CHAPTER FIVE
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Aria's POV
The rest of the day dragged on in a haze. Every time the door chimed, my head snapped up--every time footsteps echoed down the hall, my stomach flipped. By the time my shift headed I was a dragging mess.
I walked home silently, replaying all the scenes in my head--the way he kept smiling, the way he called my name--ughhhh! It all just felt weird. I was so glad the day was over and I won't get to see his stupid face again.
I reached my apartment shortly after and as I walked through the front door--my knees went limb and my eyes became heavier than ever. I needed a rest, I have had enough drama for today all I needed now is to get some good night sleep and stop thinking about whatever!. Before I knew it, I had collapsed face first onto the bed and slept off.
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The next morning, I woke up to the warm glow of sunshine streaming through my room's window. It painted golden patterns on the floors and walls--for a moment I laid there, soaking it in, letting the brightness chase away yesterday's worries. "Today is going to be different" I told myself with a smile.
Slowly, I stretched, feeling my muscles loosen and my mind clear. The air felt fresher somehow, almost as if the world outside was inviting me to start a new. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet meeting the cold floor and I stood up--more energized than I had felt in days. With a renewed sense of purpose, I moved through my morning routine, getting ready for work, eager to see what the day would bring.
I got to the gallery, which looked just the same. The soft almost annoying noise of the air conditioning, the faint smell of fresh paint and a couple of people moving around. I greeted Anna-- the not so friendly coworker, who barely looked up from her desk and gave me a nod. Typical.
But, I didn't care. I had decided to was a normal day with no weird thing happening--not the noisy air conditioner, not Anna and definitely not Elijah. I grabbed my clipboard from the counter, tucked it under my arm and walked deeper into the gallery. The morning light streamed through the tall windows, casting long beams across the marble floor.
I liked this part of the day--before the visitors trickled in, before any chaos started. Just me, the art and a quiet kind of hope that today would stay simple--or so I thought...
I was half way through checking the inventory when I suddenly remembered --the new artist review. Mr. Clark mentioned it last week. I didn't think much of it then- but now I have a really bad feelings about it. Please don't be what i'm thinking...I pleaded silently.
Just then, I heard a familiar voice coming from Anna's table-"I'm supposed to meet Mr. Clark for my portfolio," he said, calm and confident. Something inside me froze. I kept my head down, pretending to double-check the papers on my clipboard, pretending I didn't recognize the voice immediately.
But curiosity--or maybe instinct-- got the batter of me. I glanced up, just for a second "You have got to be kidding me" I muttered as I saw him standing there- he was--Elijah. Our eyes met, it was like the rest of the gallery blurred out of focus. He was smiling--no smirking, like he knew exactly the kind of mess he was about to make of my day.
I felt my stomach twitch sharply, and a strange hollowness opened up in my chest. I tried to stand a little straighter, tried to act unaffected--but my hands tightened around the clipboard until my knuckles showed white. My good perfect day was officially over even before it begins.
I tried forcing a smile at him--to show I was affected at all. but I was sure he wasn't buying it coz his smirk grew wider as he looked away from me and at Anna who was busy making all flirty face at him--Typical Anna.
Mr. Clark must have heard Elijah's voice, because a moment later he came out of his office, smiling. "Elijah" he said warmly shaking his hand. Before I could process what was happening, Mr. Clark turned to the rest of us. "i'd like you all to meet our new contemporary artist", he announced beaming with pride. Elijah stood there confident and effortless, like he belonged here.
They all gave him a welcome applause. Meanwhile, I stood there frozen, my heart thudding in my chest, wondering how in the world I was supposed to survive working in the same space as him. I could just find another job--what am I even thinking...
"I hope you will all welcome him, also i'll be assigning someone to work with him and also show him around the place"he added--"Please don't be me, please please!" I prayed silently as I closed my eyes shot , just then he turned towards my direction "Aria! you are with Elijah, why don't you show him around". he gave me a gentle smile--ofc it had to be me.
I looked up at Elijah grinning as if he had won the lottery ticket or something, i'm not letting him get away with this. "sure thing sir, i'll be happy to do that" I gave him a slight smile. He nodded and walked away, everyone else also walked away leaving me and Elijah alone.
"Let's get this over with" I said cool and professional--the exact opposite of how I felt. I walked further into the gallery and not sparing him a glance. He followed closely behind me-hands in his pockets, his entire vibe screaming unbothered.
We passed the front desk first "This is the reception" I said, pointing like I was giving tour to a particular annoying tourist. " The visitors check in here, browse the daily exhibits, and buy overpriced art--"
"Overpriced?" Elijah interrupted, pretending to look hurt "Ouch!". I side eyed him, "Not your art. I mean generally". He smirked " You sure?, sounded personal though". I ignored him and kept walking...
I continued leading him through the next few rooms, naming galleries, pointing out emergency exists, explaining basic schedule of daily exhibitions.He listened--sort of, he's eyes were mostly on me and I saw him smiling once in a while...such a weird person.
When we reached the far end of the gallery, the quieter part where the abandoned piece are--Elijah slowed down. He stopped in front of one of the paintings--he's painting. "You like this one"--he said softly, his gaze on the painting-- it wasn't a question. I folded my arms " uhh, it's alright".
He smiled--not a teasing smile, it looks kinda genuine." You feel it right?" he said. I hesitated. because yeah, I did--i can feel it, the loneliness that no one ever talk of. I nodded--barely
He smiled again, it was real. Gentle. like for a second he forgot to hide behind jokes and cocky lines. "You are the first person, who understands it" he muttered under his breath. I felt something tugged in my chest.
Before I could say or do anything stupid and vulnerable-- I cleared my throat and turned away quickly." Tour is over, you know where the bathrooms are, congratulations" I said as I walked away-- he chuckled right behind me but didn't say anything...