Gina's heart almost fell out when she saw the art festival. She was baffled by Zeryon's performance on the stage. Madrox Boaz and the other artists put on an equally interesting show.
She felt grateful that in the year 2022, people began to enter the new normal era. The entire world was in lock-down due to the pandemic for almost three years. After all people have been vaccinated, the lethal disease had decreased. They were finally free to gather and travel.
For Gina, however, she had been in lockdown since the age of five, until she turned eighteen years old last March. Her mother had forbidden her from leaving the house all this time.
She did not really disobey her mother's words because she felt more comfortable being alone and hidden. The mother's doctrine, which she followed almost every day, caused her to see the world as the darkest place on the planet.
As her mother put it, there were only evil men pointing guns, civil wars, and greedy people who were only concerned with filling their own bellies and didn't care about others. She shook her head while thinking of it.
After she left the house, everything looked great. She began to suspect that it was all a ruse concocted by her mother to keep her from leaving the house.
Gina, on the other hand, had been wanting to leave the house ever since she saw Zeryon Drax through the YouTube channel that always appeared on her timeline. Her friends also always encouraged her to take risks and make her own decisions. She was considered to have reached adulthood already.
Here she was, the young woman who was trying to tread the outer world with all its frenzy, like a small bird attempting to fly free from the cage.
She couldn't hold back all of the desire anymore. Her curiosity about the world, her obsession with future success and her passion to see the famous illusion artist. She thought to herself that she would be insane if she couldn't find him.
That was the first urge she felt for someone. The awkward feelings were yet so tender and warm in her heart. The hormonal changes on her body dictated that she break all the rules. Seeing her friends on the internet who had romantic relationships made her feel like she was a demon from out of this world. She asked her self if she was a normal person and what was wrong with her.
She was aware that her expectations were too high. She had deep feelings for someone who was out of her reach, but the black peony on her hand gave her hope. She would take the risk to get what she wanted.
"Hey Gina, here you are. I've been looking for you and Yesiba everywhere." The clap on Gina's shoulder surprised her and woke her from her deep thoughts.
"Hey Bryn! Glad you've found me." Gina turned arround and responded him.
She had two best friends: Yesiba Hill, an African-American girl who lived right next door to her house, and her male friend named Bryn Dogene, a Californian blue-eyed guy who lived just down the street in front of her house. Her mother did not allow Gina to go outside, but her neighbors came to her house to study or play with her.
"So what do you think about this art festival event?"
"This is super sick!"
"I know right. Freaking awesome!"
"Yeah, thank you for telling me about this art festival and giving me a free ticket. I owe you."
"No problem. You can treat me next time."
"Sure. I'd like to see another performance. I really love it."
"Yeah, let's kick it next time."
"Don't forget to bring me along, guys." Yesiba interrupted by embracing Gina and Bryn's shoulders from behind.
"Of course," Bryn answered.
They had time to talk during the break before the next change of the artist's performance. Their voices were not muttled by stage's soft music.
"That is an art festival at the highest level. I'm so happy that I got to see them in person. I even danced with the artist on the stage," Yesiba said.
"You danced really well, it was such a perfection," Gina responded while hugging Yesiba's waist.
"I don't know why I get so tired after dancing. My body also feels like it's been burned. Maybe it's because we are fighting for oxygen here," Yesiba grumbled, her face paler than usual.
"Are you okay?" Gina started to get concerned about her friend.
"Yeah, don't worry. I'm in a good mood. Art keeps me alive." Yesiba smiled.
"I wish I could perform that kind of art show someday. That's why after graduation I chose the San Francisco Art Academy," Bryn stated.
"Have you registered to Academy, Bryn?" Yesiba shifted her gaze to the side.
"Yeah, and I've been accepted."
"That's great! We'll be studying on the same campus."
"Really? We didn't even plan it."
"Hell yeah, because we are BFF. Best friend forever. We will always be together." Yesiba raised her hand as a sign for a high five with Bryn, and he immediately understood and banged their hands against each other. "What about you, Giby?" Yesiba turned her gaze to Gina.
"Please don't call me by that name. My mom would be mad if she heard that." Gina sighed softly.
"I said GB, which stands for Gina Blitz."
"No. You said, Giby."
"Relax, girl. Your mom is not here. Why on earth does she have many rules for you."
"I know."
"Forget it. Let's head to SFAA. This month's class will begin."
"I thought the semester is supposed to start in the fall?" Gina wrinkled her forehead.
"No. Summer classes are now available. In San Francisco, it's already summer in June. The Academy was closed for almost three years due to the pandemic. People now want to return to school during the holiday season," Yesiba elaborated.
"Oh, I see."
"We can meet many famous artists there because the Academy invites them to practical classes." Yesiba arched her brow.
"Wow, that's really cool." Gina's face, which had previously been cheerful, became solemn. "But you know my problem." Her voice shrank.