Bose POV:
I walked away from Chapa, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. Her words stung deeper than I had anticipated, and the pain was nearly unbearable. I planned on stopping by at her place later today to give her the money for the taxi, hoping it might mend some of the distance between us. But after hearing her dismiss me so easily, I felt as though a part of me had shattered.
I ignored my stepdad when he called out to me as I walked past him. I was in no mood to deal with anyone. I hurried to my car, my thoughts a jumbled mess. I drove aimlessly until I ended up at the park in Swellview, a place that used to bring me solace. This small park, where I had shared precious moments with my mom and my dad, who left me when I was 3 years old. This place now felt like my only sanctuary.
Sitting on a bench, I tried to hide my tears, but they kept coming. I felt so lost. As I was lost in my thoughts, a teenage girl who looked about fifteen or sixteen approached me. I quickly wiped away my tears, hoping she wouldn't notice.
"Excuse me," she said tentatively. "I think I know you from somewhere."
I glanced up at her, squinting to place her face. "Do you?" I asked softly.
She hesitated, then said, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I've seen you around. You look familiar."
I studied her face, trying to place where I'd seen her before.
"I'm Sage!" she said.
Then it clickedâshe was Chapa's little sister.
"Oh," I said, with a smile. "I'm Bose. I'm an old friend of your sister."
Sage's eyes lit up with recognition. She sat down next to me, offering a comforting presence.
"Yeah I remember you Bose, you used to hang out sometimes at our house. Why are you crying?" she asked, her voice gentle.
I didn't want to burden her with my problems, so I shrugged it off. "It's nothing. Just one of those days when people need to cry."
Sage nodded, her expression understanding. "Yeah, I get that."
She looked at my outfit, a bit out of place for a park. "Why are you all dressed up? Did something happen?"
I chuckled despite myself. "I had a speech earlier. That's why I'm all dressed up."
Sage's eyes widened with admiration. "Oh, wait! I know you. You're Bose O'Brien, right? I've seen you in magazines and on TV. Everyone in my class has a crush on you. Even the boys," she added with a playful whisper and a laugh.
I laughed, feeling a bit lighter. "Well, that's flattering. Thanks."
Sage's cheerful demeanor was a welcome distraction from my own sadness. She tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Whatever you're dealing with, it's going to be okay."
I appreciated her kindness, though she didn't know she was unknowingly soothing my aching heart over her sister. Sage then shifted the conversation to her own struggles.
"You know... I'm getting bullied at school. And sometimes I need to cry about that, that's why I also came here." she vented.
My heart went out to her. "I'm really sorry to hear that. If you ever want to talk about it more, I'm here."
Sage's expression brightened a bit. "Thanks. That means a lot. I just try to find joy in little things, you know?"
I nodded. "Yeah, finding joy is important." But the only joy I ever had was Chapa, and now she's the reason I'm crying.
Sage continued to talk about the bullying, her voice tinged with sadness. As she spoke, I couldn't help but relate to her struggles. I remembered my own experiences with difficult times and how isolating they could feel. Her raw honesty struck a chord with me, and I felt a pang of empathy.
The silence that followed was heavy. I could see Sage's sadness creeping back in, and I wanted to do something to lift her spirits, just as she had done for me.
"Hey, Sage," I said, trying to sound upbeat, "how about I follow you on social media and give you my number? Your classmates might be seeing you differently once they find out about it."
Her eyes lit up with surprise and delight. "Really? That would be amazing!" she exclaimed, her sadness momentarily forgotten.
I smiled and pulled out my phone. "Absolutely. Let's exchange numbers, and I'll follow you right now."
After we had swapped contact details, Sage asked, "Can we take a picture together?"
I never really liked taking pictures, but this is the first time in years I would love to do it.
We posed for the photo, and I could see the happiness return to her face. As we finished, Sage looked genuinely grateful. Her spirits seemed lifted, and I was glad I could offer some comfort, even if just a small distraction from her troubles.
I offered Sage a ride home because it started to rain. When we reached my car, Sage's eyes widened.
