21st Dawn - Confession at the Art Gallery

In compliance with Lewis's wish, I tread the path to the town square early in the morning.

He gave me the address of the building where the art exhibition is being held. It turns out to be more sumptous and grandiose than what I expected. The establishment is located at the center of the town, has a palatial wall exterior, sports exquisite decorations, and appears to be overwhelming to sum it up.

Now, as soon as Lewis brings up his promise to tell everything about himself, I already prepared the first question I'll throw at him. That is, if he's really just a mere peddler. It just turns out that I can't seem to convince myself to see him as that, especially after learning that he's a participant in such an imposing event. Not just anyone who draws can join here, after all.

"But before that, I should find him first..."

With that in mind, I enter the building and get greeted by a crowded lobby. A swarm of people is flocking outside a giant wooden door, which I assume leads to the gallery. This art exhibition seems to garner audience from all social classes - commoners and rich ones alike. That's why I'm quite relieved that I don't feel out of place.

"Lily!"

Recognizing the voice, I swerve around to find Lewis in a heavy disguise. He has a top hat along with his silver-framed eyeglasses on and is wearing a beige coat. I can see he's dressed in a formal suit underneath his thick garment.

"Lewis, you're here... What's with the get-up?" I started, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

"Since I'm one of the participants, I can't get caught by people who'd recognize me."

As we continue on our conversation, we also proceeded to saunter inside the art gallery. Despite the long line outside, what's inside is very spacious that everyone has enough place to go around. There are flourescent ceiling lights illuminating the room. An opulent red carpet is spread on the shiny, marble floor, and paintings of various themes are posted on the walls. The ambience inside is also somewhat similar to a museum.

"Lewis! There you are!"

All of the sudden, someone called for my companion from behind. We swivel around to see a man of Lewis's age, I speculate, wearing an navy blue suit. He has dark chocolate brown hair and keen, hazel irises. Eyeing him closely, he also seems to be a person of nobility with how lavish he looks.

"Mr. Flynn is looking for you- Oh, you're with someone..." he trailed off upon laying eyes on me.

"Good day, Mister," I just simply greeted. At this, he just stared at me in surprise and wonder as if gazing on a sculpture and searching for any unchiseled imperfection. I only tilt my head at him in bafflement. That's until Lewis clears his throat, snapping him out of it.

"I'll go, Julius. Stop goofing around," he voiced out before turning to me.

"Wait for me, Lily. I'll be back," he added to which I only nod my head in understanding.

With that, Lewis drags Julius away while the latter just continues to peer at me intently. He doesn't seem like he's judging me, though. As they stroll away, Lewis seems to be grumbling about something before suddenly bantering with him.

"He actually has friends, after all..." I mused out loud.

While waiting for Lewis, I decided to start looking around the area. That's when I notice how most of the people are going straight to the next side of the gallery right after entering. They haven't even seen the paintings near the entrance yet, which makes my current location almost soulless. I then wonder what got everyone drawn over there.

"Lillian?"

As I was staring at an abstract painting, a feminine voice called me out of nowhere. Swerving around, I almost stumble in surprise upon seeing Felicity looking at me with an inscrutable expression. Though I can see she looks surprised as well, there's something else about the way she stares at me that I can't quite put a finger on.

"Felicity! Umm... it's been a while. How are you?" I asked, trying my best to act normal.

Even now, I still can't get their engagement out of my mind, which makes this whole situation awkward. What's more, I haven't seen her and Sol for the past few weeks. My recent endeavors with Lewis had pushed the matter on the back of my mind, and before I knew it, days of no contact piled up and passed by.

"I'm fine. What are you doing here?" she simply replied.

For some reason, Felicity is acting less cheerful than usual. Normally, she'll beam at me right after seeing me. She's also not the type to talk straight to the point.

"I was invited to look around."

After I said that, silence sprawls between us. I blink at her in bafflement while she continues to look at me enigmatically. I'm starting to sense that there's indeed something off about her.

"Don't lie, Lillian. You've been avoiding me and Sol, haven't you?"

At this, my eyes widened in flummox. Her words take time to eventually sink in my head. Then, all I can do is peer at her in puzzlement for the next minutes to come.

"What? Cat got your tongue?"

It almost feels like everything is but a dream. Felicity never speaks like this nor shows any hint of belligerence. When her face suddenly contorts into a cold and grim one, I find myself completely losing words to say.

"Did you know? We're supposed to have our date today... I invited Sol to this art exhibition, but he said he'd go and see you first since it's your day-off. In fact, he's been visiting the diner for the past few days, but everytime he did, you weren't there. He waited for your day-offs just to talk with you again, but he never saw you."

My whole body stiffens after hearing her revelation. I never imagined Sol would go all the way to do that. Madeline and Ruben didn't tell me anything about it. Then again, I did go overboard the last time I saw Sol and Felicity. That incident probably made them think I still didn't want to see them.

"Lillian, in case you forgot, I'll remind you again. Sol is already engaged with me. You don't stand a chance."

Her gaze turns steely, a frown marring her pretty face. Her message sounds more like a provocation than a reminder, which then only makes me stand still, speechless and unmoving. At this point, I can no longer make anything sensible from this situation.