Chapter 1
07/14/18
Lily Evans has never had an opportunity quite like this one. She's a part of a showcase with other queer artists. The works Lily brought in are from a collection she did all about Saphic love. Her photos depict joy and angst and heartbreak all compiled to show the beauty in those relationships. It's her favorite work yet.
As the gallery opens its doors Lily glances around hoping for friendly faces and people who actually show interest, but all she can see is judgement. She knows she's being irrational, but this is a huge deal and she's a alone. Marlene and Dorcas are off somewhere for their anniversary and Mary is working. Her parents qre out of of question. This is a disaster Lily thinks, and suddenly there's a person admiring her photos.
Admiring is the only word that fits this persons expression. Lily doesn't know who they are but their thoughts are so loud on their face.The person standing there has beautiful curls that are so blonde ther could be white. They are wearing dangle silver earrings and numerous rings and we haven't started on their clothes. Lily is breathless. Without thinking she's moving. Excitement (and attraction if Lily is honest) propel her desire to meet the person.
Lily stops next to them and after a moment asks, "Do you like the pictures?" If she's being honest, Lily is nervous. "I do," says the mysterious stranger. Oh my god they smell so good is all Lily can think of. The smell of Lavender and Tea is unmistakable on them. "What's your name?" Lily asks. Shit Lily stop asking so many questions. "My name is Pandora, it's lovely to meet you. Are you the artists?" Lily blanks for a second. That's such a cool name. "Yes I am! My name is Lily and Pandora the pleasure is all mine. What's drawing you to my collection?"
Lily Evans can't breathe. Pandora is the most breathtaking person she's ever met. Everything about her is lovely. Her hair their clothes the words coming out of their mouth. "I love the portrayal of both the beauty and magic lesbian and saphic relationships have but also the human aspects. You showed so wonderfully that, like every other couple, the ones you photograph have problems they are able to overcome to find a greater joy and comfort." Yes. Lily thinks. Exactly.
Lily had had her fair share of messy relationships with both men and women. She'd had hard breakups but the ones with women were always way harder. She's pretty sure it's because of her ability to connect better with someone who understands every aspect of her life, but she's not a psychologist so she could be wrong. Lily had also had her fair share of enamerments with women. Nothing will ever compare to Pandora. She's sure of it.
"Wow your interpretation is fantastic," Lily tells her, "you really got what I was going for." Admittedly, this response is kind of weak, but Lily couldn't care less. She was talking to her. "You do a lovely job of encapsulating reality," says Pandora, "that's what I'm always aiming for in my novels but I'm better with fiction." "You're a writer? That's so cool. I've never been creative enough to come up with fake stories. Everything is based on me." "Wow that's amazing." Lily is at a loss for words. "Can I have your number? I'm sorry if this is abrupt but I really would like to speak to you again and I have to take pictures of the event now." Pandora smiles at her. Lily's heart melts. Pandora writes her number down on a peice of paper she grabs from her pocket and hands it to Lily. "I would love to speak to you again as well."
Lily walks around the party completely distracted. She snaps a picture here and there of people who seem lost in conversation or in the artwork. Eventually, she finds Pandora again. Shes completely encapsulated in a painting. Lily takes a picture. Not for the gallery, but for herself. She decides she is going to remember this moment and every one she has with this person. When Lily gets home that night she prints it and puts it in an empty album she finds, but not before writing the date on the back. Every little detail is worth it.