Dandelions in the Wind

35

"Dionne, just wanted to give you a heads up. Anthony Verdan will be using the studio in the museum for his latest project," pagbabalita ni Tracy habang nasa harapan ng bulletin board at isa-isang dinidikit ang polaroid pictures gamit ang thumb tacks.

Napaangat lang ng tingin si Dionne at binalik ang atensiyon sa computer. "Thanks for letting me know, Tracy. I heard he's deviating from his usual style. What's up with that?" takang pagtatanong niya habang tumitipa sa keyboard.

"It's a bit surprising. Usually, he's all about those soulful portraits of elderly folks. But now, he's painting a couple of newlyweds, apparently commissioned by some wealthy clients," tugon ni Tracy at inayos na rin ang mga nakakalat na folder sa ibabaw ng working desk.

Napataas ng kanang kilay si Dionne. "Hmm, interesting. Any idea why the sudden change?" tanong niya.

"Well, from what I gather, Anthony can be pretty selective with his clients. Maybe he's just branching out for a change of pace or because the opportunity was too good to pass up," paglalahad ni Tracy ng opinyon.

"Fair enough. It's always fascinating to see artists evolve and experiment," kaswal na pahayag ni Dionne. "Could you assist him with anything he needs during his time here?" dagdag niya.

Napatango si Tracy. "Absolutely, I'll make sure everything is set up for him and assist with any requests he has."

"Great, thank you. Anthony is one of our valued artists, so let's make sure he feels well taken care of while he's working here," sambit ni Dionne habang pinipindot ang mouse at maririnig ang pagtipa ng mga daliri niya sa keyboard.

"Consider it done. I'll be sure to keep an eye on things and make sure he has everything he needs." May kinuha si Tracy sa kaniyang folder, isang card at naglakad siya patungo sa kinauupuan ni Dionne. "I thought you might try this?" Marahang inilapag niya ang card sa mesa at inusog sa dako ni Dionne.

"What's this?" Tiningnan lang ni Dionne ang card at nabasa ang nakasulat. Nagmukhang chopstick ang daliri niya nang kinuha ang card at hinawakan ang dulo. "You're giving me a ticket for speed dating?" natatawang turan niya sabay binaba ang hawak na card.

"I just thought you might want to try and meet people. Dionne, as your friend, I want you to meet other people." Napabuntonghinga si Tracy at napaupo sa bakanteng upuan na malapit sa mesa. "Alam ko na hindi madaling kalimutan si Charlotte, I get worried when you hang out alone in the bar to socialize, I know you're trying to move on, but some people don't take your politeness kindly, they always think they have a chance to take advantage," hindi maiwasan ang pag-aalala sa mata niya, naging malapit na rin ang loob niya kay Dionne dahil itinuring na rin siyang kaibigan nito. "How are you holding up? It's been two years since your break up," mahinang tanong ni Tracy.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Napabuntonghinga na lang si Dionne at nagkibit balikat. "Well, let's see. I've mastered the art of ugly crying without smudging my mascara, so I'd say I'm thriving," idinaan na lang niya sa biro ang nakatagong lungkot sa ngiti.

Mahinang napatawa si Tracy. "Hey, that's a valuable skill. But seriously, have you been able to start moving on?"

Napasandal na lang si Dionne sa kinauupuan. "Oh, you know, just drowning my sorrows in a tub of cookie dough ice cream and rewatching every romantic comedy ever made," sagot niya.

"Ah, the classic breakup survival kit. But seriously, how are you feeling?" banayad na tanong ni Tracy.

Hinaplos ni Dionne ang kaniyang buhok, saglit na napakunot ng noo. "Honestly, it's tough." Iniwas niya ang tingin kay Tracy at pinagmasdan ang ulap na natatanaw sa labas ng bintanang salamin. "I wish breaking up would be like flipping a switch and suddenly I'd be over her, but it's not that simple. If there's a textbook for sale about not 'ruining your first serious relationship,' I'd probably buy a copy," matamlay na wika niya.