"Bose woah. Is this your car? No way, this is so cool!"
I smiled and eventually drove her home, which, was Chapa's old house. I felt a pang of sadness as we arrived, but Sage's cheerful presence kept me grounded.
"Goodbye Sage! If you ever need something don't hesitate to contact me." I told her.
After saying our goodbyes, I drove back to Rivalton, feeling a strange mix of relief and melancholy. Sage's words and her warmth had made me feel better. Even though my heart was still heavy with the weight of my feelings for Chapa, this unexpected encounter had provided me with a small but meaningful respite.
I thought about how much I had missed being close to someone who understood me, even if it was just for a brief moment. Sage had reminded me that kindness and understanding still existed among others.
Chapa POV:
I had just gotten home and wanted to start painting, but I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt gnawing at me. I'd never felt so bad for Bose before. The awful things I said to Elena, and Bose had heard it all.
I couldn't call him right nowânot so soon. Knocking on his door was out of the question. It would all be too soon, and I was scared. So scared he'd say he never wanted to see me again. This was the first time I was truly terrified of something, I realized.
â
The next morning, it was Monday. I hated Mondays. I woke up early. Today marked a week since Bose and I met again. I didn't want to think about him, but my mind kept drifting back.
Elena picked me up, and there wasn't much to say during the drive. Eventually, she broke the silence. "Chapa, I'm really sorry for pushing you about Bose."
"It's fine," I replied curtly. "I don't want to talk about it anymore."
We rode the rest of the way in silence, each lost in our thoughts. I tried to focus on the day ahead, but my mind was still clouded with thoughts of Bose. I needed to find a way to move past this, but it felt like an impossible task.
I sat in the lunchroom during my break, picking at my sandwich without much appetite. I glanced around the room, my eyes eventually landing on Bose. He was sitting at a table far away with Bridget and two other men who looked like colleagues. Relief washed over me; I couldn't face him right now. The memory of what I'd said yesterday stung too much. I kept my head down, hoping he wouldn't notice me.
After the break, I returned to my painting. Finally, I added the last brushstroke and stepped back. It was finished.
Ms. Ambrose approached, her critical eye scanning my work. "Not bad," she said, her tone almost grudging. Coming from her, it was a compliment.
"Thank you, Ms. Ambrose," I replied, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice.
She gathered the class together and announced, "Later, I'll be deciding whose paintings will go on sale and whose will be displayed in the art exhibition." The room buzzed with excitement. "Remember, only a select few will make it to the exhibition. Wealthy patrons attend, so it's an excellent opportunity for those who are chosen."
My heart raced at the thought. If my painting got selected, it could help me financially. Ms. Ambrose added, "We'll also announce the prices of each painting after the next break."
During the break, I sat with Elena and four other girls. The conversation flowed around me, but I felt detached. Elena noticed and asked softly, "You okay?"
I nodded. "Yeah, just nervous."
One of the girls, Mia, spoke up. "Chapa, your painting is amazing. You have a real shot at this."
Another girl, Sam, added, "Yeah, seriously. It's beautiful."
Two other girls, however, exchanged looks. "Don't get your hopes up too high," one of them said. "You're new, and you only have one painting."
I shrugged. "We'll see," I said quietly.
We chatted a bit more before heading back to class. Ms. Ambrose stood at the front with the three men from earlier. I recognized two of them from lunch. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Bose standing at the door. What is he doing here? I wondered, my stomach knotting.
Ms. Ambrose cleared her throat. "Class, these gentlemen are in charge of organizing the art exhibition and judging the paintings. Mr. O'Brien is also involved because the exhibition will be held in this building."
Bose stepped forward and apologized for being late. "Sorry for the delay," he said, his voice even and professional.
Ms. Ambrose, who was usually strict about punctuality, waved it off. "It's no problem, Mr. O'Brien."
I stole glances at Bose, but he didn't look at me once. He seemed completely engrossed in the task at hand, which hurt more than I cared to admit. After Ms. Ambrose's explanation, the men began walking around, taking notes and discussing the paintings. I held my breath as they approached mine.
