The Gallery

Margaret Finley sat depressed in her father’s favourite chair. At the age of thirty-two, she was un-employed, and the only business putting money in her pocket would soon close down. Her father owned and maintained their little towns only Art Gallery, and soon he would have to shut it down or sell. Margaret un-happily rolled these thoughts around in her head. She had no way of helping, and she didn’t know the first thing about maintaining her own business.1

Though she loved the Art Gallery, having practically grown up with it, she sat and knew that her father had to sell the business, never having invested in anything for their futures. And now he lay on his deathbed, contemplating how he was so stupid to have not invested in his only daughters future. 2

Margaret’s father was in the next room, and she could here him muttering what a fool he was. She sighed and got up to go to his room, but was stopped by a light tapping on her front door. As she opened the door, she discovered the petit body of her mother bustling through the door, arms clad with groceries, screaming how everyone in her family must have been evolved from sloth’s. Margaret chuckled to herself, and as she turned around to close the door, she was confronted by another person.3

Henry O’Lean was a tall man with a polite smile, and Margaret immediately felt herself smile. He was obviously much older than she, based on the occasional wrinkles surrounding the corners of his eyes, and the gray creeping into his sideburns. Margaret made a mental note that he was probably in his mid-fifties.4

“Can I help you Mr.-”5

“O’Lean, Henry O’Lean,” Henry stuck his hand out for Margaret to shake. “ I’m here to inquire about you’re father’s Art Gallery.”6

When Margaret continued to stare at him and say nothing, Henry’s smile remained on his face, “May I come in?”7

Margaret nodded and opened the door for him to step through. He smiled and stepped past her, waiting as though she would start to order him about, as most of the neighbors in their little town were well known for doing to guests. Margaret showed him to her couch, nothing elegant, but simple and nice.8

“Would you like something to drink, Mr. O’Lean? A tea, coffee?”9

Henry shook his head, “ I don’t take well to caffeine, water would be fine, and please, call me Henry.” He smiled again, and Margaret couldn’t help noticing the wrinkles increase around the corners of his eyes. It was then that she also noticed that his eyes were different colours, one green and one blue. Margaret went of to get a glass of water.10

When she came out, she had Henry’s water and some biscuits, and set them on her black-stained wooden coffee table. 11

“My father’s in his room, perhaps you would like if he came out here, or would you prefer to see him in his room?”12

Henry thought for a moment, “Why would I need to see him in his room?”13

Margaret laughed, “Well of course you must know that my father isn’t as young as he once was!”14

Henry’s face became puzzled, but nodded, “ Oh, well then, I think it best I discuss my business where he is comfortable.” He smiled once more and stood up, waiting for Margaret to lead the way. “Oh, I’m sorry, but I didn’t get your name.”15

Margaret began to lead the way to her father’s room, and said in a very shy manner, “My name’s Margaret, but my friends call me Maggie.”16

As they entered her father’s room, they could both here him muttering about how stupid he was. Margaret turned to Henry and explained that her father was a bit distracted. Henry nodded and walked in behind her.17

“Dad, Mr. O’Lean is here to speak with you, so hush up about your intellect.”18

Mr. Finley looked up to see Mr. O’Lean. He took in every detail, looking him top to bottom, and finally seeing Henry’s smile. He didn’t return it.19

“And what brings you to my estate, Mr. O’Lean? Are you going to try and blackmail me into more debt like every other young man who wishes to speak with me?” His tone was harsh, and his eyes were narrowed at Henry.20

“Dad!” Margaret felt her face go red, since her Dad had been on his deathbed, he thought everyone was out to disown his name.21

Henry just smiled, “Sir, I promise I am not about to blackmail you. I’m here to make you an offer,” he turned to Margaret next. “Perhaps I could talk to your father in privacy for a moment?”22

Margaret went reluctantly, and paced in front of her Dad’s room. Surely only five seconds, Margaret felt as if it had been half an hour. She placed her ear to father’s door, adjusting several times to get comfortable, and hear what was being talked about.23

“Sir, I know how much you would love to pass the Gallery on to your daughter, but it’s obvious she doesn’t know the first thing about Art!”24

Margaret felt her face go red, Henry was wrong, Margaret didn’t know about running her own business, but she loved Art, and she knew how to appreciate fine art more than anyone she knew, besides her father. She waited for someone to speak.25

“I’m not selling my Gallery.” Margaret’s father’s voice was calm, and she could picture him holding his ground, treating Henry like one of his many stubborn clients.26

“If you sell, I can promise you good money will go to you and your family, and the Gallery will be torn down to make room for a new Family Activity Center. It will benefit everyone.” 27

Margaret remembered the town had considered building a Family Activity Center. The purpose was to bring families together and bring troubled teens help they needed. Everyone had agreed it was a good idea, and everyone made sure that no one’s property or businesses would be ruined by the new center.28

