Chapter 1 : The Gallery Opening
The Autumn wind whipped through Havenwood, carrying the scent of damp earth and the promise of a harsh winter. Anya clutched her scarf tighter, her gaze fixed on the opening board which says, " WELCOME TO ANYA'S GALLERY ". Tonight was the night- the opening of her first solo exhibition. She felt a mix of excitement and dread.
" Everything's set Anya," Mrs. Gable said, her voice kind.
" The team's just putting the finishing touches on the lighting. Are you ready?"
Anya forced a smile, " yes, I think so".
As she moved through the gallery, checking the placement of her paintings, a wave of memories washed over her. She could almost feel his presence, his hand on her back, his voice whispering encouragement.
" This is it Anya, " he'd said. His eyes sparkling with pride.
" All your hard work finally on display". She remembered his words, the way he believed in her, even when she doubted herself. He had waited for this, dreamt of this moment. A pang of sadness resonated in her heart, tears rolled down her cheek. Everything remembered her of him. That one person that her entire life revolved around.
As Anya wiped away her tears, Mrs. Gable approached her with a gentle smile. " Anya dear, its okay to feel overwhelmed. This is a big night for you".
Anya nodded, taking a deep breath to compose herself.
" Why don't you take a few minutes to collect yourself before the event. You can step into the back room for a moment" She said
Anya nodded, grateful for the suggestion. she made her way to the back room were her stuffs were packed- a cozy space filled with art supplies, books and memento from her past. As she entered, her eyes landed on a small framed photograph on the cluttered shelf. The photo showed a young couple, smiling and embracing, with a breathtaking sunset behind them. Anya's heart skipped a beat. It was a photo of the both of them. She remembered the day the photo was taken. The way the warm sunlight had danced across their faces and the feeling of pure joy that had filled her heart. It was as if time has stood still and all that mattered was the love they shared.
Anya's eyes began to well up with tears yet again as she gazed at the photo in front of her. Remembering the way things used to be and how they were supposed to be- a spark of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, he was still there with her. Even though she couldn't see him, his presence was felt.
Just then, the door to the room creaked open and a soft voice spoke up, " Anya I hope I'm not interrupting anything? I just wanted to wish you goodluck before the party commence.
Anya raised her chin to see it was her closet friend and confidant, standing in the doorway with a gentle smile. Emma's eyes sparkled and her presence seemed to wrap Anya in a sense of comfort and security.
"Emma , I'm so glad you're here". Anya said
" I was just....having flashbacks" she said and sighed
Emma nodded understandily, her eyes never leaving Anya's.
" I know sweetie. It's okay to have flashbacks. But tonight is about celebrating you and your art. You deserve this moment".
Anya felt a sense of determination rising up within her. She knew that Emma was right - tonight was about embracing her passion, sharing it with the world, and finding a way to heal and move forward.
Anya smiled at Emma and embraced her, feeling a sense of gratitude for her friend's unwavering support.
" Thank you, Emma. I couldn't have come this far without you." Anya said
" Anything to make you smile sweetie," Emma replied holding onto Anya's hands.
" let's get you ready for your big night!" Emma said with excitement in her voice.
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At about 6:30pm, guests had already filled the gallery. Soft Jazz music, a blend of piano and saxophone filled the air creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The scent of expensive wine mingled with the faint, familiar aroma of oil plants and turpentine.
Anya watched the crowd grow. There were alot of people she didn't even know. It was supposed to be a small.party but it's turning into a huge one gradually. Her heart were pounding against her rib knowing all these people came just to see her work. She could notice the way people examined her paintings,.the subtle shifts in their expressions and they took in the colours, the texture, the emotions she had poured onto the canvas.
Just as Anya was saying hi to the guest, someone bumped into her and spilled wine on her gown.
" oh shit!, I'm so sorry. Let me get you something to wipe that off," Lucinda said
Anya recognises the voice. Upon raising her chin up to see who it was, she wasn't expecting it to be Lucinda. His younger sister. She hasn't heard anything from Lucinda since the incident so why was she here?
" Lucinda! wh... ,wha...., what are you doing here?, I haven't heard anything from your end in like the past 3 years." Anya said a little surprised and pissed.
" Is that how you say hi to your old friend ?" Lucinda said and continued when Anya didn't give her a reply.
" Hey, I'm sorry I didn't call to say hi for the past 3years but it's been hard okay. Things have been different and they wouldn't go back to the way they used to". Lucinda said, tears rolling down her eyes.
Anya pulled Lucinda closer and hugged her tightly. And also trying to hold back her tears so she wouldn't ruin her makeup. She was going to make an opening speech to her guests in the next 30 mins.
" It's okay, I'm not mad at you. I was just worried about you. Worried of how you'll handle things alone. I wanted to be there for you too even though I was broken also". Anya said looking into Lucinda's eyes.
" I know, but I wanted to do things on my own. Look at me now, I'm doing okay. I've moved on and I'm back on my feet. I know it will be weird to call after ignoring your messages over the years, that's why I came. To meet you in person and apologise. I'm really sorry Anya". Lucinda said sobbing
" it's okay, don't cry please. I'm not mad at you anymore. I'm so happy to see you. Just don't black me out like that again, Promise?"
" I promise". Lucinda said smiling
" Great! You look so beautiful Luci ". Anya said, calling her by the nickname he gave her.
" Thank you Anya. And congratulations. Your works are so amazing, I honestly can't wait to see the others"
" Thank you, Luci". Anya said smiling
" I wish he was here to see all this". Lucinda said and they both exhaled heavily looking at the canvas hung on the wall.
" I have to go now Luci, I'm really happy to see you again". Anya said and quickly rushed away to the bathroom. She didn't want to breakdown in front of everyone. Seeing Lucinda brought back flood of memories she'd managed to lock up until now.
" It's my night! This is want he wanted for me. So I'm going to do this for him." Anya said looking at herself in the mirror wiping away her tears.
