AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She pushed the door open, and they walked a few steps in before Alfie froze. The interior was much darker than Lulu, and while Melanie thought it was a really cool and gorgeous space all set out with different light fixtures and fittings, she saw it instead through the eyes of a four-year-old. There were a fair few people all gathered around one side and the other side was empty. Melanie wasn’t sure which one was more unsettling.
She squeezed his hand tightly and began walking forwards, but she could feel his little feet didn’t want to move.
‘Hey Alf,’ Paige said as she strode towards them. Her usual adult tone to Alfie just like always.
‘Hey Pwaige,’ Alfie said his hand tightening as they stopped walking and waited for Paige to get to them, and when she did, Melanie watched as Paige quickly assessed the situation.
‘Alf, can I pick you up? I need your help with something,’ Paige asked bending down so that they were face to face.
Melanie said nothing as Alfie let go of her hand and nodded slowly at Paige.
She picked him up and placed him on her hip as if she’d done it loads of times before and Melanie felt her heart twinge at how cute they were together.
‘Come with me, Alf. I need to show you around and you can help me with my problem OK?’ Paige turned to Melanie. ‘And if you don’t mind getting everyone in place, we’ll be right there?’
Melanie nodded and watched as they strode off together, Alfie laughing as he felt Paige’s undercut, and her heart twisted in panic. Paige and Alfie really were close. It hadn’t been her intention but if things went south with Paige, Alfie might unintentionally get caught in the crossfire. She was glad her last relationship was already on the rocks when Alfie was a baby; he didn’t remember Laura, and Laura had had no interest in helping look after Alfie. It cemented her decision. Paige was a friend. Only a friend. They could be friends for years and Alfie would be OK.
Hearing raised voices, Melanie turned around to look at the group, grateful for the interruption. Quickly pressing on with the next task at hand, she placed her bag on her shoulder, straightened her skirt and her glasses and strode forward.
‘Good afternoon, everyone, I’m Melanie Curzon. Myself and Paige Roberts are in charge today. Are we ready to get started? I need the panel of judges over on the far side near the bar, please, while the artwork is arranged.’
Melanie’s tone was calm and confident as she began channelling the control and poise of Cleo.
‘We just had some queries,’ Councillor Houghton began.
‘I’m sure you do and once we have everyone in position, we’ll get that all sorted for you.’
‘But are we not shortlisting or anything? What if we pick someone unsuitable?’ Councillor Houghton asked.
‘Define unsuitable,’ Melanie challenged not missing a beat.
Councillor Houghton nodded. ‘Very well.’
‘Right, who’s here from the press?’ Melanie dropped her bag and got her iPad out as a couple of people made their way towards her. Making sure the media had their info she then corralled the onlookers, some artists in the running, and some of her fellow Neighbourhood Business Alliance pals, to make sure they were stationed out of the way. Then Melanie unboxed all of the collated artwork samples and began placing them on tables, making sure the artist’s details were hidden on the back. Once all fifteen pieces of artwork were placed evenly around the space, Melanie coughed to get everyone’s attention.
‘Judges, if you would all like to come this way, please, and I’ll remind you of the brief. We are seeking an artist from our community to paint a huge mural, to celebrate our diverse family ethos and community spirit.’
‘And for Tim and Simone from BBC North West Tonight, may I present our judges, Councillor Patrick Houghton, Chair of the Neighbourhood Business Alliance that is sponsoring this endeavour.’ Melanie looked back down at her notes and waited in case Councillor Houghton wanted to add anything further. He simply nodded and Melanie moved on.
‘Paige Roberts, member of the Neighbourhood Business Alliance and owner of Barbarella. Next to her and representing our younger generation is Alfie Curzon.’
‘I’m four,’ shouted Alfie, and Melanie noticed he was still firmly holding onto Paige’s hand, but then she noticed Connie was stood beside them, pointing to herself.
‘Paulo Hennessey, owner of Tatt This. We also have, Kazim Hussain, student and manager at All the Beans.’ Melanie’s attention was taken by Connie waving frantically, pointing to herself.
‘And finally Connie Roberts-Bowles representing our more experienced community.’
Melanie paused while Connie took a bow. Trying not to laugh at Paige’s expression, she carried on. ‘Judges, you each have a copy of the full brief to remind you of what has been asked, along with points you may wish to bear in mind when scoring. You have also been handed three stickers. Once you have made your considered decisions, please put the stickers on your three favourite piece of artwork. Thank you. And please begin.’
Melanie heard Paige lean down to Alfie and say, ‘You want to walk around with me?’ At the same time, Councillor Houghton leaned down and whispered something to Connie that made her laugh and playfully slap his arm.
What the . . . ?
Choosing not to look into that too much, Melanie watched on as the judges circled the room, the rest of the place quiet except for the occasional murmur. Melanie had seen some of the work in the emails but hadn’t seen the sample pieces properly. Each artist had been asked to produce one A3 image that they felt best reflected the brief and a write-up of how it would be achieved, and the meaning behind it.
She knew there had been two colleges submitting group entries, a few quite big named artists had entered, a charity organisation and some first timers. Melanie smiled, it all rested entirely on their understanding of the brief and their community. It had been the fairest way to ensure everyone that entered was on the same playing field. They had toyed with asking people to bring examples of their work but that meant those desperately seeking the opportunity for the first time, would be excluded.
Alfie broke the near silence. ‘I love that one, green is my favourite colour. Can I put all my stickers on that one?’
