𝑼𝒏𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔: 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑼𝒔

Chapter XI: Painted Stories

Following a prolonged stretch of painting and remaining at my art studio that is located at the back of our house, I entered the house to discover Harper reclining on the couch engaged in a video call with her boyfriend, Ali.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as I watched them laughing and joking together. It was clear that they were deeply in love and had a strong bond that I longed for.

As I walked away, I tried to remind myself that everyone's journey is different, and that my time for love would come when the time was right. But try as I might, I couldn't shake the feeling of longing that lingered within me.

I knew that Kye was out there somewhere, and I couldn't help but wonder when we would finally cross paths. Until then, I vowed to focus on my own happiness and trust that the universe would bring us together when the time was right.

In just a month, my art exhibit will take place and my family are eagerly anticipating it. They intend to make the effort to be here for the unveiling of my art gallery and to check out my latest cafe. Additionally, Kylie, Kye's sister, notified me of her intention to attend the event. Although I am unsure if she knows about Kye and I's relationship, I am thrilled to see her once more in any case.

Preparing for my exhibit that is due in a month has been quite a challenge, but it is something I am excited about. The paintings are already done and I think they look great, but getting them ready to be put on display in my cafe is another story. I have been spending a lot of time trying to figure out the logistics of how to make it all work and how to make my art look its best.

One of the biggest challenges has been finding the right way to hang the paintings. There are many different types of hooks and hardware that you can use to hang art, but I wanted to make sure that I used the best ones for my paintings. I did some research and talked to other artists to get some ideas, and eventually settled on a system that I think will work well.

Another challenge has been figuring out how to group the paintings so that they look cohesive and create a nice flow in the space. I have been experimenting with different arrangements and trying to find the right balance between colors, styles, and sizes. It is a lot of work, but I know that it will pay off when people come to see my exhibit.

I have also been trying to think about the little details that will make the exhibit special. Things like lighting, signage, and promotional materials can all make a big difference in how people perceive the art. I have been working on creating a promotional video to share on social media, as well as designing flyers and posters to put up around town. I want to make sure that people know about my exhibit and feel excited to come and see it.

As I have been working on all of these preparations, I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed at times. But I know that this is all part of the process and that it will be worth it in the end. I am proud of the work I have done and I want to share it with the world. I hope that people will appreciate my art and be inspired by it.

Two weeks later, my parents arrived early and I was thrilled to have them stay with me and Harper in our new huge home. My parents were always supportive, and they were excited to see my exhibit. They loved the paintings and were impressed with how well I had prepared everything for the show.

Having my parents there was a big boost for me. They helped me to stay focused and motivated during the final few days leading up to the exhibit. They also helped me with some of the last-minute details, like setting up the refreshments table and making sure everything was clean and tidy.

When the day of the exhibit arrived, I was nervous but excited. I had put in a lot of hard work to make everything perfect, and I was hopeful that people would appreciate my art. The turnout was great, and I was so touched by all of the support and positive feedback I received.

The experience of preparing for my exhibit was one that challenged me in many ways, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I learned a lot about myself and my art, and I feel more confident than ever in my abilities as an artist. I am already looking forward to my next exhibit and can't wait to see where my art takes me next.

As we hang the my last painting on the wall, my mom came near me saying, "Your paintings tells a lot of stories between you and Kye. I wonder where he is now. He would've been so proud." She said while putting her arms around me.

"I miss him Mom." I stated as I leaned on her shoulder while we gaze upon my paintings.

"I know, darling. We all miss him. But maybe he's watching you from afar and he's so proud of what you have accomplished," she replied comfortingly.

"He always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself," I said, wiping away a tear.

"He always saw potential in you and your art. And he was right to do so. Your paintings are stunning," she said with a proud smile.

It was true. Kye, was always one of my biggest supporter when it came to my art. He had a way of seeing the beauty in everything, even in my earliest, clumsiest paintings.

"I still can't believe I have an exhibit and my paintings will be hanging in my own cafe," I said, marveling at where my passion for art had taken me.

"You worked so hard for this, sweetheart. You deserve all the success that comes your way," my mom said.

And she was right. The months leading up to the exhibit were filled with long hours and hard work. But it will all paid off when the exhibit was a success, and people marveled at my work.