It all started about six months ago, someone at work decided we would have one of those Mystery Present things. You know where you get a present from some one but you don't know who? Well I had to buy for Mrs. Prentice so I thought very hard about it and got her one of those mugs with a funny Star Sign, wrapped it carefully and brought it in to work. We opened the presents at morning tea time and everyone in Accounts was there with some of the higher ups along as well.
I guess you're dying to know, well Mrs. Prentice loved her coffee mug and showed everyone the funny Star Sign so that was a relief and gradually everyone got to open their present and towards the end I got to open mine. It was wrapped but it was obviously a card or an envelope. It was handed to me and they watched as I carefully undid the wrapping paper trying not to tear it then opened the envelope. I did that thing where you hold it up close to you and go all secretive, peek at it then clutch it to your chest and cover it with your arms.
Well it was supposed to be my attempt at humor and I thought it might be a ten dollar bill or a book token, McDonald's voucher, something like that- but it wasn't. It was an engraved card and it read:
"Admit Melanie Jane Prescott to
Life Studies Appreciation Class,
2PM Saturday August 17,
Level 1, 16 Howard Avenue.
Tutor Mrs. E Lovegrove."
My blood ran cold and I went through the actions but now they were done in desperation.
"Book token?" one of the guys asked cheerfully; I managed a little smile and nodded.
Thankfully time was running short and they moved on to the next opening. I looked at the card again and my tummy felt hollow.
Have you ever had someone read you just perfectly? Not the good bits, the "oh have you seen this girl dance?" or " goodness what a voice, sings like an angel does Melanie", no not them, the side of you you so want to hide.
I had turned up for work everyday modestly dressed. No bending over for the cleavage shot or short skirt for acres of thigh on display, none of that. Not that my figure was horrible, hopefully far from it but I had a secret- I was an exhibitionist. No, I'll rephrase that, I had exhibitionist tendencies. I knew, well aware of it thank you and kept them well in check.
So why would someone give me a present like this? I had never shown the slightest interest in painting- none. In any case it wasn't "painting" as in a bowl of fruit, landscape or something harmless it was painting someone's naked body and whoever it was who had given it to me knew how I would react. Was it someone's idea of a joke? Well if it was it wasn't very funny as far as I was concerned.
I was too embarrassed to show it; everyone else had their coffee mugs ( three- but mine was best) photo frames ( two) and vouchers, chocolates and so on on their desks. I left the envelope there and hid the card in my purse - hoping no one would want to look. Thankfully no one did and at five I left with it safely in my purse.
As soon as I got home I took it out and looked at it. The thought of being the model, nude, every eye on my body while I was in a pose looking off into the distance came to me as I held it.
"No, no," I thought,"that is just sick-disgusting."
I put the card down on the bench to get on with getting my dinner ready and getting the washing
out of the drier to fold. At seven the phone rang. It was Mrs. Lovegrove herself. She was ringing to confirm numbers she said, I was coming?
I wanted to say," no, sorry not my thing to be honest but thanks for calling" but I couldn't. Her voice was overpowering, well it was to me, and I found myself wanting so much to please her so of course I told her yes I was coming. She was obviously pleased with my answer and I felt myself glowing at her tone- she was so nice I thought as I hung the phone up- after her.
So I was going after all. Well it sounded legit and I was sort of looking forward to it and in any case I could surely manage one session of seeing someone nude without it affecting me too much. And that is just so much c r a p, isn't it? I was going because I wanted to please Mrs. Lovejoy but I was glad to be going because, well, just because.
Anonymous Presents Day was a Tuesday and I wondered every day who might have given me that present but no one said anything and before I knew it it was Friday evening and time to start my weekend- on my own, as usual.
Saturday morning I thought I should get a few things otherwise I'd be going along empty handed so I went into the Arts Supplies Shop. The lady was very helpful asking what I would be doing.Encouraged I took the card out of my purse and showed it to her- there was a Silver Star next to my name and she scraped at it with her fingernail then said a thoughtful "hmm" and left me standing there while she went and got some " things" for me and put them in a carry bag. When I offered to pay she put her hand up,
"No Melanie, all included in the Ticket. Enjoy the session."
Well I was buzzing, I mean free stuff and obviously she could see I was thought of as pretty important- although why I couldn't work out. Anyway I took my stuff home had lunch and tried to decide what to wear- nothing too frumpy but not too showy either. I went with a knee length skirt, button down blouse and black mesh pantyhose. as an after thought I grabbed an old blouse to put over the top in case of paint spills or something.
I arrived at twenty five past one but the car park was full. There was one parking space left- in the middle and I went in there and left the motor running because there was a card taped to the wall in front and I figured I might need to move my car.
It was for me,
"Dear Melanie,
Glad you could come, park here dear and come straight up.
Kindest Regards
E Lovegrove."