THE ART OF REDEMPTION

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

It was Monday morning. The sun was up. Clara could feel the light piercing through her eyes from the window. She shrugged, not wanting to stand up. She pulled the sheets over her face and tried to go back to sleep. Then she heard her name. It was loud and tough. "Clara! Clara! Are you still in bed? Get down here already!" The voice called. "Clara!!" At this point, every atom of sleep vanished from her eyes. Her eyes sprung open. She sat up immediately, murmuring under her breath. She went to the bathroom to wash her face. Looking in the mirror, one could tell that she was beautifully made. She was a brunette with eyes that had a bit of green and a bit of grey. People admired her everywhere she went because of her gorgeous eyes. She was twenty-five and a struggling artist, still living with her mum in their studio apartment in Lirena. "Clara, wouldn't you go to work today?", the voice called again. Clara rushed out of the bathroom, rolling her hair in a rough bun. She was supposed to submit her collage today to another art house for employment and she hadn't even taken a bath. "Shit! Shit! Shit!" she said running to the dinning area. "Mum, what's for breakfast?" She looked up at the wall clock. It was past 9am. She knew she would be late for the interview. "I really need this job," she said to herself. "If you did, you should have been up before 6 this morning", her mum said. Her mum, Laura was in her fifties. She lived alone with her three children: Clara, Mauris and Jason. Their dad had abandoned them after an issue he had with loan sharks. They hadn't seen him in 15 years. "You knew I had something important planned today and you didn't wake me up, mum. That's not fair", Clara said munching on a piece of bread. "You're 25 for God's sake. I shouldn't be waking you up like your little brothers." Laura replied. "Hey mum, I'm not little. I'm twenty-three for crying out loud", Mauris clapped back. Laura and Clara exchanged glances and let out a mild laugh. "Oh! Is that so?" Clara asked jokingly and went back to take a bath. "Of course", he replied. Mauris was Clara's younger brother. He chose not to go to college since he knew his mum was still struggling and his sister didn't have a steady job. He often stayed home to play games on his computer and earned money from betting online, which recently, wasn't bringing him anything. Soon, Clara came out rushing to put on her shoes that she almost tripped and fell. "I'll be off now, mum. Wish me luck" She said closing the door. "Be careful!" her mum yelled. Clara clutched the collage in the envelope and rushed to catch a bus. But she was already late and missed it. It was already 11am. She was meant to be at Camille's Art House by 10 but she was still on the road looking for a taxi. As she rushed to cross to the other side of the road, she tripped and fell, almost getting hit by a car. She stood up. Seeing she had grazed her knee, she started yelling at the driver of the car. It was an SUV, the BMW XM, the latest model with tinted windows. "Hey! Are you blind? Do you want to kill me?" Clara yelled at the top of her lungs. "What an asshole!" she cursed and dusted herself. The collage had been damaged from the fall. "Could today get any worse?" she asked herself rhetorically and sighed. The man in the SUV parked and approached her. She was trying to call Camille's to let them know she was in an 'accident'. "Hi", a voice said. From the look of things, it sounded like the voice was talking to her. "Are you ok? You're bleeding", the man said. She looked up at the man and hissed. "Thanks to you, big guy", she replied sarcastically. "Woah! Woah! Woah! I didn't hit you, you know." "You almost did", she replied and stood up. "Hey, where are you going?" He held her hand. "And who do you think you are?" she said forcibly removing her hand from his grip. "Pray we never cross paths again asshole. You just made me lose everything", she said pointing at him and walked away. He stood there staring at her. "What kind of a person did I just meet today?" Then he checked his watch. "Ah! I have to leave now." Looking back again, he didn't see her shadow. He hissed, "What a headache!" Then he went into his car and sped off. **************************"You're welcome, sir", Valery said bowing. "The board of directors are already in the hall". She took his coat and led him into the hall. After he had taken his seat, he asked, "I hope there's good news for me?" "Sir," one of the directors spoke up, "We have gone through the documents and the only way La Royale is going to grow more stocks is by acquiring another site for audition of