Time passed, marking the completion of my numerous art pieces. Amidst them, one painting stood out, reflecting a depth of emotion through distinct lines, textures, spaces, and colors. My fingers traced a bird torn between freedom and confinement, a paradoxical representation of emotions and personification.
"Woah, you truly live up to the nickname of being a wizard," Xavier remarked, admiring my art. His encouragement hinted at the gallery opportunity, recognizing my unique craftsmanship. Despite the chance, my focus was on academic success rather than external recognition.
"Did my brother tell you he'd be attending the event?"I looked up at him to find him staring down at me,before shaking my head
"Well you should thank me for informing you beforehand so you better go and get prepared,I've already prepared myself mentally and physically because I know he only attends such events when he wants to criticize my works" he sighed making me chuckle.
"I've gotten used to it,so you have to also get used to it.
make sure you don't cry just because of his useless criticism okay. Now go and change, Luna packed some clothes for you"he extended his hand which i was reluctant to take after hearing what he said and contemplating the potential scrutiny my work might face.
"Don't even think of not attending; he's the major sponsor of this university," Xavier emphasized, acknowledging the influence his brother held. The realization that my art might be scrutinized, regardless of its selection hit me like a sudden stone
"I'll take my leave then" he patted my hair before leaving.
'my life is totally just like this painting, always contradicting itself'
One minute I think I'm free and the next I discover I'm not.
'Ahh! Whatever,as long as I pass the class I can take on anything' I convinced myself mentally and headed towards getting my clothes changed just to be met by the detest full eyes of some of the girls in my class which I was used to.
Walking towards them would only make the situation worst,so it's better I wait for them to leave the door
" She even got Xavier Dean tangled around her wrist" one of them said out loud as I took my seat
"Shh! Don't say it out loud,I heard she's a witch" another added and a sighed escaped me
"It's true,she lost both her parents on the same day and also killed the lady that adopt her,what an ungrateful soul" I heard them say and felt tears gathering up in my eyes not from pain but from anger
"Maybe that is why she doesn't speak"
"Not maybe,she traded her voice for her powers,but I heard from my mum that she does speak once in a while.."
"And that must be when she renews her powers right?" I heard a familiar voice and turned to find Luna behind the four girls
"Yes,and Xavier Dean must be the next target,I so much pity him"
"No darling,you shouldn't pity him but pity yourself as you might be getting suspended for defamation" they all turned to find her with a huge smile and her phone in front of their faces.
"Now that you've all faced the camera i have enough evidence to report you all" she winked making her way towards me
"Were you about to tear up?" She raised an eyebrow and I quickly wiped off the tears
Luna offered support by placing her hand over my shoulder was she presented a united front against baseless accusations. As my tears threatened to fall I blinked them back remembering I was nothing like the rumors stated.
"Do you want me to deal with them or report them to my brother so he can deal with them?" She whispered and I shaked my head placing a smile on my face
"Who the hell is she treating you to report us? You better stay away from her or she might suck up the life in you"
"Who am I? My identity isn't supposed to be known by low lives like the four of you,and only brainless idiots like you guys would actually spread such childish allegations like are you still in elementary class or what?" she scoffed rolling her eyes
"Carmela!" I looked up to find my professor and other professors heading towards me.
I bowed slightly as a sign of respect and looked up to find a smile on her face.
"I see you were able to meet up as expected" she navigated towards my painting.
"What do you all think about this?"She pointed towards the painting of the bird I just completed a few hours ago and everyone nodded.
"Then it's done" she suddenly turned to face me still maintaining her smile "Although you were a junior you were always able to secure a spot when every one of your seniors showcased their works for the past two years and this year wouldn't be different.
Everyone agreed that your painting should take the open space in the gallery and next year your other class members can showcase theirs along side yours" she waved at the other professors and one of them picked up my painting
"Miss Dean"she called and I turned to find Luna with a small smile
"Hello professor Jane"
"I never expected you to meet you this way knowing how tedious your profession is" she said taking Luna's hand in hers
"Well Carmela is more of a family member to me so I'm here to support her" she placed both her hands on my shoulder
"Alright then I'll take my leave, Carmela get prepared and join us the event is about to begin" I nodded bowing slightly as she made her way towards the exit while Luna couldn't stop patting me on my back for some weird reason.
"Alright get prepared I'll be on my way" she said leaving me with the bag of clothes Xavier had handed to me and hateful stares from my peers.
I stared at the sculpture with Xavier's name under it and I could feel my brain racking to comprehend the message behind the sculpture. I found it hard to decide if it was crumpling or being made
"Des temps d'effondrement"I looked behind me to find Nix standing behind me with both his hands in his pocket. I raised an eyebrow signifying I didn't understand what he just said
"Crumbling times" he repeated not sparing me a glance "that's the name of the sculpture" he added and I nodded my mouth forming an o with my lips
"I heard that your painting got selected" he suddenly spoke up again and I nodded looking around as I no longer wanted the conversation to be prolonged, remembering the warning Xavier gave to me about my painting being criticized
"You're here,I thought you wouldn't come since the event is almost over '' Xavier walked towards us just to receive a death stare from Mr Dean "What's your thoughts about my sculpture? It isn't as rough as my last one so you have to think deeply before commenting. And guess what the inspiration behind this sculpture is? it's you" he winked smiling from ear to ear as he placed his hand on Mr Dean's shoulder which I doubt was the right action to carry out seeing how the temperature suddenly dropped
"Junk"
"What?"
"How can I be an inspiration to such junk work?" He said not batting an eyelash and I could see Xavier at a loss of words as both his eyes and mouth were left wide open.
"You've finally graduated so I'm hoping to see that presentation you once spoke about unless I'll throw you out" he strictly warned and scoffed forming a fist
"How did I become brothers with such a bastard" Xavier cursed rolling his eye
"Did you say something?"
"I was wondering how you knew so much about art when you've been a businessman all your life and you know nothing more than business and that's why your life kinda sucks" he said, forcing on a smile before stomping away.
Mr Dean's comment must have hit on his soft spot for him to react like that.
I swinged my hand side by side as I slowly retreated my steps while looking at my sides as if searching for someone.
"Carmela!" I heard someone scream my name
"My baby,what have they done to you" Suzy suddenly embraced me tightly from behind,she turned me to face her and she had that look I couldn't understand on her face
And why was she overreacting?
"Did he starve you? Make you over work?
Don't worry I'm here to save you,we can run away from her,I have enough money to serve us for the first month after that we'll think of something" she said, pulling me by my hand.
I took a step backward to take a proper look at her to make sure she didn't lose a nut after staying alone with her parents for so long
"Also I did my research and that guy who bought you,what's his name?
Nix...Nix Dean,he is capable of anything so let's go before he comes here unless.."
"Unless?" I heard Mr Dean ask from behind and Suzy suddenly gasped in shock
"He's here" she came closer and whispered holding my hand tightly
"Where do you plan on taking her without my consent?" He questioned in his scary tone and I held my breath feeling suzy's hand shivering
"H..her? Oh you mean Carmela? I'm taking my sister home to get fed properly" she pulled me behind her
"Does she look like she's being maltreated?"
"Yes,the dark circles under her eyes speak a lot and I'm going to report you for human labor" I give up. I'm not even going to try saving her,I've always told her to think before speaking but she never seems to listen.
"I should be the one reporting you because you ran away from home and also stole your parents money"
Could this get even more worst that this?