Prologue
Still savoring the just-completed badminton practice, 19-year-old Lena Marcopolis, after a refreshing shower, wrapped herself in her spacious white bathrobe and comfortably sprawled across the couch in her room. She put on the rented movie 'Cruel Intentions' and grinned in enjoyment at Kathryn's antics. However, by the end of the film, her mood shifted. Lena's cat-green eyes began to glow, and a sneer of disappointment appeared on her lips. "Kathryn is weak. She cries in defeat," she muttered derisively as she turned off the video.
On the other side of the ocean, 17-year-old Kathryn Merteuil had locked herself in her room after the final scene in 'Cruel Intentions.' There, among a stack of papers, she found the wiki of one Lena Marcopolis and began to read it.
- Wiki Lena Marcopolis -
Background
Lena Marcopolis rules the social scene in the fictional Dutch town of Haarn. Dominating the local badminton scene, she's often compared to world-famous player Phoebe Sadrigo. This comparison boosts Lena's confidence and pride in a world where badminton has surpassed tennis as the most prestigious racket sport.
Appearance and Personality
Lena stands at about 1.74 meters, with short, raven-black hair and glowing cat-green eyes. She's known for her bold and arrogant demeanor, always carrying herself with an air of superiority.
Social Dynamics
Together with her sisters, Erica and Pamela, Lena dictates who's "in" and who's "out" among their peers, cementing their power and reputation. Lena is known for her manipulative ways and doesn't hesitate to use bullying tactics — both physical and emotional — to get her way.
Conflict with Tom Dekker
Lena's relationship with Tom Dekker is marked by conflict and animosity. After Tom returned from a children's home, Lena targeted him as her "personal slave", threatening to socially exclude him if he didn't comply. Tom's refusal to bend to her will was a blow to Lena's ego, leading to a relentless campaign of mockery and belittlement against him.
Confrontation with Phoebe Sadrigo
Lena's world is shaken when she meets her idol, Phoebe Sadrigo, at the HBC sports complex. Initially starstruck, Lena is stunned and shocked when she discovers Tom has a personal connection with Phoebe. Phoebe, unimpressed by Lena's arrogance, puts her in her place publicly by stating that Lena's lack of international experience makes her no better than Tom in Phoebe's view. This leaves Lena humiliated and questioning her idol's worship.
Family and Home Situation
The Marcopolis family lives in a lavish villa at Reijckensingel 13. Lena shares a close yet hierarchical bond with her sisters, Erica and Pamela. Dubbed the "Trinity," they form a powerful alliance focused on dominating the social scene. Pamela matches Lena's ruthlessness, while Erica is considered the "white sheep," being somewhat milder in comparison.
Strategic Response
After Phoebe humiliates her, Lena decides to take action. She breaks up with her boyfriend, Rob Sanders, who doesn't support her revenge plans against Tom and Phoebe. Teaming up with her sisters, Lena plots to socially exclude Tom and Phoebe, despite Erica's doubts, highlighting Lena's determination to maintain her social standing.
Self-Interest and Boundless Determination
Lena is all about self-interest and will do anything to protect it. Her ruthlessness peaks when she uses seduction and reconciliation to permanently eliminate her ex-boyfriend Rob Sanders, who she considers to have become a potential threat. Lena acts without remorse to protect her position.
Trivia
Lena prides herself on her English pronunciation, especially in conversations with native speakers like Phoebe, reflecting her desire for superiority.
Her confidence and arrogance are fueled by her dominance in the local badminton club.
Phoebe Sadrigo's public takedown forces Lena to face her limitations and the limits of her power.
Her family's luxury villa reinforces her sense of superiority and status.
Conclusion
Lena Marcopolis is a standout antagonist whose extreme actions go beyond those of many typical Queen Bee characters. Her lack of empathy and willingness to use violence, even murder, make her one of the most disturbing and ruthless characters in her genre. When it comes to defending her interests, Lena knows no boundaries. Period!
- end wiki -
Simultaneously fascinated and shocked by various passages, Kathryn closed the 'Wiki'. But no matter how she tried, 'Lena' continued to haunt her, like a shadow creeping deeper into her thoughts over the following weeks. Eventually, Kathryn could no longer resist the urge. She had to meet this supposed 'counterpart' face-to-face, not only to gauge how accurate the character sketches in the 'Wiki' were, but also to find out if she might actually learn something from Lena...