It was Henry who spoke again. “If you sell, Sir, we will be hiring many people from a class that will be taught at the High School. Those classes are to specifically train people to fully operate their own businesses and use it to benefit those around them.”29

“And what if I don’t want someone running a new business on my property? What happens, the company goes to my daughter, and that’s it!”30

“Mr. Finley, might I remind you, that your daughter is an un-employed, and under-experienced women. You’re just throwing your life’s work away! I can turn your Gallery into something for everyone.”31

Margaret backed away from the door, her face was white, and she knew that the last thing she would do was let Mr. O’Lean get his greedy hands on her father’s Gallery. Her anger fueled her, she wanted to barge into her father’s room and grab Mr. O’Lean by his collar and through him out of her house.32

She forced herself to sit, knowing that even if she did threaten him, he would easily defend himself, possibly hurting her at the same time. She waited for Mr. O’Lean to stop talking with her father.33

When Mr. O’Lean did come out, Margaret rose from her chair to escort him out.34

“Well, it was nice meeting you Maggie,” Mr. O’Lean stuck his hand for her to shake, but she felt herself fill with contempt for him.35

“That’s Margaret to you, you bastard!” Mr. O’Lean looked at her puzzled, obviously oblivious to the fact that she had been listening to him speak about her. “I’m sure you know where the door is, hopefully you’re smart enough not to come back again.” She stared at him, keeping her face calm, knowing that under she was raging.36

“Mag- Margaret, I wish you all the best in the future, and I’m sure you’re reasons for being so curt are enough to make sure you’re doing the right thing.” He smiled, but this smile didn’t reach his eyes like it had before, it was cold, and made Margaret a tiny bit scared.37

She turned from him and waited for him to walk out the door. As she closed the door behind her, she made sure to call out, “ Good day Mr. O’Lean, hopefully you’ll have better luck trying to buy out other peoples dreams.”38

Before she had fully closed the door, Margaret saw Mr. O’Lean turn his face from the cold smile to confused, and then to anger. And when she saw him mutter ‘bitch’ under his breath, she slammed the rest of the door closed as hard as she could.39

She walked as fast as she could to her father’s room, fuming, and when she got there, she fell into a chair beside his bed.40

“Are you okay, Dad?”41

He looked at her and smiled, “You were listening weren’t you? I can tell by your face. I’m fine, it’s you I’m worried about, I know you don’t want to lose the Gallery, but you don’t have skills to run your own business.” His eyes went from smiling, to worried with grief. Margaret slipped her hand into his, and waited for him to fall asleep. When he did, she slipped out and went to her room.42

Margaret’s room was the only room in the house that had a computer with internet. She quickly turned it on, and began to search for the local High School’s adult courses. Soon after she found the one she was looking for. ‘Running Your Own Business’, entry fee was twenty dollars, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from one p.m. to four p.m. She clicked on a small section on the bottom of her screen that said Sign Up. She signed herself up, and turned her computer off. Looking at the time, it was only five in the afternoon. She would have to find away to keep herself busy until July third. A week away.43

Margaret went downstairs and pulled on her coat. Though it was nearly Summer, the weather was not at all great. It had been horrible in fact for the last three days. She walked to the Ravine near her house. The Ravine was a beautiful place, not too many people came here, so it was usually empty. She walked for half an hour in one direction, and stopped where a little stream interrupted her path. She contemplated whether or not to cross, and eventually did. On the other side of the bridge, benches aligned the path, but faced towards the scenery, not the path. She continued walking, passing a few couples, and one man with his grandson. She paused to watch the grandson gaily try to feed a goose.44

She continued walking, cool hair blew her dark hair into her face. Her coat was light, but she had begun to wish she had brought a heavier jacket, it was getting colder, and the sky threatened rain. She walked and found a bench. Pulling the hood of her coat up, she began to shiver as she sat and watched the trees swaying in the wind.45

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”46

Someone had sat beside Margaret, but she didn’t bother to take a look at her intruder, knowing is she turned her head, the wind would blow her hood off.47

“It is.”48

“I like to come here to think, it calms me down.”49

Margaret turned to see her guest, an elderly woman with a kind face in a track suit. Margaret smiled at her and at the same time her hood blew off. 50

“I should get going, it was nice talking though, I’m going to try to get indoors before it starts to rain.” No sooner had Margaret said that had she felt a big raindrop on the middle of her forehead. She smiled at the woman and waved, running to the Ravine’s nearest exit. Hopefully she’d be able to catch a bus.51

When she got to the bus stop, she realized the route to her house was temporarily out of service. She began to cuss, she had left her cell-phone in her room. As she thought about walking, a car pulled up in front of her.52

The driver rolled down his window and stared at her. “You need a ride?”53

Margaret looked in to find Mr. O’Lean. “No thank you, I’d rather walk.”54

“It’s a long walk to your house.” Mr. O’Lean was very matter of fact, and it began to piss Margaret off.55

