Chap 24 - Meeting Mom (1)

Lucien P.O.V

Estrela Art Institute.

It is one of the most prestigious art school in all of City Daire. I couldn't believe that I am applying to the school of my dreams. In my past life, I sacrificed my dream of painting and became an actor which led me to a world of pain. In school, I couldn't paint as I was constantly monitored by Kain. If he caught me paint or draw, Leon and Ilya would instantly know and that would lead me to a world of pain.

I took a deep breath to calm down the excitement I felt at fulfilling my long forgotten dream. After Elijah left, I entered the campus and headed to the place where the interviews were taking place. The campus is huge. It is spread over 2 acres with several blocks. They have 5 main blocks. Three for Fine Arts and the last two for the Fashion and Makeup design. The Art Institute not only teaches art but also the skills to market our art.

I was walking along when I heard loud voices in front of me. I looked up to see the two unexpected people I thought I would never see. Elianna Seymour and Jared Grayson. They are my classmates, the power couple back in high school and the most loved CP. I knew that became a power team to be reckoned with as a famous fashion designer and makeup artist. I noticed that they looked frantic and were searching for something.

I looked to see a sketch in front. It was a beautiful mermaid gown in teal. I instantly knew that it was Elianna's design. I picked up and walked up to them.

"Jare.....I am going to cry....that was my best work...." Elianna sobbed.

"Love, it will be fine. I am sure that it is just hidden somewhere in your bag." Jared soothed her. I was in awe of their relationship. I felt envious of their love. I stood in front of them and cleared my throat.

"Excuse me, is this paper yours ? I found it in front of me when I was walking." I said. Jared and Elianna shot their heads up and took the paper from my hands. They scanned the design and Elianna jumped up and hugged me. That was surprising. " YES! YES! This is the design. Thank you, Thank you." she squealed. Jared flashed a look of gratitude. "Thank you so much. This is important for her." he thanked.

This felt weird. I knew that I deliberately kept a low profile in high school due to Kain but I felt happy that I got the chance to talk to them. "Your most welcome. That is a beautiful dress." I complimented. Elianna smiled at the compliment. "Thank you. May I ask which department you are applying for ?" she asked. "I am applying for Painting in the Art department. " I replied.

"That is so cool. You must be so good." Elianna exclaimed while Jared nodded. I felt red and embarassed. "I am not that great just okay." I said . Jared and Elianna looked like they did not believe me and then an announcement popped up. "All applicants please assemble in the Auditorium for the orientation near Impression Block." Saved by the bell.

The three of us made our way. I found out that Jared is applying for a seat in the Make Up Department. We spoke for a bit on make up as I was interested. Elianna looked pleased at our interaction and walked ahead of us. We reached the Impression Block. It is a tall white building with 5 floors. Right next to it was the auditorium. It was huge mahogany building.

We entered in and saw the boards showing us the directions. We followed the signs and saw 5 doors each with a sign stating which Department to enter along with volunteers. "I guess we part ways." Elianna pouted while Jared sulked. I couldn't help but giggle at how cute they were acting. I grabbed their hands and squeezed them. "It is only for a few hours. Would you like to hang out for a bit after the tests and interview ?" I asked shyly. I felt nervous as it was the first time I was inviting friends of my age.

Elianna and Jared had a silent conversation between them. They nodded and turned to look at me. "We would love to hang out with you." they replied. I let the tension fall out and smiled. I am happy that they accepted my invitation. I decided to be mischievous and make them guess my identity. "Very well. I shall meet you at the front gate after the admissions, Class Presidents." smiling mischievously, I walked away in smug delight at their stunned and confused looks to the Painting Department. I approached the table and a volunteer looked up. "Hello, welcome to the Institute's Orientation of 20XX. May I have your name ?" they said. I noticed that Jared and Elianna were still looking in my direction curious to know my name. I am not going to let them get the easy way out.

I leaned towards the volunteer and whispered my name. The volunteer handed me the pamphlet and brochure. " You can step through and take a seat. The orientation will begin in a few minutes." I nodded and glanced to see them both pouting in disappointment. I chuckled and made my way in. It was magnificent. The beauty was enough to daze me but I shook my head quickly to get rid of the daze and made my way to the fifth row for a good seat and sat in the middle.

People started trooping in and filling up the seats. I was reading the pamphlet when "Lucien, is that you ?" a voice called out. I looked up to see a girl with short red hair and blue eyes. She looked familiar and I tried to place her where I have seen her when it came to me. "Arya Evans, what a surprise to see you." I said sarcastically. My eyes darkened in anger. I hate Arya Evans. She was someone I trusted to be my friend but in the end she betrayed me for becoming Kain's lackey and to impress her crush, May Gil Wayne, the school belle. Arya looked ashamed but "Lucien, let's leave it in the past. We were kids...." I cut her off. "Sorry Arya, I can't forget as you broke my trust. Please sit very far from me." I replied coldly. I got up and moved to the row in front, ignoring her.

Before anything else could happen, the lights dimmed and a man appeared on the podium. He has salt and pepper hair and a genteel aura. "Welcome, future artists and designers. It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the Estrela Art Institute." Applause rang out. "I am your Dean, Sam Caracas. I will be one of the many professors who will guide you on your path to success....." he spoke about the history and introduced our alumni and professors. It was very informative. I felt glad at taking Elijah's suggestion. As the orientation came to a close, the Dean spoke up again.

"Thank you for waiting. Before we start the interview process, we would like to share some very good news." he smiled. All the professors had the same look in their eyes. "This year, we are lucky to bring in an extraordinary talent. She is well known not only for her looks but also her artistic skills." that made me pause. I couldn't help but feel excited. Could it be....."She has done quite a bit of art of shows but she is also an alumni of our Institute. We are lucky that she is willing to come and teach us for the next two years. Please welcome and put your hands together for...." drum rolls began. A figure began to walk on stage. She had long silver hair, grey eyes and a lithe figure. She wore the lastest Prada jumpsuit in navy blue and long gold Chanel earrings. "The Runway Queen and your Sculpture Training Professor, Ciana Agosti-Fabbri."

A loud applause and catcalls echoed in the auditorium but I was chock full of emotion

Mom, I finally get to meet you.