The Beautiful Art

Prologue

p r o l o g u e

I was 6 when my grandfather told me to face my fear. The fear of other people; talking to other people and having a lot of people within my vicinity.

As the waves crash the shore— the wind from the west blows my hair, beside me were my grandparents.

Dinala nila ako ngayon dito sa isang art gallery na nasa tabi lamang ng dagat.

They were both invited by a common friend.

At first, I didnt want to go since I prefer staying at home, however; my mother insisted my grandparents to take me with them.

"Celestino, Zoreille! Glad to see you here!" masayang bati ng isang lalaki pagkapasok namin ng art gallery.

I immediately hid at the back of my grandmother. Shy to show myself.

I was holding my grandmother's hand firmly as I steal glances at the men talking to the both of them

"And who's this little woman?" the man asked as his eyes went to mine.

My eyes widen. I immediately hid at my lola's back, wishing for them to divert their attention to somewhere else.

Attention was a thing I hated.

"Oh!" manghang sabi ni lola pagkatapos ay tinignan ako na may ngiti.

It was a relax and assuring smile. She held my back and gradually glide me infront. I hesistated but eventually I followed.

"Hello..." sabi ng lalaki pagkatapos ay lumuhod para mapantayan ang tangkad ko.

I gulped.

"H-Hello po..."

He smiled. Mukhang kasing tanda lang niya si lolo. He has fair skin and he looked kind as well.

"Zofiana. Meet Señor Lucho, the artist. " I heard lolo said

My eyes didnt leave Señor Lucho's. He screams authority, at the same time, looks kind and altruistic. I blinked before slowly plastering a smile.

"Nice meeting you po." marahan kong sabi at tipid na yumuko habang nasa taas ng balikat ko ang mga kamay ni lola.

Nang inangat ko ang paningin ko ay mas lalo siyang napangiti. His smile reached his eyes.

"Likewise, pretty girl!" he complimented before patting my head.

Napangiti naman ako doon.

"I have heard things about you and I'm glad to seeing you out." he said softly

Napanguso naman ako.

"Oh Lucho, you don't even know. She didnt originally wanted to go with us!" umiiling na sabi ni lolo. "She's still shy. Well, bata pa naman rin kasi. Nasanay sa loob ng bahay." he added.

Señor Lucho pursed his lips inward before turning to me again.

"Hmm, well then. I would want to let you meet my grandchild as well." giit niya.