Alex the agent is asking for a new release Ameilia Alex's assistant lamented. Have her call me he said with his cold unfeeling voice. Alexander Vic is one of the best artists and painters in Da re Salam. He is known both internationally and locally.
At age Thirteen he created a masterpiece called "Journey to the mild mountain" when he painted a hill in Rumphi he visited with his father. This had created a massive wave for him. Now at age thirteen -one sophisticated and eccentric he never cared about what most people say about his unyielding attitude.
He stood facing the large windows with the drawings of little angels clad on them, his lean figure gives off an easy-going vibe but his statue-like face keeps many things at bay. Ameilia and Sophia, his assistant and agent were the only people he could say he gets along with.
Without Ameilia's reminder, he knew Sophia was already impatient about his new work but he couldn't submit the one she wanted because he felt it wasn't finished. For years he has created momentum by turning his drawings into stories but mostly those stories he made from them weren't from his heart unlike the ones he has been working on, he has poured his heart and soul into this and this makes him hesitate but Sophia was a no and yes person.
Ever since she saw what he was working on she refused to accept the one he presented to her calling it a whack job from a shallow yet shrewd-minded person and true enough he had created the piece from his trip to Handeni. He is a contemporary and landscape person, humans are too complicated he thought but he had drawn women and men in clad before but didn't enjoy them much as he enjoys the solitude of nature.
He turned to Ameilia with a charming smile, telling Sophia she will have the "whack narrow-minded shrewd job" for now or nothing. Ameilia knew her boss well to know that smile she received was close to don't crossing the line. She watched his grey eyes lose their light, his hair tousled from constant touching, something is on his mind she could tell.
Alex doesn't space out and look at the tower behind his office unless he is working or deep in thought. To think she once fantasised about him. Who doesn't want Alexander Vic as their lover? She had imagined running her hand through his long hair have his clever mouth over hers but her wishes were thwarted when he subtly told her he doesn't mix work with pleasure.
Now she stands next to him as one of his most trusted allies and that feels enough. Moreso, she has her Fern now. She texted Sophia to convey his message. Alex, she called out Sophia said she will accept it with the condition that you complete the one she asked you about in two months.
Okay, he said. You look lost, she went to him carrying a glass of scotch. Nothing is wrong Amy he downed his drink in one go. I see, she tapped her hand on the little angels that were placed by the sill. You are fine enough to hold your scotch at a go, why do I need to bother with you shuffling your hair like a frustrated being or see you scowl at the innocent tower opposite you?
She walked back to the wine cellar and poured herself a flute. I should go and leave you to your brooding since you are in the mood, she placed her flute on the island and made a dash for the door.
Alex felt his lips twitch at her little display, Ameilia knew where to hit him hard, she was the only female after Sophia that put up with him, he knew of her little affection for him that's why he found a way to push Fern who has been yearning for her a long time.
I am sorry, he said dragging her hand. He knew she wasn't really angry but she was right, she had been his friend rather than an assistant for a long time to be able to confide in her. I was thinking about the project Sophia was asking me about.
This project was something I wished to create since I could hold a pen and remember vividly but it remained unfinished because I am writing from my heart and not from what I see.
Can I see it, she asked. Alex gave her the manuscript. This is brilliant, she exclaimed after she went through it and you are right it is not completed.
That's what I have been thinking, this is important to me, so no screw-up. So I am asking as a friend, not a boss what do you suggest I do?
Thrilled by the idea that he asked her, can I speak frankly? She asked. He nodded at her in gesture, This book portrays your growth. You don't like painting people except for landscapes, so this means this is slightly your most precious memory.
But, you lack emotions, you always have. To complete this project you need to breathe. Why don't you take a few strolls or better still travel to a place with much activity, she said. Your book is about a child's fantasy of seeing the world and beyond.
Emotions run deep in those paintings you made but I can't feel your soul in it, I guess that's why you didn't deem it complete.
Alex rubbed his chin, I am trying Amy. I know you are but you have to try harder, you've got no friends except Sophia and me, take a break and explore make friends apart from our circle and find love Alex you need it.
Where do you suggest I go then, he asked her. Go north she tapped his back gently. North will do you good.