"Essence"

The decrepit building loomed ahead and as she wandered down the overgrown path, its strange beauty was revealed. Catherine appreciated Lyric’s unique ideas for photo shoots but this one really took it further. Wandering into the door and down a hallway, she took the time to take in the peeling paint and grime that had taken residence inside, covering whatever it had been originally. She had no idea where Lyric would want to set up so she figured she’d walk through and enjoy the building while there was still some daylight.

“Hello?” she called out, thinking she saw a shadow move past. There was no response at all. She shrugged to herself and continued walking into what appeared to be a large garage bay. The concrete echoed every footfall, her heels sounding sharp and harsh to her ears. There was a lone chair waiting. After a quick evaluation of its condition Catherine decided to sit and wait. She pulled her ipod out of her bag and flipped through playlists before settling on one that seemed to fit the mood. A different headspace was going to be required for the shoot tonight. Lyric had implied it was not just for fashion but for a something that needed more of an edge to it.

As the sun faded past the horizon of the windows she heard a distinctive voice, and one she did not recognize. Lyric was here and she brought company from the sounds of it. Not surprising as Lyric normally had a lackey in tow to attend to whatever she needed.

Lyric rushed over, smiling and offered a perfunctory ‘artiste’ kiss in the air next to Catherine’s ear. “Sorry to keep you waiting but Cyris was being stubborn about his attire.”

Catherine raised an eyebrow, “I take it this is Cyris?” she offered a hand out to him. He pulled off his sunglasses and tilted his head in acknowledgement, but did not reciprocate for the handshake. This didn’t bother Catherine in the slightest. Lyric seemed to attract a host of very unusual acquaintances (as she called them). Polite, well dressed, affluent, yet not the types you’d invite over for a BBQ.

“So, where do we start?” Catherine turned to Lyric who was engrossed in waving around her light meter.

“Here is good. Cyris, be a love and stand over here,” Lyric tapped a spot on the floor with her foot. She squinted at the meter, murmured something to the camera and it whirred to life. “As good as can be expected, I guess.”

“If you actually shot using natural light, it would make your job easier.” Catherine said pointedly.

“Nonsense, the natural light ruins the essence of a shoot like this.” Lyric responded, waving one hand absently in the air.

“By essence you mean ability to actually see anything?” Catherine laughed, knowing this conversation would never be resolved. It was a recurring one but somehow Lyric’s genius use with a camera came through with spectacular results.

Lyric made a noise that sounded like a hiss and motioned for Catherine to stand next to Cyris. “Now, do something that doesn’t look like you just met.”

As Catherine was wondering what they could do Cyris pulled her close, rested his head against hers, and then he bit her.

“Dude! What the fuck!” She spun away, holding her shoulder where he’d sunk his teeth in. Surprisingly it didn’t hurt; she was more startled than anything.

“Dammit Cyris, knock that shit off. I didn’t bring you here to have you eat my muse.” Lyric snapped.

“My apologies madam,” He gestured towards Catherine, hand outstretched, “I promise to be on better behavior.”

Catherine looked at the blood on her shoulder and her hand and gave a strained smile. If Lyric wanted ‘essence’ this was definitely going to make for one crazy evening.