art collections. We all know that we are the top marketing agency for our artists and we ought to make more money this season", he added. Now, La Royale has been the talk of town among artists around the world. They produce high rated art critics and only audition authentic artworks. This is a major factor for the company's growth for the past five years. The CEO and founder of La Royale, the man seated at the head of the table is a very money-minded person....a lover of profit making. He singlehandedly began La Royale at thirty and has grown it to the top through the help of his able secretary and chief adviser, Valery. "So, what you are saying is that we should purchase a non-functional art gallery and make it our new auction house, tell our investors and begin immediately, am I right?" said Alex. Alexander Hamilton, the CEO of La Royale was a huge, very muscular man in his mid-thirties. He had a bold look on his face all the time and barely laughs. He's a man of little words and strategic thinking. He had a very nice beard with perfect eyebrows to match his asymmetrical face. Yes! He was a fine man, 6'2 and obviously, every girl's dream. "Yes, sir. We already have an art gallery in mind, mid town, close to the intersection. We are getting everything ready with the legal documents to be able to buy the place as soon as we can", another director replied bowing. "Since that is all for today, I'd advice you begin immediately. Where is the lawyer? What's his name?" "I'm here, sir. Felix is my name, sir", a short man with glasses replied. "You know what to do, Mr. Felix", said Alexander and he left the hall followed by Valery who was walking closely behind him. "Sir Alex, I think we're making progress", said Valery and she hurried to catch up with his pace. Alex nodded and stopped suddenly. "You do know that you have to get everything sorted out smoothly, right? You know I'm not someone that takes things slowly. We are to beat Ray at his own game and continue to remain at the top. Do you understand?" Alex replied. Valery took a deep breath and swallowed hard. "Yes, yes sir. I understand".

FRIENDS ARE FAMILY

."Pick up the phone, Emma", Clara said redialing the phone. She was on her way to her little office down the road since she was already late for the interview at Camille's . "Hello?" said the voice on the other end. "Emma, hey. Can you come by my studio? I really fucked things up today ", Clara said frustrated. "Are you okay? I'll be there in twenty minutes. Take a deep breath, ok?" "Sure, sure. Hurry!" Clara replied and ended the call. " I'm starving. Let me order some food", she said and made another phone call. She arrived at her studio and sat down, throwing the keys on the table. "Shit! If only I had woken up on time", she said covering her face with her hands. "Fuck this! I would have still made it to Camille's had that big jerk face not tried to run me over," she said hitting the table. "I can't even call Camille to ask her for another chance. If I had submitted my collage, I'm pretty sure I would have become one of them. At least, a few weeks is enough to get some money to renew the lease on this goddamned studio. What will I do now?" she complained within herself. She stood up to get a drink from the freezer. "Hey there, sis" said a familiar voice. Emma had just come in. "Oh , you're finally here" Clara said giving Emma a soda. "Thanks. So what happened? You sounded so tired" "I am so exhausted. Can you believe I missed out on my collage submission to Camille's? That would have brought some income to renew my lease. I don't even know what to do right now", Clara said falling back on her seat. "I know you overslept, aunty Clara," Emma said laughing. "No, please don't laugh, Emma. What would I be doing now to get money to renew the lease?" Clara asked keenly. "Okay, okay. I'll stop laughing," she said suppressing the giggles. It went silent for a few minutes then Emma said, "How about you continue with your photography? You could cover events, weddings, birthdays...anything you can do at all. I'd even suggest you auction your 'Empty' piece. You know how that piece brought people in here. It will help. That portrait would cost about 3,000 grand. What do you think?" "That is one of my biggest work, Emma. I can't sell it. Maybe I'll continue with photography for now. Help me ask your co-workers if they need a videographer or something. I'll do it and I'll do a good job." Clara held Emma's hands, "Please, help me". Emma looked at her friend with pity, then she looked around. There weren't any new pieces in the studio, mostly because Clara has been too lousy recently. "How about you do some new work and hold an auction?" Emma