One of the men, Mr. Collins, nodded approvingly. "This is quite good. The use of color is impressive."
Mr. Williams, another judge, added, "Indeed. It captures a serene yet vibrant atmosphere."
Bose stood slightly apart, still not looking at me, but I could feel his presence like a weight. He said nothing, letting the other men do the talking. My heart sank a little more with each passing moment. I focused on their words, trying to push my personal feelings aside.
As they moved on to the next painting, I exhaled slowly. Elena leaned over and whispered, "They liked it. You might have a chance."
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Thanks, Elena."
Ms. Ambrose gathered us again after the judges had finished their round. "We'll now announce whose paintings will be displayed in the exhibition and their prices."
My hands trembled as I waited, the anticipation almost too much to bear.
Ms. Ambrose began by announcing the paintings that would be available for sale on the academy's website. She held a list and called out names with a mix of pride and authority.
"First, for the online sales," she started, "we have the following students and their paintings: Mia Carter with 'Still Life with Fruit', Sam Phillips with 'Urban Reflections' Emily Turner with 'Autumn Leaves' then Lisa Harris with 'Mountain Sunrise', Elena Benson with 'Nighttime Cityscape', I cheered for Elena, Ms. Ambrose said 6 more names, mine wasn't in it. Later on she went onto the prices.
"These students have created works that will be available for purchase online. Unfortunately these can't be displayed at the art exhibition, but maybe you got better luck with your other paintings. Congratulations to all of you."
The room buzzed with excitement and murmurs of congratulations. I felt a mix of nerves and hope, waiting for the next announcement.
"Now, for the art exhibition," Ms. Ambrose continued, her voice rising slightly to command attention. "These paintings will be displayed for patrons to view and potentially purchase during the exhibition. This is a significant opportunity, so well done to those who made it. Here are the names and their paintings: Mia Carter with 'Ballet Dancer' minimum price $783 then Sam Phillips with 'Lonely Street' minimum price $689 David Owens with 'Spring Blossoms' minimum price $1054 Zoe Chen with 'Modern Pieces' minimum price $965 and 'Animals In Heaven' minimum price $752 then Elena Benson with 'Cotton Candy' minimum price $899 and 'Her Favorite Flavors' minimum price $874, and lastly... Chapa De Silva with 'Sunset Landscape' minimum price $1023"
My heart leaped when I heard my name. 'Sunset Landscape' had made it into the exhibition. Elena squeezed my hand in excitement.
"Congrats, Chapa!" Elena whispered, her eyes sparkling with pride.
"Thanks! You too," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. My emotions were a tumultuous mix of relief, joy, and anxiety. I glanced toward Bose again, who was still talking with the judges. He hadn't looked at me once.
After the announcements, Ms. Ambrose gave us a break. I sat with Elena and a few others, but I was too distracted to engage in much conversation. Everyone around me was excitedly discussing their paintings and the upcoming exhibition.
Mia and Sam approached our table. "Congrats, Elena and Chapa," Mia said genuinely. "Your painting is beautiful."
"Yeah, it's really impressive for someone new," Sam added with a smile.
"Thank you," I said, feeling a bit more at ease.
But two other girls, Hannah and Lisa, were less kind. "Don't get too comfortable," Hannah said. "One painting doesn't make you a star."
Lisa snickered. "Yeah, we'll see if anyone even buys it."
I shrugged, trying not to let their words get to me.
Too late. "Funny that this is coming from you who didn't even make it to the exhibition and who's been here for over a year already."
Lisa and Hannah went silent. Everyone in fact went silent. And I walked away I wasn't in the mood for more drama right now. I had enough on my mind.
As I reached the door, I saw Bose speaking with Bridget and the other judges. He glanced my way briefly, but his expression was unreadable.
I stepped outside, feeling the weight of the day lift slightly. But the thought of Bose still lingered in my mind, a mix of hope and fear.