“Sorry for our delay,” Liam stated to everyone.
“Is everything okay?” Jayden asked, looking between them.
Elias sighed and nodded. “It’s fine.”
Both men went around the table saying their hellos to everyone before taking their seats. The waitress, seeing their arrival, came back to the table and took Liam and Elias’s drink order before removing the appetizer plates. She was back quickly to take meal orders while Liam and Elias perused the wine menu. There were no long discussions, unlike what they had done three years before; instead, they quickly ordered two wines. When the waitress left, everyone stared at each other, unsure what to say as the mood at the table had shifted drastically. The jovial atmosphere had diminished and was replaced by apprehension. A phone rang, disrupting the silence, and Elias pulled it out of his jacket pocket. He glanced at the caller I.D. with a frown.
“I’m sorry. I need to take this,” Elias stated, standing up. “It’s nothing. He’s deflecting,” he stated angrily into the receiver as he walked past the table. Liam watched him walk away, his brow furrowed.
“Is dad in trouble because of what Bowers said?” Jayden asked.
“How do you know what Bowers said?” Liam asked, shocked as Jayden never watched the news.
“Andrew was telling us what had been on the news.”
Liam nodded and continued to watch Elias pace. “The partners trust him, but the news has been running stories on El, and, therefore, the firm. They can’t ignore it, but want to give El a chance to explain what’s going on,” he paused, as Elias started walking back to the table.
“I have to leave,” Elias said sitting down and glancing at Liam. “Can you get a ride home from Jayden?” Liam didn’t say anything, he simply nodded.
“You just got here,” Jayden stated concerned.
Elias turned to him. “I’m sorry. I have to meet with the partners at my firm.” He then looked at Madison and Andrew. “I did anticipate Bowers doing something like this. I just need to smooth things over with everyone. They will support me but we all need to be on the same page before this gets out of hand.”
Both Madison and Andrew looked down. Elias glanced at the faces at the table. Everyone was suddenly very somber. He hated that it was due to concerns about him. He was not troubled by Bowers. He expected a reaction from him and figured that Bowers would not go down easily. What he didn’t anticipate was that his firm might question the validity of Bowers’ claim. He would rectify that tonight. He grabbed Liam’s hand under the table and gave him a reassuring smile before turning to everyone else.
“So what is this fantastic news that we have been gathered to celebrate?” he asked, smiling his trademarked courtroom smile at everyone.
Madison and Andrew looked at one another. They weren’t able to stop the smiles that formed on their faces. Now was as good a time as any, probably the best time, as Elias would have to leave soon. Madison nodded just slightly at Andrew, encouraging him to speak.
“Madison and I received great news today,” Andrew began.
“For starters,” Madison smiled at Andrew, who in turn gave her a small nod. “Andrew is going to have four of his paintings in an exhibit at LACMA next month.”
“And,” Andrew started before anyone could respond. “We’re pregnant.”
35All Of Me
Madison stood in front of the bathroom mirror, turning left and then right. Although she hadn’t gained much weight, she felt as if she were a balloon, not that one could tell in the dress she was wearing. She fiddled with the wide leather belt and smoothed out the material over her hips. Callie had found a knock-off fully beaded Roberto Cavalli dress at one of the outlet stores last week. It was nearly five hundred dollars but that was still better than the exorbitant price of the original. She smiled at her exposed back knowing that Andrew would be touching her all night.
“Madison, the limo is here. Please tell me you’re ready.”
“I’m ready.” She stepped out and practically ran right into him.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said, taking her hand and raising it above her head. He turned her around and hummed his approval.
“You look pretty good yourself, Helios,” she smiled.
“What, this old thing,” he said with a playful laugh.
“And you say I have a smart mouth,” she grinned, reaching up to peck his lips.
“You do. I love your smart mouth,” he said, kissing her softly. “We better go.”
