Artifice

MET

I cautiously stalked around the museum by myself. Taking in every piece of work there was on display and taking time to appreciate every feature, curve, color; everything.

The path I followed brought me to an exhibit with works from America's Gilded Age. Wooden frames and decor were displayed around a room filled with people. The hardly familiar name of George A. Schastey was tossed around by a tour guide explaining what this moment in America's history was like and how the pieces showed that. A large group of tourist watched the lady carefully as she talked, I even over listened to some parts.

"Seems bizarre, that a chair would be displayed in such a prestigious museum." A British voice approached me from behind as I was stood in front of a wooden chair.

"Art takes many forms, not just paint on a paper." I scoffed, not bothering to look at who the comment came from, and continued on my way.

I was anticipating the more antique pieces, I've visited my fair share of museums in different places and it was always my favorite part. They would usually separate pieces by centuries they were made, or different rooms for each age. It was fascinating seeing how architecture has changed over time.

I continued walking around reminiscing about a museum I had recently visited in London that stored large archways and pillars straight in the middle of a gigantic room.

"Hey, uh I'm sorry if I offended you." The same voice from a few minutes ago returned.

"You have got to be ki-" I mumbled turning around.

I was greeted by a tall man with long hair that oddly fit his sharp features. It was hard not to take in his appearance, he was notably very attractive.

"Uh, it's fine." I swallowed and turned around to try to walk away before I could make a bigger fool out of myself.

"Wait," he said. "You seem to be really familiar to all of this, would you mind showing me around? My tour guide is rather annoying." He tilted his head with his smile on his lips.

"Um." A part of me wanted to say yes for obvious reasons and another really just wanted to be alone.

"I promise I'm good company." He added and I got the feeling he wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Sure, why not?"