Forever Young At Heart

Episode3

After visiting the art gallery, Sophia wanted to tell her friend Emily everything that happened. She had been ready to burst with that excitement since the meeting with Andy. She texted, "Meet me at Golden Wok at 7 pm. I have amazing news to share!"

"Can't wait! See you then!" Emily replied with a love emoji.

Sophia jumped up in excitement. Her parents are going to be proud of her, especially after many years of hustle. For the first time, her art is going to be in the art gallery.

Emily will be so proud of her. Emily, her childhood friend, had stood by her throughout her difficult times and she will blast like a bomb when she tells her about her success.

She entered the Golden Wok right on the dot at 7pm and began to scan the crowd for any sign of Emily. She spotted her waving at her from one corner table. She had a wide grin on her face as Sophia got to her.

"What's up"

Sophia said with a lifted spirit, as she pulled a chair and sat in front of her friend. Who had been longing to hear the good news?

"What's the news, Sophia?" Emily asked, her rising enthusiasm barely in check.

Sophia wanted to put her friend in suspense, so she took the chicken in front of her, took a bite, and finally spilled the beans. "I just came back from that art gallery, and guess what? they loved my painting! They're going to feature me in their next show!"

Emily screamed so loudly that people in other booths turned to look. "That's terrific, Sophia! Way to go! I'm just so proud of you!

"Thanks for standing by me, I won't be here without your support"

"Don't mention, baby girl,''

Emily said as she munched on her chicken.

They sat for the next hour, gisting and having the time of their lives, ordering a feast from Kung Pao Chicken to Vegetable Lo Mein.

While they were eating, Sophia was briefing Emily on every single thing of the meeting with Andy, while Emily listened with held breath, asking questions and making appropriate noises of support.

"I am so happy for you, Sophia," Emily said and squeezed her hand. "You deserve it. Your paintings are just the best."

At this, Sophia blushed and was thankful for her friend's defense.

"Thank you, Emily. Means a lot coming from you."

When Sophia was finished, Emily held her glass up. "To your success, Sophia! And may this only be the beginning of where art takes you!

She clinked her glass with Emily's. "Thanks, friend! I couldn't have done that without your support."

They clinked their drinks and then Emily asked, "So what comes next? When's the show?"

Sophia's eyes glittered. "A week! I must get everything in order, but I'm so excited."

Emily nodded. "I will, front and center. Wouldn't miss it on penalty of death."

Sophia giggled and the conversation was light and easy, the friends spoke about this and that, from art to personal lives. She turned to Emily as they parted ways, heading to their different homes, and said.

"Thank you, Emily. You are the best friend ever."

Emily smiled. "Don't make me cry"

After the emotions were expressed, they hugged each other and headed to their various homes.

***************

With a grin spreading across his face, James walked right into Henry's office. "Sup, Henry! I have a surprise for you."

Henry looked up suddenly from his papers. He was interested. " I'm cool. What is it, James?"

James offered a black-sleek ticket. "I got you the ticket to the new show up at the Bellwether Art Gallery; one everyone's talking about."

Henry's eyes widened slightly. "How did you.? I've been trying to get these tickets since yesterday!"

"I have my ways. Besides, I already knew how much you wanted to attend this series. You are always talking about the art world.

Henry accepted the ticket with shaking hands, overjoyed. "Thanks so much, James; this means a lot to me."

James grinned. "I knew I'd get you hooked on it, man. Now you've just gotta fill me in after you've seen the director for the new contract.

Henry nodded vigorously, saying, "Well, Of course. I will give you all the details."

James laughed. "Oh, I'm counting on it. Have you started preparing your speech yet?"

Henry raised an eyebrow. "Speech? What speech?"

James wickedly smiled. "A speech, of course."

Hinting him on what he meant.

Henry chuckled. "Oh, James. You never stop to flabbergast me."

James smiled right back. "Somebody's gotta keep things interesting."

The two friends went on speaking to each other, on the subjects of both art and business. While the exhibition ticket lay on Henry's desk, showing what was recent and of interest.

***************

Sophia had begun her painting and designs, going through important books and research about art. She had contacted the galleries and had also chosen the paintings that would be put on display. A nice blend of the old and the new would be represented – bringing out how she has grown in the world of art. She then discussed with the gallery's curator the most appropriate space, lighting, consistency, and flow for every piece.

As the days went on, Sophia worked on the installation—she thought of the ways she could hang and place her works. She needed to hang absolutely everything, so it would be level and high, and a breath of air around them.

Meanwhile, the gallery team got all worked up too. The departmental maestros of marketing produced some Molto bello promotional stuff—posters, handbills, social network graphics—and got in touch with local art critics and journalists to get a sneak preview of the showcase.

Sophia worked on good pictures, descriptions, and prices for a catalog of her work. She was going to do a graphical layout herself so it would look appealing.

She organized the opening event for the showcase, including her artist talk and Q&A. She repeated several times, considering a few questions that would be asked by the audience members and preparing thoughtful responses. Throughout the preparatory stage, Sophia communicated non-stop with the gallery team; she spared no effort and left no dot. She ensured that everything was in its place to make it right; every detail mattered to her.

**************

Sophia had been longing to visit her parents and two days to the showcase was the perfect time to visit them.

Stepping into the warm, inviting atmosphere, surged upon her a sense of comfort and belonging in the dear old house.

Her parents, Mark and Emma, flung the door open. Their faces glistened with pride and love as they welcomed Sophia home.

The smells of her mother's cooking crashed against the air, and Sophia's stomach growled.

"My mummy"

She said and hugged her mum. her mum had prepared for her, her favorite food.

While dining, her father seemed troubled concerning the city but Sophia developed her ordinary talk on art in the said city and explained how amazing the city was.

And her parents listened with open ears to everything fine that was going on in the city. Her brother Jack was also talking about his college, with stories about his escapades, and Sophia laughed until her tummy ached at some of the funny things he related.

The night was full of warmth, love, and laughter—the perfect foil to the stresses and pressures of the showcase. The more the night wore on, Sophia talked about her art showcase as her family listened with delight.

Her father, seeing her predicament, still spoke, "Sophia, your passion and talent will take you far. Follow your heart, don't be afraid."

"And remember, wherever life takes you, we are here. You'll always have a home here." Her mum added.

Her throat began to constrict, and she glanced around the table at the people she loved most in the world. She knew she was a lucky woman to have a family as supportive and loving as hers. And so, as the night settled down upon Sophia, she was warmly hugged by her family, which lit up the whole world around her.

She would carry with her all expectant ideas and support that would give her all the strength and courage to move forward to the realization of her dream.