Part 6
The evening at Alain and Alegria had done her good. She felt at home with them. Of course that was because Alain knew
her father, but also because of the hospitality and that they shared a passion for art. That Stella finally gave a sign of life,
had made the evening complete. For the first time since months she had slept through the night. She had dreamed about
Stella again but this time it was a nice dream. She did not send a new mail, because she doubted that Stella would want this.
Carla had mailed her plan to Alain, so he could read it before she came to the gallery. Sophia went to the nursery from
10.00 till 15.00 hours. Alain's gallery was located on the Boulevard Montmartre. By subway, she would be there fast.
She took Sophia to the nursery. Who had become so used that she no longer cried when she left. Carla was surprised how
quickly Sophia picked up the French language.
At 10.30 hours she stood before the gallery of Alain. Before she went inside she looked around. Nice location, high traffic,
stylish facade, in short, the first impression was good. She went in and was pleasantly surprised. The gallery looked inviting.
You felt no urge to turn around immediately. Your curiosity was immediately aroused. A young man came to her.
"Good morning, you must be Carla von Lahnstein. May I introduce myself, I am Etienne"
"Good morning Etienne. I have an appointment with Alain Marceau"
"I know. He still has an errand and asked me to guide you"
"Thank you. What is your job here?"
"I study at the Art Academy and my scholarship isn't sufficient enough so I'm working with Alain. I receive guests, like you and
of course customers"
"I see. What is your specialty?"
"Sculpture"
"What materials do you use most?"
"Right now I am totally fascinated by marble"
"Hard work"
"Yes, but I love it. Shall I guide you?"
"Please"
Carla walked through the gallery with Etienne. It looked good. The various artworks were mixed together, but tastefully placed.
It was modern art, but here and there hung some traditional work. Etienne was a good host. She enjoyed his comments.
While watching at a certain work of Art, she heard;
"And are you enjoying Carla?"
"Alain, good morning. Yes, I am enjoying it. Does it show?"
"Yes. Etienne thank you. I'll take over from you"
"I am impressed Alain"
"Thank you. Will you come to my office, then we drink coffee first. I have read your plan and would like to discuss it with you
while enjoying a cup of coffee"
"Carla, I think it's a good plan. Of course it is extremely difficult here in Paris to open a new gallery, but the ideas you have
are refreshing. The only problem you really have is that you're unknown in the art world of Paris. They are not waiting for the
next foreigner who claims to change things around here. Also, you are already for a while no longer active in the art world.
In short, enough ideas, but you do not have the correct inputs "
"But ..."
"No, wait I'm not finished. To help you find your way, I would like to offer you to come work with me"
"Oh, that's an unexpected turn. What did you exactly have in mind for me?"
"Carla. I know that your passion lies in art. That is what your father has written me often. He also told me how much effort it
took for him to get you back to Dusseldorf because he needed you in the Holding. For a while now I have been looking for a
successor. Alegria and I have no children who could do that. I've had some interviews, but they didn't turn out well, because
I missed the passion. Before I approached you, I have watched you regularly. The way you looked at the artists on Place du Tetre
and the way you looked at Alegrias work last night. I saw passion. That is what I want to see in a successor. Of course there
must be some business sense, but that you've already proven in the holding. Carla, would you come to work for me, with the
ability to be my successor?"
"I'm rather surprised. You want me to give an answer right now?"
"No, think about it. When you come to work here, you have much to learn, but I will personally coach you. You'll also have a
few things to arrange for Sophia. So no, I do not need an immediate answer. Unless that answer already is no"
"No, certainly not. I'm only a little surprised"
"I understand that. What time should you pick up Sophia?"
"15.00 hours. Why?"
"It is now 12.00 hours. Do you have plans till 15.00"
"Not really"
"The weather is beautiful. Go to Centre Pompidou. Indoors or outdoors, doesn't matter at this time. Walk across the square,
look around you and breathe in the atmosphere. For now no thoughts about what happened, no thoughts about the future,
no thoughts about Sophia. Just enjoy what's happening around you. If you have no plans for tomorrow, then I have some addresses
of colleagues. Visit these galleries. Then I'd like to talk to you again"
"But do you want a report?"
"No. I want you to enjoy the arts, but before you go I have a gift for you, but do not open until you're at Place Georges Pompidou"
"I, uh, I'm not sure what to say. Why are you so kind to me?"
"Because you're Johannes daughter. I knew you through his letters, but now that I actually have met you, I think Johannes has done
you short in his letters. Carla, once again enjoy the arts and we will call each other soon. I gotta go now, because I have an appointment"
Place Georges Pomdipou was not that far away so she decided to walk there. It was crowded. Many tourists, various street artists.
Musicians, acrobats there was even a fire eater. She sat on a bench and opened her gift. It was a sketchbook and a sketch pencil.
She had a smile on her face. Looked around and decided not to use the book right now. The impressions she got this afternoon,
she would try to draw tonight. Now just try to enjoy.
She closed her eyes to memorise the sounds, the sun shone on her face. Suddenly she felt that was being watched at. She opened
her eyes. Before her was a mime with a sad face. He looked at her. Slowly his face changed from sad to happy, as he gave her a
flower. Carla took the flower and the mime jumped up and walked away. He turned back with a sad face and when he saw
Carla smiled, he smiled back and waved.
Carla looked after him with a smile. For the first time in months she felt well. She sniffed the flower. No smell, but she took it with her
anyway. She walked across the square towards the fountain. There she sat down and enjoyed for a while.
It was time to pick up Sophia and go home. Her head was full of images that had to be drawn in the sketchbook.
Perhaps, no certainly she would mail a Stella tonight.
...
_________________ Our live begins to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Martin Luther King
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