“And if I let you drive me home, are you going to try to steal my father’s Gallery? Is that what you want, do me a favor, black mail me to get what you want?” Margaret’s voice was high, and her anger was becoming more apparent.56

Mr. O’Lean saw her anger, but her accusations made him mad, “Just get in the damn car.”57

He opened the door and stared coldly at Margaret. She thought about it, and suddenly realized the her long walk had taken a toll on her leg muscles, which were burning. Feeling defeated she got into his car and sat still.58

He began to drive, and she concentrated on the road. When she realized he had taken a turn in the opposite direction, she grew scared.59

“You’re going the wrong way, if you wouldn’t mind I would like to get out now.”60

“Relax, I’m getting coffee, you look like you can use some too.”61

Margaret relaxed and slumped into her seat, folding her arms across her chest. She then remembered how cold she was, and began to shiver, trying not to make it obvious.62

When they pulled into the coffee shop, she waited for him to get out of the car first, but before he closed his door, he leaned down to look at her, “There’s an extra coat in the back seat.” 63

He closed the door, and she leaned back to grab the coat. As she got out of the car, she saw Mr. O’Lean walk into the store. She hurriedly put on the coat, and rolled up the sleeves, then followed him.64

Inside, he was getting his order taken. He turned to her and asked her how she liked her coffee.65

“I don’t want any, thanks.”66

He stared at her, “We are going to be here for a while, how do you want your coffee?”67

She gave him the rudest look she could make and replied, “Cream no sugar.” 68

Mr. O’Lean gave the order to the cashier who went to get their coffees. When they got the coffee, he pointed at a seat and told her to sit.69

“Now Maggie, I want some answers.”70

“And I told you, Mr. O’Lean, you may call me Margaret.71

“And I told you to call me Henry.” He had a smile on his face, but his voice was cold.72

“Fine.”73

“Fine.”74

“Margaret, you obviously know that I want to buy your father’s Gallery-”75

“Yeah, too bad those doors aren’t sound proof. Maybe I wouldn’t have heard how you think I don’t know a thing about art, Mr. O’Lean!”76

“Henry!”77

“Sorry, Henry.” She stared at him, and he stared at her. Both were on edge.78

“Well, do you know how to run a business? Tell me that.”79

She wanted so bad to lie, but she shook her head, “So what if I don’t know. I can always learn.” She didn’t tell him she had signed up for the class she had heard him talking about.80

“You would be smarter to get rid of the place, you’ll only run it into the ground.”81

“As long as I am alive, as long as the Gallery isn’t in your hands, I will do anything to make sure it prospers.”82

“Finish your coffee.”83

“Why?”84

“This conversation is over, its obvious you’re too hardheaded to see what’s best, I’m taking you home.”85

She finished her coffee and when she got home she didn’t want to say thank-you, but she turned to him anyway. 86

“I feel obligated to say thank you, Mr. O’Lean, but thank you for the drive and the coffee.”87

He didn’t say anything, but nodded and drove off. When Margaret got to her room she fell into bed and immediately fell asleep.88

Henry woke up in the morning in a foul mood. He was on his way to being promoted to Vice President of the City Council. This morning he had a meeting with them at nine. At the last meeting he was told he was in the running. Henry knew that the only way to get the promotion, was to get the clear on the new Family Activity Center. He had worked hard, and the only thing in his way was the damn Art Gallery. 89

The owner was on the verge of dying, and if Henry didn’t get him to sign over the Gallery, it would go to the owner’s daughter. Henry was frustrated, if Margaret got the Gallery, she wouldn’t give it up, and something about her made Henry know he would lose his promotion if she got it. To make things harder, not only was Margaret stubborn, but every time Henry was around her, he was constantly angry and unable to clearly think.90

He went to shower and got ready for his meeting. At the meeting, other members updated the council on recent projects that were trying to be accomplished, all had stated obstacles that were occurring and the amount of money it would take to overcome them. When the time came for Henry to give his update, he stood up and sighed.91

“Gentlemen, ladies, for a while now we have had our sights on building a new Family Activity Center to aid troubled teens and bring families together. And so far, all has gone well,” Henry looked at the other members, and the current president, Mr. John Feller, all looking pleased with his report so far. “But, like every other report we have had this morning, we have an obstacle to overcome. And I don’t think we can buy our way over this one. 92

The owner of the Art Gallery refuses to sell to us, and he promises to hand it over to his daughter, who, having spoken to last night, has her heart set on making sure we don’t get our hands near the Gallery.”93

Every face in the room fell, some looked shocked, and Henry felt like shit.94

Mr. Filler was the one to break the silence, “Well, Henry, you know we really like you here, you’re a great asset to the council, but if you don’t get that Gallery, not only will you not get promoted, but I might not find you able to fulfill our standards anymore.”95

