Dr. Ryan Hudson is a very laid-back kind of person and I'm more than thankful that he is not some snob with no real substance. I learned that Elements are not from any mythological descent, however, their raise was bestowed with the responsibility to keep the innocents out of harm's reach should a situation calls for it which is technically what's happening now. They have this unique characteristic to sense harm before it actually happens. He also mentioned that I will have my own guardian since he can't always keep an eye on me because of the nature of his work.

''I've been all around the globe and its always fascinating to discover something new every time'' he said, sounding reminiscent of all his adventures ''that's why I became an archeologist, I love the thrill and the adrenaline it gives'' mom smiled brightly, like she knew something that the world doesn't. I really want to tease her right now with the way her eyes twinkle even with the dark lenses.

Mom took a sip from her tea and says ''Oh I know. You are always the adventurous one, just like my Raven.'' she glanced at me with a knowing smile. Dr. Hudson laughs lightly.

He then looks at me fighting back a smile ''So, you also love dirt and mud I suppose'' he humors, tucking his lips.
I feel my cheeks heat up ''Yeah, mom couldn't keep me inside the house especially when it rains'' I admit, smiling at the memory of my younger years. Olivia rolls her eyes smiling lightly and took another sip of her Sencha.

''She's nothing but trouble until I enrolled her at an art class.'' she looks at me pointedly as if she's about to scold me for being a petulant child.

I raise my hand in defeat ''Okay mom, enough humiliation for one day.'' I said shaking my head

''No, please. I want to hear it'' Dr. Hudson prodded, obviously fighting back his laughter. And I noticed just how good-looking he is and how Olivia would really look good with him. I smile inwardly.

''She fell in love with painting and pottery. She actually cried when it ended.'' Olivia states like I'm not at the same table as they are.

''Really?'' He asked, brows slightly marred

''Yes, I loved how it felt when I create something that expresses my feelings'' I uttered confidently, owning up my capabilities, although, I couldn't say that my knowledge of art goes beyond Van Gaugh's Stary Stary Night and da Vinci's Mona Lisa but I can say that I appreciate art when I see one. Surprisingly, mom did not make any more comments to possibly humiliate me. Zeus bless her soul.

Dr. Hudson seem to regard my statement before he said ''well then, I think you'd love my newfound treasures. Would you like to see them tomorrow? It will be displayed at The Block.'' I was about to gush as my eyes almost pop out of their sockets when mom beat me to the punch.
''Oh my! Really? Isn't that the famous museum owned by the St. Pierre's?'' My words exactly mom. Dr. Hudson let out a hearty laugh and nodded as I silently rejoiced with the invitation. He must have noticed my lack of response so he questioned me once more.

''So Raven, would you like to accompany me to The Block museum?'' I instantly felt giddy by the mere thought that I'd be going to The Block. That museum is the crème de la crème when it comes to showcasing each and every form of art there is and it will take you forever if you want to get inside because it's not open to the public, they only choose thirty people a day out of the long list of reservations. I secretly wished that one day I'll be able to set foot in that damn museum but I do not want to splurge and use Olivia's money although she adamantly persisted that I should have my own credit card that is frozen in my mini-fridge by the way, I reserve it for emergency purposes only.

Someone cleared his throat from somewhere, turns out its Dr. Hudson ''Raven? Are you all right?'' His cool slightly baritone voice snapped me out of my trance
''Huh? Yes, I-I was just thinking'' I smiled at him sheepishly which he returned with his carefree amused grin.
''So is that a yes? Do you want to come with me and see the collections to be displyed?'' Calm down Raven, you can handle this like a poised woman.
''Absolutely, that will be great''

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As expected The Block museum is like an otherworldly place. The floor-to-ceiling glass window illuminates the whole floor with natural light. The lobby looked expensive and the tall rows of pillars made me look no more than a speck. Dr. Hudson told me that he'd meet me here at eight o'clock but since it's just seven-fifteen you can say that I got a little, excited.

The exhibits here are mostly sculptures and abstract paintings with vivid and elaborate brush strokes and you just have to marvel at the beauty of such magnificent artworks. I aimlessly walked around the museum, silently taking in every detail and trying hard not to faint with too much bliss when something captured my attention. It was a huge painting of a woman whose back is facing me as if she's walking away. I walked closer to it and noticed that the painting must've been at least a hundred years old by the looks of the wooden frame. I stared at every detail, curve, stroke, and color. The setting was a bright sunny day but I suddenly felt sad and the more I stare at it the more my heart ached. Why the hell do I feel like this?

''That painting is named Desiderata.'' Said a man from behind, but I couldn't take my eyes off the painting, so without looking I asked.

''What does that mean?''

''Something that is needed or wanted; something that is essential,'' he explained ''because the artist of that painting is depicting the story of his one true love.'' My heart ached more, I almost want to cry. But somehow, I want to know more.

''Did they have a happy ending?''

''No. The woman died.'' He said solemnly. I felt my brows furrow in dismay and curiosity forced me to face the man behind me.

''What happened to the artist then?'' I asked and I watched as the man's face in front of me changed from shock, mortification to cold impassive glare.

''Nothing happened. End of story.'' He said sharply. I was taken aback. Did I say something wrong? I was about to ask when Dr. Hudson greeted the man I'm talking with.

''Damon St. Pierre, it's nice to finally meet you.''

●💀●

Questions:

●Who is Damon St. Pierre?

●Why did Damon acted like that when he saw Raven's face?

Please tap that lil' star for Damon, it might improve his mood😘❤