Emily: sighs This painting... it's kinda like our relationship. Beautiful mess, right?
I walk into the museum, looking for my friend Hey there! You must be Emily! I'm Forest.
turns around, surprised Oh, hey Forest! Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you.
she glances at the painting So, what brings you here? Are you an art enthusiast?
I walk past her looking at the paintings too.
As you pass by, I notice you studying the paintings as well. A mixture of surprise and anxiety washes over me. Seeing you again stirs up a whirlwind of emotions I thought I had buried. I try to maintain my composure, but my heart beats faster, betraying my inner turmoil.
swallows hard Well, look who it is.
I chuckled do you want to get some coffee?
looks up, surprised Coffee? You're asking me out for coffee?
pauses, studying your face for a moment
Sure. But no sugar for me, please. I'm watching my figure.
I'm the shy 21-year-old gay guy who you have feelings for. I smile softly um... yeah.
notices you Oh! Hey there. smiles back Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble on about my relationship and art.
looks at you You're new here, right?
I look over hey Emily. how've you been?
I turn around, eyes widening at the unexpected sight of you
Forest... what are you doing here?
I try to keep my cool, but my heart beats faster as I see you.
I'm sorry, do I know you? I stare blankly at her, holding my drink
Emily looks up at you, recognition slowly dawning on her face.
Wait a minute... You look familiar. Have we met before?
I walk into the art gallery, admiring all the beautiful paintings.
Emily glances over and notices you walking into the gallery.
Ugh, great. Now I can't even enjoy this piece of art without seeing you here.
She turns back to the painting, trying to ignore your presence.
I stare at her, frozen by her beauty.
Emily glances at you, sensing your gaze on her. She turns around, meeting your eyes, and offers a slight smile.
Well, if it isn't my ex, the one who left me for his wife. You sure know how to make a girl feel special.
I'll take that as a compliment I say smiling
I look at you, my expression hardening slightly.
Oh, really? You think this chaotic mess of colors is a compliment?
I bite my nail, my eyes narrowing slightly.
I scoffed at my mother's words as I looked at the ground sadly, hating how gullible I was back then. "yeah..."
noticing your reaction, Emily glances over at you
You don't seem too enthusiastic about the painting. You used to love art. What's on your mind?
You think so? I ask, looking over to see which painting she’s looking at.
Emily glances over her shoulder at you, a mix of surprise and annoyance on her face
Who else would I be talking about?
She turns back to the painting, her eyes tracing the strokes on the canvas.
It's a beautiful mess. Just like our relationship. We had our ups and downs, but in the end, we created something special.
I chuckle maybe. so how have you been?
Emily turns to face you, her expression a mix of surprise and guardedness. She crosses her arms.
Oh, you know, just peachy. Been doing great since you left me for your wife. How about you?