Henry felt his throat well up, the bastard was threatening him with his job.96

Margaret was reading a book, when she heard the familiar light tapping on her door. She didn’t rush to open it, and when she did, she wasn’t surprised to find that Henry was behind the door.97

“I’ve come to apologize for my behavior last night, that’s no way to act for a gentleman.”98

Margaret looked at him, still filled with detest, “One cant act like a gentleman, if he wasn’t one in the first place.”99

Henry shot Margaret a dirty look, “Look, I came here to apologize for my behavior, can you forgive me?”100

“I don’t want to, but I guess out of politeness, I could. But I want to keep the Gallery!”101

“We can talk about that over dinner?”102

Margaret was confused, first this man tried to buy her Gallery, and after only a day of knowing and hating each other, he wanted to take her to dinner? She didn’t trust him, and judging by the look on Henry’s face, he knew that she didn’t trust him. He looked at her, impatient for her answer, his eyes pleaded with her, and as much as she wanted to say know, she knew she had to take him up on his offer. It was her only chance to save the gallery.103

“Well? My treat?” He smiled hoping to convince her, and she finally nodded. “Wear nice clothes, I’ll pick you up at seven.”104

“Well, Henry, I guess you are stupid.”105

He gave her a puzzled look.106

“You don’t want to stay away from here, do you?”107

He didn’t answer, but smiled and turned to his car.108

Margaret sighed and looked at the grand clock in her hallway, she had enough time to shower, and wash, and try to pick out an outfit.109

After her shower, she went to her closet, which wasn’t very big, and pulled out all the formal wear she had. A red satin dress, another in black, a black silk dress with a low back, and a short white dress which was just as nice.110

She couldn’t wear the red, she didn’t have shoes, and the black would give Henry the impression that she was there for a reason besides business. The white was too short, and she might get it stained, so she decided on the black low-cut. She could wear a nice jacket to be more conservative. By the time she finished she still had twenty minutes. She went downstairs to finish her book. Her mother was down there and laughed.111

“Maggie, dear! Who are you trying to impress, for heavens sake? I’m only doing laundry!”112

“Aw, Ma, I have a business date tonight!”113

“Ha, and what kind of business might that be?”114

“Not the kind you’re thinking of!”115

Margaret rolled her eyes and decided to wait in front of the house on her porch. She didn’t have to wait long, Henry was ten minutes early.116

“Hop in,” he held the door open for her, and she noticed that his tie was blue and green to match his eyes.117

On the way there he tried to make small talk, but she kept the conversation on the Gallery.118

When they got to the restaurant they were seated in a small dark booth, and instead of sitting on the other side of their table, he sat next to her. Margaret didn’t dare to tell him that she was uncomfortable, for fear of him getting upset, and trying to ruin her even more.119

After ordering, they both had ordered halibut and salmon, Henry tried to talk again.120

“Why do you love that Gallery so much?”121

“Do you really want to know?” Margaret eyed Henry questioningly, who nodded, “I had an older sister, I loved her so much. I wanted to be her, I followed her every where, and she was never once rude to me. Julie was an artist, and the Gallery was where she first sold her paintings, my Dad was so proud. He promised that one day, me and my sister would run the Gallery. I grew up there, and I know my sister loved the place. I can’t leave it, or let it be turned into that new center. I just can’t.”122

Henry stared at her, “Why do you use past tense?”123

“My sister died of Cancer, a year after my Dad made that promise, she was twenty-three. She lives through the Gallery.”124

Henry nodded. He began to pick at his halibut.125

Margaret stared at him, “Henry, we haven’t known each other long, why are you set out to get my Gallery?”126

Henry put down his fork and sighed, “I work on the City Council, it was my first job, I’ve worked my way up, and I’m in running for Vice-President. The current president threatened that if I don’t get you to sell the Gallery, he’ll demote me, and remove me of my job.”127

Margaret studied Henry and knew he wasn’t lying and for the first time she felt sorry for him, “So either way, we both need that Gallery, and if not either way, the one who doesn’t get it, will lose everything they’ve worked for.”128

Henry heard the words come from Margaret, and realized it was true. At that moment he also knew that Margaret Finley was the only girl who he was comfortable telling this to, the only person. Only their different positions made it hard on both of them.129

“Margaret, this Gallery, if it weren’t in our way, do you think that me and you, we could-”130

Margaret gasped, “Mr. O’Lean, I’ll admit that when I first saw you, you were very appealing, but you must be fifteen years my senior!”131

