Tranquil
We went to Architect Precht Gaebol's booth. Both of them accompanied me and we saw my old boss busy with some businessmen his age. He paused for a while when he spotted us.
I smiled. Levy and Cana went to him. I tailed them and also smiled at the businessmen who greeted me.
"Lucy, long time no see!" Architect said.
"Yes, Architect. Thanks for this opportunity..." I smiled at them.
There's no time to catch up, I think. Their conversation seems serious and business related.
"By the way, Mr. Yajima and Mr. Seam, this is Lucy Heartfilia, the one who designed some of your favorites."
I shook hands with the businessmen. It's a good way to divert attention. There's a large company who wants to build a three-tower condominium in Malyi and they want to hire me.
"I like your works. Can we discuss some of the terms right now?"
My eyes widened. I can't believe they want my designs. I took a glance at Architect and saw him grinning at me. Is this okay?
We spent the next thirty minutes negotiating with the terms and the deadlines. I still can't process the fact that I quickly got a really huge project because of this exhibit.
"We're rushing this. It's been three years since we planned this," they said, emphasising the urgency.
"I can handle it." I'm sure I would. Right now, ideas are already forming in my mind.
Minutes passed when Cana and Levy also got busy with their careers. My talk with the businessmen was put to an end with an on the spot contract signing.
"Thank you so much, Architect. I owe this to you..." I shyly said to Architect Gaebol.
"No problem, Lucy. You have the talent. How's your paintings, by the way? Did you check them?"
"Oh!" I turned to my friends but I saw them busy.
"I was just about to..." I said.
I lightheadedly walked towards the spot where my paintings are displayed. The venue is really huge. I tilted my neck. I should stop worrying. I'm already on the isle where my spot is when I saw some people looking at my works.
I stood beside the paintings and smiled at every person who passes by.
"Lucy, dear! You're back?" mommy's acquaintance greeted
"Yes, Auntie..." I kissed her cheek as greeting. Her eyes stayed on my works, "You really have such nice paintings..."
"Thank you, Auntie..." I smiled.
I saw how here eyes got glued to Tranquil, my painting of a forest green eye with Beau's handprint. Though his handprint isn't that noticeable.
"Isn't your sister also here? What about your mom?" she asked.
"I'm not sure, auntie. But Ashley's here... I haven't seen her yet."
"Is that so? I'm also looking for your sister," Auntie said before turning to her right side.
I followed here gaze. There are seven businessmen headed our way. Almost all of them are in their mid thirties and in the middle stands Natsu. My knees trembled. I turned to auntie again, but this time, with eyes wide open.
"Zeref..." Auntie greeted him.
I stopped myself from turning around and walking out. I would never do that. Over my dead body, I won't let him see I'm affected.
"Miss Grammi..." Natsu's soft spoken brother greeted back.
I clenched my haw. Memories of what happened before started rushing inside my mind as if some kind of reminder. The exchange of bullets. The pain I felt in my back. The faded scar and the reminder of what happened in my mind.
Nervousness crept in my veins. Are they going to kill me here? I cleared my throat to ease the panic I'm feeling. I glanced at Natsu who's now just meters away from me and caught him staring at me.
I tried to reign control over my system. I've been rehearsing this moment for years but fuck, it's still different when he's here in flesh.
"And you're here for?" I sensed the suspicion in Aunt Grammi's voice.
"I'm here for a Dragneel Realties project and a painting for our house, Miss Grammi. Not for my own business..."
Dark innocent eyes met my rich brown ones. General Zeref Dragneel gave me a soft smile as he turned to me but I stayed statued on my place. I know Natsu's eyes are still watching me. Damnit! I won't move!
I feel like my feet got buried and are starting to sprout roots on the ground!
"This is a nice painting, Tranquil..." General Dragneel said.
I don't know what I'm supposed to feel. In front of me is the man who tried to kill my dad... And beside him is his son who... probably did also try to kill my dad but missed! Honestly, I won't be shocked anymore if I just end up dead right now in my spot. These are the people who wished our family dead...
"Thank you..." I managed to say despite the strength to do so. My eyes went to Natsu. He averted his gaze and put his hands in his pockets. He looked so intense and serious. My presence didn't affect him at all.
"I want this. You're Lucy Heartfilia?" General Dragneel asked.
A familiar feeling of panic crept into me again. Not... Not Tranquil! It's my son's first painting with me! But the the fuck did I think to include it in this exhibit again?"
"Yes..." my voice cracked.
Zeref Dragneel's eyes lingered at my form for a while, "You're the one who got shot three years ago, right?"
I couldn't speak. I felt the familiar feeling of Natsu's eyes on me. I straightened my back.
"I bet your father told you about what happened? We're sorry, dear."
I don't understand a thing about what he's saying but this is not the time to look clueless. My dad thinks it's safer for me to forget and move on. I think it's the best for me too. I was pregnant and I didn't need anymore stress.
"I'm not exactly informed of what happened but I trust the justice system of Fiore. Innocent until proven guilty," I said.
General Dragneel's eyes became softer than before before letting out an amused laugh, "Clever girl, you are. My men got involved because of treachery from the higher ranks. Senator Alabaster had that plan and we were too blind that time. I'm sorry again, dear. Mr. Heartfilia and I talked about this a few years ago before he withdrew the case against Natsu."
My face heated up. Crap! My dad filed a case against Natsu? Oh my God! Of course he did! He repeatedly said he'll file a case but I didn't know it's for Natsu!
