A big time artist, the mistress of artistry some people like to call her. Agatha Harkness became a well known artist globally for her most famous painting of a woman laying elegantly on a bed as the sun shone on her through the window. “I have yet to find out for myself.” Agatha responds to recurring questions about who this mysterious muse is. Harkness decided to open up a gallery of her most famous paintings to fundraise for young people who wanna achieve their dreams and goals, little did she know, her mysterious muse she can’t stop painting would show up miraculously to the gallery opening night.
“How do I look?” Agatha asked her intern and assistant to be, Billy. “You look amazing, Miss Harkness!! The white blouse on top of the black pants compliments you well.” Billy exclaimed, Agatha just furrowed her brow as she put her gold watch on around her wrist, “What did I say about calling me Miss Harkness, Billy? You make me feel way older than I am.” Agatha teased with a little smile. “My bad.. Agatha.” Billy corrected, smiling back towards Agatha. “Now! It's time to get this show on the road.” she clapped her hands together before grabbing her blazer to put on. “Are we getting donations already??” Agatha asked as she straightened the blazer on her body, “Absolutely, we're flooding with them!” Billy said, reading numbers off his iPad. “Outstanding work Billy!” Agatha exclaimed, patting Billy’s shoulder before leaving the back room of the gallery to go mix and mingle with the guests.
A best selling author and poet had just moved back to New York after living in her home country for at least 4 years. Rio Vidal is her name, came from a poor family in Spain where her family moved to America for a better future; and she worked her way up to the top. Rio moved back to New York to kick start her passion for writing all over again, over time she grew apart from her love for languages and literature, but that was something she was driven to change. One night Rio’s friends recommended that she should go to see this opening night for a gallery that happened to be Agatha’s, when she found out it was to raise funds for youthful students who strive for excellence in their passions she immediately caved. Rio was a huge advocate for fundraisers of all sorts for good causes, it was a passion of hers to help people no matter what they’re situation is. That night Rio wore a long sleeve, tight fitting dress that stopped just mid way down her thigh as she assumed she would have time to go have dinner with a few friends after seeing this art gallery; and just put a coat on top to keep her warm since it was chilly outside. Once she was done she went on a stroll to the gallery just around the corner from her apartment.
Agatha talked to guests, received compliments on her work and discussed a lot with Billy about how the funds were going. Agatha was focused in conversation until she noticed a woman with a familiar expression walk in the gallery, Agatha didn’t know her at all, but something about her distracted Agatha from what she was trying to do. “Agatha??” Billy spoke, noticing Agatha was distracted. “What?? Uhm.. Sorry, where were we?” Agatha cleared her throat before continuing, her gaze still moving towards the woman every now and then. Rio admired all the artwork on the walls, “Such beautiful concepts applied to these canvases that all tell a story” Rio said to herself quietly, Rio has a way of over analyzing everything and anything. Rio wandered around the gallery until she spotted one particular painting, a painting of a woman lying on a bed. Her hair laying gracefully on her shoulders, the details of her figure seem so memorised it sank into the canvas, the light shining on her sun kissed skin illuminating her from all angles. Rio was mesmerized with the painting, but once she looked at it a little harder she realised the woman in this painting looks just like her; except she has blonde hair and Rio has dark brown wavy hair.
“Who is that?” Agatha murmured, she didn’t even realise until after that the words unintentionally slipped out. “Oh my god! That's my favourite author ever, I love her books and her poetry. She's one of the New York Times best selling authors.” Billy exclaimed as his jaw basically dropped to the floor, “Hmm..” The mumble rolled off her tongue in a bittersweet satisfactory way. “I’m gonna go speak to her.” Agatha said as she left Billy behind amidst his fan girling. Rio’s brow furrowed as she looked at the painting on the wall hard enough for the last 20 minutes. “Found something you’re interested in?? Or are your facial expressions telling me this is the worst painting you’ve ever seen?” Agatha chimed in teasingly, standing next to Rio as she broke her from the hypnotic trance the painting held on her. “Oh! Sorry if it looks like I’m judging the painting, no it’s beautiful. It’s just… the woman in the painting, she looks exactly like me..?” Rio said, looking back at the woman on the wall. Agatha took one swift look at Rio then back at the painting before chuckling, “What if it was you?” Agatha said with a sincere smile, Rio’s gaze moved to Agatha and her genuine expression. “I’m gonna take it then that you are the artist hosting this art gallery?” Rio said as a cheeky smile formed on her face. “Guilty as charged!” Agatha admitted, she held her arms up in the air as if she were held at gunpoint. Rio just laughed at how cheesy Agatha was at first impression. At some point Agatha didn’t know why she even said or did that and wished she were buried alive.
