Lost Stars

Chapter Two

I'm watching him as his eyes talk to me while I was telling him the first time we met. I can feel his excitement about the next chapter, but I intentionally cut our story. We clink our bottle of beers and paused in silence while refreshing those moments.

"I'm surprised your memory never changed." He put his beer down on the table.

"Well, it's both a gift and a curse." I shrugged my shoulder.

"Would you want me to continue?" He grinned.

"My pleasure." I half smiled.

-----Allen-----

The discussion with Anthony took the longest half an hour of my life.

I wanted to go back to that painting where she is. It is the least thought I have for seeing her again here, of all places. Behind that doctor's gown and eyeglasses, I can't imagine her working in the medical field. I'm not even sure if she is a real dentist after a quick examine. I mean looking at her outside her clinic.

Actually, I was thankful that Reese defeated me when we fought about who will take Hayley to the dentist. We are both busy with work. She is a finance manager of a bank and I am working on an exhibit. But since I'm younger than her and she happens to be the eldest child of our family and not to mention Hayley; her daughter is my only niece. That matters.

My brother in law is a mariner and his contract won't be over until next year.

Going back to Dr. Hamilton's sudden appearance today, I admit she looks more attractive in her business suit with her eyeglasses on and her professional approach. But the fact that she interprets the sole painting I did that I thought no one will appreciate, fascinated me more.

I secretly looked for her after I closed the deal with Mr. Mckay. He is the senior Vice President of the biggest telecommunication company of the country. I should give him the time he deserves.

I felt like I grew old looking for her again. Along the way, I was greeting my co-artists and acquaintances until I caught a glimpse of her in front of Khaled's painting talking to someone. He is holding her hand, intertwined between her fingers and they were smiling at each other. He even pulled her close and planted a kiss on her forehead. I felt a little envy. I know I shouldn't be but I did. I turned away and focused on the other things but even after that busy day ends, I found myself lying on bed thinking about her.

Saturday.

We're celebrating the success of the week long exhibit me and my friends had. We sold almost all of our paintings and we spared sometime to sit down and relax. This is our dream since college and it really took our time and hard work until it stands before our eyes. We rented this private room in one of a high-end bar in the city. We share different interest when it comes to our field of work and expertise.

Khaled is the ink painter. Sager practices cubism and the only girl in our group Rina is the abstract artist.

Impressionism is my forte, oil on canvas like all famous painters of the renaissance uses. It holds a special place in me. I crave for preservation, for all the symbols beneath those historical pictures from famous artist of its generation. I always want to tell stories behind my paintings. I mean we all are. But mine depicts emotions rather than illustrations, showing a piece of me in every single portrait I make. Also, we share different interests when it comes to drinking and I have the title for the weakest drinker among the four of us. I hate alcohol. Not because I can't tolerate it but I don't see the point of giving myself headaches and double visions. And yeah I can't tolerate it. Fine I admit it. Whatever. I'm satisfied with my non-vintage White Label Lanson champagne.