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Morning In Italy
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Dared to love I hate my job
Lorraine returned to her room, sat on the bed and opened the email attachment Mrs Hughes sent to her. She took a deep sigh and began scrolling through it, page by page.Luckily for her, she had an eidetic memory so it took her about twenty minutes to go through the list and profile descriptions of all the important guests that were to show up.A few moments later, her phone rang again, however this time it was Clay.Immediately, her heart began to beat uncontrollably, Lorraine felt an overwhelming guitar engulf her that she hadn't reached out to him in days.Taking a deep breath, she pressed answer and sat up, placing her legs in a crisscross manner."Hi, love" Clay's calming voice entered her ears through the speakers. Lorraine immediately felt relieved, he didn't sound mad at her. What was even more puzzling, was the strange calmness that was exuded through his voice. She had spent these past few days occupied with her project, worried that Clay was a wreck, that when she heard how
Dared to love Art Benefit
Lorraine arrived at Mrs Hughes's home just in time to meet her at the door. "I was beginning to think you were tired of this job," Mrs Hughes said flatlyLorraine tried her hardest not to roll her eyes in front of the older woman. One would think that she would commend her efforts for even showing up in the first place, with her pregnancy and all, but compliments were rarely in the books for Mrs Hughes.As Lorraine shifted her gaze to the scrawny little figure that stood behind her, all she could think was 'Poor Mr Hughes" he had the tougher job, at least she only had to work with his wife for a semester. Lorraine couldn't imagine being married to someone so insufferable and having to live with them.Lorraine heaved a sigh and marched forward to introduce herself to Mrs Hughes's husband, she could tell by the look on his face that he was already tired of the evening, just as she was."Hi…","You're Lorraine" the man interjected extending his arm for a shake"I've heard so much about
Dared to love Need you Out of My Head
After the Art Benefit, Lorraine quickly hailed a cab and returned home. Mrs Hughes and her husband were attending to some of their college alumni.Spending more time talking to some old men who occasionally breached the line between showing work interest and being flirtatious was not something she wished to spend more time of her evening doing.She quickly bade goodnight to Mrs Hughes and left.When she got home, Caterina was sitting in the living room watching TV. Wasting no time, Lorraine marched towards Caterina. Immediately, Caterina saw her, she pointed upstairs on seeing the determined look on Lorraine's face."How did it go?" Caterina asked"Actually not so bad. It wasn't what I quite expected and was very insightful" Lorraine said with a smile on her face"Really?" Caterina replied in shock"Is that why you asked me to get you your canvas and paintbrushes?" She added"Yes," Lorraine replied."It's upstairs in your room" Caterina replied. Lorraine was about to walk up the stai
Dared to love Lorraine, I'm Leaving
Two hours and thirty minutes later, Lorraine was finally done. As she stared at her artwork, she felt a great relief and a surge of confidence.At this time, she felt her phone vibrate and glanced at the screen'Mrs Hughes, what did she want now?' Lorraine thought and reluctantly picked up the call."Ms Davis" Mrs Hughes's voice sounded from the other end of the call"Tell me your work is ready" She said sounding harried "Yes, why?" Lorraine asked"The school board will have to transport the art to the Colosseum museum in Rome, where it would be till the actual date of the Competition" she explainedLorraine thought a message of such gravity would've been at least conveyed on time, but at this point, nothing surprised her anymore."When?" She asked glancing at her watch"In the next hour," Mrs Hughes replied"An hour?!" Lorraine exclaimed in shock,"Mrs Hughes it's 7p.m!" Lorraine stated "Lorraine this your annoying insistence to remind me of what time it is has grown tiresome. Do y
Dared to love D-Day
It was the 24th of August, and the morning sun felt different this time. Not too hot or bright, it felt just as mellow as the feels that Lorraine felt that morning.By 6:45 a.m., she kicked off her blankets, silenced her alarm, rolled over to the side of the bed and stood up, placing her feet in her loafers.She had tossed and turned, disturbed by the anxious thoughts that flooded her mind about today, but now that it was here, she felt anew.Excitedly, Lorraine strolled into her bathroom, picked up her toothbrush and began brushing.Finally, it was here, the day she had waited, dreaded, dreamt, prepared and wished for - The Art Convention day. And she was feeling all kinds of good, or maybe it was just the weather, she couldn't tell, didn't care for it.In the days leading to the competition, Lorraine and DeAngelo had spent time going over the conducts expected of the students at the Convention, going over the names of important figures and judges and Mrs Hughes's special, how to swa
Dared to love Nervous
The girls entered the SUV and were off to the airport.That morning drive through the lanes guided with tall palm trees, the musical chirps of birds, and the warmth of the car heater with lively chatter made Lorraine less nervous about the most anticipated moment of her life.How today turned out was going to determine the rest of her school year and probably her career life.But in moments like these, she could only revel in the memories she was making. She knew at some point, whether or not she won the competition, she would have to return home to Manhattan.As much as it was exciting to escape her old life for a time, that was where she belonged. "Snap out of it!" Lydia said snapping her fingers in front of Lorraine, who jerked back in shock"What could you possibly be thinking of on a day like this?" She inquired and sat on the couch, crossing her legs"Have you forgotten what today is?", she asked with a dramatic pause, almost as if waiting for Lorraine to complete the sentence
Dared to love Save It For The Competition
Lorraine's plane landed about three hours later. When she stepped out of the airport, the enchanting look of the city engulfed all her nervousness. She felt anew, more determined to seize this opportunity. As they drove through the bustling traffic, Lorraine brought out her camera and started taking some pictures.The city was everything she had dreamed it would be. Still, she couldn't believe how far she had come in her career, from being a no-name artist whose heart got broken by her douche of her ex-fiance and losing her job the same week, to being at the forefront of ancient art and artists, about to win the biggest art award and make a name for herself.She was slowly starting to feel fulfilled in her career."It's beautiful isn't it?" DeAngelo interrupted her train of thought, gazing at her bewildered face"I'm glad you got to see it" He addedLorraine shifted her gaze to him and smiled with no response and then back on all the stunning views she had so little time to soak in.
