Terms of the Heart

The Meeting

A pair of young eyes obscured behind eye liner, mascara and eye shadow examined the room for potential allies. Brittany Hayes, Karla’s ex-best friend, walked into the place with a lot of grace and style, drawing everyone’s attention towards her. As she made a calculated entry, heads turned while some eyes twinkled, whispers running across the room. This was exactly the kind of reaction she had been hoping for.

She called over a butler who fetched her a glass of champagne. She took a sip before whispering to a nearby guest, “This glamorous party is being hosted by a company on shaky grounds. That’s too bad. I wonder what they are trying to prove here.”

The guest was surprised. “Really? That’s not what I heard at the beginning of the financial year.”

Brittany’s cunning smirk indicated that there might be more to the story than meets the eye. “You don’t always know everything.”

There, in front of the mirror, Karla was adjusting her evening dress and putting on a necklace with an emerald pendant that matched perfectly. She was very excited about participating in this event. It meant more to her than just an opportunity to boost her network; this is exactly how she wanted to escape from being forced to marry by her grandfather. Just before she fixed everything for the last time, many different plans raced through her head. “I can do this. I have to,” she told herself as she looked into the mirror and took a deep breath.

Liam could not believe his eyes when he saw the invitation. A charity auction with well-heeled city residents and prospective art buyers? He had been waiting for such a moment for years. “They will hate my work! I’m probably thinking too much since this is not really my place.” And just then, Natalie’s voice came in his thoughts; “Just be yourself Liam. You’ll do great.” With his heart thumping loudly against his chest, he entered the room shyly.

The grand ballroom was brimming with fabulous dresses and elegant tuxedos. Karla effortlessly blended in, surveying the room for potential matches while also exchanging pleasantries with the other guests. On the other hand, Liam felt like a fish out of water in this sea of luxury. He caught his reflection and took a sharp breath reminding himself that he had to make this opportunity count.

Before she knew it, Karla had moved through the crowd so well that she found herself face-to-face with her grandfather. “Oh…naturally! How did I miss that?” She thought to herself. His strict face caused her heart to drop.

“I guess you’re taking this seriously. I expect nothing less than that from you, my dear girl as you know what is at stake,” he said disapprovingly.

Karla’s smile wavered for a moment. “Sure thing, grandpa; I’m just trying my best.”

Her grandfather squinted his eyes briefly. “You better be or else. I mean, you better start showing some improvement soon. Enjoy the art. There is one young guy whose work has caught my eye…Liam…Lincoln…. Oh God! How age betrays me. Anyways have fun!”

Karla felt annoyance flare up within her. Yet, she held herself back from saying anything. Instead, Karla nodded politely and took her leave to get a drink. As she walked over to the buffet table, Karla couldn't shake off that sense of being locked in a cage. Did her grandfather really need to remind her? She had enough on her plate already. She sighed and reached for a wine glass.

She was brought back into reality by the stroke of another hand rubbing against hers. Liam had also reached for the same glass of wine at that very moment too. Their eyes met briefly in a look of shared understanding; one waiting for another to start talking.

“Forgive me please, good sir,” was what Karla said sweetly.

“No trouble at all ma’am,” came Liam’s answer before he stilled his gaze upon her a bit longer due to her peculiarities. “Either she is likely one or someone related to the top people,” he thought.

“Thank you. So what brings you here?” she asked intrigued.

“Good pastries. Just kidding, I was invited by the gallery owner – it’s kind of…a long story though” Liam clarified. “I’m an artist but this is not my usual scene”.

“An artist? That sounds fascinating. Can you tell me more about your work?” Karla asked.

“Yes, definitely! I am Liam.”

Liam? Is this who my grandfather mentioned? Well played, fate,” she thought to herself.

Karla couldn’t help but feel Liam is her human breakthrough. If so, then the universe had finally heard her. She saw Liam as a fellow sufferer and genius – an artist with huge potential who might be open to her idea, someone else who needed a lifeline just as much as she did.

Suddenly, Liam’s phone buzzed and the sudden sound made him jump a little bit. He quickly apologized for his abrupt exit and changed his face from engaged to concerned. Karla watched him whisk away and began contemplating who could have called at this crucial moment and why it had affected his mood.

The message on Liam’s phone caused his heart to skip a beat- another eviction notice came from the landlord. The next one will probably be the last one. Time was running out for both of them– Karla too, except that they didn’t know how close their lives were about to connect again.

Returning to Karla, Liam mustered a smile. “I’m sorry about that. Assuming you haven’t yet had enough of my company, we can pick up from where we left off. I’m trying to recall the last thing I was saying.”

Karla smiled back at him, struggling to hide her nervousness as she said, “I don’t mind continuing the discussion. We were actually talking about some of your latest artworks which are truly captivating for me but before we return to it, let me quickly ask you something”

Nevertheless, before Liam could answer, there came a loud crash from the hall followed by screams and gasps of people around him. Both Karla and Liam turned around and ran towards the noise with their hearts pounding for different reasons.

“What happened that way?”