Lawndale High School; November 8th; 9:34 AM
“Is Mr. Thoreau really turning his back on the world by
moving to Walden Pond, or is he, by his example, trying desperately to save the
world after all?” He looked at one of his students. “Normandy?”
“Brittany,” the cheerleader corrected. “He wasn't on
Walden Pond because he hated the world. He was just mad at Jane Fonda. You
know, he was her father in real life, too.”
“Um…” the teacher said before being interrupted.
The Principal rushed into the room. “Good morning! I hope
I'm not disrupting the learning process.”
“Oh, no…”
“I've got some exciting information for you all,” Ms. Li
began. “A team of talent scouts from Amazon Models will be here this week as
part of their national talent search, and the most promising Lawndale High
student will receive a professional modelling contract.”
“They got my letter,” Brittany commented.
“Why here?” Jodie asked.
“I guess they found out what a good-looking group you
are.” She laughed and added. “But, seriously, this is a great opportunity for
you, and the even greater good of Lawndale High.”
Daria rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything.
However, someone else did.
“What does the school get out of this?” Jane asked.
“That is really none of your business!” the Principal
exclaimed, glaring at the artist girl.
‘No doubt Jane’s a trouble maker,’ Daria thought.
Lawndale High School; November 9th; 11:39
AM
The imminent arrival of the Modelling agents was already
affecting the curriculum. At least that was Daria’s thought on the matter as
Mrs. Bennett went on about how the fashion industry used marketplace
psychology.
“…The business ensures its own survival by training
consumers to focus on arbitrary styling distinctions, rather than quality and
durability.”
Then there was laughter from the door. Two visitors had
arrived.
“You must be the representatives from the Amazon Modeling
Agency,” Bennett commented.
“Well, I would hope so. We're a little long in the tooth
to be attending high school,” the male said.
“Speak for yourself, grandpa-pa,” the female joked,
before they both laughed.
Mrs. Bennett laughed. “I was just telling the class about
how the fashion industry uses customer psychology to perpetuate itself in the
marketplace.”
“You know, if the hem of that skirt were an inch higher,
you'd have a look as up to date as tomorrow,” the male said as a distraction.
“Do you think so?” Bennett asked.
“Show off those gams, girlfriend.”
“This is the most exciting day of my life! Being a model
is all I've ever wanted to be,” Brittany said.
“Uh, hey,” Kevin said.
“I mean besides being the girlfriend of the cutest guy on
the team! Oh, and winning the national high school cheerleading championship! Oh
yeah, and helping the starving kids in the desert, or wherever.”
The female modelling agent approached Brittany. “Well,
let's have a look!”
Brittany doffed the blue coat she had on and walked up
done the centre of the room as if it were a catwalk.
Claude made a crude gesture, indicating the size of
Brittany’s bust.
Romonica shook her head, then clapped politely. “That was
just wonderful! Don't you think so, Claude?”
“Wonderful? Astonishing! We'll see you in class, Blue.”
“Now, who else in this room is a potential superstar du
fashion?” Romonica then looked at Jane.
“You! You have a very interesting look! Have you ever
considered the achingly glamorous life of a model?”
Jane showed the modelling agent her sketch of her and her
assistant as circling vultures.
“You're more interested in the design end of things…” Romonica
said in a dry tone.
“That's an excellent likeness of you, darling,” Claud
said. He then spoke to the new shy girl. “Oh, look at you. So waif-like... so
pouty. Could you remove your glasses?”
“No!” the girl said quietly.
“Come on!”
The girl shook her head and slouched down in an attempt
to make herself invisible.
“Leave Daria alone!” Brittany said.
“Sure, dearie,” Romonica said, with a laugh.
Jane was sure that Daria wanted to be anywhere else.
Truth be told, so did she.
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