5. A Distressed Voice
1087 Words
I just found myself smiling at her. This girl could see the light in a dark room, the hope in uncertainty. "Nina, you're so deep and positive. I admit, I thought you're just fourteen, but you're like an adult the way you talk."
She pouted, then looked away. "Positivity is everywhere, Lawrence. Just like beauty — you just have to focus to notice it. It's in there even in the most hidden thing," she said then pointed at the wall. "Like that blank wall. It's bland to others but for me, it's pure and clean — l like a canvas inviting to be painted." She turned her head over her shoulder and her eyes grew big upon seeing the wall clock. "Oh, s**t! It's eleven! Oh, my! My stepmother will kill me!"
I frowned. "You didn't tell her you're attending an art gallery exhibition?"
"No." She shook her head and jumped off the sofa. "She doesn't like Arts either. That's why. So, Byebye!"
She seemed agitated. Biting her lips, she spun to her heels and stormed out of the room.
And just like that, she was gone.
I wanted to follow her and asked her to stay longer. But the way she talked about her stepmother was like there was a storm surge coming to attack.
I got off the couch and walked out of the room. Now I knew what to do - going out there and speaking to my visitors. They needed an explanation for what happened, anyway. Thanks to Nina who helped me clear my mind. Speaking of, after this event, I'd find her. For what reasons? I didn't exactly know yet.
As I reached the grand lobby, my visitors. automatically landed their inspecting sight on me. I took a deep breath like it was my last chance of breathing and gave them a pale smile.
I shut my eyes and began. "If someone is to be blamed for such violence, that would be me. You guys have known me for being the painter whose works are the reflection of his life. Now, you've seen another part of my life. Unfortunately, that's my dark past. That's why I'm sincerely asking for your apology, ladies and gentlemen. I'm so sorry about that scene. If you leave this place feeling insulted, I'll understand. But I just want to say thank you so much for giving this event a chance." I nodded to each face, then turned on my back.
"Oh, hold it right there, drama king!"
I paused, so did my breathing. Then angled my body to that lively tone. "Mr. Boy Rivera?"
His smile was wide as he approached me and tapped my shoulder. "No one's judging you, Lawrence. These guys appreciate you for giving that douche bag a place!"
My brows creased, then looked around to see most of my visitors nod at me.
"You know, when I saw that Bill Alvarez barged in here, I knew he would just bring trouble. I've been investigating him for years. Only my sources are weak. But now, it's confirmed because of your statements. So, I'll continue writing my articles about him."
I shook my head but offered him the same smile. "Thank you for understanding me, Mr. Rivera. But I don't think it's a good idea. Alvarez is going to go after you if you continue giving him criticism in papers. I know him so well, sir. He's a risk."
Rivera shrugged his shoulders. "Well, writers are used to risking lives, you know. It's like a coffee by your side," he winked, then tapped my shoulder. "It's nice coming here, Lawrence. But I'm afraid I need to go now. I still have to report to the office."
I nodded. "No problem, Mr. Rivera. Thank you again for coming."
After I accompanied him to the main door, I fished my phone into my coat pocket. There were so many things that happened that night and I wondered where Ruth was. She was taking so long for a damn phone call.
However, when I was in the middle of texting, a terrified voice echoed through the hall.
"Fire! Fire! There's a fire in there!"
The phone slipped from my hand as I raised my head when the fire alarm started to ring furiously and terror spread throughout the hall. Huge waves of people ran through the door and that wide opening became a small window as they rushed to get out.
"No, no, no. This is not happening!" I ran toward the hall.
"All of you! Get the hell out of here! The fire is spreading so fast!"
I didn't know where that warning voice came from. However, my feet remained glued to the ground. Goosebumps formed on my skin as deep within me, an ice-cold burning sensation crept into my veins up to the tip of my fingers. Still, the moment wasn't yet sinking in my blank mind. One moment, my visitors were blissful admiring my masterpiece, and the next, they were screaming for help, their voices were so sharp, slicing my heart into pieces.
No, this is not happening! Not in my exhibition!
"Sir! We need to go now!"
I blinked as the huge figure of the security guard grabbed me on my shoulders. I scanned around before making a move. Though it felt crowded and hot, the sight of fire wasn't around yet. "W-where's the fire coming from?"
"From the stockroom, Sir."
Stockroom? Impossible.
Before I uttered another word, two guards were already on my side, guiding me towards the exit. However, as we reached the door, a sweet voice suddenly penetrated my mind.
Help me! Lawrence, my love, please don't leave me here! I'm so scared, Lawrence. Please help me!
"Did you hear that?" I asked the guard. "Someone's crying for help!"
"Sir, the guests are all outside the building already. There's no one left in here except for us," he said, gripping my arms tightly.
I looked back. My eyes widened to the sight of thick smoke. They were like dark shadows snaking inside the hall. "But I heard someone! We have to go back!"
Then my eyes widened, my heart pounded harder as that voice screamed.
Lawrence, this is Paloma! Please don't let me burn!
"Paloma?"
Without thinking a second thought, I untangled myself from the protective walls of my securities. They roared like lions, asking me to get back. Yet I didn't listen. Regardless of the showing up of raging flames, I flew towards the hall, particularly to where Paloma was.
- Writer
