Chapter 2
Chapter II
Caitlyn was tired.
Or perhaps, tired was not the best word to describe her situation.
Stressed.
Irritated.
Incredibly and irrevocably overwhelmed and discouraged by her depressing personal life and unrewarding work life?
Perhaps that was too extreme, even for her. So, tired, at that moment, did better to describe her general mood.
She sat down heavily in the large couch in her office, allowing herself to be swallowed up by a mass of cushions and contradictory feelings. Looking disinterestedly at the ceiling, she could imagine her mother's reproachful expression and stern voice admonishing her for the lack of decorum during working hours and, scandal, in her own office where anyone could enter at any time and see her complaining. May Janna forgive her if any of her workers realize that Caitlyn, despite what her parents wanted to pretend, was just another human with emotions and the same capacity to reach the limit as any other person.
Not for the first time in the past few months, Caitlyn was beginning to question her decisions, her entire life. She felt like an infinite weight had settled on her chest, as if an elephant had walked in and decided that the woman was perfect for taking a break and sleeping in.
Don't be ridiculous, her mother would say if she could read her thoughts, rolling her eyes with the same expression of tender exasperation she always showed since Caitlyn was a little girl with too much imagination and energy.
“Well, maybe I want to be ridiculous, at least once in my life,” she muttered to herself, brushing a strand of hair out of her face with a sigh.
A knock on the door brought Caitlyn out of her musings.
“Erhm… Everything okay here?”
Without much energy, Caitlyn turned her head to the side, seeing Jayce standing in the doorway of her office with a mocking expression, his impeccable white, tailored suit highlighting his masculine, muscular figure. The perfect image of a person who had his life figured out one way or another.
Caitlyn wondered for a moment if this was how the rest of the world saw her, and the idea that the answer was yes irritated her even more.
“Define well”
Jayce's amused expression gave way to one that was a little more cautious, though no less jovial.
“A bad day, I guess”
“Bad day, week, month, year?” With a final sigh, Caitlyn sat up straight on the couch, sitting in a slightly primmer position, crossing her legs. Years of etiquette and advanced education moving her body almost instinctively. “Is the meeting over?”
Jayce nodded, taking a seat beside her and handing her a dark blue folder with the Kiramman family seal, shiny and polished, etched into the surface. Caitlyn took it with some reluctance, opening it and reading the papers absentmindedly.
“Salo has agreed to buy the entire collection for double the amount originally offered,” Jayce said cheerfully. “The restoration team will be here in a couple of days to prepare the paintings and move them to the Central Gallery for a couple of months for an initial showing, as agreed, before he take full possession of it.”
“Wonderful,” Caitlyn murmured without much enthusiasm, her eyes quickly scanning the contract, reading without truly analyzing what was written.
Jayce frowned.
“Aren’t you happy?” he asked.
Caitlyn shrugged, closing the folder with a final gesture.
“Happy about what exactly?” she asked, her tone a little stronger than she had intended.
Jayce paused, as if carefully considering his next words.
“We’ve been trying to sell the collection for weeks and we’re finally seeing results. We now have enough funds to move on to the next artist on our list,” he began to explain, as if Caitlyn wasn’t already aware of everything. “Plus, our architect says the renovations to your gallery will be ready soon for you to exhibit there. Maybe next month if all moves accordingly”
Caitlyn let out a sigh, the tightness in her chest making itself felt again.
“And then?” she asked.
“Then what?”
“What’s next?” Caitlyn exclaimed, feeling the agitation building inside her. “The gallery will be ready on time, just like we knew it would be. We’ve got more fame and people are willing to buy for more money now that they see the value of sponsored artists, just like we thought they would.” She set the folder aside, unable to stop her hands from waving in the air as she tried to explain. “We’ve got recognition, money, the place. What’s next?”
Jayce's eyebrows rose in shock.
“I’m not sure I understand,” Jayce admitted.
“We sell the artwork. We make money. The artists get ‘recognition.’ The case closes and we start over again. Over and over again.” Caitlyn took a breath. “What’s next?”
Jayce tilted his head to the side, studying her closely.
“Are you thinking of opening another gallery, perhaps?” he asked.
Caitlyn groaned, slumping back in her chair in frustration, her refined posture completely lost once more. Jayce eyed her warily, clearly not understanding where the whole argument was coming from, and frankly, Caitlyn didn't blame him. She wasn't even sure where she was going with it.
Maybe I need a vacation she thought to herself. In another part of her mind, she heard her mother's vague voice reproaching her once more.
“What are we doing, Jayce?” she exclaimed. “Don’t you think this is all… superficial? Hollow?”