She nodded and then smiled as he took her arm in his, walking her out to the waiting limousine. The couple made a swoop of the neighborhood, first picking up Grans, and then Aaron and Olivia. On the way to Los Angeles, Madison and Grans chatted along with Olivia while Aaron interjected a word on occasion. But the ride was quiet for Andrew as he struggled to contain his nerves. He had selected his four paintings with little fuss. He knew the ones that had the most meaning to him, which, of course, was precisely the point. If people hated them, he wasn’t sure how he would handle that. After all, what did it say about him if everyone thought his pieces were terrible?
Of course, following the news had not helped his nerves either. Things had heated up between Elias and Senator Bowers this past month. A war of words ensued after Bowers’ claims that Elias was setting him up. Bowers refused to back down, and after continued scrutiny by the press, Elias decided to sue Bowers for defamation of character, citing several instances in which the senator had threatened his family. That had effectively switched the focus back on Bowers as the claims were difficult for him to counter. This only seemed to agitate Bowers further, but, in the end, it made the senator more suspicious looking. It had been nerve wracking for Andrew to watch. At one point, Madison’s trial was brought up as one of the primary reasons Bowers was choosing to slander Elias. Luckily, Madison had pretty much ignored the media and refused to answer questions, even when pressed by local reporters. Andrew had wished he could ignore it all as well, but he simply couldn’t.
Much to Andrew’s delight, only a few days ago, Bowers’ world began to crumble before him as his strongest backers began to jump ship just as Elias had predicted. In fact, his own party was encouraging him to shut his mouth. All of Bowers’ political hopes and aspirations were quickly vanishing, especially when rumors began circulating that Senator Martine was about to cut a deal in lieu of information he had on Bowers. As stressful as it had been to observe, he did enjoy watching Bowers’ very public fall from grace.
“That’s amazing!” Madison stated, bringing Andrew out of his thoughts.
The limousine pulled up to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the three women in the car were excited by the large piece at the entrance. Since it was nighttime, the exhibit, Urban Light, was lit up beautifully. Rows and rows of antique street lamps made a breathtaking display that many seemed to be admiring.
“I’ve seen that on TV,” Olivia stated enthusiastically, sneaking another quick look out the window. “It’s called Urban Light. I don’t remember the artist though.”
“Chris Burden,” Andrew stated calmly. “He did it back in 2008. It’s made from antique street lamps.” Everyone turned to him and stared. He gave a small, almost embarrassed smile. “I looked up the museum and the current exhibits.”
“We know who our tour guide will be,” Aaron stated with a chuckle.
Andrew snorted out a small laugh but gave a genuine smile to Aaron. Andrew opened the door and breathed in deeply. This was it, one of the biggest nights of his life. Her heard movement in the car and quickly stepped back so that he could help everyone out.
“Oh wow, that really is so beautiful!” Madison said as she brought her phone out to snap a few pictures.
It was only moments later that they saw another limousine park and soon Jayden and the rest of their party exited. Callie looked exquisite in a light blue dress, while Jewel was stunning in her cream-colored ensemble. The men all looked handsome in their suits, although, Connor was already fiddling with his ti
e and the buttons on his jacket. It was obvious that he was not used to dressing up. Once they were close to one another, Callie immediately gave Madison a hug.
“This dress is perfect,” Callie stated proudly.
“Yes, oh wise one.”
“That’s right. Always trust Callie.”
Madison giggled and smiled. “I want a picture of all the men and then all us women, then coupled up.” Madison started to position everyone when Connor interjected.
“Madison, I don’t want my...” Connor started but stopped when he saw the look on Madison’s face. He then turned to Andrew for help.
“Hey, you’re on your own, man. I ain’t telling her no,” Andrew replied nonchalantly, placing his hands in his pockets.
Madison smiled when Connor begrudgingly moved to where she wanted him. After taking endless pictures, they headed to the front of the museum. The spacious entrance hall was filled with large pillars wrapped in streamers and was already full of several partygoers. There were tables exquisitely set up in various places with a podium up front and a large baby grand piano to the left of it. Andrew took a deep breath when he saw a table close to the podium that had a little card on it that said, HARRISON.