suggested again. "New work? It has to come from within. You know I don't do this for the money, I do it for the love of art. You know how it was for us at art school," Clara replied walking around. "Yes, I know. But right now, you have to usher out your feelings on a canvas and paint your heart out. I know you'll create something beautiful out of it. Put your anger to good use, Clara." The doorbell rang. "I'll go see who's at the door. I think it's my pizza. Gosh! I'm famished." Clara said heading towards the door. There was a mail for her. She took the mail with anger. "Where is my pizza already? Those garbage delivery men!" She opened the mail. It was a letter. The look on Clara's face said there was trouble. "What's that? Are you okay?" Emma asked with concern. " I'm finished, Emma!" Clara said and fell to the ground crying. "What is it?" Emma rushed and picked up the letters. It was a notice of lease termination as well as notice of intent to sell. Which means she ought to vacate the studio as it had been bought by La Royale, the intending buyer. Her lease had already expired and she was given 30 days to renew the lease or vacate. What she couldn't understand was why it had to be sold before she even had a chance to renew her lease. "What the fuck is this? A 'vacate' notice or what? Your grace time isn't over yet so what is this?" Emma asked no one in particular. "How am I supposed to get the money for this lease? La Royale has already paid for this place and it's his now. If I can pay for the lease in less than a month, I know I'll get my studio back. Right, Emma?" Clara asked confused. "No, he didn't pay for this place. This has to be somewhat against the law! We have to protest or go meet the people who issued this letter for crying out loud. We have to stop them from taking this away from you." Emma replied and bent down to console Clara. "Mum will be very disappointed in me. How am I supposed to help Mauris and Jason? No, no! This can't be happening!" Clara said and started crying hysterically. "Don't worry. We'll go see the owner of this place tomorrow, ok? There has to be some sort of misunderstanding," Emma reassured.

HOPE?

"Sir, I came to see you", said Clara as she closed the door behind her. Emma had encouraged her to meet up with the real estate manager for the studio with a lawyer, and that she'll make arrangements for it. So, Emma had met the real estate agency that helped with the lease and booked a meeting with Clara. That was two days after she had gotten the notice. "Are you the one who arranged to meet me over the phone?", the manager replied. "Yes, sir. I'm here concerning my art studio at the intersection. I got some documents two days ago.." She was searching her bag and then she brought out some files. "These are the documents I received", she said handing them to him. He collected the documents and briefly went through it. "So what should I do for you? It clearly states that your lease has expired and you're to renew it in thirty days time. So what seems to be the problem. I have many important things to attend to", he replied throwing the papers back to her and stood up. "But sir, the other document says that there's a buyer.. La Royale. Isn't this some sort of misunderstanding? I haven't vacated the place and someone has already bought it. Please sir, all I'm asking is that we hold a meeting. You, me and La Royale. We can come to an agreement. They have given me a notice of their intent to buy so can't ..." "There can't be anything done here", he cut her short and turned to her. "Look!" he said hitting the table. "That studio has been paid for in full. The only help I can render to you at this point is to ask for a meeting. Come with your lawyer. Since he's the new owner of the place, you have to come to an agreement with him. That is if he agrees. My hands are tied here", he continued, showing her his hands. "But..", Clara wanted to ask another question. "I know what you're thinking, dear. But I'm just a real estate agent. You have received the documents which means that we acted according to the Land Act Order of Lirena. The fate of your art studio is no longer in my hands but in the hands of La Royale management." "You'll receive a notice on the date of the meeting because I'll have to notify them as well." Clara didn't know what to say. She just sat there, staring at the documents that would ruin her already struggling career. Her eyes went to the name of 'La Royale' on one of the documents and she sighed heavily. "Are these people seeking me out to destroy me? Why want a small art studio by the road? They're one of the biggest and most popular art establishments in town so why take