Elona’s POV
I wasn’t sure how to face the day, I was just numb to feel anything. The news that my father shocked me with was still something that I cannot absorb because it was like I wasn’t pregnant. Am I cruel to even say that? I don’t even know what was worse, the breakup or the loss of a life that I didn’t know was growing inside of me. What would Tristan have said if we were still together? What would I have done if we broke up? A young single mother. I would’ve been the laughingstock at school with a potential career down the drain. Maybe I lost it for a reason and I don’t know what that reason is.
“Elona,” I heard my name faintly as I snapped out of my thoughts, pen in hand at my desk as I looked at Mr Monroe in the front of the classroom.
Everyone else was quiet and some were looking at me, “Sorry, what?” I asked softly, clearing my throat and sitting upright.
“In “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the motif of the green light to symbolize various themes throughout the novel. How does the green light evolve as a symbol and its significance in relation to Gatsby’s character and his pursuit of the American Dream?” he asked. His eyes never left mine. I swallowed.
I tried to wreck my brain for that answer, but I had been caught up in so many things, “I’m not sure what the answer is to that,” I replied. I refused to look at Cris, I felt so small.
“Anyone else?” he scanned the room. “Yes, Crislynn?”
I focused on the notebook in front of me instead, “The green light symbolizes various themes and evolves in meaning. Initially representing hope and Gatsby’s aspirations for a better future with Daisy, it transforms into a symbol of unattainable dreams and the disillusionment of the American Dream. The green light reflects Gatsby’s idealism, ambition, and relentless pursuit of success and love, highlighting his inability to reconcile fantasy with reality. It also serves as a critique of the corrupted American Dream, where materialism and superficiality overshadow genuine values. Ultimately, the green light’s symbolism underscores the tragic consequences of Gatsby’s idealized vision, showcasing the complexities and illusions of the Jazz Age society.”
Cris was always so good at these things. She will excel at them even in the midst of heartache. It just shows her journalism and storytelling nature.
“Excellent. I want everyone else to complete the exercise in your notebooks.” Mr. Monroe said as he took a seat behind the desk. I just scribbled anything in my notebook as the class were chatting among each other.
“So, apparently Maggie is having a girl. My father isn’t too keen on it, but I’m sure he will get used to being a father again. I’m really excited.” I overheard Cris say to Spooky.
I clenched my hand into a fist, “Let him be with someone who can give us a family. You probably can never give us that.”Her words came rushing back to me and a lump formed in my throat. Maggie is giving them a family. He chose her, and he is never coming back to me and I don’t know if I will ever want him back. I can’t go through this breakup in peace when I have to overhear things about Maggie and Tristan. I unclenched my hand and there were indent marks with blood from digging my nails into my hand. Can this day end already?
After a while, class was dismissed. I packed my things and then walked out of the classroom. “Elona!” I stopped and turned around. Spooky jogged towards me. “Are you going to Dakota Agency?” he asked.
“Yeah, I am. I’m heading there right now.” I said. At least, English class was the last for the day.
“Do you want some company? I can walk with you,” he gave me a reassuring smile.
“I’m sure that Cris will have an issue with it.”
“You are more than welcome to walk with Spooky. I’m headed to SNT.” Cris stopped beside us. She had a little smile on her face.
“I want to be alone and thank you,” I said, turned around, and walked away. I needed some alone time because she rubbed what she said about Maggie in my face, perhaps unaware. The rest of this school year needs to fly by fast because I don’t think that I can be around Cris anymore.
After a long walk to Dakota Agency, I did my photoshoot. Spooky was taking notes from the photographer. Now, I observe myself in my dressing room mirror. My makeup was still in place. My hair was perfectly curled. I had on a lilac sarong and a purple two-piece bikini. I can do this. I need to make it in this industry and I will be on runways, living my best life without Tristan. He will be the one to watch me on TV. He will regret this.
The door creaked, and Mr Luca stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He was dressed in black dress pants and a white shirt that was tucked inside his pants. He approached me and came to a stop behind me. I watched him in the mirror.
“You look stunning today. I didn’t see Mr Crane or his daughter here today. They must be busy,” he placed his hands gently on my shoulders. “Beautiful,” he moved my hair over my shoulder, and then he gently slid my bikini top strap down my shoulder, his light touch circling on my shoulder, it sent tingles throughout my body because it was a bit ticklish.
“What happened here?” He asked softly. I tried to look over my shoulder. “It looks like a bite mark as if someone had bitten you. It seems to be fading away, but it is definitely a scar. We can help with cosmetics to get this away because you are a model,” he offered.
I looked at him in the mirror again. I remembered that time when Tristan and I had sex, he bit me and it bled. “A friend bit me and it left a scar. We were having fun,” I lied.
“Interesting,” he said, and he leaned in, trailing kisses around that scar. I swallowed and sucked in a breath. I wish it was Tristan instead. Mr Luca breathed against my ear as his hands moved down until they rested on my hips. “We are going out to a club tomorrow evening, you should attend. It will help to socialize with other models and have fun.” he rasped.
“I don’t think I can attend, Mr Luca,” I replied.
“Call me Austin,” he said as his fingers dug into my hips, sucking in a breath, wishing that he could just leave me alone, “I’m not taking no for an answer, I will text you the address. Better yet, I will get you at your house,” he pulled away. “Trust me, you will have fun.” he said, ” Oh and wear a nice dress for the occasion,” and then he walked out.
I let out a huge breath. Maybe this will be good for me. To socialize again and to forget about Tristan and move on. Getting to know other models is something that I have always wanted to do since I have decided to be in this industry. I am not limited to photoshoots and this studio, I get to go out with them. Hopefully Spooky will be there too. He deserves the fun just as much I do. This time, I will have fun and forget about what happened for one night.