Gifters

Chloe Chatzi

Chloe made her way down the stairs as fast as she could, while being careful not to fall, as a free visit to the hospital or morgue would be the icing on the cake for this catastrophic morning.

Today was supposed to be peaceful and wonderful, without much trouble. Chloe had planned everything with necessary weeks to make this day perfect, but as it almost always happens, what you plan usually does not come true.

The first problem was the time on her phone has been delayed, which caused the alarm to wake her up later. If it weren't for the news program, she was taking a bubble bath believing could take as long as wanted to gear up heading out to the art gallery.

Getting ready almost at the speed of light she wished could stop time, but obviously, she couldn't.

Wearing a beautiful ball gown and with makeup on, she was ready to go. She could end the world, but as long as she had to keep her image as an artist dead before she was disheveled.

Putting the heels in her bag, she put on some tennis that, although they didn't match her dress, would be more helpful now that she would have to run to her destination.

Finally, a pair of sunglasses so that they would not recognize her while she made her desperate race and some pretzels well hidden in her purse, which would be eaten later because she did not even have time to eat breakfast.

Thinking that nothing could be worse now, she left her apartment only to find a sign in the elevator that contained the following words:

"In maintenance."

...

He watched it for about fifteen seconds, as he couldn't believe that just on this important day, even the elevator wouldn't be working.

— Ahhhh! It cannot be possible! What have I done to make these things happen to me? Have I not been a good person this year? — Chloe said bitterly

Her words were right, about Chloe Chatzi you could say that she was a good woman, she helped whoever could and was generally friendly with people, being a famous artist she was nice with her fans and admirers.

If there was anything out of place, it would be her rejection of the men who courted her and the fact that she had a secret double life.

Looking at the stairs, which she naturally would not take even because she considered living healthier, this morning she found them more beautiful and pleasant than ever, they were her only saving option.

Even though she was on the tenth floor, she started down the stairs relentlessly.

— I hope the hours in the gym from four months ago help me. —

As she went down the stairs, his mind calculated if it would be possible for him to get to the meeting with the buyers on time, had only fifteen minutes left to start the art exhibition, was running out of time, the time scheduled with those bags of money, that is, those important business people was at 9:00 a.m.

If she wanted to get there on time, she had to hurry, she couldn't depend on someone else to help her, because she was the only one with the keys and whether it was a good thing or a bad thing, she had to admit that she didn't like depending on other people.

Although she was relatively famous and well-known, the truth is that the life of an artist is not usually rosy this opportunity would be the first to make her leap towards a more luxurious life.

Arriving at the reception, she was exhausted, but at last, she had descended the hellish stairs!

Although she wanted to rest, she didn't, without pausing to catch her breath she walked out the front door and started running.

She didn't need a taxi, she would take longer to get there if she took one, her gallery was only two blocks from her apartment.

Yes, only two blocks and she was running late!

Also, the real reason is that she was struggling to make ends meet… not that she was stingy, but in times of war, resources should be used wisely and not wasted.

Stopping to take a breath, seeing the time on her clock her face paled, she felt that her soul and her future money were escaping from this world.

It was already nine o'clock!

...

...

Taking a slight mental shock, the passersby came over to help her.

— Miss, all good? —

— Beautiful, has someone stolen from you? I can help you find the thief, just ask me and I'll take care of him! —

— Precious, are you lost? Let me help you, being alone in this city is not a good idea. —

This attention was normal, not every day you could see someone in an elegant dress run in the center of the city and then stop like a lifeless soul.

Maybe even one of them thought Chloe had money to take from him.

Ignoring the vultures and coyotes, Chloe smiled and said.

— I'm fine, thanks, I'm just in a hurry. —

Without saying more words, she began to run again, although she could hardly breathe anymore she did not stop, the opportunity to earn money motivated her not to stop.

Even though it was the agreed time she was hoping that these wealthy people would take pity on a beautiful but poor artist like her.

Reaching the gallery, she entered through the back door, past the door she paused to catch her breath.

Thinking that she would pass out at any moment, she promised herself to be more disciplined with the gym, but it would not be this month but next.

The first thing she did was go into the bathroom to wipe off the sweat and do some touch-ups, putting on her heels, she was ready again.

Looking in the mirror, she smiled and said to herself.

— You can, let's get those bags of money. —

She was somewhat worried, but at the same time fulled of confidence and optimism, today would get a brighter future.

Coming out of the bathroom, she turned on the gallery lights.

As she walked to the entrance, she appreciated her paintings, each one was a beautiful work of art that expressed her feelings and desires.

This was one of the reasons why she loved art, she could express her soul on canvas, tell her story in colors, and describe her heart between brushes.

The painting was her devotion and her greatest conviction, if she stopped doing it she would stop feeling alive.

She could endure some hardships for not having money, but never a life without the greatest desire for her.

In the silence of the room, her heels echoed as a smile of security and freedom rested on her lips.

Nervous, but brave, she today would manage to change her life.

Calming her heartbeat, he reached the front door and opened it.