I turned to look at Natsu who avoided my eyes again. He stared at Tranquil before turning to the businessman beside him.
"Natsu, is your decision final? One painting even if there are many good paintings in this exhibit?" General Dragneel asked.
I feel like something punched my heart and I don't know why.
Natsu nodded before deciding to leave his place.
"I'm done for today. I'm getting Ashley Luna's Satellite..."
My jaw dropped. The other businessmen followed Natsu. General Zeref Dragneel was left beside me. I can't breathe as I look at their retreating figures.
"I like your works, dear. I might drop by here later. I'll check if something will suit my house." He gently smiled at me. His eyes twinkled behind his eye glasses.
I nodded and smiled back even if my chest hurts so damned much. Can I just get all my three paintings and return them home? I don't want to be here anymore.
"Thank you..." my voice cracked.
General Dragneel left with Aunt Grammi. They started to talk about businesses while I didn't move at all.
I turned to my paintings. The corner of my eyes heated up. I want to remove all of them and pack them up right now...
"Portia..." a familiar voice snapped me up.
I turned to my sister who's wearing a nude skin tight king dress. I forced to compose myself and dried my tears before turning to her while smiling.
"How's your exhibit?" she asked with her arms crossed.
We're both fair, we got it from mommy. The difference is just my body's fuller than hers and she's skinnier. Her lips are full and pink. Her hair curled naturally on her shoulders.
"Fine. Yours?" Crap! I shouldn't have asked that!
"Very good!" She clapped her hands. She's in good mood. Of course! "Do you know? The only painting I displayed in this exhibit got sold! If I brought more pieces, everything will probably sell! What about you? What among these got sold?" She eyes my works.
I shook my head, "None yet..."
"Wanna see mine?" she asked with intense eager.
"Sure... Where is it?" I asked. "Let's go!"
She even held my hand. We ventured the isle where my works are and took three steps to the right before we arrived at her isle. We're just at the entrance of the isle but I quickly saw it. It's as big as my own version of Satellite.
My jaw dropped when I saw what she did. It's... amazing! It's more detailed than mine! It's more surreal and more colorful. It's like she incorporated everything I didn't think of!
"It's beautiful!" I complimented but I felt my chest hurt more.
I don't know why I'm feeling this way. I felt betrayed. It's like a part of me crumbled to dust and I couldn't do anything because there's nothing wrong with it. This is more beautiful than mine. It made mine look a work of an amateur.
"Thanks!" Ashley said.
The big moon, the three coconut trees, the setting sun, the orange sea, the dark blue night sky, and some stars... Everything's perfect!
"I didn't even copied yours, if I did then our works would look the same, right?" Ashley chuckled.
"Of course..." I said with no emotion.
Ashley pouted. I can still see the ghost smile on her lips. I don't know what to say anymore so I'm very thankful to hear Cana and Levy's call.
"There you are, Lu!" Levy said in a cheerful voice.
Ashley scoffed before turning to the celebrity who's inquiring at the side.
"I'm sorry but it's already sold. If you want, you can check my sister's works. Lucy Heartfilia's works! Lucy..."
I glanced at Ashley. Her hand is presented to me like some sort of a gesture to point me to the two celebrities who are looking at the paintings.
"They liked mine but you know it's sold. Want to help you out so..." she shrugged.
I smiled at them. "You might want to see my paintings. They're not as big as Satellite but they're still... good..." I uncomfortably said.
"Sure... Let's go?" The woman hooked her arm to her boyfriend.
I followed them. I just gestured at Ashley to tell her about my leave while Cana and Levy followed behind.
I don't feel like myself while I'm heading to my isle. I composed myself before walking faster to catch up to the two who are already there and talking.
"These are my pieces. This one is Stella. I used oil. In Tranquil, I used acrylic and pastels. Here in Moments, I airbrushed the acrylics."
They both nodded at what I said.
"I like the Stella..." the man smiled at me.
I felt relieved. I shouldn't have displayed Tranquil here. I won't repeat this again. They asked me for the inspiration behind Stella. They also asked about where I graduated and my work experiences in Stella and chatted for a bit. In the end, they bought my painting. There are many who looked at my pieces but I don't want to stay here anymore.
"I'm done for today..." I told Levy when the two celebrities left.
"What? You are?"
We walked to the exit of my isle. I don't want to elaborate more about my decision. I don't know where to start, anyway. I stopped walking when I saw Natsu at the hall. Surrounding him was a bunch of businessmen. His brother was talking with another man. Natsu's talking to businessmen his age.
He stopped and I saw him smile after a while. I followed his eyes and it leaded to mommy and Ashley who are walking towards him.
My eyes dropped to the floor. My mom's here... I bit my lip before forcing my eyes shut. That's okay... I should focus on my priorities.
I looked at Levy and saw uneasiness in her eyes. Cana's chatting with a client already so I doubt she saw the whole thing.
"Yup. And can I take down Tranquil? I don't want to display it anymore. I'll just tell the organisers."
"I guess you may..." Levy paused, "Why?"
I clenched my jaw. I just don't want it there. It's a mistake to include it here.
"Let's talk to the organizers then... But you can always tell the clients it's already sold. So it won't get sold..."
"I want it down," I said with conviction.
Levy pouted before nodding, "Let's ask the organizers to take it down then..."
I nodded. Levy tugged me to the booths to talk to the organisers. I didn't turn to look at Natsu, or Ashley, or even mommy anymore. That's okay... It doesn't matter, anyway.