Beyond The Facade

Chapter2

Freya knocked on the door and Mrs Caroline from inside responded “Come in.” She opened the door gently and walked inside, then shut the door. She approached Mrs Caroline's desk.

Mrs Caroline looked up from the documents on her desk, her eyes narrowed down at Freya in curiosity.

“I heard you graduated with a first class degree in art history?” She asked and Freya nodded in response.

“I have a special task for you, one that requires your expertise. I need you to drop everything you're doing and visit Charlie's art gallery and select the most captivating piece that embodies the theme of freedom. This is your first assignment, and I have high hopes that you'll make an excellent choice. Can I count on you to impress me?” Mrs Caroline asked.

For the first time, being summoned to Mrs Caroline's office filled Freya with excitement. It's either she was called to scold her or to notify her that she would be sacked soon.

Freya was all over the moon. She couldn't believe she, of all people, would be chosen for such an assignment. The opportunity to select a masterpiece for Mrs Caroline was an offer she would never think of rejecting.

“Yes.. Yes.. I'll do my best,” she answered energetically.

She strode out of her office. With a quick movement, she carried the stack of files on her table and dropped it on Maria's table. “She should do her work herself,” and then turned to Rachel, who was already staring at her in surprise.

“I was ordered to drop all my work for an assignment. I'm really sorry Rachel.” she apologized with a genuine smile and walked out.

She took a cab in front of the office. After some minutes, she was already in front of the art gallery.

The exterior of the art gallery is a sleek and secure fortress, with cameras watching over the perimeter and a robust entrance system that controls who enters.

Inside the gallery is a safe haven for art, a spacious and well-lit exhibition space with high ceilings, white walls and polished flooring.

The security there was tight. It was filled with motion detectors and alarms that sound at the slightest hint of trouble, and display cases that lock with a satisfying click, protecting the precious works within.

Meanwhile, vigilant security guards kept a watchful eye on every corner, ever ready to respond to any potential threat.

Freya scanned the art gallery, searching for a specific piece. As she approached the painting “The Lady of Shalott” by William Holman Hunt, she noticed a man standing in front of it, gazing intently at the artwork.

He was a tall, muscular gentleman with a toned body, a defined jawline and prominent cheekbones. His eyes were bright and kind, which aligned well with his other facial features.

Freya attempted to start a conversation with him hoping to get an opinion from him. “Hi, I couldn't help but notice you're admiring this painting too. It's really something, isn't it?”

He nodded his head awkwardly. “I guess so.” he turned to look at her and then back to the picture.

Freya smiled and continued “This painting never fails to captivate me. The way Hunt captures the essence of Tennyson's poem is simply breathtaking.”

Michael stared at her blankly. Freya noticed his stare, it was like the type of" oh please stop talking. “I'm really sorry if I crossed the boundaries.” Freya apologized.

He chuckled in laughter and said “no… No… No… Please continue.”

Anna nodded slightly and continued “Well, the Lady of Shalott is a figure from Arthurian legend. She's cursed with weaving a web of illusions, never able to participate in the real world. But she becomes fascinated with Sir Lancelot and decides to take a chance, leaving her isolation.”

“And the painting depicts that moment?” The man asked, one of his brows raised, and he played a smile on his lips.

“Exactly! Hunt shows the Lady of Shalott stepping out of her tower, leaving the safety of her illusions behind. Look at the way the light falls on her face, symbolizing her newfound freedom,” she explained with her hands pointing towards the picture.

“I'm telling you, the Lady of Shalott is a symbol of feminist empowerment! She's breaking free from her patriarchal prison!” she exclaimed.

Michael immediately disapproved, “That's a stretch. She's just a tragic figure, trapped by her own curse.”

Freya gasped in shock. “Tragic? You think she's just a victim? No way! She's taking control of her own destiny!” she protested.

“By getting into a boat and floating down a river? That's not exactly a bold move.” He teasingly remarked as he slipped his hand into his pocket.

“You're not seeing the bigger picture!” she said with frustration. She accidentally knocks into him as she gestures “Oh, sorry!”

He caught her arm to steady her. “No worries, I'm fine.”

She balanced herself and said “Huh… A pessimist… You must have faced a lot of challenges and come out stronger. You see life negatively.”

His eyes widened in shock as he looked at her. “A psychologist, huh?” he asked.

She chuckled in laughter “No, I studied art history, but I can say a lot about someone from the way they respond to art,” she said as their eyes locked onto each other.

“Impressive,” he commented as their eyes were still locked on each other.

But just then, the fire alarm pierced the air, interrupting their peaceful moment, in fact everyone's moments. Their hearts raced in fear as the security guards ran out of the building. Freya froze, unsure of what to do next.

The fire must have taken place in a nearby building. If not extinguished immediately, it would really endanger the lives of the people there.

The place suddenly turned into a rampage, people took to their heels, attempting to leave the building.

Freya stared at the gentleman beside him hoping for him to say something like run, but he was silent, so she did it herself. “Run!!” she shouted as she took to her heels.

As they approached the door, with a loud clang, the door suddenly swung shut, sealing everyone inside.

The sound of locks and sudden blackouts of the surveillance cameras send shivers down their spines.