𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 || 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝟐

p.c. ~ majors

New York. Art Gallery.
Thursday, 1970.
09:32 a.m.

•••

I was on a break from University and I decided to enjoy New York before going back to my hometown in Tulsa, Oklahoma to see my parents. By doing so, I decided to go to my favorite art gallery that I haven't visited in a while due to exams that I was super fixated on.

Just recently, I found out from the newspapers that they had installed new attractions and exhibitions in the gallery so I decided to see it for myself all alone. Thankfully, it wasn't very crowded and I could enjoy walking around the museum in peace.

Right as I got to the museum, I saw the entrance had already looked different than it used to be. But, I was intrigued. I walked inside and lots of interesting art pieces and immediately was fixated on all the different works.

A couple hours later, I came by a piece I was very focused on. I sat there in front of the painting for quite sometime, soaking in the message the artist was trying to portray.

"Beautiful, huh?" I hear a voice say.

I

shot a look to my left where I had heard the voice and saw a man wearing a college sweater and brown corduroy pants.

"Sorry?" I asked. "I said it's a beautiful painting." He restated.

I thought I might mess with this guy and say, "Oh no, I think it's awful."

He looks at me confused. "Why's that?" He asks.

"Oh well I think it's unpleasant too look at. I'm trying to understand the painting but I can't seem to." I said.

He nodded. "Right. You know, now that you've said that, I think it's unpleasant too." He said.

God, it's a poser.

I chuckled slightly, hearing his sudden change of opinion to agree with mine.

"I was just joking around. This painting is amazing. From afar it's abstract. But, close up you can understand what the artist was trying to illustrate." I said. "Looks like you were just trying to agree with me."

He laughs, nervously. "Yeah..."

"It's alright." I reply. I look down at his sweater to read what university it is. Then I pointed at his sweater.

"So, you're in college. What are you majoring in? I'm guessing an arts major." I ask.

He looks down at his sweater and looks back at me. "Ah. Well, I take Language Arts. But, you know. I love all types of arts." He said. "And you?"

"I take performing arts but I also love all types of arts." I said. It was quiet for a while as we were just two strangers in a quiet art museum. I decided to continue the conversation.

"So, you from around here or you just moved here for college?" I ask.

"I'm from Oklahoma. I didn't even think I'd end up going to college in New York." He said. "And you?"

"Oh, actually? I'm from there too!" I'm actually gonna go visit Tulsa next week to see my parents and other family." I said.

"I'm from Tulsa too! That's one hell of a coincidence." He says with a grin. "I'll be going back there too! I'm gonna go see my brothers and my best pals."

What are the odds?

"What are the odds?" I said. "I never got your name. I'm Y/n, by the way." I said, pulling out my hand for a handshake.

He looked at it for a second before shaking it.  "Curtis. Ponyboy Curtis." He said.

Curtis? That name sounded real familiar. And... Ponyboy Curtis? People really got some ideas for names to name their kid.

"I know it's a silly name but if anything, it makes me different than other people." He said, saying it as if he's said it a million times.

"Ponyboy Curtis. Well, I sure won't forget that." I reply.

"Well, I believe you want to be left alone to admire all these beautiful works of art. It was real nice meeting you." He said, starting to walk away.

"Hey wait-" I spat.

What am I doing?

He stops walking and faces his entire body towards me.

"Why don't you walk along with me? I mean, unless you got somethin' else to do then, it's alright." I said, nervously. But then, he smiled.

"I'd love that. I've got a lotta leisure time." He says. Then, I smile.

"That's great!" I said. I look around to find a new work of art to ponder on. I saw another beautiful abstract piece and pointed towards it while I looked towards him and he looked back.

"Shall we talk about it?" I say with a shy grin.

"Lead the way." He replies.