Dared to love Orientation
Early the next morning, Lorraine woke up in an energetic mood and hurried to meet Mrs Hughes and Francesca already waiting downstairs at the front desk.Today was the first day of the Arts Competition and she was determined to win.As for DeAngelo, he arrived a few minutes late, which his mother claimed by scolding him, was to purposely sabotage them.As he stood there defenseless against his mother's tongue-lashing, DeAngelo kept rolling his eyes at timed intervals, much to Lorraine's amusement.A few minutes later, their bus arrived and they were off to the Grand Arts Center.When Lorraine stepped foot into the luxurious building, it was as if she had found the portal to another worldEverything in this event center was artistic, with designs, color patterns, lighting angles and so much paint works than she had ever seen before Instantly, she brought out her phone and started taking pictures of the various artworks that spoke to her.The competition was set to start by 10 a.m., giv
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Dared to love The Memorabilia Gallery
It was a Saturday morning, exactly two weeks after the funeral, the morning air felt blissful as it sieved in through the open windows of their bedroom. Lorraine had moved back in with Clay and finally, they were living together as a couple. Earlier that week, Lorraine and Clay had renewed their vows and had a small ceremony, publicly announcing their marriage to the media. After everything that had happened, they figured that they wouldn't let anything else come in the way of them being together as a family. There was no reason to anymore.Clay had won over his family's affection, and Lorraine had reached the zenith of her career independently without Clay's help. She finally felt fulfilled and no longer felt belittled by being married to a man as famous, wealthy and influential as Clay Winston.Lorraine woke up that morning and found Clay still sleeping peacefully beside her lips parted in a smile.Slowly, she slid out under his arm, stood up and walked towards Edith's crib. Seein
Dared to love Her name will be...
Lorraine was appalled upon hearing her father tell her Jordan's funeral was the next day."Dad what do you mean his funeral is tomorrow?", she asked seeking confirmation "We don't think we should keep it for long, so we're going to do something small and intimate. Only a few friends and family" Elaine interjected sharplyLorraine was not satisfied with the arrangements, but this was her brother's funeral and she did not particularly want to argue. The faster Jordan was buried, the quicker she could mourn him and try to move on.Just then, Clay walked in and when he saw Lorraine, he hurriedly marched towards her and pulled her into a deep hug"How are you? How is she?" He asked with concern, and at this time her parents realized they had not asked about their grandchild"She's fine, she's healthy" Lorraine replied hastily and immediately her mother gasped in shock and covered her mouth, crying softly"Lorraine I'm so sorry I didn't ask. How is my grandchild?" She asked with curiosity.
