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YEARS LATER

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"IT IS A MASTERPIECE"

"Have you seen the dynamic? The colorism? It is outstanding, absolutely ahead of our time."

"She has outdone herself again, how is that even possible?"

The chattering and gossip followed by signs over the works filled the crowded British gallery. The grey afternoon soon became darker outside, and the modern construction served as a temple to modern art for some years now.

Even reporters and journalists from all parts of the globe gathered in that space to admire and write about one of the most well-known artists of all time who had evolved the terms of aesthetics and beauty.

"We are here at the most prestigious gallery in England, set in London, the Bhalnni Gallery which is now 10 years old, it is working on its new exposition gathering all works of its' owner, the entrepreneur and artist revolutionist, Alice Mallory. The profits gained in the entrance to admire the rarest her rarest and unseen collections will be donated to The Bree Mallory Foundation, created by the entrepreneur to help children in vulnerable environments and households." The redheaded reporter spoke clearly with a perfect intonation to the camera. "Our crew managed to get an exclusive interview with Miss Mallory and here she is." The journalist turned to blonde bleached woman in a dark gown that sparkled against the gallery's lights, a serene smile crossed her lips as she faced the camera. "Thank you for this opportunity, Miss Mallory. I believe I speak for us all when I say that this might be the greatest exhibition of our decade."

Alice chuckled. "You flatter me, Miss Lounds." Alice looked at her friend who appeared to be formal on camera. It has been a long time coming since 15 years ago when she still worked on that blog but now made it into a proper TV channel and trustable source. "Thank you for coming all this way from New York to appreciate my work."

"Can you tell us more about the newest and rarest pieces you promised to show to the public? I believe our audience is dying to know."Freddie lifted her eyebrows.

"Of course." She smiled softly. "These are paintings that I've made over the years, I consider them the most vulnerable and the most private parts of me, but that I now have full confidence to show the world, so maybe they can resonate with others, so they can relate to it. Maybe awaken even an emotion inside you." She explained calmly.

"It is indeed a respectful collection, hence, according to past interviews and biographies made on your persona, you've had a difficult past, Miss Mallory." Freddie read the card she had prepared for the occasion not to mess up. "Today marks your husband's death anniversary, is that correct?"

She nodded. "The night is entitled Will Graham for my dearest husband who died in service 15 years ago. He was the most noble, kind, and sincere man I've ever known. So, to remember him not in a sad aspect, today we celebrate in his honor." She completed her speech, trying not to show any sadness or hint of weakness.

Freddie nodded in agreement to her performance they had rehearsed to speak before the interview. "It is rumoured that the collection entitled 'Virginia' is about your three years of marriage by his side, how can you describe it to us?"

"Its is very delicate collection, it has much of our life back then, when we decided to live with some distance from society, where we had this wooden house in the snow, with dogs all over the picture, just as the painting." The two smiled. "I wanted this collection to represent joy, to make you feel warm when you glance at it. Like a capsule of memories."

"And there is even a child in many of them, is that your daughter?"

Alice smiled proudly. "Yes, it is my daughter. Actually, she was born inside our home, and it was very cold, the day was purely white because of the snow, so when we decided to give her a name, we called her Blanche, which means the color white in French. These paintings represent mostly her memories, her childhood, which is why there is plenty of white in them."

"That is such a memorable detail to add, I'm sure the people at home must feel warm just by the story of it." Freddie complimented. "There are also some pieces that bring a different emotion than the Virginia collection, such as your most popular works, like Amuse-Bouche, Savoureux, and Mizumono." She continued the interview. "May I ask a question, how did you come up with the idea to paint food, or elaborate dishes just as these? Did you expect them to become such a success?"

Alice looked down for a moment, maybe to search for the correct words in order to hide partially the truth. "They are heavily inspired by a person I've met who used to cook...each of these paintings is a meal, vegetarian or not, they seemed to represent an emotion depending on the occasion. I painted them mostly for myself, but once I exposed them in a museum for the first time, it became an immediate success. I've never expected it even in my wildest dreams to happen." She giggled in a humble gesture.

"People got really amused at how realist they appear, some evensay that you call almost smell it!"The two laughed. "Do you have a favorite in your Menu Collection so far, Miss Mallory?"

