2 The Photographer's Gallery
The pair left the station, and started along the road to the gallery. Astrid's heart was racing and her hands and forehead were damp. Courtney grabbed her hand and skipped down the pavement, her dark curls flying everywhere.
"Your hands are a little clammy. Are you already tired?" she said with creases in her eyes and a big Cheshire cat smile.
"No, no. I'm just a little hot, is all." Astrid replied, with a flash of red to her cheeks.
"Hell yeah you are," flirted Courtney, with a quick wink.
The light pink on Astrid's cheeks rose and turned a deep red, almost like a beetroot.
The two rounded a corner and found themselves in front of a red brick terrace building, with glass panel windows along the front and a sign saying "The Photographer's Gallery". #
"This is it. Probably my favourite place in London," Courtney exclaimed, her smile beaming sunlight.
"In London? So where's you're favourite place in the world?" pondered Astrid.
" I don't know,. I'm leaving that until I'm on my deathbed, so i can choose somewhere vie been in my lifetime, instead of my mere 17 years of living."
"So does this mean you've been everywhere in London? 'Cus I highly doubt that."
"There aren't many places I don't know of. I like to wonder where I haven't been before, so every weekend I go to a different area. It's quite fun, because I end up associating that area with whatever mood I'm in." Said Courtney softly.
A puzzled expression fell across Astrid's face, followed by a few seconds of thinking.
"So, what do you want to ask me?"
"What mood is this gallery for you?" brooded Astrid.
"This is my arty mood. I come here when I have a bad day. and need inspiration." said Courtney distantly. Astrid stood there uncomfortably for several seconds while Courtney got lost in her thoughts.
"Should we go in?" asked Courtney, and with brief nod from Astrid, and the duo went inside.
The interior had white walls and a concrete floor, with pictures and artwork hung around the room and from the ceiling. Courtney walked to a photograph immediately, and stared intensely at it.
Astrid browsed round, finding herself enjoying a black and white photograph of several families across the world, all clipped together. She felt like they all were just to close to each other, just like in her own family.
Astrid walked over and stood by Courtney, avoiding the painting, but looking directly and admiring Courtney. She could be among the art and no one would notice. She had a charming crook in her small nose, and sparkling amber eyes.
Courtney took her hand out of her pocket and it fell to her side, brushing Astrid's hand. Astrid jumped, but then grabbed Courtney's hand in a bolt of confidence. Courtney looked up to face her, but Astrid's eyes stayed on the painting.
The pair walked around the gallery, intensely taking in the art. Every few minutes, one would look at the other with a small smile. They eventually went back to the original painting that Courtney liked. It was a family portrait, with a renaissance style, but with everyone in the family looking at their phones. Astrid thought the mother was recognisable, but couldn't place the face. Maybe she'd seen it before.
"What do you like about this painting so much?" asked Astrid gently.
A few minutes ensued as Courtney gathered her thoughts.
"It reminds of my family. That's it, really." said Courtney, her eyes glazed over, staring off into the distance.
After an hour of strolling the gallery and awkward looks between the two, Courtney had to leave.
"I've got a thing to go to for my brother. He's in a basketball match and I promised I'd be there." She said dismally.
"Well, I'd love to see you again. If you want," added Astrid.
The two exchanged numbers, made promises to meet again, and the two split ways.
Astrid's family was always very tight. One of her favourite memories was when the five of them went camping in Reading. Astrid got scared of the bugs, so stayed in the tent. Her younger brother, Henry, went rolling around in the mud, playing in the river and throwing dirt in his sisters' faces. Astrid's older sister, Alex, ended up either climbing trees with Henry and getting stuck or secluding to the other side of the small river to absorb her book. Her dad, Kit, was the cooking prodigy of the family, so spent the week preparing the meals. Astrid's mother, Jane, spent the week babying and creaming up the young children. They all got sunburned anyway, but her efforts were gratefully received.
Now, as Astrid entered the house, a similar chaotic tone echoed through. her dad was trying to sleep on the sofa, while his wife struggled with making dinner. Alex was trying to study, but Henry decided now was not the time and was pestering her, despite having piles of homework and tests himself. This scene felt like home to Astrid, so she sat down and began to recount the day to her family.
