Subway Train ➫ Frerard

chpt. one ➫ slick shady

"okay... buddy, look. you got this." gerard said to himself in the mirror. he straightened out his vest and dusted off his slacks. he had a presentation at a high-class museum today, and he was presenting a painting he had done for a new gallery opening in the museum. his friends already had their sculptures and paintings up in the gallery, so it was his turn. he was nervous, but nonetheless very excited.

gerard gave himself a wink and a nod in the mirror before grabbing his jacket and leaving. he took a taxi to the presentation. from a few blocks away, he already saw a lot of people crowded in front of the entrance to the museum. he became very anxious, heart loudly beating in chest. gerard proceeded to exit the taxi and stand in front of the large building. his eyes trailed upwards, to the beautiful carvings along the top row of the building.

"hi," gerard heard a small voice next to him. "are you mr. way?"

gerard turned sharply to see the short woman standing prim on his right. he nodded. "yes, i am."

the lady stuck her hand out for gerard to shake it. "my name is mrs. ida thompson, i'm in charge of the students' gallery in the museum. you're presenting a painting here, yes?" 

gerard nodded. "oh, it's nice to meet you, and.. yes, i am."

"wonderful. would you please follow me?"

gerard followed mrs. thompson to a small room chock full of people, whom gerard recognized as famous artists and designers. he also noticed a few of his college mates, standing in a group near the corner of the room.

he waved to his friends, but they did not see him. mrs. thompson led gerard to a painting, covered by a curtain, surrounded by velvet ropes. she then handed him a champagne glass, as she also took one in hand.

"attention, attention!" mrs. thompson said, gathering the attention of everyone the room. "we are here today, to unveil a new painting in the students' gallery, done by mr. gerard way!" 

everyone clapped for gerard, he stared in awe at the people who applauded him.

suddenly, the photographer had accidentally rushed into him, and before he knew it, he was down. terror and humiliation struck, gerard had toppled over the velvet ropes and took the curtain and painting down with him. champagne spilled everywhere, including himself and his painting.

the whole room gasped, while some laughed. gerard noticed his college mates shaking their head and laughing. 

"nice going, slick shady!" someone in the room yelled, and the room burst in a fit of laughter.

"oh no." gerard said quietly while standing up. he turned around to mrs. thompson, who looked bewildered by the situation.

"mrs. thompson, i am so, so-"

"it's alright," she exhaled calmly, yet sharply. "though we cannot allow this to be in the gallery." she picked up the painting and handed it to gerard. "i apologize, mr. way."

gerard felt tears well up in his eyes. today was supposed to be a special day, he thought. he swallowed his tears and embarrassment though, and left the museum in a blink, destroyed painting in hand.