CHAPTER TWO
Cadu commented on Clara's good humor the moment she walked in the door. She kissed his forehead affectionately and asked about his day which had been the same as all the others since he left hospital. He was in good spirits and had more energy, which was a relief to see, and he sat at the counter as she made dinner. He had been so weak after the transplant, with barely enough energy to turn over in bed. He'd seemed old then, so much older than the virile man that had courted her over ten years ago. Perhaps it was seeing mortality so clearly before her that frightened her the most. But he was getting stronger, that's what mattered.
When Cadu found out the reason for her good humor, Clara saw his face tighten. He didn't say anything though and she was glad. She didn't want to fight.
The morning of the shoot dawned with a crisp sky and a pleasant breeze. From the taxi she watched the city awash with liquid gold as it rose up from the ocean to kiss the clouds and she closed her eyes to bath in it as the car sped down Avenida Atlantica, breathing deep and long, her forest green nail-polish hand pressed to her heart, it felt like this was the first moment she'd had to herself in weeks and it felt so good.
When she arrived she found Vanessa with a list, ticking off items that were laid out for the day. She looked at her watch to check the time before she threw Clara a cool look and handed her a schedule and a list of responsibilities. She wordlessly returned to her job. Marina was standing at the bench checking her camera equipment, her eyes sleepy behind her thick framed glasses. Clara murmured hello as she slid up behind her, kissing her cheek.
Giselle had yet to arrive and the model was already in make-up with Flavinha. Clara busied herself running back and forth between the cars and studio, loading equipment. By 6.45am she was done and by 7am everyone was accounted for and they were pulling out of the driveway in direction of Prainha Beach.
They arrived to find the place almost deserted. The tide was high and the water turquoise, small waves crashing rhythmically and rustling the white grains of sand. A deep, clear blue sky was framed by the sloping, tree-covered hills either side of the beach and the sun barely above the horizon. Marina clapped her hand in excitement and proclaimed it perfect. They quickly unloaded the car and set up by an outcrop of boulders that divided the beach in half. Everyone worked efficiently and in no time the model was being lead down the path to take her position in the water. They were to shoot the element of water first with a forty something model called Anya. When choosing Marina had known instantly that she was the one. Her eyes matched the ocean and her pale skin could have been formed from the sand itself. She was beautiful, but it was a beauty that came not from perfection but from the way in which she held herself, from a sensuality that comes with experience. Anya wore a single transparent length of chiffon material draped over her body, aqua-green like the ocean. At first she sat a little self-consciously but between Clara and Giselle, who held the lighting reflectors and diffusers, Flavinha who was on stand-by make-up, Vanessa on camera assist and Marina behind her camera lens, they joked with such good humor that soon the nakedness was forgotten.
Clara watched Marina as she worked, taking her time to set up each shot until she was happy, crouching down in the waves, uncaring that she was getting as wet as her model, her warmth and charm effortlessly establishing the intimate rapport between photographer and model so necessary for getting the shots she wanted. She could see Anya falling under Marina's spell and as she did any inhibitions seem to float away with the outgoing tide. The photos would look amazing.
The second element was air. They had found a striking fifty something woman, her skin as dark as black chocolate. She was tall like a Masai queen, her skin smooth and her breasts heavy. The chiffon material was blue like the azure sky, flying out behind her in the breeze. She stood boldly on a large rock as Marina walked around with her camera tilted up to frame out the beach. She seemed uncaring of who could see her. Clara couldn't help but be impressed at the way she owned the experience. She spread her arms wide and closed her eyes and seemed to become free like a bird on the wind.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Marina asked as she sat down on the sand next to Clara with her cup of coffee and a plate of food. It was lunchtime and they had stopped for a break while they waited for their thirty-something model to arrive.
Clara smiled and looked out at sea that ran away to the horizon.
"Oh, Marina. You make it look so easy, like it's a matter of picking up a camera and clicking a button. And then I see the pictures and I see such depth and artistry, such skill."
"I know we had to stop our photography lessons due to circumstances, but I want to keep teaching you. You have talent, Clara. I would love for you to develop it."
"Thank you." Clara said, feeling shy at the compliment, "I would love that."
"Done." Marine leaned in close to her ear, sending delicious shivers down to her fingertips as she said, "Stick with me and together we can reach the stars."
She slipped her hand into Clara's and laid her head on her shoulder and they sat in comfortable silence looking at the ocean. As they sat, Vanessa's tense voice drifted down from the road.
"What do you mean she won't be able to make it?...Oh... okay...No. I'll talk with Marina first. I'll call you right back."
"What is it, Van?" Marina called out as the Vanessa came to join them on the beach.
Vanessa clocked their interlaced hand and she pursed her lips, shooting Clara a withering look. "Our model isn't coming."
"What do you mean she isn't coming?"
"She just received notice of a bereavement as she was on her way here and has turned back to fly out for a funeral."
"Oh. That's terrible."
"Tell me about it. I mean, of course she has to go but we simply don't have time to reschedule a shoot for when she's back." Vanessa ran her hand through her hair. "Patricia wanted to know if we wanted to call in our second choice."
Marina shook her head. "She just wasn't right, Van."
"No, she wasn't."
"None of the other choices were."
"No."
"Damn it!" Marina stood up and paced a few steps. "How can we sort this out?"
"We need to shoot something today or tomorrow. Possibly the next day. Anything later than that and the perspex prints in Paris won't be ready in time for the opening..."
"Okay. Okay...Van, call up a few agencies. Get them to send through what they've got immediately."
"Sure."
Vanessa moved away, dialing her cellphone as she did. Marina continue to pace back and forth as she bit her nail.
"What can I do, Marina?" Clara asked.
"I can't let Edourad down."
"No, of course not."
Clara could see Marina winding herself tighter like a coil with each passing second. She rose and took her hands.
"Take a moment, breath. Just listen to the waves on the beach," Clara said, "soothing and calm. Everything will be okay."
Marina closed her eyes and took a breath.
"These other agencies will get you the perfect woman and you can shoot tomorrow afternoon." Clara continued.
"You're right. I'm over reacting. We can still get this done."
"Yes. I know you can."
"I think I'm just stressed out about money and everything to do with dad." Marina said. She drew another deep breath and smiled. "Okay. I'm better. Thank you."
"Now, what can I do?" Clara asked.
"Nothing unless you want to be my model." Marina said lightly. Clara laughed and then peered at her, unsure if that was a joke. Marina looked back at her.
"I...uh...I...are you serious?" she asked.
"I don't imagine you'd say yes, but you embody exactly what I want for the earth element. If I could have anyone, I'd want it to be you."
Clara turned crimson and lowered her eyes. "I... uh...I'm flattered...but..."
Marina laughed. "It's ok, Clarinha, I'm not asking." She peered at Clara's face, "Unless you want to do it. In which case I am."
"Oh..."
Marina kissed each of Clara's hand in turn.
"I'm going to see how Vanessa's getting on." she said and walked down the beach, Clara's eyes following her.