I only called your mother my mother because she's like a mother to me. As an artist, she taught me most of things and people I know today. Likewise this art gallery was created through her help. She continues to speak confidently with a sharp voice.
I'm sorry if my relationship with her might have sparked another meaning to you. April said as she raised her head now looking at him eye to eye. She wasn't scared at all.
Few seconds after April finished talking, Leo seem to be in another realm as his eyes were roaming around April's face.
Suddenly, he inched closer to April's face; he sniffed and smiled gently.
Miss April, you smell like chocolate candy. He said as his face was now closer to April's, more like he attempted to kiss her.
Mr Leo what do you think you're doing? As she is close to slapping him in the face, Leo grabbed her hands and turned her around that her back was now facing his chest.
He bent lower to her shoulder while still holding her hands up tight;
Miss April, it seems like I'm very much interested in you. Leo smiled.
April tried other means to free herself as she attempts to step on his feet with her heels, he moved his leg backward and began to laugh at her cute reaction.
April still struggling to set herself free from Leo;
Miss April, I'm sorry for being rude. Leo apologized still holding her hands up, I would like to invite you to HJ fashion collection's spring fashion show in two weeks, his face was now beside hers.
Leo whispered into April's ear as she was tickled by his action; "please come, I'll be waiting".
He released her hands, immediately April slapped him in the cheek; How dare you treat me this way?
She started breathing heavily, That's a very shameless attitude.
Leo smiled, I'm so sorry miss April it's just that your aggressiveness right now is very attractive to me.
What?
Well, I'm sorry, you're not attractive to me. In a sharp voice April replied.
You shameless-
I think it's too early for you to decide that, miss April. He cut her words short.
I just can't keep my eyes off you. He continued to stare at her.
Mr Leo, enjoy the rest of your evening.
She ignored what Leo said and walked in a fast pace.
She excused herself, immediately she left Leo gently smiled as he put his hands in his pockets.
He continued to stare till she was out of his sight.
As April made her way down the stairs, Stacy met her on the way as she had been looking for her.
April, where have you been?
I looked for you everywhere, I thought someone kidnapped the CEO. Stacy said.
Ouch! Stacy cried as April hit her shoulder.
Cut the crap, I've been with my sensei.
Why are you looking for me by the way?
Ohh I almost forgot, I wanted us to chill among the gentlemen over there, Stacy pointed.
No, I'm not going. April refused as she immediately disliked the idea.
If you keep doing this how are you going to get married? Stacy asked with a worried look.
Look here buddy, marriage is not on my list for now. I don't like the idea either. April said with a confident expression.
While they were chatting and arguing, Grace came looking for April.
Miss April? Miss April?
Thank Goodness, Grace gasped for air.
Miss April, where have you been? I looked everywhere for you.
What's wrong?
Calm down Grace, relax.
What happened?
The media team and the guests are ready for your speech.
Is it time for that already?
Yes, miss April?
It's in 3minutes.
Okay I'll be right there soon.
Alright miss April.
The media team were already stationed by the end of the stairs, as the cameras are already on standby. Invited guests and artists are also facing direction of the stairs as they've been informed that the CEO will be giving a little speech.
Immediately April came in sight as she start to descend from the stairs, the cameras began to roll slowly, reason because heavy camera flashes isn't allowed in an art gallery as it could damage some artworks that were sensitive to light.
April smiled as she and Stacy were now three steps closer to the end of the stairs.
Stacy stepped aside for April to give her speech.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
My name is Kingsley April, CEO of CH art gallery.
She bowed slightly as a form of greeting. She continued to speak;
This art gallery started as a little girl's dream and motivation towards achieving her future goals. I was given the opportunity, knowledge and support that I needed to achieve this dream through the people that surrounded me; my family, and also my mentor Mrs William Jessica, who also supported me through my journey of becoming an artist with her teachings and enlightenment. She also provided me with an investment offer to open this gallery.
Jessica smiled and nodded when April mentioned her name. The other guests wowed and clapped as well.
My vision and mission for this gallery is to make sure it sheds light to those who are lost in the world of art.
To inspire children, teenagers, young adults, adults, students and co-artists.
I would like to appreciate everyone here once again.
Thank you for showing me your love by honoring my invitation to open this art gallery with me. Thank you.
She bowed slightly.
Immediately she said "thank you" all the guests began to clap.
Her classmates that came began to call her name to hail her, April smiled when she heard them.
Grace came to inform her that it was now time to take pictures, she has also informed the media.
She started taking pictures with her family and other relatives from her maternal home.
When it was time to take pictures with Jessica, April wanted only Jessica to take pictures with her but Jessica invited her son Leo to stay with them.
He stood beside April and posed like a model with one hand in his pocket.
April didn't mind him as she hugged Jessica till the session ended.
Some elderly artists that came also took pictures with her as they were happy to have a rookie artist among them.
She called the attention of her friends and classmates to take pictures with them as well.