Mary spent the entire workshop feeling uneasy because of what she had heard that morning. She tried to avoid looking at Nicholas, even when he came over to see her painting. Mary responded coldly, and Nicholas, sensing the change in her mood, quietly stepped back.
Around noon, while adding the final strokes to her painting, Mary suddenly stopped and muttered to herself:
— What's wrong with me? Why do I care about what that girl said? I'm here to get closer to my goal… not to waste time paying attention to a few students' behavior.
She turned her head, scanning the studio, hoping to see a familiar face — maybe one of Helen's friends. Suddenly, she spotted someone she had once met at the café. A smile formed on her lips, and she stood up to approach her.
— Hi!
— Hi Mary! How are you? When did you get here? I didn't see you at all.
— I've been here for a while... was on the other side. My painting is almost finished.
— Really? Then you've been here quite a while.
— Yeah... By the way, Helen didn't come? I remember she said at the café that she might not.
— No, she didn't... she said it casually. When Nicholas is around, she doesn't come.
— What? What does that have to do with Nicholas?
Her friend hesitated, then straightened herself:
— I mean, Helen and Nicholas usually run the gallery together. When one of them is here, the other stays at the gallery... that's all.
— I didn't know they ran the gallery together.
Mary glanced around again and said:
— Yong's not here either... You should've seen his paintings last week — they were amazing. I hope one day I can paint something like Yong's or Nicholas's, or even Helen's.
— Yeah, those three have such unique styles… Nicholas's painting today has a different feeling too, not like usual.
— Really? What did he paint?
— You haven't seen it? Go check it out — it's really good.
Not wanting to get close to Nicholas, Mary replied:
— I'll look later. I need to finish my own painting first. See you later.
— Okay, dear.
After finishing her painting, Mary went to her instructor to ask for feedback. The teacher paused a moment, then said:
— It's really good… you've made nice progress.
— By the way, we're going on a field trip Tuesday. The school planned a nature tour to study color elements in real environments. You should come — it's really helpful.
— Thanks, Professor... If I can get time off, I'll definitely come.
On Monday, at the office, Mary was buried under a pile of project work when her phone rang. It was Helen. Surprised, she answered:
— Hi Helen, how are you?
— I'm good. I have some great news for you.
— What is it?
— The school's having a fun field trip tomorrow...
She paused.
— You don't sound excited?
— Actually, the instructor mentioned it, but I haven't gotten time off yet.
— Then go get it now! Mary, you have to come tomorrow. It'll be so much fun.
— I'll see what I can do.
— I'll be waiting... bye.
Mary put down her phone and stared at her monitor. The office was busy, and she was too shy to ask Mr. Connor for leave. Deniz, noticing her unease, approached:
— Mary, is something wrong?
— No, it's nothing. Just that the art school has a field trip tomorrow. One of the girls called and asked me to come... but with all this work...
— Wait, does your school have guys too?
— Yeah, why?
— Are you crazy? You never even look at men here at the office — at least go there and maybe you'll like someone.
— Oh, come on, Deniz...
— No! That's it! I'll handle it.
Deniz marched straight toward Mr. Connor's office.
— Deniz, where are you going? Wait! What are you going to say?
A few minutes later, Mr. Connor called Mary in. She entered the office, worried. Deniz was already there, wearing a mysterious smirk.
— Hello Mr. Connor... You wanted to see me?
— Mary, I know you care about your job, but in situations like this, you shouldn't be shy. Deniz told me everything. It's fine — you can take the day off tomorrow.
— Really? But everyone's working on projects right now...
— Mary, how many chances do you get in life to meet someone?
— Meet someone?!
Suddenly, Deniz jumped in:
— Oh come on... Mr. Connor already knows about the guy your mom wants to set you up with!
She winked at Mary. Mary forced a smile:
— Oh… you mean that? Just please, don't tell anyone... except Deniz, of course...
— Don't worry. Nothing's official yet.
Mary thanked them and walked out. Outside the office, she grabbed Deniz:
— Are you insane? What was all that nonsense you told him? You embarrassed me!
— Nonsense? You should be thanking me.
— Deniz! Please, don't ever do anything for me again.
Deniz laughed:
— Fine… but I'm not promising anything!
The next morning, Mary packed her bag with excitement and headed to the art school. Two buses were waiting in the courtyard, and the students were boarding one by one. From afar, Helen spotted Mary and waved.
— Mary! Come, we're taking this bus.
Mary smiled and walked toward them. Inside the bus, Helen and Michelle were sitting together, and Mary took the seat next to them. Suddenly, Yong entered, noticed the empty seat beside Mary, and asked:
— Is this seat taken?
— No, have a seat.
Helen turned to Yong:
— Isn't Diana coming?
— No, she had something to do.
Yong turned to Mary:
— Can I sit by the window?
— Of course.
Just as the bus was about to leave, Nicholas walked in:
— Sorry, Professor. I'm late.
The instructor glanced around:
— This bus is full, but the other one has space.
Nicholas walked forward and saw Mary. Then he turned to Michelle:
— Michelle, would you mind switching to the other bus?
Michelle hesitated, glanced at Helen, then said:
— Okay… I'll go.
Just as Nicholas was about to sit, Helen pulled Mary's hand and said:
— We girls should sit together.
Mary took the opportunity:
— Yeah, that's better.
Nicholas and Yong exchanged surprised looks. Nicholas mumbled under his breath:
— Should've taken the other bus...
Yong replied indifferently:
— Yeah, seriously… who can tolerate you anyway?
— What did you say?!
The instructor raised his voice:
— Alright, let's go! Enjoy the trip!
The students cheered with excitement. Music started playing, and the bus rolled out…