“Guess that’s ours,” Aaron said, placing his hand on Andrew’s shoulder.
Andrew nodded timidly. He couldn’t believe this was actually happening. He was completely terrified. His stomach was in knots and his brain was fuzzy with indecision and doubt, something he thought he had banished, but apparently was rearing its ugly head again. Madison squeezed his hand and leaned into him, just slightly. He nodded again, more profoundly this time, before stepping to the table and pulling out a chair for Madison.
“You’re the first of the artists to arrive,” Jayden noted, having seen several other tables marked with names in the same vicinity as theirs.
“When do we get to see the paintings?” Connor wondered aloud.
“Looks like there is dinner and entertainment, and then the show,” Madison said, reading the little card on her plate.
“Oh, cool, glad we get to eat first,” Connor said as his eyes darted around the room.
“I wonder if they are expecting all these tables to be full,” Andrew asked, curious.
“I would imagine so,” Aaron said looking around. “Isn’t that the Mayor of Los Angeles?”
Elias glanced in the direction Aaron was indicating and nodded as the mayor started heading their way. “Yes, that’s him.”
“Elias, it’s good see you here,” the mayor said while shaking his hand. He then smiled at Liam. “Liam, pleasure to see you again.”
Liam shook his hand. “It’s good to see you as well.”
“Who’s the artist?” When everyone glanced at him, he smiled and motioned toward the name card on the table. “These are only for the guests of honor.”
“That would be Andrew,” Aaron motioned towards Andrew.
The mayor smiled again before walking over and shaking Andrew’s hand. “Congratulations. I’m looking forward to seeing your art tonight.”
“Thank you,” Andrew replied nervously.
The mayor tapped his shoulder as people began to snap pictures. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”
Before Andrew could reply, the mayor was distracted by other people and excused himself. It didn’t take long for more people to arrive, and, soon, all the tables were full. His friends and family were trying their best to take Andrew’s mind off of everything but he wasn’t really at ease. His fears about the worthiness of his work was predominating his thinking, even though he knew it shouldn’t. He felt a hand on his shoulder and then looked up as Carol passed his table and headed toward the podium.
“On behalf of the Art Council of The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, we would like to welcome you all this evening to witness our grand opening of the 'Healing from Within' exhibit, which will be on display for the next six weeks.”
Everyone began clapping as Madison looked at Andrew lovingly.
“This event has been years in the making and I am extremely thrilled you could all join us in celebrating all of these magnificent artists. These artists aren’t household names. You will not read about them in art books or society pages,” she paused and smiled, “Yet.” Everyone laughed and she continued. “But they have the capacity of doing so much. From what I’ve seen, none have reached their full potential.”
Everyone started clapping again. Madison squeezed Andrew’s hand while Aaron tapped his shoulder in a fatherly manner.
“I have had the immense pleasure of working with these excellent up-and-coming artists over the past few years and know the struggles many have overcome to just be sitting in this room. Life was not easy for most and they all found themselves turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with their environments. Some served time in prison, some didn’t. Some found a home in gangs while others chose a solitary life. Some even lived on the streets, trying desperately to survive. And survive is what they all did.” She paused and looked toward the fifteen artists she had worked so closely with. “Could I ask the artists to please rise.”
Andrew started breathing hard as his heart pounded in his chest. His feet wouldn’t move as small beads of sweat started to form on his forehead. He was frozen, unable to rise. He looked at Madison, who smiled and touched his face gently.
“We love you so much.”
A smile spread across his face at the word, we. He knew that everyone at the table loved him, but the we Madison was referring to was her and their unborn child. That thought alone gave him strength. He stood up, the last one to do so. Everyone in the hall rose to their feet as the room erupted in applause but none louder than those at Andrew’s very table. After several minutes had passed, Carol began speaking again.