Dared to love Home
Leaving a letter for Mrs Hughes was a lot easier to do, but here Lorraine was standing face to face with DeAngelo and couldn't find the words to say goodbyeDeAngelo sat on the stone bench outside, gazing at her quizzically, wondering why she had showed up unannounced after ignoring his calls and messages.After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, he asked with concern "Lorraine what's going on? Did you have a safe delivery?" "No, I mean yes, I did. The baby is fine, she's with the girls now" she replied sharply and then sucked in a quick breath and said"I came to say goodbye""Goodbye?" DeAngelo asked reflexively, stunned "You're leaving?" He added still in shockLorraine glanced at his face and said meekly "Yes. My family needs me" She said vaguely and paused. Shifting her gaze to DeAngelo's face, she saw that he still needed more context and hesitantly she said "My brother died yesterday. I'm going back home for the funeral and to be with my parents through it""I don't thin
Dared to love First Goodbye
The next day, Lorraine woke up to the sound of her beeping alarm. Opening her eyes, she groaned in exhaustion and the reality that her brother was now dead sank in again and the weight of it kept her under her sheets.Today was going to be her last day in Italy, and she never imagined this was the feeling she'd be leaving with.Having always known it would be tough to leave, she always believed it wouldn't feel that hard when she finally got back home to see the faces of everyone she loved. But now Grandma Edith was gone, and so was her brother.Lorraine tried so hard not to cry, but could no longer hold the tears that stifled in her eyes and at that time, she heard a faint knock on her door.Quickly, she got up, wiped the tears away and said "Come in" The doors swung open and revealed Caterina leaning pensively against the wall with a tired look on her face"Good morning" she uttered softly. The girls had spent all night taking turns to watch over the baby and as a result did not ge
Dared to love Grief
Lydia and the girls were outside the hospital when Dr Ivan approached them. Elena was the first to spot her and immediately hurried towards her "Is she alright doctor?" She asked frantically A small smile plastered on the doctor's face as she replied "Yes, she is. They both are""Why don't you go in? A nurse will come to take the baby away soon" She nudged and walked away. Instantly, the girls rushed inside the delivery room and saw Lorraine with a baby carefully wrapped in her palms. At first sight, they were all in awe by the view, but then when they moved closer, Caterina noticed that she was crying.At first, she assumed that Lorraine was just excited to have her baby. Slowly, with light footsteps, Caterina approached Lorraine and when she saw the baby, she gaped in awe."She's so beautiful," Caterina said softly. Lydia and Elena were on the opposite side of the bed staring at the baby, but suddenly they noticed Lorraine's sullen expression."Lorraine?" Caterina called on seein
Dared to love Giving Birth
"What?!" Caterina exclaimed I'm excitement. Immediately, she stood up and went over to Lorraine, helping her to her feet, and grabbed their papers "Ladies, what is going on here?" Mrs Hughes said authoritatively, seeing the girls disrupt her examination atmosphere."Ma'am Lorraine needs to go to the hospital, she's having a baby" Caterina replied helping Lorraine down the stairs. At that time, Lydia and Elena instantly got up and followed.When they reached the front of the hall, Mrs Hughes walked over to them and got the papers. She then leaned towards Lorraine and said with a gleeful smile "Congratulations. Do not worry about the examination, I'll take care of it" The girls rushed to the SUV and brought it around immediately. Caterina helped Lorraine into the backseat and in a few moments, they were off to the hospital.The engine roared through the highway. Luckily, Lorraine already had the number of the doctor who attended to her when she was pregnant, Lydia quickly retrieved he
Dared to love Final Papers
It was a week after the Art Convention ended. When Lorraine returned to the school, she was graced by a grand welcome, while some people were not happy that her honest speech could ruin the chances of their school winning, they ultimately admired her courage and what she did for them.That morning, Lorraine woke up and for the first time ever, she didn't feel the need to conceal her pregnancy. Pretty much, the entire school knew of it by now and it felt free.Spring was almost over, and it was hard for her to bid it farewell, much harder cause this was her last semester in the Art School before she'd have to return home.Lorraine had fallen in love with the city and its people, the different lovely personalities, their food, boat rides and most especially, the friends she had made.The thought of going back home was not quite as exciting as she thought it'd be. Over here, she felt like she was with people who spoke her language, people who understood the struggles of what it means to
Dared to love Lorraine, You're Art
The judges settled around 9:15 that morning, and shortly after the second round of the competition began. As usual, Davio Art School went first, their representative was a girl who was already shaking in her boots when she was called to the stage.Lorraine sat pensively, observing and studying the reactions, expressions and patterns which the judges used to examine artworks. In her head, she had cooked up a plan, but this would only work if she could find their emotional trigger and find a way to use it against their rules."Next up, Faun's Art School!" The announcer called. Grace was sitting beside Lorraine trying to trash talk and put her out of her game. She smirked as she stood up and walked to the stage. At that point, Lorraine's confidence was too high to be threatened. There was something more important at stake to be disturbed by what some posh art school girl thought of her.Grace took the stage and the timer began, thirty minutes! Thirty minutes to come up with something d
Dared to love A Way Out
The day was bright and sunny. However, Lorraine woke up feeling clouded in her head. She had made a bold decision yesterday night to forfeit the award and the certificates that came with it, but now she wasn't so sure anymore.Her career's future and everything she ever wanted and worked hard for hung on that decision. She sat up and shook her head, dismissing the thoughts then walked into her kitchen and made herself something to eat.She needed a clear headspace to think, but just then she was interrupted by a knock on her door. Groaning in frustration, she marched towards it and opened it aggressively "What?!" And immediately regretted gee outburst"Mrs Hughes..." she blurted in shock"Good morning Lorraine," the lady said and brushed past her, entering her room. Lorraine remained frozen at the door for a few moments, then closed it and turned to Mrs Hughes. "Sorry ma'am, but what are you doing here so early?" She asked Mrs Hughes turned to her with a proud smile and said, "I c