“I thought we were achieving what we wanted,” Jayce said with some doubt. “What you always dreamed of.”
Are we really doing it?
Is this what I want?
Caitlyn really wasn't so sure anymore. Maybe she was just being too hard on herself, or even ungrateful. Everything in her life was in perfect order. And yet…
Why did she feel like it wasn't enough?
“Maybe,” she murmured, dropping the subject with some awkwardness. “I’m sorry, you’re right… I just have a lot on my mind lately. Forget what I said.”
Jayce was silent for a few moments, nodding. Caitlyn knew that at some point they would pick up the conversation again, possibly when she least expected it, but Jayce knew her well enough to know that now was not the best time to press the issue. So, by tacit and mutual agreement, they both turned the page, jumping into a banal conversation about the next steps to take with the gallery.
The tightness in her chest didn't go away.
::::::
The opening night for the Kiramman Gallery was proving to be, for theatrical and press publicity purposes, a resounding success. The culmination of a string of achievements that Caitlyn Kiramman, backed by her proud parents and in the company of the man who was in everything but in paper her brother, had been earning over the two years since she began to operate in the ambitious and elitist world of fine art.
The gallery was located in an affluent part of Piltover, even by the city's pompous standards. Close to the Council headquarters where her mother worked, and a short 30-minute walk from the General Hospital where her father was chief physician. Caitlyn knew that her last name had a lot to do with her being able to invest in the building, although that also meant that the price tag might have been a little higher. But, like so many things in her life, it was nearly impossible to completely break away from her family's shadow. All in all, Caitlyn knew that she owed a lot to her position, but that didn't take away from the fact that favoritism left a bitter taste in her mouth when she walked home alone and reflected on her life and what she wanted to do.
Running a hand nervously over her dress and checking in the mirror that her makeup hadn't smudged during the night, Caitlyn plastered on her face the friendly, pleasant smile she had managed to perfect since her teenage years, hiding any discomfort or doubt that might have lodged within her. This was her night, and she had to show it.
With a final sigh, she emerged from the bathroom where she had been hiding to immerse herself once more in the gala, expertly walking among the attendees and engaging in superficial conversations.
The large room, with immaculate white walls and fully lit, was covered by a variety of fine works that hung with sobriety and elegance. Their respective artists took the night to gain recognition and make connections that could help them in the future. Caitlyn let them be for the moment, her relationship with them, although pleasant, was nothing more than professional and she understood that unless her presence was required, it was better for them to manage on their own. Both Jayce and she were simply in charge of giving them the opportunity to enter a world that they would not achieve on their own. The rest was their job.
Her gaze casually wandered around the large room as she spoke to a woman whose name she couldn't remember and who was uncomfortably interested in investing in a carnal collection to display in Ionia. Caitlyn wasn't even sure what she meant by carnal, but she was already too engaged in the conversation to be able to come up with a plausible excuse to leave.
She almost send up a prayer of thanks to whatever gods was up there when she heard her mother's voice behind.
“Caitlyn, darling, there you are.”
The young woman smiled at her interlocutor, apologizing for the interruption before turning to her parents. Cassandra and Tobias welcomed her with open arms, exchanging a warm greeting that allowed Caitlyn to relax for a second and breathe.
“Let me congratulate you, darling. It’s a wonderful evening!” exclaimed her father, taking her hands with affection. “Your words of welcome were impressive. I am very happy for you.”
“Indeed,” Cassandra smiled, her angular face filled with pride. “I’ve been talking to many of the attendees and they all agree that the gallery is splendid. You and Jayce have done an extraordinary job,” she complimented, causing Caitlyn’s chest to swell with pride. “I’ve also noticed a couple of paints that I might be able to acquire for us and hang in the living room. What do you think?”
Caitlyn smiled, restraining herself from rolling her eyes at the obvious way her mother wasted no time in diplomatic relations. She loved her mother deeply, but Caitlyn was not entirely blind to her ways and was always a little irritated by the way she carried herself most of the time.
“I’m sure that whatever painting you buy, you’ll make someone very happy. All of the artists have worked very hard for months to be here,” Caitlyn said before adding in a more emotional tone, “I’m happy that you were able to attend.”
Cassandra caressed her cheek momentarily, a gesture she rarely allowed herself to do in public, so Caitlyn knew it was important. She blinked a little, holding back the sudden tears of emotion that filled her eyes.
“Of course, we wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world,” said her mother.
