Nelly

INSPIRED BY THE LIFE AND WORK OF NELLY ARCAN

ÉDITIONS DU SEUIL / ÉDITIONS POINTS

Once upon a time there was a tavern

Where we used to raise a glass or two

Remember how we laughed away the hours

And dreamed of all The great things we would do

Those were the days, my friend

We thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance, forever and a day

We'd live the life we choose

We'd fight and never lose

For we were young and sure to have our way

-Come in. -Hi.

-Pierre, right? -Yeah.

I'm Cynthia. I'm happy to meet you.

Me, too.

Have a seat.

This is my first time.

Do you think I'm attractive?

Yes.

-Do you want me? -Yes.

I want you too.

Some johns only want to talk, and that's perfect too.

But you...

I'm glad you want to fuck me.

You turn me on.

I don't know why, but you turn me on.

You too.

Will you suck me?

It'll be my pleasure.

Yes, life has pierced me through.

I didn't dream up those men,

the thousands in my bed, in my mouth.

I invented nothing of their sperm on me,

in my face, in my eyes.

I saw it all,

and it still goes on,

every day, or almost.

You owned everything already.

We were helpless against the outcome of our encounter.

With you

I experienced the moments of languor known to those who feel death approaching.

I'm sorry, Suzanne.

I look horrible.

No, you're sublime, as always.

-Thanks. -Come, we're late.

Are you OK? Ready for this?

Always.

I'm sorry for being late.

I'm systematically late, without fail.

It's like champagne...

Beauty is a weapon that subjugates.

Beauty is an order that commands immobility and contemplation by all.

One must compel others to stop living,

for the time they look,

force them to become an audience,

arrange them around you,

up in the bleachers.

Here you have the Emperor.

That, with the Chariot...

A major professional success may await you.

But you have to be careful, go slow.

I won't bank on it.

Pack your bags, Isa. We're going on a trip!

-My turn now! -Shh! Mom's sleeping, sweetie.

Move over, big girl.

Do you have a question?

No.

The reversed Female Pope,

the Hermit...

What?

Nothing.

Pick a different card.

Something in me was always lacking.

Yes?

Yes, speaking.

I was sleeping, yes.

It's 5:30.

No, that's alright.

Which publisher?

In Paris?

Yes, that's my manuscript.

Really?

Yes, it's very good news.

Mathieu?

Yes, that's me.

-Hello. -Hello.

-I'm very pleased to meet you. -Me too.

It's an honor, miss.

It's not every day we travel to Canada to meet a new author.

Your writing is magnificent.

Thank you.

Your text sent...

a shock wave through the editorial committee.

Whiskey.

I guess I'll have the same. Whiskey.

Is it your first novel?

Yes.

Have you been working on it long?

For a few months.

How old are you?

I'm 26.

You're very young. I mean, for that style, that...

that density.

Thank you.

Is it based on your life? Is it your own story?

Is that important?

No, it doesn't alter the book's quality.

We read you and...

want to know everything about you.

Or to avoid you, perhaps.

But no one can remain indifferent.

Some things are true, others not.

Will you go on writing?

Apart from my writing, I'm nothing.

Hello.

Oh my god, your hair!

It's so awesome.

What smells? Did you cook?

-It's gonna be awful. -No way.

It's gonna be amazing!

Hey, babe! Your top is way cool!

-Thanks. -You are sexy.

-Nice shoes! -Thanks.

-Time to drink! -Wanna do some shots?

I swear, she comes out and says, all proud,

"The last john tipped me $200."

You just fucked him bareback.

-How's it look? -Fuckin' A!

-Did you buy it with him? -No.

He brought a Holt's bag and had me try it on.

-He has taste. -Seriously.

No john ever gave me a dress.

-But you're a great whore. -For sure.

-Wanna check our reviews? -Yes!

No, not again!

Thanks. Ok...

Here we go.

-There. -I'm ready to be humiliated.

Bad start, sweetie.

Must be the guy this aft. What does the pig say?

-You're a fucking beauty! -Go on.

Asshole!

OK, fine, stop.

I have my fans.

What about the Goddess?

-Come on, who cares? -No, keep going!

OK, the lovely Cynthia. 8:56 pm.

Warning, you'll be addicted to Cynthia in no time."

Bitch! What's your secret?

-Go on! -"Cynthia is a beautiful young girl.

A magnificent body, gorgeous ass,

and breasts close to perfection.

She has soft skin and she smells divine.

I got a very sweet welcome.

Her photos are accurate, no bad surprises.

She's a natural, loves her work as much as you do.

She gets wet, moans...

She gave one of the best BJs ever.

Deep throat. Sucks like she hasn't had cock in months.

She's ravenous, loves it.

No DATY, I don't know why.

She has the prettiest pussy.

Clean, shaven.

She said she never accepts being eaten.

You should see her ass doing doggy. Anal costs more.

Cumshot, she swallowed every drop.

Beautiful eyes you can get lost in.

Guys, treat her well."

I like making love with you.

So do I.

I'm glad I found you.

Do you love me?

Yes.

You?

Yes.

I'm not a good girl, but I love you.

I'm not a good boy, but I love you.

We're in love!

We're in love!

During this stage,

we lived the exaltation of our highs and the crash of early mornings.

Your hand, bigger than god, knew how to hit without hurting me.

-Not the sun, Frankie! The sun's rising. -Come, vampire!

What's the plan?

Go to sleep?

Fuck sleep.

What time does Fred's dealer quit?

Six o'clock.

-It's 5:47. -Let's call him!

Take me away, my steed!

Suzanne!

-Everything's good? -Marvelous.

How many drinks?

Just enough.

Guillaume Rival's here.

A rising star. A genius, pure and simple.

The genius of the century, I'd say.

-Where you going? -To meet this genius.

Are you sure?