When Evelyn stepped out of the Westfield Gallery, a strange mix of relief and exhilaration settled over her.
The crisp autumn air kissed her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around herself, replaying every word Thomas had said. A mentorship. A real chance. It still felt surreal.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, snapping her out of her thoughts.
She pulled it out to see a message from Mia.
Mia: "How'd it go?! Tell me EVERYTHING!"
Evelyn smiled, her fingers tapping away as she walked toward the bus stop.
Evelyn: "I think it went well. Thomas offered me mentorship! Can you believe it?"
Three dots appeared instantly, then disappeared. Then it appeared again. Then it disappeared. Evelyn could practically hear Mia screaming on the other end.
Mia: "I KNEW IT! OMG! We need to celebrate. Are you coming back to campus?"
Before Evelyn could reply, another message popped up.
Adrian: "Hey, how'd the meeting go? I want details."
She sighed, her heart warming. These two. Always worrying about her. Always supporting her.
For so long, she had been alone, feeling like an outsider in her own world. But now… now she had people who cared.
Evelyn: "It went amazing. Meet me at the café? My treat."
Mia responded with an excited GIF, and Adrian simply sent a thumbs-up emoji. Classic.
The café was buzzing with students when Evelyn arrived. She spotted Mia instantly—bright red curls bouncing as she waved frantically.
Adrian sat next to her, looking effortlessly cool as always, though even he had an excited glint in his eyes.
"You made it!"
Mia practically tackled Evelyn into a hug the moment she sat down.
"Okay, spill. Every single detail."
Evelyn laughed, setting her portfolio bag beside her.
"It was… intense. But in a good way. Thomas liked my work. He said I have potential."
"Of course, you do!"
Mia beamed.
"I've been saying that forever."
Adrian leaned forward, studying Evelyn carefully.
"You don't look as freaked out as I expected."
She tilted her head.
"Is that a compliment?"
He smirked.
"Definitely. You usually overthink everything to death. But right now? You seem… happy."
She paused. Happy? The word felt foreign, yet somehow fitting.
For the first time in years, she wasn't drowning in doubt. "I think I am."
Mia clapped her hands.
"That's it. We're celebrating! Drinks, snacks, and no talking about school."
Evelyn rolled her eyes but didn't protest. Tonight, she would let herself enjoy the moment.
The following morning, Evelyn woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. Her mentorship would start next week, and she wanted to be ready.
She spent the day organizing her workspace, buying new supplies, and sketching endlessly, ideas flowing faster than they ever had before.
A notification from her email caught her eye as she sat at her desk later that evening.
It was from Thomas.
Subject: Mentorship Program – First Steps
Evelyn took a deep breath and clicked it open.
Evelyn,
I'm pleased to welcome you to the mentorship program. Attached is your schedule for the next few weeks. You'll be shadowing one of our senior artists, Sophia Hayes. She's looking forward to meeting you. Your first session will be at the gallery on Monday at 10 AM. Let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Thomas Laughton
Evelyn's heart pounded. Sophia Hayes. A renowned artist. Someone she had admired for years. And now she'd be learning from her?
She couldn't believe it.
Taking a deep breath, she leaned back in her chair, staring at her sketches. This was happening. This was real.
And for the first time in a long time, she wasn't scared.
She was ready.