Intertwined

The Gallery

A/N: So, not too long ago I thought of deleting Intertwined, but I didn't. Thanks mostly to a group of amazing friends I've made here. Slowly I've started to get ideas and inspiration again. There's a lot to cover. So, buckle in.

But today I'm publishing this little chapter for another reason. Happy one year friendship anniversary Sunshine. You're like a daughter to me and I'm so grateful for our friendship and your joy, kindness, creativity, generosity and all-round greatness in my life. This last year has been a bit of a roller-coaster for us, but we've got through it together. I'm always here and thank you for always being there for me to. Love you always xxx

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The bitter cold of winter was trying its best to stick around and last nights' snow had fallen through the gaps in the roof of the gallery. Mia sighed, frustrated and worried that they wouldn't be able to get repairs started next week when they were scheduled. The artists, they had found had Mia excited for the gallery and the way that it could inspire others, share the joy of new art, of pushing boundaries, of thinking about life more deeply and finding beauty in places people didn't always look. 'Sweetheart what if we can't get things ready in time? I have artists that are relying on this space now and classes that are scheduled,' Mia was interrupted mid-sentence by footsteps and the gallery door opening. We looked up to see Bella was walking through carrying Evangeline, her curls pulled loosely into a braid and a big smile on her face as she looked around the space, 'Hey Ladies. God, I love this space so much. Every time I come down here, I just see what it will be and I'm so excited to be part of it,' She pulled me in for a hug and baby Eva reached out for Mia who had walked over, 'Come here my baby Char,' and the little girl giggled with excitement as Mia took her around the space.

Bella pulled a folder out of the bag she was carrying, 'She stressing about the weather?' my best friend asked. 'Yeah, a bit. She just sees what the space can be and is worried we won't be able to do it in time,' I sighed, and Bella put her hand on my shoulder and rolled her eyes. 'With everyone's help and a little bit of hard work, we will get it ready in time,' I chuckled at her confident and familiar tone. 'What?' her brown eyes narrowed, and her face was halfway between a smirk and a frown.

'You just remind me of your dad just now, that confidence and that phrase; 'a little bit of hard work'. That's something he would say,' my eldest friend gave me a playful slap as we heard the door open again and Autumn, Reece and Morgan walked into the space. 'Hey Aut, Hi Reecey, Hi Morgs,' Mia greeted the trio and Evangeline babbled along as they four talked, until the eight-month-old reached towards Morgans patterned red and blue tie. After three tries she grabbed it and pulled it in excitement 'Oh, you like my tie?' Morgan smiled at the baby girl, and she put the material in her mouth and began sucking on it. 'Here you go Morgs,' and Mia handed the lawyer Evangline who kicked her legs with excitement. 'Reece, Aut and I can look at the contracts and get it all signed, while you entertain baby Charlotte,' Morgan looked a little surprised but took the little girl around the building, bouncing her as he did and singing bits of nursery rhymes.

'Sorry Morgan,' Bella and I had watched the interaction and were walking towards the man talking with and entertaining little Eva. 'Oh, it's no trouble at all. She is very sweet and happy,' I noticed something happen between them as they stood and spoke to each other for a few minutes. It was as if I had disappeared and they spoke only looking directly in each other's eyes. They had met each other a few times at our home over the last few months as we made preparations for the gallery, but this was the first time I noticed this look between them. A look that said the rest of the world faded away. I was snapped out of my realisation when Mia slapped a handful of papers onto Morgan's chest, 'Done!' she said more loudly than was needed and tapped her foot. I looked at my fiancé and noticed her agitation, Reece and Autumn were slowly walking over and I could tell by the look on the blonde's face and the knowing glances the siblings exchanged, they had noticed Mia's agitation as well.