“These artists are the epitome of how using art can heal the soul and mind. You may sit down,” she motioned for them to sit as she continued. “As you go through the exhibit tonight, you will witness the healing power of art. The images you will see are raw and powerful, heaped with emotion, both sadness and despair, as well as hope and joy, but, most importantly, they reflect how each of these artists found the strength to move forward, to move passed whatever obstacles were in their way. We have asked the artists to be available to discuss their paintings with guests, so please take the opportunity to visit with them as you peruse their work.”
She paused again as waiters and waitresses began serving the first course. “We will now enjoy a wonderful meal, and then the brilliant John Matthews will perform for us before the exhibit officially opens. Thank you, everyone.”
She stepped away from the podium to another round of applause and smiled at Andrew before walking over to him. Andrew stood when she got to him. Without thinking, he gave her a hug, something he hadn’t done while he was in treatment.
“I’m so very proud of you,” she whispered to him.
“Thank you for inviting me,” he replied, releasing his hold.
She placed her hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay to be nervous, but rest assured, people will love what you’ve done.” She looked at everyone at the table. “Enjoy your evening, folks.”
And with that, she left and went to the next table to congratulate Andrew’s fellow artists for the evening. The food began being served and the conversation at the table became light and carefree. There were no mentions of the past month with Senator Bowers. There were no bad memories of three years ago. There was no concern for Elias who, to be honest, seemed to relish the battle he was having with Bowers. Instead, everyone laughed and joked and enjoyed each other’s company. By the time the performer appeared before the piano, Andrew was feeling on top of the world.
~*~
“This is pretty nice,” Connor said as they approached the section where the exhibit was being held.
Andrew pulled up the diagram of the exhibit hall. “It says mine should be to the left of that pillar over there.”
Aaron nodded and held Olivia’s hand as they turned
the corner. Olivia gasped and Andrew knew they must have found it. As Andrew turned the corner, his heart fluttered. There was something surreal about seeing his paintings on the wall. The bright color of his work on the pristine white walls was a beautiful contrast. It was more than he could ever imagine. They had shown his work as a progression starting with Fear and Self Loathing, then Phoenix Rising, then Childhood Revisited, and finally Hope Eternal.
The first painting, Fear and Self-Loathing, was a self-portrait of sorts. It was one of the first ones he had done and he remembered that Carol had told him to paint his fears about himself. It was probably the scariest painting he had done. When he was finished, he didn’t like what he saw, for the picture ended up being a reflection of his father. Andrew had drawn himself in a way that was eerily familiar, with a heavy scowl on his face. He had one hand fisted tightly and the other hand holding a needle. He had told Carol that the needle kept the other side at bay, kept him calm, and that without it he would have turned into his father. She had challenged him to look deeper, further, to see that the reflection was only a future if he let it be and that that calm could come from other, more positive, sources.
He smiled as he looked at Phoenix Rising. He still felt it was one of his most powerful paintings, and remembered what it felt like to finally accept that he actually was the phoenix, able to rise above the adversities placed in his way. Every time he looked at it, he remembered where he had been and how far he had come. The images represented a piece of him but he no longer felt ashamed of them. He survived, any way that he could. He couldn’t change the things he had done, but, in a way, he realized that all of the pain and suffering he had endured eventually led him to Madison, which was the best thing to ever happen to him.
He stepped in front of his third painting, Childhood Revisited. It was clearly his most whimsical painting to date and portrayed a happiness he had only felt for a small glimpse of time when he was young. Carol had asked them to draw something they would have changed in their lives. So he had drawn something from his past. He and his parents were riding a carousel on Navy Pier. All three of them were laughing and having a good time while the animals came to life around them. His parents were carefree and full of joy. It was before addiction and madness had taken over. It had been one of the only positive memories he had of his childhood. He had told Carol that if he could have changed anything in his life, it would have been that his parents remained as they were that day. She had helped him see that, even though they weren’t able to be what he wanted, that he could still carry it with him. Not as a means to forget all the bad, but as a way to remember that there was once good there as well.
Helios Renewed Page 37