As the evening continued to progress and the press had finally left the building, Caitlyn allowed herself a moment to breath, hiding behind a wall that led into another area of the gallery that was considerably emptier so she could enjoy a glass of sparkling champagne that she was sure was worth more than many of the works in front of her. After all, Jayce had been in charge of refreshments and the man was not one to skimp on expenses of that sort.
“Well, well, hiding from the world as always”
Caitlyn jumped, champagne spilling lightly onto the floor and the tips of her heels. With a nervous laugh and a raised eyebrow, Caitlyn turned to look at her new companion.
“Viktor, I thought you had been trapped in your workshop and forgotten about us,” she said mockingly.
The sound of a cane and a light laugh was what greeted her in response. Viktor came to her side, leaning against the wall and slightly stretching his leg to rest it, indicating to Caitlyn that the man had surely walked there.
“I must admit that I briefly forgot that the opening was today,” Viktor said, his gaze resting with interest on the painting in front of him, studying it carefully. “Jayce called me a little over an hour ago to remind me. Although considering there’s no sign of reporters anymore, I must say that I arrived at a splendid time.”
Like Jayce and Caitlyn, Viktor was dedicated to the art world, though his bent was a bit more eclectic than theirs, and he tended to get his hands dirty in creating his own works. His condition limited him in many ways, but Caitlyn had a keen enough eye to recognize that Viktor was a true artistic prodigy, trying out different techniques and often exploring the limits of his own imagination. Caitlyn found it a true delight to watch him at work, though such occasions were few and far between.
“The night is still young, so you have time to enjoy it,” she said, signaling a waiter to bring more champagne.
Viktor hummed, his keen eyes returning to her.
“I’m sure of it.” He said “It’s been a while, Cait. How have you been?”
Caitlyn paused, the question taking her by surprise for no real reason other than the apparent sincerity and openness with which Viktor had expressed himself. Quite different from the way many people had addressed her that day, not even Jayce.
For some strange reason, Caitlyn found herself unable to formulate a coherent response.
Happy? Pleased? Satisfied?
She cleared her throat, taking a sip of the drink to clear her thoughts.
“Good” she said at last, “it has been a splendid evening and I am sure that in a few days we will see good results.”
“That’s not what I asked,” Viktor exclaimed.
Caitlyn turned to look at him then, her serene expression breaking for the first time that night. Viktor had always been incredibly direct with her, something she appreciated and disliked with equal measure depending on the day. Although the two had never been particularly close, Caitlyn had found herself involved in deep conversations with him on more than one occasion, often ending in internal questioning for the woman. There was something about the man that forced her to open up more than anyone else in her circle.
Perhaps it was Viktor's very different way of being, so far removed from the elitist conventions of Piltover and much more down-to-earth than many people, including her and Jayce.
But at that moment, Caitlyn wasn't sure she wanted to have one of those philosophical discussions.
And yet….
“I feel a little… tired,” she admitted after a few seconds.
Viktor nodded, as if that answer was enough. As if a few simple words laden with emotion were enough to elucidate the source of the problems that plagued Caitlyn's sleepless nights.
Maybe for him they were.
They both fell silent, each mulling over their own thoughts in private, but appreciating the company the other provided. A few guests who passed by cast curious glances at him, some recognizing Viktor, but none daring to come forward to say hello, perhaps intimidated by the pensive faces of both or the reserved look that now dominated Caitlyn's face.
Viktor's voice brought her out of her reverie, surprising her once again with the strength and openness with which he expressed himself.
“I couldn’t help but notice that all of these works are quite similar to each other,” he exclaimed, his eyes fixed once again on the painting in front of them. “Same artist, perhaps?”
Caitlyn frowned, not understanding.
“On the contrary. Today we have five emerging artists performing,” she said formally, part of her prepared speech spilling out of her mouth without her being able to stop it. “Graduates of the College of the Arts in Ionia and Piltover. They have all received recognition from their respective professors and…”
“Ah, I see,” Viktor interrupted, a mocking smile playing on his lips. “Purely aesthetic art.”
Caitlyn felt a small hint of indignation at that statement, sensing a hint of mockery in his words.
“What are you implying?” she exclaimed, her tone perhaps a little harsher than she had intended.
Viktor didn't seem intimidated; in fact, his smile grew even wider.
“I think you know what I mean”
“I'm afraid not, I don't know,” Caitlyn answered.
Their eyes met for a moment. Viktor studied her closely. Looking for what? Caitlyn didn't know, but whatever it was he seemed to find it, as the mockery gave way to a slightly more pensive expression. The man stood up, with a renewed energy that took Caitlyn by surprise. He griped his cane with purpose, moving fast.
