Chapter 2

"Let's see hmm where should I start? The wardrobe, the study desk, or the bookshelf? " She thought hard and coming to the conclusion that everything needs deep cleaning and organizing, she started her work with an enthusiastic approach. "I should give this to my cousin, it's too small for me now" she said as she held up a shirt, one which had 'I like beetles' printed on it in bold letters. "And with that, iris is done with her room" she sighed, stating almost a complement to herself for finishing the work within 45 minutes. "A quick bath and I'm off to Amy's "she grabbed the nearest water bottle and washed down the tiredness from her body.

"Mom, Dad I'm going to Amy's for a quick hangout" she rushed downstairs, already undressed with a towel over her body heading to her bath. "What?!" her dad shouted from the yard, unable to hear her clearly as he cut the weeds off with music playing. "She says she's going out to Amy's" her mom smiles at him, "What a hard worker you are" she teased him.

And then comes the most awaited, ding-dong she presses the doorbell, Amelia's history exercise and some snacks in the polythene bag she's holding onto, and her skin, still wet more from the bath she just took and a tiny bit of sweat as she rushed to the latter's. Footsteps approach the door,, and she is greeted by her friend, Amelia. "You actually showed up this time" she giggled, teasing her of the fact that they made numerous plans and all of them ended up being cancelled last minute, it wasn't anything serious, but it made a funny story when repeated. "I did actually show up, yes" iris tilts her head, returning the tease. "Let's head inside" Amelia says, and they opened their sandals; the summer classic. "How are you doing Mrs Ivan" iris waves at Amelia's mother, a tall woman she was, and she would figure skate when she was younger, an athletic person. "I'm quite alright, nice to see you iris" she said, looking up from her book. "I brought over some tarts my mom made, you should definitely try them out soon" iris hands over the freshly baked tarts her mom had made. Mrs Ivan takes a good bite, "As good as I remember, thank you darling convey my gratitude to your mom" she smiled, and the two young girls headed to Amelia's bedroom. Two pots of snake plant in the two corner of the room, and a beautiful rug in the middle of the room, her clothes were not very colorful so the rug and plants made the room much brighter. "Feels good to be back" iris relaxes the moment they step in. "Did you know that the artist of 'One last dance 'was caught in a human trafficking conspiracy?" Amelia says with shock. "What?! The artist of 'One last dance'?! What a waste!" she says in disbelief. "I loved that piece, I had even followed the artist in other social media platforms" the both of them look at each other with disappointment in their eyes. "What a weird World Amy" iris rests her head on Amelia's shoulder and vice versa, opening a chip packet and turning on some music to match their disappointment and newfound betrayal. They were both ardent fans of art and literature, their common interest made them closer to each other. They would come across eachother multiple times at the book store, scanning art books and poetry, it wasn't until they wanted to read the same book that they finally talked. "I've been diligently coming here everyday in hopes of the new edition to arrive, I'd be happy if you give up" Iris said, looking at Amelia dead in the eye. "I too, have been getting information everyday of it's arrival, I'd be much happier if you give up" Amelia replied. Neither willing to accept defeat and since it was the only one left and the artist was no longer going to publish art books, this was like diamond in the rough for the two art enthusiast.

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