Hidden Truths, Burning Hearts

Meet Antheia

My work went smoothly after that with the mural. Nobody came looking for troubles. After it was done, Mark was over the moon with how it came out.

"People are gonna visit the gallery all the time after seeing the mural outside." He said while we were displaying the paintings around the gallery.
"You really think so?"
"Of course I know so. It says a lot about you. They're gonna want to see what more you have to offer, something that they can take home with them."

I had painted an abstract cityscape on the wall that faded in to a realistic meadow with a waterfall. It showed how shallow and chaotic the city life was and how real peace was in nature.

"I'm really happy that you like it." I said to him.
"Put this one with that red one" he said to one of his assistants, as he directed them how to display each piece.

"Are you excited for tonight?" He asked turning to me.
"More like terrified! I'm not such a people person if you don't know."
"I figured that one out. But there are some of my clients who have purchased your pieces in the past and they are really looking forward to meet you tonight."
"That one will be here." He told another person.
"Great!"

"By the way did you manage the photographer?" I asked.
"Yes, I've conveyed your wishes not to be photographed. Though I don't understand why you insist on it."

"It's just the way I am. Also I think it intrigues people if I stay a little mysterious, don't you think?" I said giving the first excuse that came to mind but he seemed satisfied with it as he didn't push any further.

The truth was I didn't want my face to be published anywhere. I didn't want him to recognise me and find me here. I had kept a made up name for my paintings, Antheia. My real name was nowhere in the papers or documents.

"Is this one good here?" One of the girls asked me after hanging one on the wall.
"Where did you get this one from? It wasn't supposed to be here." I asked being alarmed.

"It was in one of the boxes."
"What are you talking about? This is probably one of the best one! And it's so unique than the other ones." Mark gasped looking at the painting.

"No, Mark this one is personal. It's not for sell."
"But you have to let me display it at least, even if you don't want to sell it." Mark was persistent.

But I didn't want to show it to everyone.

"Please don't take it back." Mark was not going to let go.
"Ugh...Fine" I said with a sigh. "But it's going in the back corner."

"You are genius. Save the best for the last! We are going to end this with a blast!"
"Rita, take it to the back wall." He said to the assistant.
That backfired fast. I thought. That's not why I wanted it there.

Chloe came in the afternoon to help me get ready. We had already been to dress shopping for the event. She was more excited about it than me. She had helped me choose the perfect dress. It compliments my figure beautifully. It was nothing too revealing as I wasn't going there to be the centre of attention.

She helped me put on a light makeup and put my hairs up. After we were done, I was satisfied with the way I looked. I could feel the confidence in me.

I just hoped the person I did all the effort for would be there. I wanted him to be there. I wanted him to like me. I wanted him to want me. Like I wanted him.

"You look really pretty." Chloe said to me as she put the last bit of blush on my face.
That's the goal. I thought.
"Thanks. You look amazing too. Black suits you."
"I know right?" She said grinning.

We reached the gallery around 7:30. The place was getting crowded by then. Mark seemed happy with the number of potential buyers. He greeted me happily.

"Here is the star of our show!."
"Hey Mark. How's it going so far?"
"Two of your paintings have been booked already! 'Rise' and 'Grace'. I'm so proud of you!"
"Oh my God! Already!?" I was shocked I never sold anything so early on the display.

"People have been asking about you since the opening. Let me introduce you to the crowd."
He took my hand and brought me to the centre of the gallery.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the person that you all have been waiting for, the start of our night, I give you Antheia." He announced as he raised his glass towards me.

I smiled brightly in return and gave a dramatic bow. The people had stopped looking around and smiled at me as they gave a short clap.

"Enjoy. It's your night Amelia." Mark said to me as he kissed me on the cheek letting me go.
"Thanks Mark."

For the next hour or so I was walking around greeting and meeting with people who had been congratulating me for the opening, saying how much they liked my works. Some of them asked about my works, what inspired them and such.

Chloe was with me all the time and it gave me at least one friendly face to look back to in the crowd of strangers. Around nine she got a call from the hospital and got pulled into an emergency shift. She apologised for bailing on me and had to leave early.

I was wandering around the place, walking and stopping before each display. I stopped before one. It was of a little girl reaching out for a kite while she was tied to a stone with a rope. I had used real stone and rope. It was a representation how my childhood was stolen from me before I could fully live in.

I let out a sigh thinking about the past, when I felt a presence behind me. So close that I could feel his breath behind my ear when he said,
"That's deep."

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A/N
Amelia's look for the night.