“Fifteen? How old do you think I am Maggie?”132

“I told you not to call me Maggie.”133

“And I told you not to call me Mr. O’Lean. So how old?”134

“By my judgment, I’d say mid-forties.”135

“Jesus, Margaret, I’m only thirty-nine!”136

“Thirty-nine! Are you insane, your parents must have lied to you!”137

Henry began to laugh, “I assure you I’m only thirty-nine.”138

Margaret smiled, “If you insist.”139

Margaret and Henry finished their meal, not once going back to the topic of the Gallery. Henry drove Margaret home, “Thanks for the dinner and drive Henry. I appreciate it.”140

“So how about we do this again.”141

Margaret smiled, “I’ll think about it.” She began to walk to her front door.142

“Don’t I get a kiss?!”143

Margaret turned around and smiled, “Let’s not forget you’re the enemy here, Mr. O’Lean.”144

“I wouldn’t be to sure of that Maggie!”145

Margaret went out with Henry nearly every night, they found that they enjoyed each other’s company very much. The subject of the Gallery was very rarely spoken about between them. Margaret’s father had begun to accept Henry into the house more often, and didn’t see him as the enemy anymore.146

On the day of Margaret’s first business class, she was surprised that Henry hadn’t even bothered to ask for a date. She didn’t let it bother it, and found it was a very convenient coincidence. Upon entering her classroom, she found many people, probably half a decade younger. The teacher hadn’t walked in, and Margaret found herself a seat near the front. She wanted to save her Gallery, and for the first time in her life, she was actually going to pay attention in her class.147

The teacher walked in and Margaret immediately recognized the posture of Henry. Immediately she felt betrayed, she had told Henry how much she loved the Gallery, and he was still going to try and shut it down!148

A girl beside her leaned over and whispered, “At least we got a good looking teacher, don’t you think?”149

Margaret nodded, but she was so mad she had barely heard what the girl had said. Henry scanned the class, and his body stiffened when he saw Margaret.150

“Good evening class, I’m Mr. O’Lean, but I hope you’ll call me Henry, it will make everyone more comfortable.” As he talked, he stared at only Margaret, and Margaret stared back.151

“I think the teacher likes you!” The girl beside Margaret began to giggle.152

“During this course, you will learn how to run your own business, and learn the tricks to making money, satisfying your customers, and being successful. At the end of the course, a select few of you will be chosen, or offered-for want of a better word- the chance to partner up and run the new Family Activity Center. Providing of course that one of our students, who owns the Art Gallery where the Center is to be, decides to sell. So feel free to try and persuade her to give you a job.”153

Everybody was staring at Margaret, and she felt her anger turn her face white. During the lesson, Margaret jotted down notes, and hung on to every word. At the end of the day, she tried to leave first, but Henry made sure she didn’t.154

“Maggie, can I speak with you a moment?”155

The girl that sat beside Margaret whistled and laughed as she left the room.156

“I thought I told you not to call me that, Mr. O’Lean.”157

“Maggie, what are you doing in this class?”158

“Is that why you took me on all those dates, to go behind my back, and take my Gallery, after I told you how much it means to me? Has everything you told me been a lie?! Gosh, Henry, you make me sick, you know I actually thought there could be something for us. And it’s all just a lie!”159

“Maggie, It’s not like that, I-”160

“I told you it’s Margaret!”161

“Everything I said about us is true, but I need that Gallery, what about everything it means to me! Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”162

“If you take that Gallery, you’re taking my sister with you!”163

“Margaret, I’m sorry, but I don’t have anything else!”164

“You have me!”165

Henry looked at her, his colored eyes pleading.166

“Well, you did have me,” Margaret felt the tears flow down her face, and she turned around and walked out the room.167

Henry watched Margaret walk out of the room. He knew he hurt her, but the council was all he knew, but he also knew Margaret. And she was right. He did have her. Had.168

“Margaret! Don’t go, I need you! I love you! I love you.”169

Henry slumped down on his desk. Margaret hadn’t heard him, and knew he had lost her. She was right. What would he do without her? Henry picked up his coat and began to run down the hallway, screaming Margaret’s name. Out of the corners of his eyes he could see other teachers giving him rude looks, some screamed at him, but he kept running. He couldn’t find her. He ran outside, and dropped his jacket. He didn’t bother to pick it up, but ran to the School’s parking lot. He saw Margaret driving towards the exit which was behind him. Running in front of her car, she stopped and stared at him over the dashboard. 170

Henry fell onto the floor on his knees, “Please Margaret! I’m sorry! I love you!” Henry felt his eyes well up. Margaret go out of the car and kneeled down in front of Henry.171

Margaret took Henry’s hand, “Henry. Look at me. It’s over. It’s too late.”172

Henry looked at her horrified, “But I love you.”173

Margaret listened him to sob in front of her, “I love you too. I’m so sorry.” She got up and went back to her car, and carefully drove around Henry. She watched him in her rearview mirror, and she saw him fall, as though he had given up, but she kept driving.174

Henry was sobbing in the middle of the parking lot, and a group of teenagers had stopped to watch him, “What are you staring at, cant a guy love a damn girl?!”175

