1. The Art Gallery

The sky-blue canvas blotted out the rest of the art like an ocean tide. People floated around it, their eyes drawn irresistibly to its depths. It was so captivating that they forgot about the other artworks in the room. The six-foot tall painting was a beautiful mess of colors, and they couldn't help but get lost in it.

As she listened, she couldn't help but wonder what the crowd thought of it.

“It's strange!” “I could do so much better, ugh.” “Instagrammable, oh my. Babe, let's snap a selfie with that!”

She sighed, regretting not covering her ears. As terrifying as that was, she had a long way to go before receiving professional criticisms from actual art critics. 

She supposed she would have to get by with the guests for the time being. She listened attentively. Some described the painting as abstract and modern. Others expressed their displeasure at their inability to grasp what it was trying to convey. For herself, she saw it as a chance to establish a name and gain popularity. If they knew the artist was right there next to them, would they speak differently?

"Good, good, good! If it is not the Selena Chase!" She whirled around, her anxiety quickly dissipating as she threw her arms around the tall man and exclaimed, "Jason! You came!"

"God, look at you," he said as he kissed her tenderly and caressed her face. "You are stunning! I wouldn't miss your debut exhibition for anything in the world."

As soon as he stated that aloud, she silenced him since she could feel everyone's shocked or terrified eyes turning towards her. She tried to hide as she took hold of his hand and drew him out of that narrow world. Once they were far enough away from the crowd, she pouted, "You just had to reveal my identity, huh?"

“Hey, they should know who you are”, he said with an uneasy laugh.

He proudly hugged her waist while admiring all of her chef d'oeuvres that were artfully arranged on the wall. He said, "I must have a tour from the artist herself. How is it going?”

She bit her lip, patting down his tie and said, "So far, so good. You know, I wouldn't have been able to do any of that without you.”

“This is all your doing, love," he said, lacing his arm with hers as she led the way. "All I did was give you a small boost."  She thought that each day she was falling more deeply in love with him. He was so dashing in that tailored suit. "Taking a deep breath", she exhaled slowly, "$250,000 is not a small amount!"

She still felt guilty for accepting his financial assistance. She had claimed that she didn't need such a large amount and that she would work harder on her internet page, but he had dismissed her and assured her that going big was the only way to get noticed.

And now, it felt like a dream come true; she had drawn a sizable crowd and sold more paintings than she had anticipated. If only he was aware of how much she appreciated him for all he did for her. She vowed to herself that she would pay him back as soon as she was able to.

As they moved across the marbled floor, her eyes were only for him, listening to him talk fervently about her paintings as he took the time to admire each one. If only... if only he took that small step, then everything would be so perfect.

In their three years of dating, he has never once brought up the possibility of marriage. She didn't believe she could endure another moment of waiting. He abruptly stopped speaking as she reflexively tightened her hold on his arm. He looked away from the cherry blossom trees on a canvas to check on her. "You're zoning out once more."

“I love you.”

He was surprised by her words. She seems to mean it more than ever now. “Look at you getting so emotional”, he softly laughed. “I love you much more, Selena... more than you could imagine. I'd go to any lengths for you.”  He has always supported her choices and stuck with her the entire time. What else was there to ask? She sighed. Only her heart was aware of that.

As she drew herself into his arms, the crowd seemed to vanish. "Meeting you once a week for just a few hours is not enough. I want us to be together, you and I.”

“We are together, baby," he said, lowering his forehead to rest against hers after what felt like an eternity. “It's just my job. I could really... really use that promotion.”

“I've waited so long”, she muttered as she placed her hand on his broad chest and noticed a faint blue pen mark near his shoulder.

He bent down to kiss her while lifting her chin. She shuddered. He always did that; coaxing her with one of those endearing kisses. His eyes were ablaze with desire as he withdrew. “Let's go to your flat”, he groaned, letting go of her. “I want to stay with you tonight.”

“And tomorrow,” she said before she could even think twice, as she felt the bliss flow through her body. “and the following day!” She was concerned he would deny her. She worried that she was asking for too much, but his subsequent words gave her comfort.

“Anything for you. I'll inform my supervisor." He took her by the hand and led her outside to his car. She turned around to face the guests. Her exhibition would be accessible to the public for an entire month. Thanks to the man by her side, her career as a modern artist was kicking off. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Cass! Are you there? Jason just made a call. He asked me to tell you that his meetings were extended by a few days.”

Dr. Cassandra York rummaged through the stacks of files in her drawer for the sixth time while simultaneously checking the database on her laptop. She had been wanting to analyse the results of one of her morning patients since yesterday.

“Hey! So, did you hear me?”

“What?” Finally, she looked at her nurse, mildly bemused by the worry on her face. 

“It's the eighth day in a row, Doc, “ Jillian sighed. “I believe you should ask him what is going on.”

“I'll text him later,” she grumbled while drumming her fingers on the desk. “He probably got a ton of work. Forget about him. Where the hell is that file?”

"The Darwin one? I will search for it. Mrs. Sanchez has been waiting for you. She seemed to be somewhat anxious.”

Cassandra got to her feet, feeling stiff as she made her way to the waiting area for the medical checkup. Her body ached for a break; she had been working too many hours.

She cordially greeted the woman who was laying on her back on the exam table, clad in a blue gown with her legs wide apart by the stirrups. The woman shifted uncomfortably, trying to smile despite her embarass, ""Hi again, doctor."

After washing her hands thoroughly, nurse Emma gave her her mask and gloves. She quickly put them on and walked over to her patient, assuring her, "You'll be alright." She fetched a stool and sat in front of the anxious woman. "I'll begin the pap smeart test now. I need you to relax."

She stretched out her arm to the side towards her nurse. When nothing was handed to her, she spared her a glance, "Em? The speculum?" The latter gulped, feeling alert as she hastily rushed to the tray of tools, looking for the device and handed it to the doctor. 

Cassandra frowned slightly, taking it, examining it and handing it back to her. "I need a 2.5 size." Her nurse apologised profusely before correcting her mistake, bringing her the right tool. Even her staff seemed exhausted today. A few more sessions and she would be done for the day.

As she did the routine check-up, she thought about what her nurse assistant, Jillian told her. So eight days, mmh? Funny how she didn't even remember to check on him once in those times. She vaguely recalled seeing texts from him and dismissing him with quick 'ok's as she succumbed to exhaustion at night.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~