"Oh dear..."She chuckled, looking up and thinking for a moment. "Probably my piece entitled 'Gelato'. It is one of the most delicate and soft ones I've ever done, it has a very innocent feeling on it that never fails to make me smile."

"It is one of your most popular as well." Freddie agreed. "We heard a rumor that your inks and materials are homemade, since some of the colors, especially the red, are very nitid and alive in them, is that true? Do you produce them by yourself?"

"All the rumors are true." She smiled, but something in her eyes sparkled with a somber and elegant aspect that recalled a past persona. "I'm very careful about what I put into my art, which means I end up preparing most inks for myself."

Freddie nodded, prepared to wrap the interview. "At last, what would you like to say to our viewers at home?"

Alice took in a deep breath as she looked at the screen. "Embrace yourself. From the purest parts of yourself until the darkest and hideous ones. You will see that once they come up together, you can create what you never expected to. And that is when you'll know, you've found yourself."

"And...cut!" Freddie gestured and the camera stopped recording. "That was a great one." She said as the formalities washed off the screen. "Darkness, really? I thougjt you'd go with don't loose hope on your dreams or some cliché catchy phrase." She mocked.

"And I thought you wouldn't read cards to remeber your own best friend's personal information." She rolled her eyes back.

"Well people don't know that, genius, I needed to appear more professional." She bumped her shoulders against hers. "But for real this looks great." She pointed to the saloon. "It's incredible how you managed to build this over the years by yourself."

"Stop being nice, it's weird." The two laughed. "How are things going back in the USA?"

"Well, normally chaotic. Although there is a rumor of a serial killer on the run in Baltimore"

"Oh, wow." Alice lifted her eyebrows. "Maryland can never have some rest...strange, Blanche went there and said nothing about it to me."

"Perphaps she was busy with other stuff." Freddie shrugged the shoulders. "By the way where is she?"

Alice sighed. "I never know, she's always plotting something." She shaked her head. "Maybe I should look for her. Drink later?"

"Now you're speaking my language" the two high fived and parted ways.

Growing up as a successful woman in that bussiness wasn't easy of course, Alice Mallory gained much enemies ever since, but mostly admiration. She has been photographed by magazines, invited to events, she had became a public european figure who lived with her 18 year old daughter at one of the most richest neighbourhoods in London.

But she was quiet mysterious, besides your past with her father, and the death of her husband, no one knew much about her at all. There were gossips about her sister's death, and about a man who she fell in love with long ago. Any news regarding that time werevtaken down, and some may say, that she was the one who paid the newspapers and blogs to do it.

Envying her or not, she had built an empire on her own, and now, she would be hardly taken down.

Her goals at the moment seemed to conitnue pursuing her art and charity work, as well as raising her daughter, who had just came back from her trip to the USA where she was studying music.

There was a high expecative for the woman to date, after all she may have grown older, but continued with a distinct beauty to charm many suitors. But none have managed to break into her heart.

Besides all the rumours, she seemed pretty happy and confident about her life. And Alice truly was. She liked the way things were. She has never felt so...free. so...herself.

"Alice!" The dark haired man smiled goofily as he followed her promptly. His turtleneck sweather enlightned his timid shy figure as she smiled back. "Congratulations. I am truly happy for you."

"Aw thank you Ethan. None of this would be achieved without of course, I'm glad to have you as my assistant." She responded kindly as he walked by her side.

"Still, it was all you. That's your magic." He chuckled and showed the gallery around them. "Um...Alice, I was thinking, maybe..."His brittish accent started to become stuttering. "We could...go out for brunch someday? What do you think? Or maybe have some tea together?"

She blinked twice, finding herself into a new situation. "Oh...I...well.."She blushed and looked away, until another figure brought her attention. "Colin!" She shouted and a tall man smiled at her from afar. "Please, excuse me, Ethan." She said fastly.

"S-sure...okay..."He nodded, mentally cursing herself for being such a coward.

Alice ran into her brother's arms, giving him a warm hug. Colin Mallory was taller than her now, a fully grown man, the hair a bit longer, and the new prosecutor in the state of Maryland. She still remember his graduation day, she cried so much that drank 3 water bottles within an hour. She was so happy for him. He seemed so bright, so satisfied.

