Mary began her week with a heart full of hope—as if she could hear the voice of her dream with every step she took. She was now certain: the class she had joined with both excitement and doubt was the very forest she had walked through countless times in her dreams. A mysterious yet alluring path leading to a breathtaking destination: her own art exhibition.
Working with Yong and Helen wasn't just a project—it was a golden opportunity to learn. She felt a sweet sense of pride, knowing they trusted her artistic ability.
In the middle of a dull workday at the company, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and smiled.
— Hello... Hi.
— Hi Mary, how are you? (Yong's voice)
— I'm good, thanks.
— Are you free today to stop by the studio with Helen and talk about that painting I mentioned?
— Of course! I'll come after work. What time are you thinking?
— Is six okay with you?
— Perfect. See you then.
As soon as she hung up, still smiling, a whisper startled her:
— Was that Nicholas?
She jumped in surprise. Deniz had appeared beside her like a ghost.
— Oh my god, Deniz! Were you eavesdropping on my call?
— Come on, we're friends! I just asked a simple question. It was Nicholas, right? He wants to paint with you. I knew I was doing you a favor!
— What are you even talking about? It wasn't Nicholas. It was Yong.
— What?! (Her voice rose but she quickly lowered it, glancing around) What do you mean Yong? I heard him say "talk about our painting"!
— You heard right. We're planning to create a collaborative piece—me, Yong, and Helen.
— So Nicholas is in too?
— No, he's not. Why are you so focused on Nicholas today?
— I just felt like maybe he'd want to work with you too.
— And why would he want that?
— Just a feeling… Never mind! He's useless anyway.
Mary squinted.
— Do you like Nicholas? If you didn't have a boyfriend, I'd try setting you up with him!
— Says the one whose matchmaking totally failed!
Mary chuckled, but in her mind, a big question mark lit up.
— Deniz… You're acting a little strange today. Are you hiding something from me?
— Me? No way! What would I hide? Anyway, I better get back to work...
That evening, Mary went straight to the art school. Yong was standing next to the instructor, deep in conversation. She approached.
— Hello, sir… (then to Yong) Hi.
The instructor smiled.
— Hello, Mary. We were just talking about your painting. Now that you're here, let's go to my office and discuss how to merge your styles.
— Isn't Helen coming?
The instructor looked surprised.
— Helen is part of the project too?
Mary was caught off guard, but Yong quickly stepped in.
— Yes, sir. I spoke to her yesterday. She said she couldn't come today, but she'll definitely join us tomorrow. Oh, and… Nicholas will be joining too.
Mary looked at Yong, confused. Hadn't he said Nicholas wasn't needed?
They walked toward the office together, and once seated, Mary leaned closer to Yong.
— I thought you told Nicholas you didn't need him.
Yong replied with a forced smile:
— He begged so much, I felt bad for him…
A few minutes later, Nicholas arrived. He waved from a distance and, instead of sitting beside either of them, took the seat right between Mary and Yong. Yong smirked, Mary looked uneasy, and Nicholas remained unfazed.
The instructor turned on the monitor and showed examples of different painting styles. Mary and Yong listened attentively, but Nicholas was more absorbed in his phone. Finally, the session ended. Mary and Yong thanked the instructor and walked out into the courtyard.
Yong, noticing Nicholas's indifference, spoke up:
— Nicholas? Do you have any thoughts? Or would you rather finish whatever you're doing on your phone?
Nicholas, casually:
— I completely trust your judgment. Whatever you say is fine by me.
— Good! I hope you keep trusting me like this until the end.
— Right now, you're the teacher, we're just students. Whatever you say, goes!
Mary smiled.
— So, when are we starting?
Yong:
— How about tomorrow?
Nicholas:
— I can't. I've got plans. Let's do it on the weekend.
Yong, curtly:
— So we need to check with your secretary now before we can start painting?
Nicholas, with a smirk:
— If you do that, that'd be great!
Yong frowned.
— Bringing you into this group was clearly a mistake. Maybe you should go deal with your "plans." The three of us can handle the painting on our own!
Nicholas straightened up:
— Relax, I was just joking! Okay, tell me what time tomorrow.
Mary chuckled at the sudden change in tone.
— I'll come at six. Yong, is that alright?
— Perfect.
Nicholas:
— I'll pick you up.
Yong:
— No, darling. You're coming at four to help me carry supplies. Mary can come on her own.
— That's fine. I'll make my way there. See you both tomorrow!
After Mary left, Nicholas turned to Yong coldly:
— I didn't say anything today, but just so you know—I'm not your porter.
Yong:
— I was joking, don't take it so seriously…
Yong walked a few steps away, then turned back:
— Oh, by the way… I talked to Helen. She said she's too busy with her gallery work to help us. That's your problem to solve. Convince her, or Mary might drop out too.
Nicholas snapped:
— Let her drop out! I'd love it if Mary didn't have to work with you.
Yong, calmly:
— If she doesn't show up, I'll just plan a two-person project with Mary… without you. What do you think?
Nicholas scowled:
— Fine… I'll talk to Helen.
Yong walked away with a victorious smile. Nicholas stood there, staring after him, lips pressed together. Under his breath, he muttered:
— Alright… Keep playing your games. Let's see where it takes you.
He pulled out his phone, dialed a number, and said:
— Helen? We need to talk…