of love stories that today are nothing more than simple things, and if you think about it carefully there is an even more interesting background than just thinking that these classics are a simple romance book.
His answer had really surprised me. He was not a person who loves to read about romance, although the classics have their charm. What surprised me the most was the opinion about it. Because not many men like the genre, or they become interested in something else outside the plot or background of the story. This was one of those few times that I ran into someone who knew how to not just look at the main plot of a book. I like it.
-. I liked your point of view, Alphonse –I closed the book marking the page where I had left it and put it in my wallet– Now you tell me, what are you doing here?
I had already answered his question, so now it was his turn to answer mine.
-. I'm in the middle of some work, I was just taking a break when a beautiful girl caught my eye from a distance. I was alone on this bench and I decided it would be a good idea to go talk to her - she said without more with a radiant smile - By the way, nice dress. It makes your body stand out and looks great on you.
He said this, pointing directly to my wardrobe and immediately I felt my cheeks get a little warm. If I felt this embarrassed by a simple comment, he asked me how I would get if he found out that I did it myself.
-. Thanks…
-. It fits you very well. Where did you buy it? -I could see that she was very curious about the dress, but I didn't want to tell her that I had done it. Not that he scared me or something, but I didn't want to be the center of his attention to see the dress in detail. More than one person had seen me that way and I didn't want to feel that way today, much less because of him.
In this I noticed what he was wearing. She was carrying a jean that fitted her legs and a white shirt rolled up and with several buttons unbuttoned, along with a blue vest that, by coincidences of life, was the same tone as my dress, and to finish she was carrying colored loafers black. It looked very attractive, and from the way it looks the fabric is also comfortable.
He was a very attractive real man, even more so if he knew what to wear.
-. Mr. Alphonse - one spoke who approached us in seconds - We must continue with the session or we will never finish. I would like to make the most of the natural light in the afternoon.
The man who appeared in front of us was looking at Alphonse, hoping that he didn't give him any refusal.
He had mentioned that he was here for some work, but does that involve a session? Session of what?
I glanced at the person next to me, who changed his amused gaze to a somewhat exhausted one, but from his face I could tell that he was more than ready to move on. The moment Alphonse got up, the man who had come to call him finally noticed me, and I would say I am exaggerating, but it seemed as if his eyes were going to pop out of his face at some point because of the way they were. Opened.
-. But who is this girl? –Asked the man in a higher tone of voice with which he attracted the attention of the other people around us.
-. She's a friend –said the man who had been sitting next to me before.
Apparently she had climbed from the " Acquaintance " step to " Friend ".
As for the other man, he kept looking me up and down, he made me feel strange, as if he were some rare species that needed to be seen before he disappeared. The more I looked the more nervous I got, while Alphonse just put his hands to his mouth to cover that smile that he thinks no one saw. Some of this seemed funny to him while I became a nervous wreck.
-. You, my dear and precious goddess, are my new muse -he said when he finished inspecting me.
-. His what? I asked somewhat stunned and unable to believe what the man was saying.
-. My muse darling. You are a very beautiful woman without being exaggerated, it shows that you know how to dress well, so you would look great. Your profiled and charming face, those fleshy pink lips, and with your beautiful figure it is impossible for you to go unnoticed. Also, the charming sparkle in your eyes are even more appealing. I don't understand why you kept it so hidden, Mr. Alphonse.
-. The truth is that I met her recently. But in everything you say you are right, she is very beautiful.
Again I was feeling sorry for his words and those of the man who until a few seconds ago did not stop seeing me. Furthermore, his description of me was almost poetic , as if I were some kind of "goddess" who had crossed his path. Alphonse only looked at me for a few seconds and then fixed his gaze somewhere far away on what I was trying to figure out what to do with my distressed existence.
- . This is the perfect occasion… –the man in front of me began to say.
-. How about you model with me? Alphonse said suddenly, cutting off whatever the man was going to say, although when he heard the blonde's proposal his eyes lit up.
-. What?
I felt silly for just asking crap, but I just couldn't believe what these two men were saying. Once again unusual things were happening to me with Alphonse.
-. That was the same thing I wanted to propose –declared the other companion.
This truly had to be a great joke of fate.
-. I ... I can't ... I couldn't. I mean, I don't know what they're talking about per se and I'm not dressed for an occasion like that and ...
He kept saying the first thing he came to think of, and that was that he wasn't thinking clearly himself.
-. Would you miss? Please –begged the man, taking my hand and looking me straight in the eye. His black eyes lacked Alphonse's brilliance, but he could still feel a certain intensity in them. He was a passionate man.
I did not want to accept. Honestly, all I wanted to do was run out of that place like a coward, but when I looked at Alphonse again, he was looking at me with a certain intensity, a totally different one from the man who held my hands in his. It was different, as if he really insisted just by looking at me. As if he wanted to tell me that he wanted to do this with me.
-. You may? He said almost in an audible whisper.
For a moment it was like I was getting carried away. Although I wanted to resist, I couldn't help but feel that it would be best to accept their proposal. So without even having analyzed it in detail, I nodded my approval to participate in the session. The only thing I had heard the man who accompanied us say was " magnificent ", and then I was carried away by them.
