Twisted

Refraction

On 8 July,2022

It's a fantastic feeling to know your boundaries and how powerful you are. When you know how you should treat this harsh world, you become stronger. I called it dare, retribution, or crazy, but I didn't feel as alive as I did when I stepped inside the gallery after a whole 2 weeks.

Let's see what act they put on.

"Nicole, good morning," I said courageously, widening my smile.

"Helen"

The shock in her tone made me delighted. I smirked arrogantly.

"Missed me?" I looked her in the eyes with the same intensity I've always had.

"I thought you— you left," she said, looking at the phoney crew I've assembled. They were all staring at me with incredible expressions.

"Nicole, you're such a kindhearted woman. I never left ,sweetie. I was simply gathering my thoughts.... Anyways! Is Mechelle present? I need him for something essential."

Nicole couldn't keep her shock and surprise from spilling out all over the place.

"Nicole, darling," I said softly.

"Yeah! "He's here," she said as she signed her finger to the office.

"Okkay! See you later, Love." I tossed her a kiss in the air and made my way inside, but I was stopped by someone.

I felt Celine clutching me tightly, and my heart wrenched for a moment and before I hug her back,i remembered what they did to me.

I didn't exhibit any signs of weakness on my face, and I ignored her hug.

"Celine, you're choking me, girl," I grumbled.

She walked away with tears in her eyes.

"Que?" She mumbled a French phrase.

"English, please," I said snidely.

"Now! If you'll excuse me, I'm on my way to something serious." I forced a smile before returning to my poker face in front of her.

"Helen?" She spelt my name as if to say WHAT THE FUCK.

"See you later, Celine," I said as I caught a glimpse of Roman's shocked expression. I can't care less now about them,i've more important thing to do.

I arrived to Mechelle's office. I went in when he gave me permission.

"Good morning" He didn't notice who came in until he raised his eyes to see who it was.

"Helen"

"Sorry! I had a lot of stuff to do last 2 week, but I promise I won't disappear again."

"Everyone here said you left."

I tried not to be offended by what they said.

"Rumours," I spelt it inconveniently.

"Actually, Helen, I'm not sure what's on your mind, but you understand that I didn't offer you a spot in this gallery for free.... I see how dedicated you are to your work and how skilled you are but not for anything else." Mechelle stated his point of view emphatically.

"I know.... I respect what you've offered, and I'm here to consider it, and from today on, you won't see anything but hardworking Helen again," I said gently.

He remained silent for a few seconds.

"Come on, let me rock that gallery," I insisted, exclaiming eagerly.