Exhibitions- Gerard Way

Richard

Maxine's face lights up as they enter the gallery. The last time she had been here was on a school trip back in high school. It hasn't changed much, but the artwork is still extraordinary. It's Maxine's dream to one day have her work exhibited in a place like this. The walls are filled with large paintings of different styles, and Maxine couldn't help but be in awe of them. 

"Maxine! Come on!" Daisy shouts as Maxine snaps out of her admiration. Everyone's being ushered into the exhibition space, but Maxine wasn't paying attention. She quickly scurries along into the room which is filled with people wandering around, taking in the calm atmosphere that the artworks emit. She notices Jacob and Daisy conversing with a tall man with brown hair, he has an American accent so Maxine can only assume that this is Jacob's friend. 

Jacob calls Maxine over which sends a wave of anxiety over her. She was nervous but his tall appearance makes him seem even more intimidating. She makes her way over to him nervously.

"Maxine! This is my friend Richard, you've probably already spotted his artwork as it's very similar to yours." Jacob explains with a welcoming smile on his face. "Hi Richard." Maxine replies quietly. 

"Jacob has showed me some of your work, you're very talented" He laughs. "I think your depiction of realism is really interesting and I was hoping we'd be able to talk more about it!"

"Thank you, your work is really cool, I'd love to learn more about it." Maxine beams. 

Daisy taps Richard on the shoulder and points over to a man wearing what looks like a butlers suit. Richard says that he'll chat more later before running off over to the man.

Maxine wonders why she was worrying so much about it, Richard seems like a cool guy who's very well educated on art, maybe she can learn a few things from him. She walks over to Daisy who encourages her to make her way around the exhibition space. 

Each of the artists works are separated into different sections of the gallery, some areas are filled with classical paintings which she loves. Other areas are cluttered with 3D pieces, tonal drawings and even mixed media. This is like a heaven for Maxine. She never realises how much she loves art until she sees how vast the subject can be. A particular piece catches her eye, it stands out from everything else as it uses a unique colour palette which is bold yet somber. As she walks over to it, admiring the sculptures hanging from the ceiling, she bumps into someone.

Maxine is immediately stopped in her tracks as she catches the scent of a strong but sweet cologne. She can feel warm hands briefly touching her arms as she bumps into them. Her face hits their chest before she looks up at the tall bodied person. She immediately notices his hazel eyes staring down at her. Maxine feels her cheeks heat up as the man lets go. She is shell-shocked for a moment before finally speaking up.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." She gasps. The man laughs it off, turning his head away awkwardly. "It's okay aha." He laughs "I'm Gerard." He says, putting his hand out to shake. Maxine shakes his hand back "I'm Maxine!".

She can't help but notice how handsome he is, his strong New Jersey accent making him even more attractive. He has pale skin which compliments his jet black hair which was pushed up, with the sides falling down just on his neck. Her eyes trace up and down his body as she analyses his outfit: a crisp white shirt with black trousers and a black waistcoat, with a black tie to accessorise. He continues to stare down at her for a moment before making conversation. 

"So are you an artist here? or are you just visiting?" He asks. Maxine replies explaining how she is just visiting, but she is an aspiring painter. Gerard can barely focus on what she's saying as he catches himself focusing on every small detail. He can't stop staring at her deep blue eyes and soft pink lips. His eyes are locked onto her face, looking over the bridge of her nose at each individual freckle. 

Maxine yet again feels herself heat up as he doesn't reply, instead just stares at her face in awe. "So is this artwork yours?" She questions. "Yeah it is, I actually have a studio back in New York. I'm hoping one day to get into the comic book industry but in the meantime taking part in exhibitions is what I'm focusing on." Gerard explains. Maxine can't help but admire his clear passion for his career and instantly only wants the best for him. 

"That's so cool! I'd love to have my own studio, instead I'm stuck with an easel in my flat." She laughs. "I'm actually hoping to get somewhere with my paintings tonight, my friend Jacob asked me to come and meet someone here." 

"Ah yes, I know Jacob, he asked me to come along tonight with some others that are linked to his company. Who did he want you to meet?" He asks with an intrigued face. "I met this guy called Richard, he seems quite nice. Apparently he wants to teach me more about art and hopefully get me properly into painting as a career." 

Gerards face drops slightly as he shakes his head. He looks worried as he says "No don't listen to Richard." Maxine pulls a confused face. "Trust me, he doesn't want the best for you. He sees this whole industry as a competition. He'll just set you up but never actually follow through with any of his promises." Maxine feels flustered, butterflies erupt in her stomach at the fact that Gerard was already trying to protect her, they don't even know each other yet. 

"Just stick with me for a bit, please don't go and talk to him." Gerard demands. "Anyways, I'm enjoying talking to you!" He smiles which makes Maxine blush.

They chat for a while before everyone packs up to leave. Maxine had almost forgot that she was here with Daisy and Jacob until they call out for her.