“So is this how you attract all strangers? By a singular stroke of your brush and suddenly you have people falling into your arms?” Rio said in a humorous sense, Agatha’s chest twinged for a split second. “Well no, but whatever works for you.” Agatha smiled, Rio’s gaze softened as she looked Agatha up and down. “Explain to me… what made you paint something like this?? I mean it’s an absolute sensation if it’s worth just over a million dollars.” Rio gestured her hands to make emphasis to her point, Agatha grinned before opening that sarcastic mouth of hers. “Why? Are you interested in buying?” Agatha teased, Rio’s gaze changed to a playful look of interest, “maybe if you tell me about this painting I might consider it?” Rio had said with her arms crossed over her chest, awaiting Agatha’s response. She looked at the painting as she told Rio her explanation, “it’s something about her I can’t get out of my head, every time I seem to draw someone it always ends up being her. She’s a reoccurring figure that my mind and hands have memorised and can’t seem to forget. And every time I see her I feel as if I know her, although I don't even know her name.” Agatha says with her voice deep and raspy, her eyes just fixated on the painting and nowhere else. While Rio’s eyes were staring right at Agatha as she spoke, her heart skipped a beat. “I’m flattered you think about me like that.” Rio chimed in, Agatha just chuckled before smiling at Rio.
The rest of the night Agatha didn’t speak to anyone but Rio, she was interested in Agatha and the stories behind each of her paintings; and Agatha didn’t hesitate to explain each and every one.
“Your artwork is so unique and has such beautiful point of views and meanings to them all, I wish I could see more but-“
“Well why don’t you?” Agatha interrupted Rio, she had built up the confidence to grab onto Rio’s arm as Rio looked down noticing her grip on her. “My studio is just downtown at my place, I’ve got way more paintings there if you wanna have a look?” said Agatha, although a part of Agatha felt awkward after asking such a ridiculous request. “Already inviting me into your home? We just met, not even on a first name basis?” Rio presumed charmingly, Agatha gave her a sharp look. “That can be changed.” she said in response as she held out her hand to the woman in front of her. “My car is parked out front.” Agatha continued with a smile, Rio hesitated as she looked at the time on her phone. She had friends she wanted to meet up with but Rio decided she's gonna be spontaneous and go to a stranger's house, and if she gets kidnapped then at least she had some sort of fun she oddly thought to herself. Rio put her hand on top of Agatha’s as she held onto it firmly, “Let’s go then.” Rio had said with a smile. As Agatha and Rio walked out, Agatha saw Billy right near the door. “Hey kid, I’m gonna head home now. Good work tonight, if there's any updates on the donations make sure to let me know, okay? Don’t stay too late.” Agatha said sincerely, Billy was absolutely shocked to see Rio next to Agatha; his jaw hitting the floor once again. “I- uh.. Of course, Agatha.” Billy stuttered as she looked back and forth at the two in confusion. “Mind signing something for him? He’s like obsessed with you or something.” Agatha whispered in Rio’s ear as she handed her a marker, “Oh? Of course.” Rio said Billy just instantly handed the back of his iPad without questioning and Rio signed it for him. “Thank you so much!” Billy struggled to get the words out of his mouth, Rio politely smiled and nodded before Agatha led her out the door.
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When Agatha and Rio arrived at Agatha's house, Rio’s eyes widened when she saw a huge 1970’s villa house in front of her. “Wow.. Your house is beautiful. I take it you’re not a modern mansion type of person?” said Rio, Agatha smiled and responded with “I’m an old school girl all the way”. Agatha and Rio walked up the stairs to the porch of the vintage home and Agatha opened the door for Rio, “Ladies first.” Agatha had said while doing a silly bow, “I wasn’t aware that I was the only lady here?” Rio chuckled before walking inside and Agatha shortly behind her. Rio gasped when she saw the inside of the house, the interior was just as beautiful as the exterior. “I inherited it from my grandmother, she knew my mother wouldn’t appreciate it as much as I would.” Agatha chimed in as she looked around with Rio, then moving her gaze to Rio who had the brightest of smiles on her face. Agatha’s chest felt like it was pounding, as if it were about to explode out of her chest. Rio caught her looking at her, she began to feel a bit flustered. “So where is this studio of yours?” Rio asked, Agatha had realised she was watching Rio and rubbed her head to play it off. “It’s just over here, come on.” Agatha gestured and she led Rio to the room next door.
