Sweet Hope

I paused when I saw Lexi, Levi and Austin enter the gallery, along with Molly, Rome, Cass and JD. My heart fell at how sad and forlorn the two Carillo brothers looked. I could see that the pain of their confrontation with Axel yesterday was weighing heavily on their hearts.

Focusing back on the crowd, I continued. “Elpidio began his journey with Carrara marble only a few years ago. In that time he has become a master in his field, capturing our hearts with his soul shattering depictions of despair, grief, guilt; indeed every facet of raw emotion and the human condition.

“Tonight you will see works that have yet to be published in magazines, and you will also see recent sculptures that will…” tears filled my eyes as I thought of the boy crying bullets, “that will challenge the emotions of even the most stoic among you.”

Taking a deep breath, I added, “Tonight, you will also be able to read what inspired the creation of his flawless sculptures. Elpidio is notoriously reclusive, and as such, won’t be making an appearance tonight,” the crowd murmured in disappointment, “but he has shared with me his inspirations for the pieces which I’m sure will both astound and inspire you.”

I nodded at Bridgette who was standing by the large red velvet curtains that would draw back to reveal the show. Turning back to the crowd, I said, “It is my pleasure to present to you, Elpidio!”

Bridgette drew the curtains, revealing the bright white of the show and I moved aside as the crowd eagerly filtered into the space.

Forcing myself to stay strong, I watched Austin, Levi, Lexi, Molly, Rome, Cass and JD approach me.

Molly walked over and wrapped me in her arms. I had to fight back the lump in my throat at the heartfelt comfort from my best friend. My heart was broken and it was taking everything in my power to not give in to deep sadness.

Axel should be here. He should be seeing how many people have turned up to view his show. He should be seeing his family’s reaction.

“I’m so proud of you,” Molly said and moved aside to let Rome hug me too. He hadn’t said anything about Axel running off. I could see in his expression that he’d always expected him to fall back into his old ways.

All the gang congratulated me on the success of the show, but I only had eyes for Levi and Austin. Austin saw me watching them and asked, “Why did you want us to be here so bad, Al?” His voice was still raspy and he looked so tired. My heart clenched when I thought of how much kicking Axel out must have hurt him. Austin loved Axel, it was all a huge damn mess.

“It’s about Axel, Aust,” I said and walk forward put my hand on his and Levi’s backs. Ushering them forward toward the gallery, both brothers were frowning at me in confusion.

Stopping at the entrance way, I turned to them, my other friends trailing at the back, and said, “You were right, Austin, Axel didn’t come to Seattle to work at the fish market as part of his parole.” Levi tensed, as did Austin, then I added, “But he also wasn’t selling drugs either...” I dropped my head and huffed a humorless laugh. “You see, Axel is exceptional… he’s so talented and amazing, yet never felt he could tell you. He felt he didn’t deserve any praise or acclaim after what he’d put y’all through.”

“Praise for what?” Austin pushed. Levi nodded in agreement,

“Praise for his work.”

“What work? Al, what the fuck are you talking about?” Austin said curtly. Rather than tell him, I moved aside to face the gallery and gestured to the stunning show with my hand.

“This work, Austin… Axel… Axel is Elpidio…”

I scanned the shocked faces of my friends and watched as they took in the exquisiteness of the marble sculptures.

Lexi stepped forward, her hand over her mouth and said, “Axel… Axel created all these… Axel is… Elpidio…?” Her green eyes brimmed with tears and she whipped her head to Austin. “My God, Austin… Axel did all this… and we all thought… oh God!” she cried.

“You didn't lie,” Molly said. I met her knowing gaze.

“No, I fell in love with Elpidio… it just so happened that he was Axel Carillo too; both the hero and the villain.”

Molly’s expression filled with sympathy and Rome stood beside her gaping at the packed gallery.

“Come see,” I said to my friends, holding back my tears. Walking forward, we came face to face with the marble boys pointing up at the stars. I heard Austin suck in a sharp breath.

“Stelle,” I said, revealing the title.

Austin took a step forward, gazing down at the marble boys lying on their backs, smiles on their faces. “Fuck…” he said through a tight throat. “That’s us,” he looked to Levi who was pale and rooted to the floor. Levi was completely dumbfounded by it all. “Lev, that’s you as a baby.”