Pandora's Box

Chapter 9

Spring, 2016
Willis Tower, Main Office of CIASF
Chicago

His eyes never left the picture he had on his desk in the office, the one thing he refused to get rid of. The blonde girl he held so dear to his heart despite the two years that had passed, smiling the heart-stopping smile he could never say no to, with the background of Ibiza islands and it's signature blue skies and white sandy beaches. Anthony's words rang clearly in his minds. "Get yourself together man, Dora would not want you to look or be like that. Don't disappoint her."

"Are you awake man?" The same voice which rang in his ears, now made him look up to Anthony's grim face standing in front of him, a folder in hand. She wouldn't want you like that. He managed a smile, and shrugged. 

"All good brother. Thanks."

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Spring, 2016
The Leigh Gallery, North Halstead Street
Chicago

Pandora loved it when she got in to the gallery early. The doors usually opened at 10AM but people don't usually start trickling in till 11AM, or sometimes even after lunch on a weekday. So when Jean unhooked the chains that secured the glass doors for the night, and someone immediately sauntered in, ringing the bell, she couldn't help but look up in surprise. A sandy haired male in a suit had walked in, looking quite clueless yet interested as he looked at various art pieces, before his eyes finally fell on hers and lighted up. "Is the gallery open for visitors yet?"

"Oh, I'm new to the area, freelance journalist. But I'm looking into taking classes, do you guys happen to have any?" he asked, enthusiasm sparkling in his brown eyes.

Something about the eager, almost childlike manner the stranger approached her made something kindle in Pandora, as she cocked her head, attempting to make sense of the way her thoughts swirled while coming up with a response. "Yes, we... do actually. I teach basic watercolor and sketching on certain days, are you interested? If you want a sample of my work, you can take a look at my showcase at the back."

"You're the artist of 'Between the Lines' displayed outside?" he suddenly asked, looking a little awed.

Caught off guard by the sudden admiration she saw in his eyes, Pandora flushed, but kept her gaze straight. "Yes, I am Pandora Talbott."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Talbott. The name's Desmond, Desmond Smith." the well groomed man introduced himself. "You have a beautiful name."

She laughed. "Please, do call me Dora. Pandora is a mouthful. Would you like to take a look at the back?"

"Yes, I would be delighted! I came in because I was curious about that piece, you know. What made you draw that?" Desmond asked, a spring in his step as Pandora led him to the gallery area. His demeanour, his actions, even in a suit, appeared so eager and childlike, Pandora couldn't help but smile at him.

"It was... I had just moved from Chicago to Kansas when I made that piece. It was before I even went back to art school. I guess... it's from me missing Chicago so much?" she ventured, still quite reluctant to tell the actual reason. How did one say that she felt such a strong, inexplicable pull to the city her parents had uprooted her from, so much so that she had spent three nights awake drawing that?

She would sound crazy.

Luckily for her, Desmond seemed to take her answer, and even gave her a wink. "Perhaps it's because you were meant to meet me." 

"Please, call me Desmond. Mr. Smith makes me look around because it feels like someone is addressing my father." he laughed, and slipped a wallet out of his pocket. "Yes, I'm very much interested, Dora. But I do have a condition should I take the class."