The teenagers ran off, and Henry fell on to the gravel, “Does it matter that I love you?”176

Margaret got home, her answering machine said eleven new messages. All of them were from Henry. She deleted them all and went to bed. She lay there, her head facing her ceiling and she thought about Henry. Did she want Henry or the Gallery? Did Henry want her or the Gallery? Margaret fell asleep, and didn’t get out of bed till Wednesday.177

By the time one rolled around, she knew she couldn’t go to class. On one hand, Henry would be there, but on the other she needed to keep her Gallery, and those lessons were the only way how. 178

When she got to class, the girl beside her immediately began to talk to her.179

“So how did things go on Monday?”180

“You don’t want to know.”181

“Yeah I do, every detail.”182

Margaret was about to tell her she really didn’t want to know, but the door opened and Henry walked in. Instead of his usual perfect look, Henry’s light hair was messy and in his eyes, instead of combed out. His poor attempt to get dressed was obvious, his usual nice colours which always went together were now mismatched and his shirt was un-tucked. Margaret noted that he hadn’t shaven since he had last saw her, and he had deep purple bags under his mismatched eyes. His shoe was untied, and he had a large coffee stain on his shirt.183

When he saw Margaret, the class knew he was coming close to tears.184

A boy in the back, who hadn’t fully grasped what was happening, asked in a shocked voice, “Yo, Mr. O’Lean, you look like you got hit by a truck. What happened?”185

Henry gave the boy a weak smile, “I woke up a little late.” Everyone heard the tears in his voice, but most tried to ignore it. “Let’s get on with the lesson then.”186

The class mumbled little okays, and Margaret tried to avoid Henry’s desperate attempt to make eye contact.187

“An employee and employer’s relationship must be strong in order for-”188

The girl beside Margaret had leaned over to talk to her, “Did you do that to him?”189

The class looked at Margaret, the girl had forgotten to whisper, and now everyone wanted to know the answer.190

Henry was the only who couldn’t wait for the reply, but once again began to sob. “Margaret, I’m so sorry. Please don’t leave me, I really need you!” Everyone in the class stared in shock, their eyes shifting to the sobbing teacher, and the calm student. Margaret got up and walked to Henry.191

“Mr. O’Lean, don’t do this in front of your class.”192

“Henry! I want you to call me Henry! Damn it Maggie, I love you, I’ll give you the Gallery! Please!”193

Everyone was not staring intently at Margaret and Henry, appalled at the scene that was quickly unfolding.194

Margaret turned again to Henry, “Mr. O’Lean, tell your students they are excused, you are not fit to teach at the moment.”195

Henry stared at her, his eyes bloodshot, and before turning to the class, he mumbled ‘Henry’ to Margaret. “Class, today’s lesson will be continued tomorrow, you are excused.” Henry’s voice had shook while he said it, making the class more reluctant to leave, for want of knowing what had happened.196

Margaret turned away from Henry and waited until everyone had slowly left the room. “Henry, I’m taking you home, you’re going to shower, shave, and go to bed.” Not once did Margaret try to console Henry, her tone was demanding, and Henry didn’t bother to object.197

As Margaret drove him to his own home, Henry sat in the passenger side with his head on the back of his seat. He was silent, but for the muffled sobs coming from his throat. When Margaret had turned into his drive way she didn’t bother to say much, but helped him up to the front door. Inside his house, Margaret helped him up to his room and made him shower. She found it quite difficult for Henry was limp and dared not to move. After the shower, he didn’t shave but rather pulled on some pajama pants and got into bed. Margaret pulled the blanket over him, and went downstairs. 198

When Margaret got down, she looked at the many classic books that Henry had, and grabbed one of her favorites. She sat down on Henry’s couch, and eventually fell asleep.199

Henry woke up and looked at his alarm, twelve at night. He got up, and went to his washroom, used the toilet, and then washed and shaved his face. He didn’t bother to change and went downstairs to get some coffee. Maybe be after some coffee he could get his head straight, and call Margaret.200

As Henry got downstairs, the lights were off, but he could see the petit figure off Margaret. She hadn’t gone home after all. He quietly turned on a lamp, and went to his kitchen to make some coffee. After finishing, he brought his coffee to where Margaret was, and sat opposite her on a chair. When the aroma of the coffee reached Margaret, she slowly woke up, and when realizing that she was not at home, she sat upright on Henry’s couch.201

“Margaret, I’m sorry.”202

Margaret watched Henry, and knew that he was sorry. “Henry, you know how much the Gallery means to me. Why are you still trying to take it?”203

“My damn job, Maggie. What can I do?”204

“Can’t you talk to your president?”205

“He’s as stubborn as a mule.”206

“Please Henry, at your next meaning, can’t you just try to talk to him, propose something different?”207

