Nocturnal (Ability Series #1)

CHAPTER 41

NOCTURNAL - THE DECEASED PAINTER

"What do you guys think?"

"It's perfect, Xy."

I nodded my head as an agreement. Xylem who was impatiently waiting for my response smiled genuinely.

I have to agree with Aiden that this place is indeed perfect for her exhibit. The photos they took were mostly dominant in colors green, blue, white, and brown. Coincidentally, the shades of this hall were no different from those mentioned colors. This photo gallery is spacious yet it has so many corners where you can place different sizes of portrait and landscape pictures or even paintings.

"My Auntie was kind enough to offer me the rent of this exhibition hall for half of its original price. Ginamit din ito last year ng mga kakilala niyang photographer from the States who were based here in the Philippines. Malaki at maluwag kaya tamang-tama sa mga photos na may nature backgrounds and such." She stated and then started wandering her eyes around every corner of the place.

Gusto kong maglibot at tignan kung gaano nga ba kalawak ang lugar na ito. I've never seen an exhibition hall before. Yes, my Dad and I went on a museum when I was a kid but this is quite different from that. I can't believe my photos will be displayed here allowing people to look and stare at it for a whole day.

I'm confident with the outcome of the photos but I'm not sure if they'll appreciate it being me as Xylem's model. Surely, her family would adore the result as much as her- the photographer and that would make me feel glad.

"Xy, was this the place where an alumnus from our school presented his breathtaking paintings?" I heard Aiden asked.

He was standing next to me but his attention were focused on the statue in front of us.

"I think so? Hindi ko na maalala. I've only heard that story from someone at school. Who told you about that anyway?" She asked back.

Aiden shrugged his shoulders and then pointed the wall on my side. I took a glance at it and saw an empty space with a barricade underneath.

Maluwag ang wall na iyon at pwedeng lagyan ng malaking frame be it a portrait or a landscape.

"They said that that's where the legendary painting was placed. Felix who was behind those magnificent painting knows how to pick the right spot." My jaw dropped after hearing the name of the painter that they were mentioning just now.

"Who was the p-painter?" I tried my best to act natural to make it look like I was curious about the painter but indeed I AM CURIOUS.

This is Felix that they're talking about! And he's a painter! That explains why there were paintbrushes inside of his box that we found in their former house.

Kumunot ang noo ni Aiden at nilingon si Xylem na mukhang gusto ring malaman kung sino nga ba ang painter na tinutukoy niya.

"F-Felix Miller? My Mom bought his painting and it was being displayed in our living room. I'm sure that the both of you have already seen it." Pareho kaming nakanganga ni Xylem habang nakikinig sa kwento niya.

That painting? Is he telling the truth?! But why would he lie when he knew Felix's full name! This is so confusing that my head started to hurt.

"For real? How much was it cost?" Her curiosity about the painting increases.

I wanted to ask him everything that would enter my mind but I can't even utter a single word due to a major shock because of what he said regarding Felix the ghost.

"She never told me anything about it. The painting's kind of odd 'cause it's too hard to comprehend. However, it's enticing enough to capture everyone's attention at first glance." He's given his honest remark about the painting that I saw when I went to their mansion.