the crumbs I have when they already have a whole banquet?" She thought to herself. "Hey! Hey!" the man said snapping his fingers in her face. "Aren't you supposed to leave now? I am a very busy person", he added. "Oh! I'll take my leave now", said Clara as she picked the documents on the table and left. She soon got a phone call. It was Emma. "So how did it go?" said Emma on the other line. "Not as I thought it would. He said he can't be of help to me since I've gotten the documents. That he can only arrange a meeting with the buyers." Clara replied. "Okay then. So when's the meeting?" "He said he'll send a notice to both parties with a date and the venue for the meeting. Then, if I can come to an agreement with the buyer, I can still stay in my studio", Clara replied. "I'll send Pete over so you guys can go over the details and prepare whatever you have to say in writing . I'm sure he mentioned you needed a legal representative. Pete will be there by 4pm so don't worry, okay?" Emma added. "What would I do without you, Em?" Clara said with tears in her eyes. "It's nothing, my dear. What are friends for? I'll see you when I see you, alright?" Emma replied. "Bye, Emma", Clara replied and the call ended. She was now standing in front of the real estate agency. She shook her head, distraught. "I should pay my enemies a visit", she said loudly and left. ***************************************Valery was having a cup of coffee by Alex's table. He wasn't in the office. She turned towards his huge portrait facing the entrance and smiled. Walking slowly to the portrait, she took a sip of her coffee and said, "Haven't I been such a diligent secretary, sir Alex?" She touched the portrait and laughed a bit. " Aren't you a fine man?" she asked no one in particular. "We will grow this business together and trample on all our enemies. Hopefully, the rat in that art studio won't cause much of a fuss and just leave", she said with a smirk. "Madam!" Someone barged into the office. "Don't you know how to knock before entering, you low-life?" Valery asked in anger. "I'm .. I'm sorry ma'am", the man said bowing. "But there's someone at the reception and she's refusing to leave unless she meets with the owners of this establishment. She's cursing really loudly ma'am", the janitor added. "So, why am I paying security when some wretch could come in here and make a fuss and not get thrown out?" Valery said hitting the janitor on the head. "Get out! Let me see who is making such a noise here. Or doesn't she know that if you step on a snake, you only get bitten?", she added pushing him away from the door. She made her way to the reception and saw how much commotion was going on. "Would you be quiet?!" Valery yelled. "So, I wasn't wrong? There are actually mad dogs running this shitty place." Valery came closer to see who it was that could come in there and talk in such manner. Getting closer, it was Clara. She came straight from the real estate agency to tell La Royale that they have started a war and that they wouldn't see the end of it. "And who are you?" Valery asked with a disgusted face. She was expecting someone classy to be the one making the noise in the hall. Perhaps, the person wanted to make a deal with them for some art and it wasn't going as they would have liked. But, no! It was some cheaply dressed younger female. "Do you think that because you have a lot of money or because you are well respected, the poor would shut up and accept intimidation? Do you think you can trample on my rights just because you run this place? Huh?! I just want to make things clear..", Clara said pointing at Valery. "..I am not afraid of you." She placed her finger on Valery's forehead and pushed back, a sign that she has been warned. "Don't you dare touch me!" Valery said cleaning her face and dusting her clothes off. "You just came in here to make a noise and didn't say who you are and what you want. I will teach you a lesson that you will never forget." Valery raised her hand to slap Clara but the security got in the way and dragged Clara out as she kept on screaming, "You can't ruin me without a fight!" Valery was shocked at the boldness of this young lady. No one can stand to challenge her, ever. So, who was this middle-class brunette to talk in her face the way she did? "Who was that wretch?" Valery asked the receptionist. "Madam, we didn't get her name. We're sorry", they replied, shaking. Valery was obviously pissed. "Security! Security!", she yelled. "Yes, madam", they replied, their heads bent low. "Find out who she is, where she's coming from, everything. I will deal with her for ruining my peace", Valery said storming out. "Yes, madam!" they chorused.