This continues the story 'slipperings'
I boarded the train knowing, but not caring, about how irresponsible I was being. Well, I would teach them a lesson and I may return home later or not.
The train headed towards London. It was early, about 6.30 am and there were only a few business men in suits on the train. I sat thinking about the last time I had been on the train. Father and I had been up in the last school holidays to visit the Natural History museum,. We had enjoyed a great day but even then he had not been able to avoid asking me questions about the things we had seen on the return trip. We had the compartment to ourselves that day and after I failed to answer several of the more diffucult questions he asked, all related to the exhibits we had seen, he began teasing me saying things like 'perhaps a trip to my room at bedtime' (code for the slipper) 'would help you remeber Christopher. I dont think I told you my name yet. Well it is Christopher, NOT CHRIS, but christopher ,as father used to tell my friends.
The grain arrived at Kings Cross and I decided to head for Picadilly Circus and then Soho. I was going to have a good time after the revelation of the previous night.
By now my parents would have telephoned the Police to report me missing.
I suddenly thought about whether it was legal for a parent to whack a 16 year old. Perhaps it was 18. Boy would I be in trouble. I imagined my father bending his cane in anger at that very moment.
I passed the shops and saw a signn. It read 'male models required, apply within'.
I knew I was a good looking boy and just for the sake of it I entered the shop. It was a busy office. The telephone was ringing and a girl, not much older than me, was trying to handle it. Around the walls were glossy photos of girls and boys with great hair cuts and shiny white teeth.
'Can I help you, young man' , a kindly looking middle aged lady asked. I had not noticed her but she was smiling nicely at me.
I replied 'I saw your note and thought you may like to take my photo''
''Well yes dear'', she said, ''come through with me would you''
I was led down a passage way and into a very luxurious room with bright lights and sofas. Again the walls were covered in large photos. There was a tray with biscuits and cokes. She asked me if I would like anything and ,as I had not had breakfast and it was about 9.00 by now I helped myself to a coke and a buscuit.
''Sarah, our manager will be along soon, make yourself at home. I will bring a form for you to complete soon. What is your age dear?''
I replied that I was sixteen and she left the room.
A little time later she returned with some papers for me to complete. It was the usual stuff I had seen before, name, date of birth, address, school, fathers name.
She took the papers off and again I was on my own staring at all the pretty girls and handsome boys on the wall.
Sarah was charming, she explained that I had a good figure and was a 'very good looking boy''. I blushed and looked down. I was not used to compliments. Sarah told me that she had enjoyed meeting me and that if I brought one of my parents with me next week she would have them sign some forms and then take some 'portfolio shots'. I did not know what she meant but as there was no chance of returning with a parent I thanked her and left, full of coke.
I was getting fed up now. I dont know why but I was.
Outside the studio I noticed a boy of about my age staring across the street at me. He started to cross the road.
''Hi'', the boy said, ''are you looking for modelling work''
''Not really'' I lied, ''why?''
''I know a place where you can get paid cash for photos'', the boy announced ''My name is Jason, whats yours?''
''Chris'' I replied, shocked at the fact that I was defying father by not using my full name. ''How much does it pay''? I asked, having only a little cash left.
''Depends if George likes you or not, do you want to come along or not?''
Jason did not seem bothered whether I went with him so I figured it would be OK.
We walked for some time until we came to the place. It was unlike the last studio, very old and with broken furniture.
Half an hour later I was standing in just my underpants looking at very bright lights. I could just make out the shape of Jason standing to one side of the lights but not the men behind them.
''Right, Chris'', I heard a man's voice say, ''these are just practise shots to see what the manager thinks of you. Just bend forward, bend your knees a little, thats it. Now put your hands on your knees to support yourself. Jason, pass Chris that cowboy hate will you''.
I felt a little ridiculous like that