10 Minutes

The Winner

October, 29, 2021

The room was large and filled to capacity. He had been lucky to get in at all. He had called in a few favors and since his name still carried a certain cachet, even here; he was added to the guest list. It had been sometime since he had allowed himself to enjoy a social life that was more than just his best friends and his sister. Truth be told, he couldn't remember when he had last worn a suit and tie, however; tonight was a special occasion. He was nervous, and anxious at what the night might hold but he would not give up this chance. He had spent the last two years of his life trying in vain to find her and soon he would finally lay eyes on her again. He felt a rush of emotions course through his body. He first recognized the tendrils of anger seeping in and then resentment but most of all what he felt was sadness. Sadness at the thought of her alone. The one person in his life that he had loved more than himself and he had let her down, let her go and let her out of his life. He shook his head as the memories threatened to engulf him. Now was not the time to second guess his decision. He had resolved to find her and when he had achieved that he had committed himself to go to her as fast as humanly possible, and he had done that as well. Lastly he was determined to win her back. Of this he had no control over but he wouldn't give up until she said his name once again, only the way she could. He looked up as the emcee for the evening spoke. "Good evening everyone and thank you all so much for coming. I am so pleased to be able to host you this evening in this beautiful and historical opera hall. In all the world we are so fortunate to have been selected as the recipients of this most wonderful charitable cause. On this most deserved and wonderful occasion, I thank you again for your attendance and your commitment. As you can see you are all in good company and I am confidant that tonight will be one to remember. As you are no doubt aware, Ms. Aydin will not be joining us in person but by satellite. As is her custom she would like the emphasis placed not on herself or her artwork but rather upon the fledgling artists and the cause itself. As in previous auctions the proceeds will go to the children's hospital of the host country. Costa Rica is indeed grateful and thankful to Ms. Aydin and the Karaca foundation she heads for choosing us this year. The foundation for new and aspiring artists as well as her selection of art choices is nothings short of magnificent. Now, you all have your programs with all the information you need to make your selections with the exception of a few pieces, that will be announced in just a moment as a surprise. Please be as generous with you bids as this is for the most noblest cause of all. Let us begin then with our live feed. Ms. Aydin...... are you with us?"

Sanem had been holding her breath with her eyes closed. It had become her way of dealing with the anxiety that large social gatherings, conferences or auctions would cause her. It was part of her work and she was grateful for all that it had brought her, but she disliked it just the same. She watched as her publicist and confidant came over and handed her a tea "A few more minutes Sanem and you'll be on the live feed. Just remember, they are miles away and no one even knows you're hear. You wont have to answer any questions other than the niceties. You've practiced your speech enough times to know it by heart". She looked up at him and smiled, as his own mouth spread out in a grin.... "right... your memory is perfect-what am I saying." She cocked her head to the side and smiled wide "don't worry Jaime.... Ill be fine. Lets get this done and over". She stood up and crossed the room over to the cream sofa and sat down. She had chosen to wear a simple red polka dot dress with her hair half up and half down with a modicum of makeup. All at once the image on the monitor changed from a static frame to the image of the hall and the guests in attendance. She remained focused on the emcee and smiled warmly as she was introduced and waited until the applause died down to speak.

Can ground his teeth when he heard she would not be present. Apparently only those who had received the formal invitation had been aware of that fact. Now as he sat, nearly coming out of his skin, he managed to simmer long enough to hear the presenter say that she would be present via satellite. He anxiously looked beyond the man talking about the art and for the first time noticed the large movie theater type screen set up on the stage behind him. He would be able to see her after all, even if it was only this way. He sat up taller in his chair and as the room darkened he felt his stomach clench as her face seemed to illuminate the room making him feel as if though it was only the two of them together again. She looked beautiful just as he remembered her to be but different, much more a woman and with a deep surety about herself. The image she presented in her red dress against the creamy backdrop only heightening the coloring of her skin and her shiny thick tresses. He felt his heart tighten in his chest when she finally spoke and was bowled over that she spoke in English. "Good evening and thank you all for coming. I am so humbled by your overwhelming response and I hope that you will all be happy with the selections I've made on your behalf. In total their are 24 pieces for you to select from. Four are my original works, four are works from the most acclaimed artists of our day that have been generous enough to donate to this most worthy cause and ten are from up and coming artists from across the globe. I have also included one piece of original work from my private collection. I hope you will be pleased with this choice as well. His works are in high demand and he has not come out with anything knew in several years. I want to raise as much money as possible to complete this much needed wing of the children's hospital and in order to do that I have decided to make myself available to do a private sitting or commissioned work for the highest bidder of this last piece that is so meaningful to me. Let me say once again how humbled I am at your response to my invitation and how very happy I am that you are participating in the care and support of the children of Costa Rica Children's Hospital. Please enjoy the evening". Can heard the presenter ask her a few questions and then he froze when he heard what she said next. "As I promised, here is the original work of art from my own collection of a prolific and exceptional artist. "The Galapagos" as seen through the eyes of Can Divit. This is the only one in existence and I offer it up to you with a starting bid of $10,000. Please open your hearts and your wallets for the children. As a bonus, to the highest bidder goes this piece and a private meeting with me. De Nuevo, muchisimas gracias, que disfruten. Hasta pronto.". He sat in shock. She not only spoke in English, perfectly with a lovely accent but she concluded her speech in perfectly accented Spanish. What she did at the end nearly broke him. He looked from her beautiful tranquil face to the framed photo that he had taken and given her for her birthday. She was letting it go.... just like she had let him go....that horrible day.