It wasn't until they took me to a section of the park with cameras that I began to feel upset. Veronique, I think I should have gone with you.
Alphonse was holding my hand, but the panic still hadn't subsided. There were only cameras and a girl who was possibly the assistant. I took a look everywhere until I ran into the man from a few seconds ago again, apparently it was the photographer, now I understood why his gaze showed me passion. He loves his job, and it showed by the way he rearranged the team.
For my part, I still felt a bit uneasy, but looking at the photographer relaxed me a bit. Something told me I could trust this man. I looked at Alphonse again and he looked entertaining. It was weird, but still holding hands didn't bother me. Something weird because I don't really like that kind of contact with other people, but this time it felt relaxing. As if there was some strange connection between us and something was drawing me to him when he was pulling me to another section.
-. Very good beauty, I need you to stand next to Mr. Alphonse –I heard the photographer say when I finally came out of the limbo I was in.
Alphonse had brought us closer to the fountain, and around us there were only a few bottoms to create a better light. It was then that he understood what Alphonse's profession was: he was a model. And I, a simple woman he met by chance, am going to model with him. I was feeling somewhat disoriented. This was not my environment and it made me nervous not knowing what to do.
The photographer immediately took the first photo, with a flash that left me stunned for a few seconds. When he could finally see well, he was watching the camera with a frown.
-. No, no, no and no. He said as he lowered the camera a little to see us, "Please cutie, give me a little more spark.- Something spectacular! Show me how fearless, exceptional, heroic and attractive you are.
-. You just have to act natural -Alphonse said close to my ear.
His act automatically made me shiver and blush at the same time. Seeing him he did seem to act natural, like no one was about to take a picture of him, something that I just can't do. But he must be used to it by now.
Alphonse took my hand again and with it made me get even closer to his body. With his free hand he took my chin and lifted it so that our gazes could connect. It was as if he were going to kiss me, I did not see those intentions and to achieve it he would have to get closer, but he remained static where he was. Just thinking of that closeness couldn't help but blush a little.
-. You just have to let yourself go, My Lady .
The flash of the camera was not long in coming, but this time that had not deconcentrated me, nor did I care. All I was aware of was Alphonse's gaze, and how he invited me to stay with him. That man next to me was like a magnet, and I was nothing more than the fool who approached him out of inertia, and our closeness only increased the desire to want to kiss him.
Alphonse released me to kneel in front of me and take my hand to place a kiss on it. I have no idea what gesture I made, but I can assure you that I went from surprise to admiration. It's amazing how he can act so naturally, so casual, like what he's doing is totally authentic.
Let yourself go…
His words echoed in my head. If she wanted to do this with him, or at least not screw it up, she would have to act natural. The camera no longer mattered, it was just him and me, nothing else was needed to relax me much more.
Then Alphonse got up and carried me like a princess as I held onto his neck and got closer to him just to smile. As I got off I took his hand and turned my back against him, Alphonse clasped our hands and I smiled as if I had done some mischief. And so we go on, changing from position to position. I was not aware of anything apart from him, his presence, his touch and the desire for our lips to meet, which was increasing more and more.
Alphonse suddenly grabbed both sides of my hips and lifted me up, just enough that it wouldn't show under my skirt, and began to spin. It was inevitable to laugh with him, it was like a spell. Not only was he attractive, but his laugh also enchanted and made me smile too. When he stopped spinning he was about to lower me, but instead he pulled me closer to his body and left me at the same height as him, at least enough so that our foreheads will collide.
During those seconds, nothing more was needed. I was happy and therefore did not want to open my eyes. It was a nice moment, I was enjoying it and I wanted to continue feeling that way with me. I felt trapped in his spell and did not want to leave that place. But the magic had to end at some point, and it ended when Alphonse finally separated me from him and deposited me back on the floor. I looked up to see him straight in the eye. In them I could see the same thing that happened to me, I was also excited.
-. That was… GREAT! I heard the photographer yell, making me quickly get out of the small bubble that surrounded the blonde and me. Alphonse finally let go of me and I immediately felt the photographer's hands in mine. He looked very excited– It was a real pleasure working with you… huh?
-. Violette –I told her.
-. Dear Violette. I was fascinated that you were here this afternoon, it was a pleasant coincidence that you met Mr. Alphonse - seeing him so excited made me smile. It made me very happy to help someone, even more so if that person loved what they did with as much fervor as he did. If you would be so kind to just wait a bit, I would like to give you a memory, as a token of my gratitude.
I felt flattered, so I accepted his request and told him that I would continue in the park for another while. I was truly very happy at the time. A great afternoon actually. The photographer's assistant began to put the equipment away in what was gone in the blink of an eye. The job was done.
I turned to look for Alphonse, but to my surprise he was not next to me. I looked for him with my eyes and found him on one of the benches a little away from the fountain, although he was not alone. Next to him was a beautiful woman dressed in a suit and short hair with a yellow lock . Their expressions were serious, and from the respectful way they spoke, he could deduce that it must have been work.
