Revolving Conflict
1171 Words
The exhibition lasted the entire day. Bella forgot about her encounter with the Jones siblings and focused on her job. The artworks in the museum were deserving of their reputation, even to an outsider. Each artwork regardless of the method of production gave off a certain air of sophistication. Even the amateur artists matched up to that extent, really giving an idea of the standard. There was a particular painting that stood out to her.
It was an oil painting of most likely a woman from her chin down to her shoulders. It was painted with so much detail, that it felt like she could reach and caress the woman’s neck. She stood there for more than 40 minutes, admiring the painting that she didn’t even notice someone come up behind her.
“That one is really impressive.”
“H-Huh? Oh yeah.”
“There’s something about his strokes that just makes you see things through his eyes, isn’t there?”
“You seem to be really passionate about these things, Mr. Bard.”
“Of course. It’s just sad I haven’t been able to paint again after…….”
“O-Oh. You did say that one of your paintings is on display in the Museum. May I see it now?”
“You really want to? I feel kinda embarrassed now.”
“If it’s on display in the museum, then it should be one of the best in the world. I feel honored to have the opportunity to see it.”
“You’re praising me too much, Bella” Peyton blushed, scratching his face with his finger. He decided to lead Bella to another part of the Museum and stopped in front of an acrylic painting of a man reaching over a loud and at the very edge of the painting, there were a pair of fingers reaching back to him. The man had tears in his eyes and the pure agony in his eyes could be felt by the audience.
“I named this painting ‘the rapture’. It was something I made after, you know”
“It’s beautiful” she whispered.
“Bella, are you…..crying?”
“Ah, I am? Sorry, I was just so touched. You made something incredible. I’m sure if you try again, you’ll be able to paint again.”
“Thank you, Bella. Your words are always so kind. Let’s go back to the others”
“Yes,” she sniffed, cleaning her eyes. Peyton looked down at her and smiled.
“Bella, did you see those paintings? They were seriously so amazing! I even cried when I saw some! I can’t wait to go home and write about them. Right, Wallace?” Dana exclaimed happily, turning to the quiet young man. He only nodded, standing at a distance. Claudia directed a glare at him and he flinched.
“I’m happy you feel inspired, Dana. I can’t wait to receive your work.”
“I won’t disappoint you, Bella!”
“Stop being so loud. Wallace doesn’t look like much but I’m sure he can produce something good” Claudia scorned.
“Now, now, this isn’t a competition Ladies” Peyton intervened.
“Hmph!” Dana and Claudia looked away, pouting.
“Until now! Go at it ladies.”
“Mr. Bard!” Bella exclaims in horror.
“Peyton, I knew there was a reason I liked you. You’re the best” Dana giggled.
“This is acceptable as a boss. I will accept it” Claudia smirked.
“Mr. Bard, why would you do something like this?”
“If I don’t they won’t stop frustrating us. Sorry, Wallace.”
Wallace nodded, standing still in the same position. Bella sighed, opening the can of cola she was given.
“Miss Everett, the director has requested your presence.”
Bella choked on her cola, spraying it through her nose. She sprayed it on Dana who was closest to her. Dana freaked out, creating a bigger mess. Peyton was torn between who to help and just went out the screaming Dana instead, leaving the staff member who offered Bella a handkerchief to clean her face. It had already turned red and slowly turning purple.
“S-Sorry. Thank you.”
“If you’re feeling okay, please follow me.”
“Yeah” she mumbled, following closely behind. They took a few turns after going to the lower floor and reached the office that was closest to the entrance of the museum. The staff member knocked a few times and opened the door.
“Oh, Bella, you’re here! Why does your face look so weird though? Are you alright?” Melvin asked in a concerned tone. He was seated on a couch in the office while Rhea was behind the desk, a condescending look in her eyes.
“I’m fine” she replied in a low voice. She looked back to see the staff member wasn’t there anymore and took a deep breath before entering the office.
“Please have a seat, Miss Everett. Is there something you’d like to drink?”
“No, I’m fine” Bella paled as she remembered the cola incident.
“Your complexion is really bad. Are you sure you’re okay?” Melvin moved closer, placing a palm to her forehead. She flinched, moving backward. Rhea’s glare didn’t make being comfortable very easy.
“Miss Everett, I’ll go straight to the point. What are your intentions with my brother?”
“Rhea!”
“I don’t want to hear a word from you, Melvin. Let her answer.”
“......truthfully, I don’t know” Bella mumbled, twisting her thumb together.
“Can you speak louder or do you always act like you’re stupid?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t help it.”
“How much do you need to leave him alone? 5 million? 10 million? I’ll give you a check right now. Melvin doesn’t need someone like you.”
“RHEA! You’re being rude right now. Can’t you see she’s not well? Can you not be a bully for one day and try to consider her feelings!?”
“You’re too soft, Melvin. She looks like the type of girl to pretend and go after your money. Why can’t you see that?”
“Rhea, you’re embarrassing me. She didn’t initiate any of our dates or come to me herself. I’m the one who kept asking her out. She’s been very patient and understanding with me. If you would just listen to me, you’d stop being so judgemental and look at the facts.”
“.......you’re really defending her?”
“Of course. All you’ve done is scare and insult her today. I won’t stand for this anymore. Come on Bella, we’re leaving!”
“No, No, I don’t want to cause any trouble. I’ll leave.”
“Bella, please.”
Bella resigned to her fate and let Melvin pull her out of the office. The look on Rhea’s face as they left added to her guilt even more.
- Writer
