Gallery of Hearts

Chapter 5

I wake up on Monday morning with the sun beaming on my face. I get up and start getting ready to go to Central Park with Oliver.

It takes me about 40 minutes to get there. I start walking down the block to Vanderbilt Gate. When I get closer, I already see him there. He stands so tall in all his glory. His hair sits perfectly and his clothes are never wrinkled. He notices me and smiles. "You're already here," I say to him.

"I hate being late." His eyes shine in the sun that filters through the trees.

"It's such a nice day for a walk," I comment as we head towards the garden. I keep taking glances at him as we talk and admire how confident he is. We reach a beautiful corner spot in the garden between bushes and flowers. We sit on the bench together and look out at the huge fountain in the middle. We continue our conversation, making jokes back and forth. It flows like we've known each other forever. Our bodies are fairly close to each other, especially our hands. I can feel the heat radiating off him.

"You said that day in SoSpec that you don't paint as much as you used to. Why not?"

"I just didn't really like what my hands were creating. I wanted to make new things but for some reason I couldn't. I always ended up with the same painting, just a different version. Kind of in a painting slump if you will I guess."

"How long has it been like this?" I ask. 

"Around 2 years." My eyes widen. 

"That's a long time." I try to imagine my life if I didn't paint for 2 years but I can't. "If it makes you feel any better I'm stumped on a piece right now." He raises an eyebrow. "I want to create a painting that conveys memories and nostalgia. I want it to bring joy. But I don't know what to make. Not a single idea feels right."

"Michigan." he states. 

"What?"

"You're going back to Michigan?" I slightly nod and sit silently waiting for him to finish. "Paint something from there. That place holds your entire childhood. I'm sure it's got nostalgia written all over it."

"Oh my god, Oliver. You're a genius."

"It's about time you noticed." I roll my eyes and laugh. 

"How could I not think of that?" Everything finally clicked and I was kicking myself for not thinking of it first. I'll have my supplies when I'm there for Hannah's wedding so I can get started as soon as I arrive. This boy has saved me. "I can't thank you enough. I'm so happy I could kiss you!" I sit in shock. Why did I just say that? I look at Oliver for his reaction, and he starts smiling. "I'm-"

He reaches his hand out and grabs mine. "I'm not going to pretend like I didn't want you to." he boldly admits. I can feel myself blushing like crazy. I have to break the eye contact he's holding and I look away. I feel his hand hold my chin and turn my face back to his. His hazel green eyes look right through me and I feel the world stop. He leans closer so we're almost touching and he lingers as if to tease me. His breath is warm and I wait for him to kiss me. I can't wait any longer. He finally closes the space between us and gently presses his lips on mine. Both of his hands cup my face as he deepens the kiss. Everything around us fades. He leans back and smiles - that beautiful, warm smile. "I've wanted to do that since I first saw you in SoSpec," he whispers. 

"No way. I don't believe you."

"I'm being honest. There was just something about you that made me feel like I already knew you."

"I wanted to slap you for talking bad about Valor Rignet."

"I still don't get what you see in him but I hope we can push that difference aside."

"Maybe." I say with a smile.

                                                                                         ♡

A few hours have passed since Oliver and I were at Central Park. I'm now at my apartment relaxing with Sunny, daydreaming about the kiss I shared with Oliver. My phone buzzes. I pick it up and see a message from Hannah.

Hannah: Hey honey! I can't call right now, I'm at work, but we're moving the rehearsal dinner up a few hours. Is there any way you can change your flight? I'll pay the difference. I need my best friend there!!

I quickly open laptop and check my flight details. I see if there's any way I can land earlier than before. It ends up working out and I'll arrive mid afternoon instead of evening.

Me: Don't worry Han, I moved my flight up, I wouldn't miss the dinner for the world. Text me when you're off work. 

I go to my window and look out at all the tall buildings and bright lights. I came here for my dreams and suddenly they were all coming true.

                                                                                         ♡

The days leading up to the trip dragged out, each one giving me time to think about Oliver. I felt like I missed him and I hadn't even left yet. Eventually, Friday rolls around and I wake up to finish packing and make sure I have everything I need. I leave all my suitcases by the door and go to see Marco and drop Sunny off with him before leaving. That same familiar bell rings as I enter. "Marco?" I call to the back.

"Ivy!" he sticks his head out from the kitchen. "Off to Michigan today hey!" I laugh at his enthusiasm. He dusts his hands off and comes around the counter to sit with me. "How's that painting going?"

"It wasn't, but it's about to be. Actually that guy I told you about from SoSpec helped me with the idea." Marco raises his eyebrows.

"That boy from the gallery you say?" I feel myself get giddy thinking about him and my face feels warm.

"It's not a big deal, maybe, I don't think. I'm not sure," I respond.

"I have to meet this man. You have to bring him to me."

"I'm sure we'll stop by one day. He's nice. And he's actually an artist himself." I go on to tell Marco about Oliver going to NYU's art school and how he painted, just not as much anymore. I look at the clock on the wall. "I should get going, Marco. Can't miss my flight."

"Yes! Of course! Have fun, Ivy. But not too much, you have to come back home." I smile and feel like I have to hold back tears. How did I get so lucky to have Marco in my life?

"I promise I'll come back. And I'll tell you all about it. Thanks for watching Sunny!" I wave goodbye and the bell jingles as I open the door to leave.