The Writers' Circle

Few days before, my phone started ringing. I picked up the phone and some man from the company who I never heard before announced me "YOU WIIIIIINNNNNN! How does it sounds?" "Great!!!! » He repeated all the time. It's for two people, so you could take a friend with you, I know that you are already thinking what you will wear this day! ² told he ,smiling. Actually he told me that I win a free   re-looking session, including professional make-up, hair-styling and photo-shoots. But there was a one condition, pay a deposit of 99.99 pounds which was an assurance that I will come the day which I promise. After they try to purchase me and it doesn't work because on my bank account was very few money that time, they change my appointment for one person only. It was quite far for me to go to London, but the thought to get my deposit back and that I could see another piece of world change my decision. In the morning I woke-up and it was one of the horrible rainy days when you wouldn't like to go anywhere just stay at home. Anyway I started to prepare the clothes. They ask me to bring three outfits - one casual, one formal, pair of jeans or cocktail dress and accessorizes if I had some.. So I took my suit, few tops and black dress, yellow scarf and two pairs of shoes. During the time of the preparation few days before I had to come they still call me to ensure that I really come just I didn't understand why I am so important. I took the train direction London. The train didn't stop at Victoria so I change and arrived finally to London. After confusion in London's tube where I made some
 " aller-retours" I reach my final destination - Farringdon station. When I get off the metro I saw a part of city which I didn't expected and start to understand that this is not a place where everybody's going and maybe this is the reason why they are calling to the people who they don't know and make a sort of marketing by the phone and that maybe everybody win like me...The studio was quite hidden at the small street ( if I could call it street).I came in and the receptionist which was certainly Polish give me a questionnaire to fill like which colours I like and dislike and if I am allergic etc. She tell me to not be afraid that they pay me the deposit right after the session is finished. I sit down on the sofa and start to fill the paper. After few minutes the receptionist come and send me upstairs with the paper. After her brief and quick explanation I forgot to which floor I am going and I lost my way. Finally I reach studio. There was one blond lady with extremely black looking lashes ( probably too much mascara) not very -naturally looking sitting behind the table. « Christina? »she ask me looking straight to my eyes. « Yes, it's me » I answered. « Please take a seat. Would you like something to drink? » 
« Maybe...Water? »  I answered.
They the make-up artist call me and it goes very quickly, she asked me which colour I would like to put on my eyes, no consultation was made about what colour suits me and my professional make-up took about five minutes. Then  they send me to see a hair-dresser who didn't actually cut my hair just make them curly which takes another 5 minutes. Girls were evidently rushing home. Then the photographer invites me to come with him to take some pictures. He gives me about 2 minutes to change my outfit so I was quite in hurry, stressed that he come before I put my clothes on. We took quickly some pictures of me and run at home like the others ( who will be first?) and I have a opportunity to see my pictures on the screen of computer with another guy. The photos were very nice so he start to ask me if I would like package for 300 pounds. I rather ask him how much cost one photo. « 79 pounds » he told me ( why not a hundred?) I start to remember the words of the marketing man on the phone who told me that I have no obligation to purchase any photo. So I told to Mr. Gabin that I don't buy anyone because  I find it quite expensive and then on the reception they told me that I could use my deposit and buy some photos. In reality I couldn't buy anyone for this price. Then he starts to bargain with me how much money I could offer to him. I didn't know what to say because my bank account was desperately empty so I told him truth that it deposit was my last money and I have about 2 pounds on my bank account waiting for my salary on the end of the month. « Why did you  came then Christine ? » he asked me. I was silent. No answer. I wouldn't like to explain him at this stage that I am the lucky winner. He starts to be very angry and quite ironic. « So you know what it's your birthday today I give you two photos free which I copy on  this disc. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Successful printing!² He put all my photos to the bin ( computer one),copy two photo on the disc  and full of anger give it to me I wasn't happy as well, I didn't know if I rather would like to throw it to him or take them with me. I choose the second variant  and very quickly go away from there. It completely turn my mood down. I just start to think why they have a winners when they actually hate them? I hope that they will not put my photos on their web site because they will have such a good publicity with my face. But I finally understand one thing, next time if somebody calls me that I win I will probably dedicate the gain prize to himself!