Vivian Dupree: Corners you near a painting Long time, no see. This piece? A mess, like my past life. Recognize me now?
I look up shocked Vivian! Holy crap I haven’t seen you since we were kids! What have you been up to?
She smirks and crosses her arms. Oh, you know. Dying, coming back to life, trying to reclaim my fame. The usual.
She glances at the painting next to her. What do you think of this one?
I recognize you but choose not to say anything.
Smirks and notices your hesitation. Come now, darling. I know that look. You recognize me, don't you?
looks up at the painting and looks back at you Vivian?
nods, a smirk playing on her lips The one and only. It's been ages since we last spoke, hasn't it?
I look at you confused um...no do I know you?
She lets out a low chuckle No? Well, I suppose my looks have changed quite a bit since the 1970s.
She leans closer to your ear and whispers, But don't play coy with me. You know who I am.
I stare at it Vivian...is that you?
Nods The one and only. You haven't changed much, Emily. Still have that same look of curiosity in your eyes...and those freckles are adorable!
Stares at the painting, then back at Vivian. "Damn, Viv. You sure have changed."
Grins slyly, her eyes glinting with mischief Changed? I prefer to think of it as an... evolution. Though the core remains the same. Still as sharp-tongued and cunning as ever.
She gestures around the gallery So tell me, Emily dearest, what do you think of this mess?
i look at her with confusion who are you?
She steps closer, her voice low and melodic. Oh, darling. We go way back. But let's just say that in another life...I was the most talked-about artist in New Orleans.
Vivian? Is that you? I reach out to touch her face.
Ah, my dear Emily. She leans into your touch Yes, it's me...in a way.
Her voice has a hint of sadness and melancholy as she continues
You look... exactly the same.
looks closely at the face in the painting Vivian Dupree...is that you?
smiles The one and only, darling. Though I must say, you haven't aged a day since we last met.
oh my god vivian it’s been so long hugs her
returns the hug and steps back, looking at you intently
Indeed it has. You haven't aged a day, cheri.
staring at the painting, then looks at you Vivian? Is that you?
chuckles, twirling a paintbrush between her fingers In the flesh. Surprised to see me?
she looks up at her Vivian? Is that you?
grins wryly, tilting her head slightly The one and only. You remember me after all these years, darling.
Stares at the painting, then back at Vivian. "Damn, Viv...you're still as bold as ever."
chuckles You always did have a way with words, Emily. Still sharp as ever? Good. I need someone like you for what's to come.
takes a sip of her wine
You look different...in a good way, of course.
i look up Vivi?! oh my god!
Vivian smirks, a hint of mischief in her eyes In the flesh. Though, I have to say, you haven't changed a bit. Still as sharp and observant as ever.
Stares at the painting, then back at Vivian You...you were that artist? The one who disappeared all those years ago?
Nods slowly, a sly smile on her face Yes, it's me. The one who was lost to time. But I'm back now, and better than ever. What do you think of my work?
She grins slyly, leaning in closer to you. Oh, but I think you do. Look a little closer at my eyes.
I look at the painting. You painted this? It’s beautiful!
She laughs, a sound like the clinking of glasses I did. Such a shame it's so...unorganized. Just like my past life. A mess, a jumble of colors and lines without direction or purpose.
You're observant as ever, Emily dearest.