"Look at this place. You are so fancy now." He chuckled and put an arm around her shoulder. "How long has it been since we've seen each other? 3 months?" She nodded. "Right, it was on christmas. Blanche gave cookies to the dog and he farted all night long." The two laughed.

"By the way, you didn't tell me, did Blanche behave at your house? I hope she didn't cause any trouble in the meantime she was there." She said in a grumpy tone.

"She's a teen, I understand her." He chuckled. "We had our ups and downs, but I believe she will be alright. She still has another semester to go, right?"

"Yeah, she insists that studying abroad is for the best." She rolled her eyes. "But if that is what she wants...I won't stop her. She needs to follow her dreams, isn't it?"

"And the award for best mother of the year goes to..." He mocked and she laughed. "By the way, where is my niece?"

"That's what I've been wondering." She commented. "You know how she is and..."Alice glanced at a whispery argument across the room. "I think I found her."

"Go easy on her." Colin tried to take his niece's side, but couldn't help but laugh.

Blanche, a brunette 18 year old girl wearing a sparkling leather jacket, seemed desperate, maybe nervous as she spoke fastly and in whispers with an older black man who Alice knew too well.

"What do you mean he escaped?" Jack Crawford whispered, his body language was tense.

"He was gone! When I looked back, he wasn't there anymore!" She said in a high pitched tone. "I don't know what happened!"

"If the FBI finds out, we are fuc- oh, Kid!" Jack suddenly turned as Alice approached them, givibg an awkward smile. "How are you? Great exhibition by the way, so proud of you."

"What were you two conspiring about?" Alice said crossing her arms, giving interrogatory glances to both.

"Grandpa Jack was just telling me about some of his old FBI stories, right Grandpa Jack?" Blanche made up fastly and looked at him.

"Yeah, yeah just telling Nugget here about that case in Alaska. Back in the good old days." He lied.

Alice squinted her eyes almost trying to squeeze the truth out of them, but, with no other hint or suspicion, she simply believed in them.

"You need to stop telling her these stories." Alice chuckled. "Blanche's already energetic, what if she wants to become an agent too?"

"I don't see any problem in it." Jack smiled. "She's smart and brave. It would be a perfect fit." He complimented the girl he treated as his own granddaughter.

"Well, I don't think so." Alice snapped back, erasing the smile that formed on Blanche's hopeful expression. "Besides, she is already busy studying music, right dear?" Alice asked her.

"...yeah." Blanche responded with not much enthusiasm. "Yeah, I am..." She nodded.

"Well, I must make my rounds and greet some people." Alice said as she adjusted her daughter' messy hair strands. "Don't get in trouble." She recommended.

"When did I ever get in trouble?" Blanche said innocently. Alice made a face. "Fine." She rolled her eyes.

"Jack." Alice turned to Jack Crawford, who only came to London for that occasion, since he was now a retired agent in Baltimore. "I'm trusting you to take care of her."

"Don't worry, kid." Jack smirked. "Go ahead, we'll be alright."

"Okay." She tapped his shoulder and Alice kissed her daughter's forehead. "Love you." She said to both.

"Love you too." They said in the same tone, and Alice walked with Colin to meet the other guests.

Blanche sighed heavily, messing her hair teh way she liked again and then glancing at her guardian, who always put ghose adventurous ideas in her head since she was young. "She's going to kill me when she finds out." She whispered.

Jack took in a deep breath, of course Alice would freak out when she realized her daughter, who was sent to study music, was instead training to be an agent at Quantico. But now they needed to focus.

"Let's divide ourselves to find it. Go to the right and I go to the left. Call me if you need to."

"On it." She nodded and promptly walked away fastly.

It took some handshakes and smiles for Alice to finally be alone. She reached the most isolated area of the exhibition, where she sat on one of the benches at the center of the room where some pieces of an European landscape extended themselves through miles of distance.

▫️

Shoe sounds echoed behind her, as another fugure sat with her back turned to hers. Each one of them appreciating a different work of their own.

"This painting is not from the new collection." The man behind her said interrupting the silence. She was about to turn around when he stopped her "Don't turn around. It would be a shame to take your concentration and the essence of your amusement."

Her breath suspended inside her chest. Her eyes stared at the painting but in a mix of a dèja vu she couldn't describe.

"No, it is not." She replied calmly. "I am also not interested in seeing one at the moment"

"Is there any reason for such a statement?" He asked, a little curious.

