Fading Echoes

Chapter 2: Attempting Friendship

Chapter 2: Attempting Friendship

Eva stood at her easel, brush in hand, trying to focus on the canvas before her. The vibrant colors she usually found so inspiring seemed dull today, the creative spark that drove her feeling more like a flicker. She sighed, stepping back to assess her work, but her mind was elsewhere.

Ilang buwan na ng lumipas nang huling makita ni Eva ang binata, at kahit pa sabihin niya sa sarili niya na nakamove-on na siya, alam niyang niloloko niya ang ang sarili niya. Kaya laking gulat na lang niya nang makita niya si Liam sa art gallery na ginanap kagabi. Umiiling, sinubukan niyang muling mag-focus sa painting na ginagawa niya, pero hindi pa nakakalipas ang minuto nang nag-vibrate ang cellphone nito. Pinunasan niya ang kanyang kamay bago kinuha ang phone. Doon, nakita niya ang message galing kay Maya.

Maya: How are you holding up after last night? Coffee later?

Napangiti si Eva nang mabasa ang mensahe. Maya always knew when she needed a distraction.

Eva: Definitely. Usual place in an hour?

Maya: Perfect. See you then!

Ibinaba ni Eva ang telepono at tinignan ang 'di pa natatapos na painting. It would have to wait. Nilinisan niya ang mga brushes, itinabi ang mga paints, atsaka nag-ayos para umalis. Naglakad siya patungo sa café na nagsilbing libangan niya. Bawat yapak niya ay tumutunog ang mga dahong nagsilag-lagan na sa panahon.

Nang dumating si eva sa café, naroroon na si Maya, sipping a latte habang nagii-scroll sa kanyang telepono. Nakita nito si Eva na paparating at nag-wave.

"Miii!," Maya greeted with a warm smile. "You look like you could use a friend."

Naupo si Eva sa upuan sa tapat ni Maya. "You have no idea."

They ordered their drinks and settled in. Maya gave Eva a knowing look. "So, what happened with Liam last night? I saw you two talking."

--

Eva Montgomery stood in the middle of the crowded gallery, the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses filling the air. Ngayon ang pagbubukas ng bago niyang exhibition. Puno ang bawat dingding at sulok ng mga makukulay na larawan, bawat isa may iba't-ibang kwento. Dapat ay napakasaya niya ngayon, pero may parang kakaiba sa hangin kaya't 'di siya mapakali, dahilan para hindi niya ma-enjoy ang moment.

Tumingin siya sa kwarto, napapaligiran siya ng mga pamilyar na mukha. Ang mga kaibigan niya at mga ka-industriya ay nagsasaya, kita sa mga mukha nila ang paghanga at pagkaintriga habang sinisilayan ang mga paintings. Hindi niya alam kung ano, pero may gumagambala sa kaniya.

"Eva, your work is just superb," a voice broke through her thoughts. Si Maya, her best friend and confidante, holding two glasses of champagne. "You've outdone yourself this time."

"Thanks, Maya," Eva replied, taking one of the glasses. "I'm just glad it's finally done. It's been a long journey."

Tumango si Maya, batid sa mga mata nito na proud siya. "And it shows. Every piece is a masterpiece."

As they clinked their glasses and took a sip, a familiar melody drifted through the air, catching Eva's attention. Her heart skipped a beat. It was one of Liam's songs. She turned towards the source of the music, her pulse quickening.

Naroroon siya, nakatayo sa harap ng isa sa malalaking paintings na gawa niya, nakadikit ang paningin sa canvas. Liam Archer, her ex-boyfriend and the source of so much of her recent heartache. He looked different, yet the same—tall and lean, with the same messy hair and piercing blue eyes that had captivated her from the moment they met. Seeing him here, in the midst of her most personal work, was almost too much to bear.