"This is your display area. Arrange the photos how you wish, tacks are all ready placed." The host gestures to a plain wall. Vi hangs the paintings, Powder places the placards. When finished, the host continues.
"Restrooms are this way. All are gender neutral and family appropriate. We do however request only one person in at a time, with the exception of parents assisting small children or changing babies." They leave the main hall to a side building.
"This is where the food and drink will be found. There is no fee, but we ask everyone to be considerate. Supplies will not be limited, but the rate of consumption to kitchen preparation will vary." He points to the stairs.
"Those lead up to a private are for artists only, with the exception of if the artist is a minor, or a parent accompanied by a child. Any questions before you go back to your hotel?" The host stands stiff. Vi notes he must be new.
"What time will artists need to be in the main hall?" Powder asks.
"For the event, or artist gathering?"
"Both, please." Powder answers him.
"Two days from now, 6:00 pm sharp for the gathering. Dismissal will be at 8:00 pm. Five days from now at 10:00 am is when doors open for the public. Artists will be expected to check in by 9:00 am. Artists will also have access to a private breakfast table in the side building from 5:00 am to 9:30 am. Artists will also be supplied cloth to keep their clothes pristine whilst they eat. Those accompanying artists will be asked to wait in the main hall, with the exception of parents, babies, and children."
"How old does a child have to be to be alone?" Vi adds in.
"No children under sixteen are to be left alone. Their guardian must always have their ID on hand, and the child must stay with their art if their parent is away. Any parent can appoint a guardian with the proper paperwork and identification. Said paperwork and identification process is in the email of everyone attending as a guest. The forms may be submitted digitally."
"Thank you." Powder says, walking to the door. "Vi, you coming?" Vi shakes her head, coming out of her thoughts.
"Yeah, sorry." She jogs to catch up to her sister.
"You ok?"
"Um, i guess, just thinking." Vi stammers.
"You wanna ask Caitlyn if you can be Matildas appointed guardian." Powders smile is sly.
"If youre ok with it, i was gunna think about it. I dont actually know if i will ask." Vi clears her throat.
"I dont care. Dont leave me, though."
"Never, Pow. Youre my priority."
They get back to the hotel in a matter of minutes, the hotel being a small walk down the street.
They check in at the main door, then head to their room. Vi unlocks the door with their card, holding for Powder to enter aswell.
Both beds are still made, suitcases on the floor by the ends. Vi pulls her suit out to iron and hang it in the closet, taking care of Powders dress after.
"Why do you think Matilda will need a guardian?" Powder isnt judging, her voice curious.
"Caitlyns a single parent, and Matildas a minor under sixteen. If Caitlyn or her have to use the restroom, either the art will be unattended, or Matilda will. Im going to pull some strings with dad, see if we can get her display close to yours so i can keep an eye on you both."
"Youve been plotting this." Powder accuses.
"No, its only been on my mind since i saw the guest list. Matilda is presenting. You know the minor rules. She cant leave the art unless her guardian is there, and her guardian cant leave the area without her. You can come and go as you please, as long as one of us can see your art. I dont see dad leaving it much, either."
"Always the hero." Powder isnt sarcastic, but Vi cant pin the tone.
"Whats that supposed to mean?"
"Im not used to sharing you with anyone not family, i guess. Im not upset. What youre wanting to do is kind. Im just..." Powder huffs, unable to find a word.
"I get it." Vi holds her hand. "I love you. Im not abandoning you. Youre still my date. Again, youre still my priority. You will always see me, unless im peeing, or grabbing us snacks and what not."
"You going to be here when im not?" Powder nods to the door.
"Yes. And before the artist meeting ends, i will be waiting to walk you back here. I will also take you to breakfast, and-" Powder cuts her off with a hug. Vi squeezes back.
"Thank you. I guess all i needed was some reassurance."
"Anything you need, Pow. Im not leaving. Never again."
-
Matilda finishes her tour, looking at the empty spaces. "I can put my art anywhere blank?"
"Yes. Only one other artist has made an appearance thus far, so many spaces are open." They walk to the area where artists are to hang their works.
"Here is fine." She looks at Powders works, smiling a bit. "I like this spot."
"Very well. Nails are in the wall." Caitlyn hangs the paintings, letting Matilda place the placards.
They take one last pseudo tour before returning to their hotel.
Caitlyn irons and hangs the dresses, turning on the TV afterwards. She hands Matilda the remote.
Matilda, instead, discards the remote in favor of her sketchbook. She watches Caitlyn close, sketching her mom as she works.
Every line and crease in Caitlyns forehead translated to pencil lines. Shadows on her cheeks, on the keys, all detailed carefully. All the stray hairs playful streaks on the page. When shes done, she smiles.
"Whats got you giddy?" Caitlyn teases. Matilda hands over the book, a shy smile on her lips.
"This is beautiful, darling." Caitlyn looks between the book and her daughter. "What are your plans for this?"
"Nothing really, just a self indulgence." Matilda climbs into the bed next to her mom. Caitlyn holds her arm out so Matilda can be closer.
"Im hanging it on the fridge." Caitlyn rubs her daughters back as Matilda snuggles into her mothers side.
-
Caitlyn doesnt bother waking Matilda when she falls asleep. Instead, she lays the sleeping girl down to be more comfortable.
She stays awake well beyond Matilda, filling out report after another, taking breaks to get up and stretch a bit before returning to the bed. Memories of a pink haired lover of the past flitting through her head every now and again.
Then, an email from the gala. "Vi is requesting to be Matildas appointed guardian?" She reads out loud. Every adult going to any gala is required a background check. Vi is ok. Yeah, Vi can be her temporary other parent. Caitlyn thinks.
She fills out the allowance form, verifying her and Vi had known each other, and Caitlyn approves of Vi taking care of her child. Her phone buzzes.
Unknown
It's Vi, sorry I didn't ask before using your number for personal purposes, or filling out forms to be Matilda's guardian
Caitlyn
It's no problem! I'm glad you did. Thank you for taking care of my child.
Vi
Seeing her all the time, and her being one of the youngest at the gym, and knowing how busy you have to be, it's the least I could do
Caitlyn
Would you and Powder want to come with us to lunch tomorrow?
Vi
I can ask when she's awake, but I would be honored. Goodnight Cait
Caitlyn
Sleep well, Vi
YOU ARE READING
At The End Of The Day
FanficVi was a pro MMA fighter, retired after 5 championship wins. She now teaches self defence at her father Vanders gym, and bartends at her father Silcos bar. Caitlyn and her daughter Matilda move to Zaun after Matilda insists on learning self defence...