"I believe art represents moments in our lives. That it reflects our emotions." She said clearly "And, even being an intriguing new collection, I wouldn't be able to admire it properly now. "

He nodded in silence, speaking carefully "It would ruin it to watch without the proper feeling to admire it correctly."

"Exactly." She agreed, then decided to ask

"Can I guess what is the one you're staring at then?" He suddenly suggested.

"I don't think you would be able to, due to your position, of course." She replied.

"Just tell me the colors." He challenged her.

Alice stared at the painting for a few seconds, deciding if she would rather lie than tell her the truth. He probably wouldn't guess, so there was no need to lie about it. She decided to be honest.

"There's beige, blue...also some dots in red below...."

"I like the red in it." He said in almost knowing tone that made her suspect his existence. "Is there a person on it?"

"If I tell you more details it will be way too easy." She smiled. "Ready to guess or not?"

The man grinned. "Farewell." He cleared his throat. "It is 'Florence', by Alice Mallory."

Alice smiled a bit impressed. He was correct. "I believe I've underestimated you." She said a bit impressed. "May I ask how did you know?"

"I have quite a good memory." He chuckled "and I'm quite a fan of this artist...There are much rumours regarding the creation of this piece."

"Really?"

"Yes. People wonder if the artist painted this in the location she titled it from, or about her lack of response about the work. It is one of her most mysterious ones. She often puts it at the end of her exhibitions, so people don't feel motivated to go see it, and never mentions it in interviews." He analyzed delicately. "She doesn't despise it, since she never attempted to sell it, but it is certainly an intriguing feeling she must feel about it."

"Strange. Your doubts and thoughts about it are very much valid. But you forgot a detail: the man on the painting."

He smiled. "Of course. He is the center of the attention. The people want to know who was the model." He nodded.
orbecause of the man sitting at the porch. "But I'd rather stare at the details, from the constructions in soft pastels to the porch's details, who are much more contrasting and dark. A detail she made on purpose." Alice smiled. "Darkness and light."

"It is a sort of equilibrium and dramatization of the time. All the details bring the attention back to the man." She confessed. "Because the artist wants the viewer to visualize her point of view...to make them see how she sees, her world."

"And her world is him." He agreed. "While he stares at the drawing" he then makes a pause. "People often mistake it as disrespect towards the artist's feelings, as if he was ignoring her...but if you look closely, you will be able to see in half of the page that he is sketching a female figure." Alice paralyzed. No one has ever noticed such detail. "He is drawing his world." He looks down gently for a moment. "People often focus on the beauty, the chiaroscuro of the shapes...when they avoid the most important detail." He looked slightly at her charming figure.  "The appropriate emotion to stare at it." He smiled softly.

"And what is the emotions that evokes you?" She asked, eager to turn around and see the stranger.

He chuckles in a velvety tone that makes her tremble. "A mirror of yours. They are finally aligned." He says with great satisfaction. "I must cnbgratulate you. You overcame what I ever expected for you." Alice's eyes filled with tears, her heart suddenly raced. That voice...that sweet, velvet tone that haunted her nights. "To become what you are meant to be...to break the dependency and achieve the reunion."

Alice Mallory turned around, the blue eyes sinking into the hazel ones again, shining into that everlasting promise who had finally became true.

"Hello, Lissy."

FINAL NOTES

Hello everybody! I can't believe this book is over. It's been a long time coming by, bit we are finally here. I must say it was a challenge to write into such a complex show, and to show you guys the emotions I wanted to express mixed between hatred, love and fear.

I must thank you for this incredible support you provided me through this journey. Writting this book provided me comfort during some hard times, and the support you showed me, each comment, vote or even view that showed that you liked my work, represented the world to me.

Thank you so much, I love you guys.

I hope you enjoyed this ride as much as me. Chiaroscuro might be my favorite book I've ever wrote so far, and although it breaks my heart to separate these two soulmates, I believe it was the most necessary. I neve emeant to nake Hannibal look like the good guy, and neither to make Alice the villain. And I hope I could show you this grey area of their love in the best way possible to you all.

I had headaches, hard times trying to fit scenes and create plots, and shed many tears in heartbreaking moments, but it was so worth it.

And, this is it, the final goodbye. My last thank you for this, and, until soon.