Artbeat

Chapter XVI

- PIERCE -

I scroll mindlessly through my social media feed, my thumb moving on autopilot as I gaze at the endless stream of posts. It's a habit I've developed over the months, a way to unwind and pass the time. But today, something catches my eye.

A painting of a sunset, vibrant colors bleeding into each other, with a delicate brush stroke that seems almost ethereal.
The colors are vibrant, the brush strokes expressive and bold. I pause, my thumb hovering over the screen as I take a closer look.

There's something about this painting. A sunset painting that leaves a lasting impression, something that speaks to the chaos within. I feel a sense of connection, like this artist understands how to add meaning to a piece in a way that few others do.
I found myself scroll through the artist's feed, and my heart skips a beat, realizing that each piece was more stunning than the last.

But as I delve deeper, I start to feel a sense of uncertainty creeping in. Who is this artist? I've never seen their work before, and yet, it feels so familiar. The style, the themes, the emotions that pour out of each piece... it's like they're speaking directly to my soul.

I feel a flutter in my chest, a mix of excitement and trepidation. Could this be the girl from the museum?
The one who saw the chaos in my art and understood my art in a way that no one else did? I'm not sure, and the doubt gnaws at me.

Why would you think that, Kayden?
That's impossible.

I look for clues, but the account is anonymous. No name. No personal information revealed.

I continue to scroll, my heart racing with anticipation. If this is her, what does it mean? Is this just a coincidence, a random artist whose work happens to resonate with me?

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I'll just keep following the account, I tell myself. See if they post anything else that I like. But deep down, I know I'm hoping for more.

Right then, Bryce Ryder, my best friend, strutted into my living room like he owned the place. His suit was impeccable, his hair perfectly styled, and his smile gleaming with confidence.

Too much effort, Ryder.

I, on the other hand, was slumped on the couch, sweatpants and t-shirt, my eyes fixed on my phone as I scrolled through the mysterious artist's feed.

"Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Bryce said after seeing the look I gave him while he plopped down beside me. I rolled my eyes, not bothering to greet him.

But as he glanced at my phone, his expression changed. "Whoa, what's that?" he asked, his eyes widening as he took in the vibrant colors and bold brush strokes.

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to share this discovery with anyone. But something about his genuine interest put me at ease. "Just some art I stumbled upon," I said, handing him my phone.

Bryce's eyes scanned the painting, his brow furrowed in concentration. "It's beautiful," he breathed. "The colors, the composition... it's stunning."

I nodded, feeling a sense of validation. But as I watched Bryce's reaction, I realized he was only seeing the surface level of the art.
Proves my point.

He didn't notice the chaos beneath the brush strokes, the turmoil that the artist was trying to convey. Just the colours and blending of it all.

"It's more than just beautiful," I said, taking my phone back. "There's something deeper going on here."

Bryce raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

I hesitated, unsure how to articulate my thoughts. "I'm not sure yet," I admitted. I glance at him before asking for a request, "Reach out to this artist for me", I say simply, "I think we'll work together really well"

Bryce raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "A collaboration? With an anonymous artist? Real reason please."

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "It's just been a while since I've had a collaboration. Thought it could be interesting."

Bryce's gaze lingered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. "Kayden, you're not exactly the collaborative type."

I shifted uncomfortably, not wanting to reveal too much. " I know, but I think this artist has something unique to offer, and I'd like to explore that."

Bryce's expression remained dubious, but he nodded. "Alright, I'll help you reach out. But be careful, Kayden. We don't know anything about this artist. They could be a total flake, or worse."

I nodded, "I will. Thanks, Bryce."

As Bryce pulled out his phone to after it had vibrated in his pocket, I couldn't help but wonder what I was getting myself into. But my curiosity and creative instincts were already hooked. I was willing to take the risk to see where this collaboration might lead.

Bryce interrupts the silence, "Kayden, I just realized why I've been having so much trouble with my cat, Whiskers. I know he's secretly a art critic! I mean, have you seen the way he looks at my painting from that one time I tried to paint? It's like he's saying, 'Bryce, this is purr-fectly terrible!'"

I give Bryce a side-eye, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey, hey, don't knock it until you try it! Maybe Mr. Whiskers can give us some pointers on the collaboration!"

I shake my head, a hint of a smile on my face, "You're something else."

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