When Rio walked in the studio, her mouth fell open as she saw canvases on top of canvases filling the large room in front of her; and the majority of them were painted of that very same woman who once again looked just like her. Rio walked around the studio admiring every piece of artwork, she crouched down to look properly at a painting on the ground, her fingertips gliding over the thick layers of paint. The woman in the painting laid back on a lounge chair with her arms spread across it, this time she had dark brown hair just like Rio and Rio’s deep brown eyes that stared right back at you. Rio gently bit her lip as she stared at her brushed-on reflection be portrayed ever so attractively. Rio turned her head over to see another painting across the room, another of the same woman Agatha paints on nearly every blank canvas she encounters. This time the Rio-like figure sat on the ground leaning her body against a coffee table, her fingers curled inside her blonde waves and her cat eyes looking sharply over her shoulder distinguishably. “These paintings are just.. Incredible.” Rio remarked, her gaze moving towards Agatha who stood near a cloaked canvas. “Wait til you see what I’ve recently been working on.” Agatha grinned before pulling off the sheet that covered a large canvas sitting on an easel. Rio’s gaze softened quickly once the painting was revealed to her sight, she got up off the ground and slowly walked over to the canvas without looking away; eyeing out every single detail made. The same woman of Rio’s looks had her back arched over a grand piano, her ribs sticking out as she showed off her curvy figure and her gaze had a look of attraction and vulnerability all in one. Rio felt flustered to see herself in such a way, her skin slowly burning at the sight. And Agatha just watched her take in every bit of this painting.
“I feel as if I have a deep connection to her, but when I try to describe it the words I’m thinking of don't come out of my mouth, I just can’t pinpoint it. As if her name is on the tip of my tongue but I can’t seem to say it. Yet my mind and hands have memorised every detail of her.” Agatha broke the silence as her brow curved while she shook her head. Rio caressed Agatha’s shoulder, making her blue eyes trail towards her. “I understand.” Rio mumbled under her breath as a genuine smile formed on her face. Not long after Rio and Agatha moved to the chairs in the living room where Agatha served some red wine from Sicily 1978 for them to drink. “You know, I never actually got your name. Yet I'm in your house.” Rio presumed with sarcasm, Agatha just chuckled as her fingers intertwined in her hair. “It’s Agatha, Agatha Harkness.” She said looking back at Rio, although Rio’s brow furrowed in shock. “Harkness? Like Evanora Harkness? The most famous author and publisher in all of New York city?” Rio asked with a surprised manner, Agatha cleared her throat as she responded with an awkward “Yup, she's my mother. The one and only.” as she always says when someone brings up Evanora. “So you’re a nepo baby?” Rio giggled as she slowly got under Agatha’s skin, “I do not claim that title whatsoever!!” Agatha protested, a laugh slowly creeping through her response of disagreement. “And you never actually told me your name?” Agatha broke away from laughter, turning the subject towards Rio. “It’s no fun telling you straight away, how about you guess.” Rio said humorously . “I won’t guess unless you hint.” Agatha said, slowly leaning closer to Rio. “Well.. a movie about Blue parrots and a city in Brazil is all I can give to you.” Rio said, pressing her tongue on the side of her cheek. “So.. Rio?” Agatha questioned, Rio just nodded slightly, “Rio Vidal.” She finished with a grin. “I feel like I’ve heard of you before..” Agatha murmured, her index finger lightly grazing her chin. “Well you seem to be painting me often so I assume you have.” Rio teased, Agatha broke into laughter.
Rio noticed Agatha’s bookshelf next to the fireplace, “Do you read?” Rio asked with genuine curiosity, Agatha’s gaze moved to the bookshelf before she lowered it. “My mum forced me to read at a very young age. I never loved it if I’m being honest, she wouldn’t accept the fact that I didn’t love books just like her. I was supposed to take over the family business 2 years ago but I told her I’ll never love that life as much as she did.” Agatha expressed. “I get it, it’s not for everyone. As a writer myself though, I like to question myself whether or not this is what I really wanted.” Rio spoke as she rubbed the glass in her hand. She put down the wine glass as she walked over to the bookshelf, running her finger against the stacked books; basically collecting dust in its wake. Although when Rio looked at all the books Agatha owned, she noticed one that looked familiar. A book with a green cover and gold embellishments, it looked like it had been freshly bought, or at least it looked like Agatha cared enough about it to maintain the book’s good condition. “This book..” Rio uttered as she slowly pulled it out of the bookshelf, Agatha slowly followed up behind her. Her smile looked genuine when she saw Rio pick out the book spontaneously. “That book is the only book I have ever read that I don’t hate. The way the words in each poem flow reminds me of myself and somehow I do see myself in this book. I honestly relate to it in a concerning way, It actually sparked my love for poetry. I read it whenever I get the chance in my spare time.” Agatha admitted, Rio stared at Agatha in complete surprise.
