Blank canvases and empty ideas was something that didn't often happen to me. Inspiration was something that was instant or noted down immediately. But scouring through my notebook and going through every idea, moment or thought wasn't going to help me either. I dropped my paintbrush on the ground and sighed heavily.
How was I supposed to focus when nothing was coming to me?
Walking out of the back room studio and into the gallery, I looked at all the paintings and sculptures that I had collected from auctions and up-and-coming artists. It seemed like inspiration had hit them where the sun didn't shine. Each piece was unique, beautiful in their own way and created with passion.
Throughout the last 2 years I was able to produce everything and anything I had wanted. How come I couldn't think of anything now? Why wasn't anything coming to me when I needed it the most?
Deciding it was pointless for me to sit around in the same space, I took my phone out of my pocket and called the one person I could rely on.
"Hey Beth, It's me. Remember that party you mentioned?"
"Alena! That guy was going to take me home!"
"No he wasn't," I said, dragging my best friend along to my parked car. The sound of the heavy bass and the loud music drowned behind us. The New York nightlife was definitely something. "I don't trust douchebags like that. And you have a boyfriend, remember?"
"Oh Jacob!" She gasped and smiled. "I can't wait to see him when I get home."
I couldn't help but smile at Beth and how infatuated she was about her boyfriend whilst she was drunk. Opening the passenger side door for her, she climbed in before exclaiming really loudly.
"I! Beth Amelia Johnson! Will find my best friend..." She suddenly went quiet and whispered in my ear. "That's you by the way."
I nodded at her whilst putting on her seatbelt. Although she was perfectly competent when she was sober, her hand eye co-ordination went down the drain if she had a drink... or twelve.
"I will find you a guy that treats you well and is really good looking and isn't a complete douche." I rolled my eyes at her statement.
"Okay," I replied. "I'm going to drive you home now Beth."
All she could do was smile in response as I closed the passenger side door. Climbing into the driver's side I put on my seatbelt and stuck the key into the ignition to start the journey. Even if I thought the party would have helped, I was wrong. I felt useless and uninspired more than ever. I know what you are thinking. Why a bar for inspiration? I had no idea myself. Realising that we had arrived sooner than expected, I pulled that car into the drive of Beth and Jacob's house. Switching off the engine, I got out my phone and rang Beth's boyfriend.
"Hey Jacob, I've got Beth in my car. She's had a few too many. I'm in the drive."
I could hear him chuckle on the phone.
"I'm coming, hang on." He said.
As I waited in the car for him to appear, I remembered when Beth and I had moved from London to the Hampton's. Beth was hoping to go and meet "the one." For me... it was a completely different reason. I needed a fresh start. I changed my appearance and my name. The long black curly hair I had long ago was now a shoulder length cut. The black tresses were now brown with a violet ombre towards the ends. Yeah, I had changed on the outside.
As for Beth, she kept her appearance the same. Her golden blonde hair was paired perfectly with her light blue eyes. She wasn't the basic blonde bimbo that people often mistook her for. She was smart and got the grades she had worked hard for. She was hilarious and an amazing singer. That's how Jacob and Beth became closer.
Considering the fact that Jacob had an established Jazz bar in the city, he was out busking near JFK. He was playing and singing Beth's favourite song. As we walked past him to hail a taxi, he turned to me and asked if I was single. I was in no mood to be hit on and lucky for me, I had slipped my ring onto my ring finger and made out I was engaged. As soon as his eyes fell on her, it was as if it was love at first sight.
The both of them agreed it took at least 100 looks and a couple of mistaken one-night stands for them to realise they had fallen for each other.
I, however, hadn't met the right guy. I wasn't actively looking and It seemed like The Hampton's didn't have the right guy for me every time someone wanted to impress me. For some odd reason, the guys I had met never sparked my interests. I didn't expect them to... considering what had happened in London.
Tapping on the passenger window, I turned to see Jacob pulling a face. I couldn't help but roll my eyes as a smile played on my lips. He moved out of the way as I opened the door to get out.
"Thank you for dropping off my drunk girlfriend." He said, making his way to Beth's side.
As he took her out of the car and lifted her bridal style, we both walked to the house the pair of them had bought together only one month ago.
"Where did you guys go?"
"There was a party downtown." I responded, watching him lay her gently on the couch in the living room. Although it was summer, the low fire illuminated the room and gave the it just the right amount of warmth. "Beth and I decide to go; you know, to clear our heads because of our stressful lives."
"How's that painting going?" Jacob asked.
I couldn't help but let out a scoff. "Non-existent. Like my love life."
"That bad, huh?" Jacob smirked.
"I just want to create something that catches everyone's eyes and will stay with me forever. You know?"
Jacob shrugged his shoulders as he dug his hands into his pockets.
"How about you draw me?" He said with a grin on his face. I gave him my most serious look as he realised that it wouldn't be the best idea for me to draw or create a masterpiece based on my best friend's boyfriend.
Jacob chuckled. "Okay, since I'm no help, I think it's best you leave mine and my fiancée's house."
I agreed as I made my way out the house before stopping myself.
"Fiancée?" I asked. I turned around with gasp realising what Jacob had just said.
"What? When? How?" I half shouted and half whispered.
"I'm actually planning on asking her tomorrow," he blushed. I started squealing and jumping up and down in excitement.
Jacob put a finger to his lips, telling me to shush. However, he couldn't help but smile. That smile radiated happiness and hope, something I hadn't seen until now. We both hugged each other in delight.
"Good luck" I said, letting go from our hug.
Walking me to the car, we both said goodbye. I hopped in and put on my seat belt and started my journey back home.
Turning into the parking spot behind the gallery, I could see a small crowd of people walking past. This wasn't usual for the Hamptons. I knew there were a few wealthy families around, but I didn't expect groups of photographers to be around the area. Getting out the car, I could hear them mutter before splitting and going their own individual ways. My mind wondered to what big scandal or celebrity they were catching this time.
Looking up at the night sky I could feel a chill biting at my skin. I nagged myself for not taking a jacket and climbed up the apartment stairs. Not even taking two steps, I turned to find the back-corridor light to the gallery was still on.
I swear I turned the lights off...
Deciding to be stealthy, I slipped off my heels and walked barefoot towards the door. I grabbed the short metal pole that was left from construction. The cold metal steps kissed the souls of my feet before the damp concrete floor. My hand wrapped round the doorknob as I quietly opened the door. Luckily, it didn't creak as I made my way in. Peering into the dark, enclosed studio I saw nothing there. I walked towards the gallery, looking at my pieces to see if anything had been taken. My heart thumped hard against my chest.
Nothing had been taken.
Deciding I had made a stupid mistake, I turned back to the exit.
Reaching for the handle, I looked in the reflection of the glass pane. A silhouette figure emerged from the studio and stood behind me. My eyes widened and my body froze as I suddenly felt a hand over my mouth.
"Please don't scream." He spoke in a hushed tone. His voice somehow brought comfort, but the rest of me was still unsure. "I just need help."
Hey Everyone!
How's it going?
So here we have the newly rewritten first chapter of TBWSMH!
What did you guys think?