The First Fall

Chapter Two

     In an instant, Valerie rushes to the desk looking for her work journal at ipinasok niya iyon sa bag niya. "I will be coming with you! I mean, pwede ba akong sumama?"

     "Um...sure?" Tiningnan ko yung suot niya.

     I was planning to ride my bike again para mas mabilis makapunta roon, but her outfit is not fit for a motorbike ride in the city. She is wearing a short denim skirt and a pastel baby blue sweater. Tapos naka sandals pa siya. I will just have to use the Jimny then.

     She is smiling like a little kid nung tumayo ako at hinanap yung susi ng sasakyan.

     Wyn's Gallery is located at Legazpi Village in Makati. The building is surrounded by cafés and restaurants, fit for every working people in the area looking for a quick brunch or afternoon breaks. Yung façade ng gallery ay simpleng black lamang na may logo ng W Gallery sa gilid. When we parked beside the street, Valerie immediately jumps outside and heads to the door to probably ask for Wyn. Nung sinundan ko siya sa loob, I was instantly blasted by their AC and Wyn's receptionist greets us.

     "Hi Ms. Ilya. How was the party for you last night?" Nginitian niya ako.

     "It was good. Is Wyn around?"

     "Yes. I have already told him of your visit. Kaso may ka-meeting pa siya sa taas ngayon. If you don't mind waiting for a few minutes? Or kung gusto niyo maghintay nalang muna sa gallery. I will find you once he's done."

     Tumango kami ni Valerie at pumasok nalang sa looban pa kung nasaan naka-display ang iilang artworks na naka-prisenta kagabi. Some are gone in the wall and their cases. Mine included.

     I fear the worst. Mukhang nakapagbayad na nga yung buyer, dahil wala na yung painting ko sa dingding.

     Tinabihan ako ni Valerie. "Sa tingin mo makakausap natin ng maayos si Wyn? I hope you could get your painting back."

     "I hope so too."

     That painting was my revelation. Yun yung unang painting ko noong naglakas ako ng loob ilabas ang aking nararamdaman since the incident happened. While some artist gets inspirations from others, I on the other hands dwells on mine. All my works are from my experiences. Madaling linlangin ang mga taong nakakakita ng gawa ko dahil hindi naman nila aakalain na ang isang Ilya Gusarev ay may malungkot na buhay.

     I was the epitome of normalcy and grace on the outside. Little do they know that I am a time-ticking atomic bomb.

     Just waiting for a random time to strike and blast on those deserving motherfuckers.

     "What is about this one?"

     Nagulat ako nang may nagsalita ng mahina sa kaliwa ko. I searched for Valerie—who was now gone on my side and is seen on the other end of the gallery. Bumalik yung mga mata ko roon sa nagsalita.

     He is not speaking directly at me. He is just looking at the bare wall where 'Her Despair' was once displayed. Napabalik yung mga mata ko sa dingding. Suddenly feeling like a joke staring at nothing compared to the countless artworks surrounding me.

     "Um..." Hindi ko agad nasundan yung sasabihin ko sana, dahil napabuntong-hininga ako sa lalaking nasa tabi ko ngayon. He's side profile palang is gorgeous. 

     He stood beside me with his jaw clenched, and his dark eyes fixed on the wall in front of him. His gaze was unwavering and intense, as if he was trying to bore a hole through it with his stare. He was determined and focused nang para bang nakikita rin niya yung nakikita ko at iniisip kung ano bang meron doon sa nasa harapan niya. As he waits for my answer, he finally faces me.