The Encounter
It was a bustling Saturday night at the nightclub "Shadows and Lights". The three large dance floors, each with it's own bar, were packed with Haarn's youth surrendering to the pulsating beats of the DJs. At the central bar near the middle floor sat Kathryn Merteuil, elegantly dressed, holding a glass of red wine. She looked around, softly humming along to "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve. Despite the song triggering a bitter memory, she refused to let it dampen her enjoyment of feeling like the untouchable queen in this setting.
Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a commotion at the entrance. Like the Red Sea parting under Moses' hands, the gathered youngsters split into two groups, forming a "guard of honor" for the newcomer. Kathryn was instantly captivated by her demeanor and presence. Regal. Provocative. Dominant.
"And who is she?" she inquired curiously to the bartender.
"Lena Marcopolis. A local star in badminton. Our own Phoebe Sadrigo," replied the bartender.
"Ah," Kathryn smirked knowingly.
Lena walked directly to the bar and took a seat next to Kathryn without sparing her a glance. "Hi Eric," she greeted the bartender.
"Hi Lena, a cola?" Eric asked with a shy smile.
"You're getting to know me well, Eric," Lena replied with a wink.
Kathryn, not one to be ignored, decided to intervene. "Yeah sure. The local sports star Lena Marcopolis is having a soda. Even the slightest alcohol might affect your performances, right?"
"And you are?" Her glowing cat-green eyes seemed to pierce deep into Kathryn's soul as Lena scrutinized her from head to toe. Momentarily caught off guard, Kathryn struggled to respond promptly. "Wait a minute. I recognize you. You're Kathryn Merteuil. That cry baby from 'Cruel intentions'." Lena said with a mocking smile.
"Lena Marcopolis. That wannabe 'Phoebe Sadrigo', who was humiliatingly put in her place by her great idol. In front of the biggest loser in town, no less," Kathryn retorted.
"At least I didn't cry over it," Lena sneered with a cold smile. "Anyways, what brings you all the way out here?"
Regaining her composure, Kathryn decided to be honest. "Quite honestly, to meet you."
Lena looked momentarily surprised but quickly recovered. "Me? Why?"
"Your reputation has preceded you," Kathryn replied calmly.
"Which reputation?" Lena played dumb. She wanted to gauge Kathryn.
Kathryn leaned forward slightly. "Well, after all that mess at Sebastian's funeral, I read a 'little wiki' about you. About how you control and dominate the youngsters around here. And how far you are willing to go to preserve that dominance. I must say, I'm impressed."
Lena sipped her cola, her eyes still sharply focused on Kathryn. "Well, thanks for the compliments, but what's your gain?"
"I thought we could keep in touch. To learn from each other," Kathryn proposed.
Lena laughed coldly. "I don't teach losers," she referenced a famous quote from the film. "And I certainly don't need to learn from them, either."
Kathryn felt a pang of discomfort at recognizing the quote, but hid it behind a confident smile. "Well, I'll be around for a while, so you can see for yourself. You might be surprised about what I have to offer you. I've learned from this experience, too, you know." Her grin widened as she finished her second glass of red wine and turned to the bartender to settle the tab.
"Better think this over, Lena," Kathryn placed a hotel business card on the bar and slid it towards Lena. "It would be an eternal shame if you did not accept this challenge." With those words, Kathryn turned her back on Lena and left the nightclub, her head held high.
Carelessly, Lena picked up the card from the bar, glanced at it casually and tucked it into her pocket. Taking a final sip of cola, she watched Kathryn leave. Her cat-green eyes glowed with excitement and determination, and a cold grin spread across her face. "Well, Kathryn Merteuil. So you think you can come all the way from The States to interfere in my territory. We'll see about that."
The Confrontation ( some days later )
Feeling around in her pockets on the way up the stairs, Lena retrieves the crumpled business card Kathryn had given her at 'Shadows and Lights'. 'Oh yeah, that's true.' Arriving in her room, she grabbed her phone, extended the antenna, and dialed the number listed. After a few rings, someone picked up.
"Good afternoon, Hilton Hotel Amsterdam, how may I assist you?" spoke the receptionist.
"Good afternoon, this is Lena Marcopolis speaking. I understand Kathryn Merteuil is staying with you. I would like to be connected to her. She's expecting my call."
"Certainly. One moment, please."
Lena didn't have to wait long. "Kathryn Merteuil speaking."
"Kathryn, it's Lena here. Lena Marcopolis. We met at 'Shadows and Lights'."
"Ah, Lena," Kathryn said satisfied. "Was already awaiting your call. So, I presume you accept the challenge?"
