Chap 25 - Meeting Mom (2)

Lucien P.O.V

I couldn't believe it! Our mom has also come to City Daire. I felt emotion well up in me. Tears were gathering in my eyes. I quickly rubbed them away and looked back at the stage.

Mom was shaking hands with the professors and the Dean. She took the mic. "Good morning everyone. It is a pleasure to be here." she said in a voice similar to mine. Everyone screeched and clapped. She smiled at the enthusiastic response and continued to speak. "As the dean said, I will be teaching you the art of sculpting and carving, so be very careful if you don't want me to chisel your face with the tools." she winked with mischief. Everyone laughed.

"I look forward to seeing what you can do. Thank you." with that she handed the mic back and joined to sit with professors. Everyone clapped and silence reigned. The dean took the mic and said "Now we come to the conclusion and the start of the interviews. So first and foremost, fashion designer amateurs please leave the hall. You will be guided to your interview room shortly.

Make up artist wannabies, please go to the Photogenic Block for your interviews. A volunteer will guide you." I saw Elianna and Jared get up and leave along with the rest. Once they all left,

the Dean continued to speak. "Now, budding photographers and graphic designers, you will have to go to Impression Block. Take your equipment and follow the volunteer outside." A huge chunk of applicants got up and left leaving behind the rest of us. "Now, my future painters. We shall begin the interviews. The first round will be a practical round followed by an interview. We will be distributing papers and pencils. The topic of the practical round is You. We want you to sketch out you in how you see yourself. Once you get the papers, you may start." That cue led to volunteers handing out papers and pencil. I noticed everyone looking at the paper blankly and in confusion. The minute I heard the topic, I knew what I am going to draw.

I picked up my pencil and began to sketch. I drew my outlines lightly and then began to trace out my features. I drew myself on my knees with my hands bound in front of me with a long chain and the keys far away. I drew other elements that represented my despair and pain. I then started shading and adding texture to my drawing. I learnt this technique from the art teacher in high school. He just used the pencil to add textures to make the drawing come alive. "Alright, times up. Please hand over your drawings to the volunteer next to you. We will shortly be back in 10 mins with the list of those who will be moving on to the next round." the Dean announced. The volunteer appeared and collected the papers while another came to collect the pencils.

After that the Dean left with the papers, we relaxed. Everyone started talking and it felt a little awkward until I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked up to see who. I froze. It was mom. I got up. "Good morning Mrs. Agosti-Fabbri. It is a pleasure to meet you." I spoke and put my hand outt. She smiled and shook my hand. "It is nice meeting you as well. All the best. I think youbare going to do well." she said and walked away to talk to the others.

I felt happy that I got the chance to talk to her. I couldn't help but feel bittersweet. I wanted to call her mom. I shook off the sadness when I heard another voice call out my name. I looked behind to see a man with blond hair and olive eyes come running from the back. My eyes lit up in joy.

That man is my best friend and someone I dearly missed, Oliver Thalasaa. He comes from a long line of shipping magnates and businessmen. He came and barreled into me.

"Hi, my precious sun. How are you ?" Oliver squealed. I laughed in joy. I missed him a lot. He became a famous miniature artist and world famous. We drifted apart due to Kain but I regret not telling him the truth. I squeezed him and buried my face into his neck to hide the tears.

Oliver sensed something was off. "Lucien, are you okay ?" he asked. I nodded and told him. "Missed you so much." Oliver stiffened and relaxed. "I missed you too." he replied. We hugged for sometime and then sat down to talk.

We were chatting when the Dean and 2 professors walked. It was an older man and Mom. The dean walked up to the mic and began to speak. "Thank you for patience and time. We have taken a look at your art and we have come to a decision. Let me tell you that it was very hard. There were some phenomenal submissions and we are quite excited. Now at this moment we have a shortlist of 20 names." Murmurs grew in the room. That raised my eyebrows. 20 names is rare. This means that there are some very good artists.

" We shall begin with the names....." They started calling out names. "Aaron Evanston, Arizona Lee, Samantha Rueben, Oliver Thalasaa, Diana Sang, Lucien Fabbri, Ryan Li, Linc Stewart, David Jackson, Yannis Swedes, Selena Fay, Sam Green, Graham Dane, Arya Evans, Simon Gene, Bea Diaz, Gracie May Waters, Tia Xander, Sasha Romano and Henry Jones. These are the chosen interviewees. Those who names weren't called out, thank you and good luck next time. The chosen ones please follow us. We will be taking your interviews shortly in the Muse Block." With that they got up to leave and the rest followed. Oliver and I were constantly holding each other's hands in excitement, relief and nervousnessfor the interviews. We promised ourselves that we will make our families proud.

I wonder if Elijah is having a good day. I couldn't wait to restore our name to glory and find happiness in this lifetime.What I was unaware of is that the seeds of doubt have been planted and the search truth will shortly begin.