Speakeasy 153 – Remaking Hugo

Okay, so this week’s sentence prompt, provided by last week’s winner, Stacie, must be used as the FIRST line in your piece. And the media prompt is a painting by Dutch artist, Piet Mondrian. Mondrian is best known for his modern work, using primary colours and straight lines, which he called “neo-plasticism.” But his early work was really interesting too. This painting is called Avond (Evening): The Red Tree. You can see the hints of how his work would evolve, especially with his use of primary colours.

“Looks can be deceiving.”

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Looks can be deceiving. Of course I am talking about the superficial visual looks you first take in of another. To judge the whole of someone by taking the measure of their exterior is nothing more than shallow and selfish fallacy. What if they are having a bad day, or had no time to attend to their looks. You could throw away a perfectly good chance at love over your inability to allow for the vagaries of life.

That is the way I reconciled the difference between the way Hugo looked and what I could see in the way of potential. He was tall, with broad shoulders, a head full of messy hair, emerald colored eyes and a shy smile. But I could see the Hugo hiding and knew I could bring him out. My girlfriends, Courteney and Caitlin said I was mad, that nothing good would ever come of our relationship. I disagreed. Anyone who knows me understands what a challenge means to me.

Hugo was not ready for what I brought to bear on him. He enjoyed my attention, I could tell that much without asking. He bristled at my suggestion to change his wardrobe, but gradually warmed up to the idea. The change following this was dramatic and I think it showed him just what I had in store. He was always looked at like a second class citizen due to his inattention to such things as his wardrobe. My friends were astonished at the change and began to buy into my vision.

As Hugo accepted the idea his personality warmed and the hidden jewel I saw began to shine. A stylish haircut added to his zeal and before long we were crisscrossing the city enjoying events as a couple. It was more than I imagined, but everything I had wanted. Hugo turned out to be a perfect gentleman and showed a side I hoped was lurking beneath.

The trouble began when Allison Whitney, the debutant caught sight of him. He had morphed from near caveman to the closest thing to a prince you would find in our parts and Allison took notice. She began finding her way into our path and making conversation with Hugo. I could tell he was resistant at first, but before long she had enough of his attention to signal trouble.

I tried to pull him back, but it was too late. Allison was much more versed at this game and easily made him swoon for her. My project was a success, just not like I imagined or desired. I felt desolate like the trees in the park as winter descends. How could I let this happen? Why couldn’t I have been enough? 

 

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