Pandora's Box

Chapter 2 - Picture of Pandora

Spring, 2016
The Leigh Gallery, North Halstead Street
Chicago

While it was not a lot of people that gathered in the hall of the Leigh Gallery, it was plenty for Pandora's standards. She was no stranger to public speaking. Brought up as the daughter of a recording artist and sometimes actress, Pandora has had to deal with her fair share of being in the limelight as she grew up. But she had never been the only one in the limelight before. With the microphone in her hands, she observed from a corner of the hall as interested peers, reporters from Chicago's art magazines in circulation as well as curious passerby's who were tempted by the 'Free for the 1st Day!' banner hung out the front. Jean Leigh had also invited a few of her friends who were big influences in the art circles of Chicago. If they thought well of her pieces, she would have plenty of visitors over the next few days.

"Ready, Miss Talbott?" Jean Leigh's voice came up, smiling when she saw how breathless Pandora looked. "Your parents aren't here?"

"They said they'll be here next week." she breathed in, taking another look at the crowd. "And yes, I'm ready."

"Great, then I'll announce you." the brunette elderly woman smiled, as she walked forward. Soon enough the crowd settled down in their seats, and Pandora nervously smoothened her ice blue halter neck top, checking again if her white jeans had any stains on them. Before she knew it, Jean's voice called her name, and polite applause rang across the hall as her leather boots clicked across the front of the arranged seats. She hid a laugh when she saw crazily waving hands at the back of the room, belonging to a brunette she had missed ever since she moved to Kansas.

Dragging her eyes away from the most comforting and familiar figure in the gallery that night, Pandora's gaze paused and lingered on one male leaning against the entrance to the hall. Dressed in black from head to toe, even his sneakers, Pandora frowned, unable to make out his features yet somehow feeling oddly familiar. It wasn't till Jean discreetly cleared her throat that the young artist remembered where she stood, and hurriedly realigned her focus on the seated guests. "Thank you, everyone, for honouring me with your presence today. I am a small time artist, and this is a great achievement for me. I'm... told that there are a few questions?"

"Miss Talbott," someone immediately popped up, a well groomed male in a suit from the back. "Jeremiah Chase, from online art portal, Nictopop. You've gotten online attention when your piece, 'Between the Lines' caught the eye of many budding stars. What was your inspiration for that piece, and for most of your showcase? They all seem to be very, nostalgic."

Many heads nodded in agreement to the young reporters head, and Pandora thanked him as he resumed his seat, searching for the correct words.

"I will not lie, they are not wrong. My pieces are from my dreams. Sometimes daydreams, sometimes nightmares, sometimes from dreams I can only wish I will be able to achieve one day. They embody who I am. Between the Lines.... its a dream I remember the most."

"So is it safe to say that your dreams are very vivid?" Another redhead reported asked.

"They are more then that. Sometimes, they even feel very, very real."

---

Muted chatter could be heard all around the hall, but only two girls could be seen talking quicker then Fast and Furious, one of which had been the center of attraction not half an hour ago, and the other almost attracting attention to herself at the way she waved so vigorously, her arm could've popped out of their sockets.

"I've missed you Livvy!" Pandora had exclaimed, as the two rushed into an embrace. The brunette studied Pandora with green eyes, as if thankful she was finally seeing her.