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4 yr. ago
Hugh_Jidiot
The Sculptor
“Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ms,” Shelley said.
“Don’t mention it, dear,” the older woman replied, smiling. “And please, call me Mei!”
The two walked through the halls of Mei’s countryside estate. The walls were lined with beautiful landscape paintings and shelves that held priceless antique vases; a fitting decor for a world-renowned sculptor. Mei herself was a tall and pale-skinned woman who carried herself with an air of grace and dignity. Shelley wasn’t sure why Mei needed to wear a long coat, headscarf and sunglasses in the privacy of her own home, but didn’t question it. All artists had their quirks, after all.
“The moment I saw your portfolio, I knew you’d be the perfect subject for my next work.” Mei looked Shelley up and down. “And now that I see you in person, I’m more sure than ever. Yes, you will be my finest creation yet.”
Shelley beamed with pride. “I can’t wait to see how it turns out!”
“I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.” The two came to a stop in front of a large oak door. “Well, here’s where the magic happens. Shall we?”
Mei’s studio was much like others Shelley had seen: a spacious room with high-powered lights set up to face a pure white backdrop. Shelley assumed Mei would be taking dozens of photos to use as a reference for her sculpture.
“You’ll find your outfit behind that screen over there,” Mei said, motioning towards an opaque folding screen set up in the far corner of the room. “Go get changed while I get the lights set up.”
A few minutes later Shelley stepped out from behind the screen, clad in a beautiful silk gown that hugged her body. Mei, who had been positioning the lights, turned at the sound of approaching footsteps.
“You look stunning, my dear!” Mei said with a wide grin, clasping her hands. “We’re ready to begin.”
Shelley took her place in front of the backdrop, the lights fixing her with their illuminating gaze. The next several minutes were spent getting Shelley into position. She followed Mei’s precise instructions, allowing the artist to guide her poses as needed. Mei worked diligently; the hair had to be just right, the arms had to be bent at the perfect angle, every fold and crevice in the dress had to be to her exact specifications.
Finally Mei stepped back. “Yes… yes, it’s finally perfect,” Mei said. Her grin was almost manic as she looked down at Shelley. “Are you ready, my dear?”
“I am,” Shelley replied, taking care not to move her head a single millimeter. “So, where’s your camera anyways?”
Mei reached up, tearing off her headscarf and sunglasses.
The last thing Shelley saw was Mei’s hair coils writhing and twisting, and a pair of yellow reptilian eyes staring into hers.