“Follow me”
Feeling a little out of place, Caitlyn hurried after him, her hand gripping the glass with champagne a little tighter than necessary. Viktor led the way to the stairs that directed to the upper floor of the gallery, an area that was for all practical purposes off-limits to the rest of the guests that’s night. Among the many who they passed by, she managed to catch Jayce's eye across the gallery, the man looking just as confused as she as he watched Viktor hurry up to the second floor. Caitlyn shrugged but didn't stop, determined to find out what this was all about.
Once upside, Viktor took up a position behind the railing, peering down, his inquisitive eyes darting from side to side.
“Viktor?”
“Caitlyn”
“What are we doing here?”
Viktor hummed, the enigmatic smile spreading once again across his face.
“Take a moment to look at all the works you can,” the man said.
"Excuse me?"
“You are excuse” the reply managed to get a laugh out of her “What I said. Stand here, and look at all the paintings,” Viktor insisted, glancing at her. “Don’t focus on one in particular. Look at them all together, as one big composition.”
Caitlyn regarded him suspiciously, but decided to play along, her eyes taking in all the gallery with renew interest. It took a little while to figure out what Viktor wanted her to see, until finally something seemed to click in her mind and she suddenly understood.
The colors, the movements, the brushstrokes, the style and the general feeling. All the works, although made by completely different people, when seen from above and together, evoked the same thing, as if they were part of the same collection. A same work of art.
For a brief moment, it felt like the world was coming crashing down on Caitlyn.
“What do you see?” Viktor asked.
Her chest tight with anxiety, Caitlyn could only whisper.
"Emptiness"
Viktor looked at her in surprise then, clearly not expecting that particular answer. Caitlyn took a breath, looking away from the works to focus on him, noticing the confusing expression and the way his lips tilted down.
“They are all different and at the same time…” she made a vague gesture with her hands that Viktor followed analytically “They all convey the same thing to me. Just a big… a big…”
“Emptiness?” Viktor offered.
"Yeah"
Like my life
Viktor nodded, thinking about her words. “It wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but all in all, maybe you have a good point,” he said, then added with a bit of regret, “I didn’t do this to make you feel bad.”
“No, no… I think it was something I needed to see. That I needed to acknowledge,” Caitlyn said. She took a moment to try to regain control over the whirlwind of emotions that were overwhelming her. “I have to be very honest with you, Viktor. I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing right now. Not only with this, but with my life”
The man raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t think anyone really has it,” he said.
Caitlyn let out a laugh devoid of any humor.
“I am a Kiramman. That is not what is expected of me”
“Perhaps”
A moment of silence passed between then.
“Maybe what you need is to see things from another perspective” said Viktor with a thoughtful look “To experience art in a different way. Away from all kinds of pretensions”
Caitlyn raised her eyebrows, not knowing what to say. Viktor seemed to consider his options for a second, before pulling out his phone. He typed a few things into the screen, searching for something while mumbling to himself until he finally smiled victoriously.
“The world of social media is a wonderful thing,” the man said “I’ve allowed myself to dip my toes in it a bit over the past year and discovered some unconventional artists that make try other things myself.” He extended his phone to Caitlyn. “Their work is truly exceptional and brilliant, but it lacks proper exposure. Maybe you and Jayce can do something about it, and in the process, bring another light to the gallery in general.”
Caitlyn took a minute to look at the phone, her eyes widening in shock as she took in the variety of works on display, her fingers scrolling automatically, taking in all the pictures with a fervor she haven't feel for months. The lights, the outlandishness, the disruptiveness of them all. Art view in a manner that Caitlyn never gave herself the opportunity to appreciate until now, breaking all her views.
One picture in particular caught her eye, making her stop the scrolling. A giant metal statue of a shark, its mouth gaping menacingly and shiny, made entirely of mechanical parts and random pieces and covered in a variety of neon paints and smudged lines that came together to create a mechanized figure that Caitlyn was sure will generate disgust in all of her gallery attendees if the ever managed to see but that make Caitlyn's heart jump in her chest.
A work of art full of life. Like any other she has seen before.
The photo of the statue had a small watermark in one corner, with a signature done in rough but precise strokes.
Jinx
“I don’t know if this is what you’re looking for or if it could help you feel less… empty,” Viktor’s voice caught her attention again, forcing her to look away from the screen. “But it could help you remember that art doesn’t have to be limited to just what you have here. It can be so much more.”
Caitlyn bit her lip, feeling excitement vibrate through her body.
“This artist, Jinx… and the rest of them. It’s amazing. I haven’t seen nothing like this before” she admitted “Where are they from?”
Viktor smiled, seeming pleased with himself.
“They all are from my home” he said “Zaun”