“Agatha..”
“Yeah?” she responded. “This is the first book I ever wrote.” Rio continued, leaving Agatha shocked with widened eyes and her mouth falling open. Rio’s thumb brushed against where the title of the book was embedded in the cover as she glanced at it for the first time in years. “I published it 11 years ago, with the help of your mother. I had a book reading at a bookstore one night.”
“Down Broadway Street..” The two said together, both just as stunned as each other at this very moment. “I remember..” Agatha murmured trying to gather her thoughts. “It was January 22nd, My mother dragged me to another book reading of a young girl she said she helped debut into “the world of literature” were her exact words.” Agatha said as she chuckled. “I remember walking in the bookstore thinking, ‘This is going to be one of the worst nights of my life’. But I remember seeing this girl sitting at the table up front, and as she read her book, the more I actually listened for once.”
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**FLASHBACK**
As the young lady sitting at the table read her book out loud, Agatha became more drawn to the words that flowed out as it rolled off her tongue. Every page that this girl had flicked through to read, Agatha couldn’t help but feel the words engrave into her soul. She related this book and felt connected to the poetry inside, something she’s never felt with any book her mother forced her to involve herself with before. Agatha was lost in her own thoughts, until she was startled back to reality when everyone began clapping for the young lady. Not long after, Agatha’s gaze stayed glued to the girl that stood in the front as she thanked people for acknowledging her work and buying copies of her poetry. Agatha rubbed her head, realising she was staring at her like a creep, but Agatha couldn’t help but feel a certain way for this girl. Her long brown hair tied in a semi-high ponytail, Her lips as rosy as her cheeks and her eyes filled with many stories to tell; and something about it made Agatha want to know it all. Agatha watched as she looked at her watch and quickly made sure to thank the bookstore owner and her mother for the opportunity of a lifetime and squeezed her way through the crowd out the door. Agatha felt an impulse arise, “Go after her!” Her heart spoke to her. Agatha sprinted out the door as she shouted “Hey!!” towards the girl, she immediately stopped in her tracks to look behind and see Agatha shortly running towards her. “Oh.. Hello.” the girl said, Agatha could tell she must be quite introverted by the tone of her voice. “Your book you just read, it was amazing. I have never felt so seen until now.” Agatha said, her smile actually genuine for once. The girl just smiled back at her, “Thank you really, It means a lot.” She responded with a soft look. Agatha felt a bit flustered, her brown eyes looking straight through her, her perfume smelt of notes of vanilla and rose, and her expression was so genuine and pure with a look of innocence to it. She then looked at her watch, “Shit, I’m gonna be late.” the girl mumbled as she was about to run off until Agatha caught her wrist. “Wait!” she exclaimed, the girl looking back at her upon hearing her voice. “I never got your name?” Agatha said, the girl chuckled as she grabbed a copy of her book out of the tote bag wrapped over her shoulder and opened to the title page inside the book, she signed it with a black felt pen before closing it shut and handing it to Agatha. “Don’t forget me when I’m famous.” the girl said teasingly with a smile before running off towards the downtown train station. Agatha watched as she ran away, she opened the book to the first page where she stared right at the signature; the only letters she could even identify were the capitals R and V. “Her initials..” Agatha thought to herself, she looked back up to see if the girl was still there but she was gone. Agatha bit her lip gently as she gathered her thoughts over what just happened between her and this mysterious author.
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“She had signed the inside of the book before she ran off..” Agatha said, her hands moving to the other end of the book while Rio still held on to the bottom, Agatha lifted the book cover to reveal the 11 year old marker signature that still held its prosperity. Rio gasped when she saw the ordinary signature, it was sloppy but Rio knew it was hers. Rio felt a familiar warmth touch her skin, something that made a sudden burn ignite in her. “This couldn’t be real.. Could it?” Rio thought to herself as she felt Agatha remove the book from her hands to fill them with hers. “Rio..” Agatha’s gaze locks eye contact with Rio, Blue meeting brown. “Yes..” Rio whispered as she tried to breathe deeply. “You are the woman I have been painting, the woman I’ve painted for the last 11 years, ever since we met.” Agatha said, her voice changing to a rather more soft and authentic tone. Rio’s eyes began to tear, she couldn’t understand why but for some reason this whole entire moment felt like a fever dream and she couldn’t wrap her head around it. But she knew she felt a surge of happiness inside, a feeling she’s craved for a while.