Henry nodded, “I can try. But I’m not promising much.” Margaret nodded, and Henry went to get sit beside her on the couch. “Anything, Maggie, I can’t lose you.”208

Margaret smiled and leaned on him, and for the first time, Margaret Finley mad love to Henry O’Lean.209

Margaret walked into her third class, and surprisingly, Henry was already there. Had one seen him, they would have not known he was the same man who had broken down in front of his class only twenty-four hours ago. Margaret smiled at him, and he smiled back, and she took her seat. Henry began explaining how to satisfy customers, please them, and at the same time, please the employees. No one in the class bothered to recount on what had happened the days before.210

When class finished, Margaret walked up to Henry and smiled, “Are you hungry?”211

Henry looked at her, the smile that Margaret had first seen lit up his face. He sorted his papers, and allowed Margaret to drag him out of the class room by his hand. Margaret had led him to her car, but Henry had stopped her.212

“Wait Love, I need to put these papers in my car.”213

Margaret followed him to his car and instead of taking hers, they took his.214

Margaret watched him and pleased herself in knowing that everything he had said was the truth. Henry stopped in front of a small restaurant. When they were seated, Henry asked her what she wanted him to do with the Gallery, and she told him she needed it as much as she needed him. Henry nodded, finally understanding, and began to propose ideas to Margaret.215

Margaret woke up on Saturday, realizing that her car was still at the high school. She spent half an hour lazily making her way to the school to retrieve her car, but when she arrived, she only found that her car wasn’t there. She walked around the parking lot, but to no avail. Silently cussing, she walked home. Her cell phone had been in the car. When she got home, she took her fathers car to the Police Station to file a report.216

The woman at the front desk was chubby but looked polite. 217

“May I help you?”218

“Yes, I would like to file a report. My car is missing.”219

The lady nodded her head and passed over some papers, which Margaret had begun to fill in. When she finished writing the report, she handed it to the lady and drove home.220

Henry was at Margaret’s house. 221

“Hi Maggie, care to spend time with a love-struck fool?”222

“Oh Henry, I would love to, but I’ve just found my car’s been stolen.”223

Henry didn’t seem shocked from her news, instead he smiled. “That’s great! I can drive you wherever you want!”224

Margaret nodded, and ended up going with Henry to the beach. “Henry, have you talked to your president?”225

“Henry took her hand, “I did.” He paused, “He said I have one week to propose an idea that will make him change his idea about the Gallery.”226

“And did you give him any?”227

“That’s the problem, all the ideas I’ve proposed all affect the Gallery. It’s no use. He’s going to have to fire me, I’m not letting him touch your Gallery.”228

Margaret smiled, “Thank you.”229

Henry debated letting Mr. Feller fire him, or he quit. If Henry quit, it would be harder for him to get back into the council, but if Mr. Feller fired him, he would make sure it was harder for Henry to work his way up. And Mr. Feller had every reason to fire Henry, he couldn’t come up with a legitimate idea. Henry called his office, and his secretary answered.230

“Hello, you’ve reached the office of Henry O’Lean. How may I help you?231

“Sheila? It’s Henry. Can you put me through to Mr. Feller?”232

“Sure thing Mr. O’Lean.”233

Henry waited for Mr. Feller to pick up his line.234

“Henry? What do you want, I’m short on time. Make it fast.”235

“Mr. Feller, through out my years on the council, I’ve enjoyed my stay. But I refuse to do anything to the Gallery. I would like to give you my two weeks notice.”236

“Henry, if you give me your notice, you’ll lose everything. We need that Gallery, you can get it. Don’t do this over the Gallery.”237

“John, that Gallery is needed, but not by you. What about Mr. Finley? Or his daughter?”238

“Henry, are you screwing Ms. Finley? You back-stabbing son-of-a-”239

“Good-bye John, you’ll get my notice on Wednesday.”240

Henry hung up the phone and smiled. It hadn’t been that hard quitting. And Henry was know filled with a new sense of freedom. 241

Margaret was sitting in her washroom, worrying. She should have gotten her period yesterday. On her counter was a pregnancy test, and she sat waiting for it’s result. Five minutes went by before she picked it up to read. The pregnancy test confirmed what Margaret had thought.242

Margaret walked out of the washroom, tears were slowly running down her face, she didn’t know whether or not they were tears of happiness or fear. She picked up the phone in her room and dialed Henry’s number.243

“Henry?” Margaret’s voice quivered while she talked, “Where are you?”244

“I’m at home, is something wrong.”245

“No, not wrong…well, it’s all in how you look at it. But I would greatly prefer we speak face to face. Can you come over?”246

“Of course. I’ll be there as soon as possible.”247

Margaret paced up and down. How was she going to tell Henry, how would he react? What about her mother and father? Would she keep this baby? Margaret jumped when she heard the light knocking. She ran to the door and flung it open. Henry stood in the doorway, his face white.248