"No," Lena replied.
"Why not?" Kathryn asked curiously.
"Because there is simply no challenge to accept," Lena scoffed.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Kathryn snapped back, irritated.
"That you're just too weak to be a challenge," Lena stated cheerfully.
"Is that still because of that 'cry baby' incident?" Kathryn sneered arrogantly. "I told you that I learned from that incident. That won't happen again," she asserted firmly.
"It's not just about that," Lena responded with a cold laugh. "The other day, I found out something else about you. You were having sneaky visits to a shrink, right? To talk about Sebastian. You feel responsible for his death, don't you?"
Kathryn fell silent, Lena's words striking a nerve.
"But Kathryn? Really?" Lena's disbelieving tone added another layer. "As far as I know, he died in an unfortunate car crash. Unless you were behind the wheel, you had nothing to do with it."
"But the circumstances..." Kathryn attempted to interject.
"Circumstances do not matter, baby," Lena replied coldly. "Unless you actually kill someone yourself, you're never responsible for another's death. I mean, my ex-boyfriend committed suicide because I dumped him. And do I feel responsible? Not in the slightest way."
With increasing horror and dread, Kathryn listened. The last sentences triggered a memory in her mind; hadn't she read 'something' about it in Lena's wiki, suggesting Lena had killed him?
"Only when you actually do kill someone, circumstances can matter," Lena continued cheerfully. "Some people just ask for it," she concluded with a broad grin and glowing cat‑like green eyes.
On the other end of the line, Kathryn had collapsed onto her hotel bed. She began to suspect that she had truly stumbled into a hornet's nest.
"So, my dear Kathryn Merteuil, this little fact proves me, again, that you're just too weak to be a challenge. Besides, as you must have concluded yourself as well by now, I've got my sources – and resources – everywhere, so I can outclass and outmanoeuvre you anytime. I'm not just another pathetic, local, power-hungry wannabe manipulator like yourself. I'm ready to go all the way. Whatever it takes. No boundries. No limits. So, to be my equal, you have to be willing to take that one 'final step' yourself, as well. And from what I've seen and heard, I recon you don't have the guts for that. You will never take that step, so I will always be way ahead of you."
Defeated, Kathryn sat curled up on her hotel bed. Deep down, she knew Lena was right. Despite all the schemes she had pulled off, there had always been, 'somewhere', a moral line she wouldn't cross. Lena apparently didn't have that moral barrier. Moreover, if Lena could uncover Kathryn's hidden psychiatric visits within just a few days of knowing each other, her claws must reach everywhere, as well. No, this teenager who is about two years older was clearly a league above her.
"Now, be a good girl, go back to The States and play your little schemes there. In your own bubble. Forget about me and the idea of ever interfering in my territory again. Otherwise, you might find yourself reunited with Sebastian sooner than you think."
Without waiting for Kathryn's response, Lena ended the call and disdainfully pushed the antenna back in with the palm of her left hand.
Epilogue
After Lena had disconnected the call, Kathryn sat motionless on her hotel bed for a while. A dualistic feeling took hold of her. On one hand, she felt a certain anger and frustration rising that she had allowed herself to be outmaneuvered by this "Dutch small town girl." On the other hand, she understood that Lena was not to be underestimated and that she would follow through with all her threats if Kathryn continued this confrontation. Especially the implicit death threat at the end sent a shiver through her, causing her to shrink back. Kathryn decided to let everything settle and headed to the restaurant to have a leisurely dinner. Afterwards, she went to the bar for a drink.
Following a restless night filled with dreams and near-nightmares about Lena, Kathryn made her decision at the breakfast buffet. Considering everything, it was indeed wiser... and healthier for herself... to heed Lena's advice. Back in her hotel room, she immediately contacted American Airlines and managed to catch a flight back to The States that same afternoon. Packing her belongings, she checked out of the hotel and headed to Schiphol Airport. After indulging in a few hours of tax-free shopping and a luxurious lunch, she headed to the gate. As she waited in the First Class lounge, Kathryn found herself having an imaginary conversation with her nemesis one last time. "Lena, this is not just sick. You're sick!" she thought bitterly. The realization solidified her decision to leave, and she boarded the plane when called upon. Settling into her seat, she was offered a glass of champagne. As the aircraft taxied down the runway, Kathryn glanced out the window one last time in farewell. With the plane taking off, she closed the chapter of "Lena Marcopolis" in her heart for good.