“Agatha.” Rio chuckled through tears as her hands moved to Agatha’s face, caressing it gently and Agatha willingly melted into her touch. “It’s you Rio, It’s always been you.” Agatha said, a smile formed on her face, Her hands moved to Rio’s waist pulling her in closer; until their bodies touched. Rio leaned in closer, their lips lightly grazed against each other for a second until Rio pulled Agatha’s face in for a long passionate kiss. Agatha held Rio close to her body, wanting to feel Rio’s lips pressed fully against hers. It was gentle but in the sense that it felt romantic and savoured the moment well. When they broke away, the room fell silent. The two standing close to each other, listening to their breathing in unison. “You know.. If I had just told my name in the first place it wouldn’t have taken 11 years for us to find each other again.” Rio said with a grin as she wrapped her arms around Agatha’s neck. “Indeed, it wouldn’t.” Agatha nodded before matching Rio’s smile, she kissed her again once more. That night fate brought the two back together, in a way nobody would ever believe is possible. At least now Agatha can finally answer the question she is always asked about this forgotten muse of hers, without the words “I have yet to find out for myself.” repeating itself again.
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**BONUS STORY**
Fast forward to 6 years later. Ever since the sudden premonitions that night, Agatha and Rio had gotten engaged and married. They lived together in Agatha’s 1970’s villa house, where they built a life together. Agatha was painting and selling more artwork every single day, even sneaking in a few secluded paintings of Rio when she felt like it and had the time. One of her painting’s even made it as far as one of the most prestigious art museums in the country. And Rio was nonstop writing books and poetry, one of her books even gained so much love that it got pitched to be turned into a movie that was coming out in 3 months; Rio was extremely excited and especially because she was very involved in the filming process of the entire movie. Her and Agatha were definitely going to that premiere.
Agatha was painting on one of her larger canvases in her studio, a painting of the darkness of the ocean during a cloudy afternoon with all sorts of grey-ish blue tones blended together. Rio slept on the couch on Agatha’s right side, cuddled up comfortably in the blanket Agatha covered her with. Agatha was just about to paint the details of waves in the sea before she heard loud cries from the over end of the house, Agatha quickly got off her stool and quietly jolted to the living room. When Agatha got to the living room, she leaned over the portable cot and picked up the 1 month old baby boy into her arms as he squirmed around in tears. “Shh..” Agatha hushed as she rocked side to side, in an attempt to calm the baby. Agatha walked back over and noticed Rio slowly waking up as she stretched her arms in the air with a big yawn. “I’m sorry hun, I tried to keep him quiet so you could catch up on some more sleep after staying up with him all night. You should get some more rest.” Agatha said, still in an attempt to calm the baby down. “No, it’s okay sweetheart.” Rio mumbled, gesturing her hands out indicating to give the baby to her. Agatha leaned over as she gently handed the crying child over to Rio, and with just one single touch of Rio’s hands, the baby calmed down.
“Hi, my love.” Rio said, her voice pitching a bit higher in baby talk. And as for Agatha, she waved her hands around in the air in absolute confusion, making Rio laugh as she held the baby close with his head leaned over her shoulder. “How is it that I birthed him out, enduring pain for 7 hours of labour, for him to end up looking like you and calm down so easily on you??” Agatha exclaimed as her arms crossed against her chest. “That is because little Nicky here is a Mama’s boy, not a Mommy’s boy.” Rio teased, Agatha slumped on the couch next to her as she looked at both the mother of her child and the uncanny child who Rio held in her arms. “And there's supposed to be a significant difference between the two?” Agatha said, her brow curved, absolutely not buying anything Rio was saying. Rio just smiled, “Of course there is.” Rio teased before giving Agatha an innocent kiss on the lips. Rio moved her gaze to Nicky, “Me temo que tu mami se ha vuelto un poco loca mi amor.” Rio whispered to the baby in Spanish. “What was that??” Agatha said furrowing her brow. “Oh no, I think Nicky needs a diaper change!” Rio played off way too quickly before carrying the baby to the bedroom upstairs. “I know you said something silly about me in Rio!! Come back.” Agatha called out shortly following Rio from behind, And Rio just chuckled as she strutted her way up the stairs.