“Are you alright?”249

Margaret nodded, “Come in, come in.” She pulled Henry through the door and sat him on her couch. “Henry, do you like kids?” Margaret’s face was twisted in agony and confusion. She wanted so much for him to say yes, but at the same time she wanted him to say no. What if this baby didn’t like her?250

“That depends-”251

“On what, Henry?”252

“Well, let’s see, I love children, but how many are we talking about? I hope you don’t plan on making me entertain some kid’s birthday party.”253

Margaret laughed, but uneasily, “No, no, no entertaining. But you remember Wednesday night right? Well, you see, Henry, I’m pregnant.”254

Henry stared at Margaret. He didn’t say anything.255

Margaret studied his face, but she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. “Come on Henry, say something.”256

“Margaret, I love you. I promise I’ll love this baby too, but how are we going to support it? I just told my boss I would be handing in my two weeks notice the day after tomorrow.”257

Henry had spoken the truth, and Margaret could see the worry creeping into his mismatched eyes.258

“You have to tell him you changed your mind. I don’t know what else will work.”259

“Margaret it’s not that easy, I told him I wouldn’t touch the Gallery, he’ll just fire me.”260

Margaret stared at Henry. How ironic that when they had first met, they were fighting about who got the Gallery. Now he wanted her to have it, but the only way to save him, and the baby, would be to give it to him.261

“Henry, you have to make him an offer. Give him the Gallery. I’ll talk to my father. You need it. We need it.”262

“But what about your sister?”263

“They always say if you love someone you have to let go right? I guess it’s my turn.”264

“Maggie, I don’t want this to happen.”265

“It has to happen.”266

Henry held Margaret’s hand tight, they both sat together silently on the couch, both thinking what had just happened. Margaret had gone against her promise to never let the council get the Gallery, and now she was giving it to them.267

Henry was getting ready for work, his last meeting, and after working his entire life on the council and getting what he wanted, he was now going to have to beg for his job back. And Margaret, how he had started off hating her, and now he couldn’t bare to lose her. His always organized life, was becoming more and more hectic. 268

Henry walked into the council meeting three minutes late. A first. As he took his place at the right side of John, he realized that everyone in the room was staring at him. He cleared his throat and laid out all his files for his presentation.269

“Mr. Feller, as I have told you, I wouldn’t have put a finger on that Gallery. Due to recent events, I have found that the gallery will soon be in our possession, and we will be able to commence the building of the new Family Activity Center.”270

John looked at Henry, his face pleased, “Henry, I knew I could count on you. How did you do it? Looks like you’ll be getting that promotion after all.” John crossed his thick hands over his extremely large stomach.271

“Mr. Feller, that’s not all, I do have one request when you begin building.”272

“Well, continue, if your request is any good, I will consider it.”273

Margaret sat at home waiting for Henry to come and tell her how the meeting went. She knew that Henry’s boss would accept the Gallery, but at the same time, Margaret had a hard time knowing that she would lose her father’s work, the art, and her sister. While she dwelled on her thoughts, she was startled to hear the light tapping. 274

Margaret opened the door, and Henry stood before her, his sad forced smile on his face.275

“Did they take it?”276

“Yes, they took the Gallery. Are you okay with that?”277

Margaret nodded, but at the same time she felt her heart drop. “Do you know when they will finish tearing down the Gallery?”278

Henry’s eyes filled with hope, “I had to make you happy, Love. I They wont be tearing it down. They’re going to incorporate the Gallery into the Center. They start building immediately, they should be finished in six months.”279

Margaret felt her face brighten up, “Oh Henry, really?”280

Henry nodded, and Margaret threw her arms around Henry, who lifted her up and pulled her tight to him.281

“Margaret, there’s more.”282

Margaret pulled back from Henry slightly, to see his face. “You couldn’t have possibly have done more!”283

“But I have, the center is going to be the Julie Finley Family Activity Center.” Henry paused to see Margaret’s smile grow more and her face become more radiant. “And, six months is a lot of time to plan the perfect wedding. I talked my boss into letting us get married on the day of the opening of the Center. Our wedding, in the Gallery!”284

Margaret clutched Henry, “I cant believe you, Henry, you’re amazing!”285

Henry laughed, “Do you still think I’m stupid?”286

“Not in the least.” Margaret smiled at Henry and laughed as he began to twirl her in the air.287

Margaret was in labor, an hour and a half. Though she was in pain, she was happy and comforted by Henry who was holding on to her hand and telling her to breath. After pushing, the doctor finally pulled out their baby. He handed it to Margaret, who was smiling.288

Henry smiled, “It’s a girl.”289

“Look Henry, she has your eyes, one blue, the other green!”290

The doctor smiled at them, “Does she have a name?”291

Henry and Margaret looked at each other and replied at the same time, “Julie.”292