A Stroke Of Light

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

The First Collaboration

The first moments working together are filled with tension, Anais’s reluctancy is evident, she hates the fact that their paths keep in intertwining.

They were scheduled to meet the next day at a subway station in Paris to get started on the project, Anais arrived first waiting for Alexis to arrive “Who does this guy think he is?” She said in a tone that sounded like she was disgusted and frustrated “I’ve been here for 30 whole minutes now and we scheduled 10am!, I thought rich folk were rich because they value their time.. well there goes that notion”

In about 5 more minutes Alexis arrived at the subway station, He wore a smile on his face when he saw Anais waiting there already, then he walked up to her “I see you’re early, Madame Anais Dupree”

Anais tilted her head upward to see Alexis standing there with his hands in his pockets and a smirk on his face.. “You’re 35minutes late, thought you rich billionaires value time? It seems I was wrong you’re different, you lack prudency!…” before she could continue with her rants Alexis cut her short “Chill out, I was busy you know us rich folk always have our hands full and besides I’m on time I scheduled 10:30 to meet up with you, I just told you to come by 10am cuz I hate waiting”

Anais was fumming “Look at this guy, that’s why we agreed on 10am? Really now? You had your hands full?, you’re such a shitty person I’m out of here”

As she stood up to leave Alexis laughed and said “Metaphorically Speaking Madame Anais, I got us some special croissants and some chocolate milk, it’s fresh out the oven that’s why I took some time getting here”

He hands over a bag with the items inside…

Anais didn’t know what to say or feel in that moment

“Well you should’ve just told me, so I wouldn’t think you’re just being a brat” she said as she took the bag from his hand and went back to sit…

Alexis was grinning from ear to ear, he approached Anais and also sat down.

“So much for our first date” he said

Anais almost choked on the chocolate milk she was having “You’ve got to be kidding!, me? Go out with you? Not happening”

Alexis smiled “Don’t lie to yourself, tell me you’re not intrigued” he said… anais let out a laugh before responding “Do I look like those other girls in class to you?”

“Oh you’re intrigued after all since you noticed” he said while taking a sip of his drink..

“Oh shut up… let’s finish eating and get to work already I don’t wanna spend another minute with you” Anais said…

Alexis laughed as their playful banter continued.. Shortly after they started their survey

Alexis: This subway we begin our survey here then all the way to The Seine River….

Anais: Okay, let’s begin…

She pulled out her camera almost immediately, before she could begin Alexis interrupted her…

Alexis: That camera of yours isn’t suitable enough for this kind of survey…

Anais: Thank you for your kind words (she said mockingly)

Alexis responded “Let me finish Madame Anais, it isn’t suitable that’s why I got you another one, more suitable than the Fujifilmstax you’re using, after the survey you can keep it too” he brought out a beautiful high quality camera from his backpack and gave it to her… Anais was speechless… this was the camera she always wanted but couldn’t currently afford, but from him? She doesn’t want to accept anything from him, she debated within for a bit before she took the camera then she said “Why are you doing this? And why do I feel that there’s a catch”

Alexis responded “Cuz you hate me already? But trust me there’s no catch to this, to be honest I find you quite intriguing too, you’ve made me step out of the shadows of despair” he said mockingly but there was an atom of truth in his statement…

Anais was moved by what he said and then she started thinking,

“maybe this guy isn’t so bad after all”

After, they begin the survey.

Alexis takes the lead with his usual confidence, but Anais is determined not to let him steamroll her. She pushes back on his ideas, suggesting changes to the concept he’s laid out “No I don’t like this concept, I’d love a different style to the pictures, why don’t you just leave it to the photographer here..” she said to Alexis… with their banter continuing

They covered some ground from the subway to around the cityscape took photos and videos and soon after they were done shooting for the day…

“Okay it’s 6pm I have to go now” She said

“Alright then we’ll meet in class tomorrow to discuss more on the project, I’ll take the pictures and get to work bringing them together”Alexis responded

Anais packed up her stuff and geared up to leave

“Okay that’s great just let me know when you make progress” she said as she hastily packed up her stuff, “And thanks again for the camera” her final words before leaving,

Alexis didn’t say much he just stared at her as she walked away blending into the evening buzz of the city of Paris…

The next day at the university they go to class and after lectures they meet up to discuss the project at the school art library.

There’s an unexpected spark of creativity between them, Despite their bickering, they start to see how their differing approaches complement each other. Anais’s lenses adds depth to Alexis’s paintings, and Alexis’s bold brushstrokes enhance Anais’s artistic vision, he brought the first piece together although unfinished “Take a look at this piece it’s from the one of the standout photographs we chose yesterday, although it’s 40% complete” he said gesturing to the painting on board, it was beautiful even Alexis couldn’t believe he’d conjure this sort of brilliance,

Anais being in his life is slowly making him recover what he thought he’s lost their constant bickering turned out to be a purposeful driving force for Alexis

“This is beautiful, I love the detailing” anais said looking in awe, for a fleeting moment, Anais sees a side of Alexis that she hadn’t before, His perfectionism, his drive, they’re not just signs of arrogance, they’re signs of someone who’s deeply invested in his craft. And For the first time, she feels a grudging respect for him.

After the meeting at the art gallery

Anais walks through the hallways, still processing what happened. The project may have been initially challenging and frustrating, but she couldn’t deny there was an undeniable spark in their work. Her mind is racing with thoughts of the future, wondering what this all really means.

She steps outside the campus gates,

The Parisian evening air cool against her skin.

But to her surprise, Alexis is standing by the exit, watching her. His expression is unreadable, but there’s a flicker of something in his eyes.

He looks at her differently now, there’s this unexplainable gaze… Anaïs catches herself staring back too, her heart racing before she shakes it off.

What could this mean for the both of them, and how will things unfold here on out..

FADE TO BLACK