The Bond

CHAPTER FIVE- HAPPILY EVER AFTER

ALEX

I watch Lily as she moves between the crowd of people, making small talks and laughing. It’s as if I’m seeing a different version of her right now– just her in her element, being the happiest she has ever been. Her smile is infectious and I find myself catching it just by looking at her. “What’s that creepy expression on your face?” I’m startled to see Kris standing beside me, looking like a vengeful ghost. “I never knew you could smile like that.” She sounds like she’s accusing me of a crime. “You’re here?” The coldness in my tone seems to throw her off balance.

“You don’t look happy to see me, I wonder why that is. I read about the rising star in the art world. That particular reporter was very generous with his accolades, you know, so I came to check if my replacement is worth all the hype.” She’s really starting to get on my nerves now. “Replacement? I broke up with you years ago.” “Exactly. And I’m still not clear on why.” “Irreconcilable differences.” “You’ve grown a sense of humor.” she deadpans. I turn to look at her, deciding to address our issues once and for all.

"This is good actually, I was going to call you.” “Oh darling, you were?” “I’ll never get back with you no matter what you do, so refrain from cheap tricks like spreading rumors about Lily and I to your reporter friends.” “That wasn’t me!” “Oh please. Uncreative moves like that is typical of you. And just so you know, I’ve sued every last of those reporters. Just pray they don’t mention your name.” She looks at me in disbelief and her features transform into something monstrous. “You did not!” “I can do much worse. If you’re in doubt, attack Lily again.”

“Alex!” “The exhibition has ended. I must find Lily now. You can go home or buy a painting.” I let her stew in anger as I make my way through the throng of people streaming out of the gallery. Finally, I spot Lily standing with the gallery’s director, Steve Ray and one big name artist whose name I never bothered to learn. She locks eyes with me and smiles, then waves me over. “The exhibition was much more successful than even I could imagine.” Steve Ray announces as he shakes hands with me. Lily smiles widely.

“This is a miracle for me too.” “I was surprised by the number of people that came because they had seen your artwork at one point or the other and were mesmerized. With this, your place in the art world has been solidified. Congratulations.” The director extends a hand to Lily who looks like she’s about to cry happy tears. Steve introduces other important figures who all shower praise on Lily and discuss the meaning behind the paintings they had bought. When we are finally free to leave, the gallery is practically empty and it’s dark outside. “I’m starving but I think I need sleep more.” She yawns as she gets into my car. “I’ll drive you home but before then, there’s something you need to see.” “What is it?” “Just relax and trust me. We’ll be there soon.” I take off my jacket and give her because I know she must be cold in that strapless dress before I drive off. She is almost dozing off when I pull up to our destination. “We’re here.” She takes off my jacket and stifles a yawn. “This is an office complex.

Do you intend to start something here?” “Let’s go in. I bought the entire first floor.” “No way!” All of a sudden, she’s alert. I input the passcode to gain us entrance into the building and when I turn on the lights, she gasps. “No way, Alex. No way!” “I’m glad you like it.” “When did you prepare all this?” “Since a month ago or thereabout. I hate how miserable it makes you to share a studio with those uppity artists and it’s not conducive working from home either. Just think of it as a gift for the success of your exhibition.” Her jaw drops as she stares at me. “I know. You’re grateful and you can’t believe this. Let’s skip all that.”

“I just– I don’t know. Why are you so good to me?” The moment of truth. I could brush away her comment and act like I’m cool with us being just friends but I want her to know now. I want her to know just how important she has become to me, just how much I need her to be happy. I cover the distance between us and when I’m sure I have her full attention, I say, “I’ve been thinking lately.” “About what?” “My life and how it was such a mess before I met you. I was wealthy and comfortable but it always felt like there was a weight hanging over my chest. I was dissatisfied and unhappy. But not anymore. You gave life meaning for me and that is why I cherish you. I don’t want to go back to the life I once had. I’ve realized I’ll rather die of passion, than of boredom.

” I move even closer to her and take her hands in mine. “I’ve learned many things because of you, Lily. Love, passion, I did not realize that true happiness came from those rather than material wealth but you taught me all that. I love you, Lily. I really do and you’re the most important person to me.” “Alex, I don’t know what to say. I’ve been hiding my feelings, sure that it was the right thing to do but I don’t know anymore. I’m still scared honestly but it’s true that I value you and love you too.” And to my surprise, she pulls me in for a hug. “But if there’s one thing you’ve taught me, Alex is that I can be scared but I have to do it anyway. I’m afraid of what will be but I also want to stop hiding how I feel.” I tighten my hands around her and kiss her neck.

“I promise you’ll never regret this. And I promise I’ll never make you sad. I’ll support all your dreams no matter what.” “You’re so sweet, it’s unreal.” “Because you’re my happiness and I can only be happy when you are.” She pats my back. “Do you understand Picasso a bit more now?” “I most definitely do not. But I can relate to van Gogh when he said there’s nothing more truly artistic than to love.”

“Do you think he said that in a fit of madness?” I laugh. “I hope not.” “Do you reckon you can treat me well enough for me to start making quotes about love?” I pull out of the hug and make a face. “Certainly. Let’s start by feeding you. Tell me, what would you like to eat?” She wrinkles her nose as her eyes twinkle with mischief. “Never mind.” She takes my hands, gets on her tiptoes and whispers in my ears, “I know just what I want to eat.”I carry her bridal style towards the sofa while her sonorous laughter rings out loudly into the night.