Dandelions in the Wind

26

"Have we finalized the list for the upcoming modern art exhibition?" tanong ni Dionne habang naglalakad sa loob ng opisina, kinuha ang pulang marker at ibinalik sa lalagyan.

Tumango si Tracy habang nakaupo sa sofa. "Yes, I've compiled the list based on the latest trends and some underrepresented artists I think deserve more recognition. There's one, in particular, I believe could draw a lot of interest."

Napatigil si Dionne sa paglalakad at tumayo sa likod ng sofa. "Oh? Who might that be?" interesadong tanong niya.

Binuksan ni Tracy ang iPad at binasa ang files. "Martina Vega. She's been making waves in the art scene with her innovative use of mixed media. Her work has a profound depth that I think will resonate with our audience and challenge their perceptions," paglalahad nito.

Umupo si Dionne sa sofa, bahagyang bumaon ang katawan sa malambot na kutson at inakbay ang makinis na braso sa sandalan. "Interesting choice." Napalingon siya sa kinauupuan ni Tracy. "I'm intrigued. Make sure we have all her available pieces reviewed by the end of the week. What about the promotional materials?" dagdag na tanong niya.

Iniwas ni Tracy ang tingin sa hita ni Dionne nang nagdekuwatro ito. Naging maikli ang suot na bestida ni Dionne nang umupo. Nakasuot siya ng one-piece grey dress na abot hanggang tuhod, kita ang magkabilang braso sa sleeveless at bumagay ang itim na belt sa beywang.

Napatikhim si Tracy nang sumagot. "They're currently in draft form. I planned to focus on the diversity and innovation theme of the exhibition. I believe emphasizing the fresh perspectives these artists bring to the table will generate buzz."

Napangiti naman si Dionne. "That's a great idea. This exhibition could really elevate our profile. Make sure everything is executed flawlessly, and keep pushing for more innovative ideas."

"Absolutely. I'll ensure everything is in line with our vision and keep you in the loop on all developments." Hinanda na ni Tracy ang hawak na portfolio at inipit sa braso. "Is there anything you want to know?" tanong niya bago umalis.

Umiling si Dionne. "No, please stay. I have something to tell you, not work related." Eleganteng kinumpas ang kamay at napasandal sa kinauupuan.

Inilapag ni Tracy ang portfolio sa sofa at seryosong tumingin kay Dionne. "Is this about your friend?"

Napangiti si Dionne, hinaplos ang nakalugay na buhok at tumingin sa dako ni Tracy. "No, it's no longer about my friend."

"Oh?" takang sambit ni Tracy.

"You see, you've been giving me advice." Napabuntonghininga si Dionne at tipid na ngumiti. "The friend I've been telling you about, it's me. I just don't want to impose my personal problems on you, Tracy. It's because I'm your boss. I felt that if I told you about my problems, you would feel compelled to help me. So, I just made up this 'friend' thing because I didn't want to cross the line." Seryosong turan ni Dionne, saglit na napayuko at tumingin sa dako ni Tracy. "You've been kind and very helpful, and I thought being honest with you was the right thing to do. So, yes, I'm gay. I've only recently come to understand this, even though most lesbians tell me I look straight," kabadong tumawa ito.

Hindi maiwasan ni Tracy ang mapatawa rin sa sinabi nito. "It's fine. I don't mind helping you, Dionne." Nakitaan ng tuwa sa mata ni Tracy. "Maybe you're one of a kind gay? And it's rare."

Napakunot ang noo ni Dionne sa narinig. "Is there a rare lesbian? I'm sorry, I'm still new to this. Can you give me a crash course?"

"You know when a girl finally understands her preference, para silang pumasok sa candy shop. Tapos yung newbie gays, masyado silang na-amaze sa mga nakadisplay na candies, yung iba isa-isang tinitingnan yung mga candies, yung iba pumipili ng preferences, yung iba naman tumitingin lang out of curiosity. Ikaw kasi yung tipong papasok sa candy shop, diretso lang ang tingin at hindi ka man lang lumilingon tapos magtatanong ka kung meron blonde candy, kapag sinabihan kang wala dire-diretso ka lang lalabas at hindi ka man lang mag-eexplore sa loob," mahabang paliwanag ni Tracy.