It was kind of weird, seeing him with an unhappy look on his face. But if they were like this, it must be for something important, so I chose to take my wallet and walk directly to one of the benches that were not far from the source. I took out the phone to check a few messages that I had received in the afternoon. I had not realized that time had flown by. Something really surprising.
After a few minutes Alphonse came back to me and handed me a bottle of juice. He didn't look as upset as he did a while ago, but he wasn't as radiant as when we'd been in the middle of the session, either.
-. Congratulations –he said without further ado as he took the bottle he offered me.
-. Thank you, although I don't think I have done much. You're the one who stood out –I answered honestly. He just laughed a little at my comment and took a seat next to me.
-. Don't say that, you were fantastic. Even Alexandre himself was more than excited, even more than he usually is when he only photographs me.
-. Do not be modest.
It had been a wonderful afternoon, but I doubt I did a great job. Only me…
-. You got carried away, "Alphonse said, interrupting my thoughts. I looked at him a bit puzzled, mostly because that was the same thing I had been thinking - And it was amazing, you acted naturally and that's what is essential for this job.
- . I didn't know you were a model
- . Nor is it that we have talked much about our trades. - In this he was very right - And how did everything seem to you?
- . I'm not going to lie to you, I was about to panic - after saying that he seemed somewhat sad? For what I said, for what I immediately corrected myself - But I found it very funny afterwards. How long have you been modeling?
- . Since I am 15 years old. This is already routine for me, but sometimes it is more entertaining than others.
- . And you like it?
- . Not much really. I stopped being the main model a long time ago, now I only help out once in a while.
- . If you like it then why…?
- . Why do I do it? - He said finishing what he was going to say - I do it because my father asks me to. Only for that.
After saying that he looked a little colder than he was recently, or maybe it's my ideas. I didn't want to see him like this, at least not when we were having a good time together.
- . And Alexandre? - He asked after a few seconds of uncomfortable silence.
- . He said he was going to do something for a moment but will wait for it.
- . I was very excited about you. Thank you for doing this today.
- . It was fun - I answered honestly - Every now and then it's good to do something totally different.
- . You're right about that. I also had a long time without entertaining myself like this. Thanks for today.
- . Thank you.
At the moment I was happy, I could even say that inspired and all thanks to Alphonse. I didn't know him well enough to say so openly that our relationship was one of friends, but I liked him enough to hang out with him.
- . Violette! - I heard him shout Alexandre (the photographer) in the distance as he walked as fast as possible to get next to me. In one of his hands he carried a large yellow envelope and waved it happily.
When he reached us, he caught his breath a bit and then looked back at us.
- . This is for you, lovely lady. - He said handing me the envelope he had in his hands - I thank you again for your support today.
- . You don't need to thank me, it was a pleasure for me to have helped you.
- . You have a future as a beautiful model, and if one day you need someone to take your photos, I am your man.
- . … Thank you - I replied with a slight blush on my cheeks.
- . Mr. Alphonse - I heard him say, but when I looked again at Alexandre he did not have the same brightness as when he was talking to me - His assistant asked me to remind him that it is time to go. There is little left until they are here.
Those simple words seemed normal to me, but apparently it was a bad news alarm for Alphonse, because he immediately stiffened and began to shake his head in all directions until he hit something in the distance. I followed his direction and in the distance you could see an elegant gray car.
Alphonse immediately grabbed my hand and pulled me to practically run towards that car. He didn't understand what was happening, but he looked a bit upset.
- . What's going on? - I asked halfway.
- . Then he explained ...
This being dragged away by him brought back memories.
As we continued to approach the car, I saw someone get out of the car, possibly the driver, and open one of the passenger doors. The car belonged to Alphonse and that person had opened the door for him. I was about to refuse to continue running, but the blond who was pulling me quickened my pace a little more and as soon as we got to the car he let go of me while gesturing to get into the car.
- . Hey no…
- . Please - he interrupted me - Don't make me beg you again and get in the car, can you? He tried to sound friendly, but his stress was evident.
Obediently I got into the car and he accompanied me later. The person who had opened the door for him had looked at us a bit puzzled, although he preferred not to say anything, and as soon as Alphonse got into the car, it closed the door and entered the driver's station as in the beginning.
At that moment I realized that there was also a truck behind us, and that the photographer's assistant was right at the door talking to him. They both talked for a few seconds and then Alexandre signaled to the driver of the car where Alphonse and I were. This was weird, like we were running away from someone or something. I don't know what all this rust was about, but I didn't much like being left in ignorance, much less I liked being treated like a rag doll who could walk around.
As soon as I felt the car move I took one last look out the window and was a bit surprised to see a huge group of girls who had appeared out of nowhere. These carried white shirts with hearts and Alphonse's name on them, there were even others that carried his image. For being just girls it was a really big group, and what surprised me the most was that they were there for Alphonse.
He himself was talking to someone on the phone, by his frown he could tell that he was somewhat frustrated, but now he understood why: he was escaping from that group of fans.
So it must be famous ...