Eileen.
Please stop by the church to see my in a few days.
Please.
Now is the time to surround yourselves with the
love, peace, and strength that the Lord gives to you.
So I'll see you both in a few days?
Take care of your mother Anna.
Excuse me.
I'm sorry. I recognize you. Have we ever met?
I'm his dealer Cecily.
I sold Nathan many fine pieces through the gallery.
Hey mom. I'm going to go wait in the car.
Cecily, you come across as a bright, young woman.
Tell me. How could something like this happen?
I tried to help him with his troubles but
I never thought he'd take his own life.
There's nothing to be sad about if you choose
to see his freedom gained.
Hello?
It's all crumbling like the Acropolis once
magnificient and proud, and now? Reduced to ashes!
Now Buddy...you know you are inclined to exaggeration.
Listen darling! If things continue the way they are
we're going to have to call off the whole fucking sha-bang!
I'm on my way.
Cecily, darling look at you in your cunty little bolero jacket
you look divine!
Hello Buddy.
Have a seat. You're cafe' is percolating.
As our your thoughts on you art show.
The afflicted drama of it all. Never ending!
You know how it is Cecily. Tortured artist loses his muse
and then....
So find a new one.
A new one? One doesn't simply find a muse darling;
A muse presents itself to the artist and so far?
No one is knocking on this old queen's door!
Oh Buddy.
The show must go on.
Certainly you have enough pieces to work into
a presentation.
Think of all the times this has happened before.
and it always worked, because, well..you
made it work. So do that now. Make it work.
Failure is not an option.
OK.
Activate "diva mode".
So. What about you Cecily?
Last time we talked, my child, you were feeling abit "off".
Yes. Well...
I'm fine for now.
Sharon. Are you sure you're ok?
Look, maybe we should go...
We thought it was a good idea to take you out tonight.
Not to upset you.
Is it with piece that moves you?
Yes but it's not just the artwork.
Art serves as a great excavator of human emotions.
Raising to the surface that which either true
or in need of releasing.
Well my friends brought me here tonight in hopes the art
would make me feel better; not more emotional.
What is there to feel better about?
Gabriella.
My daughter was taken from me three years ago tonight.
This artwork...
Feels like it ended prematurely....
The art feels like it's unfinished...
Just as her life was.
Well...it is a pleasure to have met your aqaintance.
Althought under such dispairaging circumstances.
I am Cecily.
And you are?
Yes...Cecily. It's nice to meet you.I'm Sharon.
My friend Gerta has attended a number of the openings here
at your gallery. You helped her purchase peices that
were right for her.
She was the one who suggested I come here tonight.
Well, seeing as you have taste for fine visual works
may I be so bold as to suggest you attend a
theatrical play with me this Friday evening?
Some of your circle may be in attendance and it's another
opportunity for you to take your mind off things.
Well...um...
Well I don't see why not.
Yes. Very good then.
So this is.....was her room.
Yes. You can go in if you want.
I'm going to go freshen up.
Please. Feel free.
She was my miracle baby. I thought i couldnt have children.
I never married but i dated a man for awhile.
Needless to say...we weren't very careful.
I thought what was there to protect? Doctors deemed
me infertile.
Then...by the grace of God...Gabriella came along.
She was a fun, beautiful child.
Very unique; like you seem.
She was placed at the gifted program at school
she was so far ahead of her peers.
Gabriella was a ballerina. An artist. My world.
My heart and soul.
Then one day, she just, didn't come home.
Police officer came to my door. Told me there was
an accident. Drunk dirver collided with her school bus.
Ever since then, I'm just dragging me feet trying to
to get through the day.
Sorrowful. Depressed. Just can't seem to pull myself out of it.
Seeing the play with you tonight has been one of the
rare moments of happiness I've had in years.
Good morning.
Morning.
Did you just start working here?
Nah. I've been here for years. Back there grinding
coffee beans by hand with a pestel and mortar.
Yes. It is my first day. What can I get for you?
Once i know your usual I won't have to ask.
Medium mocha latte please.
Can I get a name for that?
Cecily.
Cecily. Your latte's ready.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Coffee please. Medium roast.
Excuse me Oliver.
Is there anything you would like to know about this piece?
Now THAT is pricier than Rosco's Royal Red and Blue.
Trust me. I know.
Why hello Cecily. And yes. I would like more information
on this piece. But I feel i would like to be alone with it
for a more indepth examination.
I will let Nola know to get ahold of you...
regarding my inquiries.
Nola. I have not seen you some time. How long
have you been working with Oliver?
Hmmm. Not long.
I saw him touching you.
Are you two in a relationship?
No Cecily.
Oliver can be a derrogatory pig, OK?
He thinks he can have whatever he wants
whenever he wants it. and his ego tries to compensate
the fact that his own artistic endeavors have failed.
His marriage has failed. He has nothing.
Then why do you let him touch you that way?
Well because I'm trying to stay employed in the art world.
Right now, working with Oliver is the only opportunity
I have. I don't want to be pouring coffee and
serving biscotti with my art history degree.
Then I will have a talk with him regarding his behavior.
OK Cecily. It doesn't work that way.
I mean, of course, I want him to stop.
But there's nothing that can be done.
It is what it is at this point.
Should probably get his coffee back to him.
Yes dear. I do think we should talk.
As I feel I have a buyer for this piece.
But....somebody who would not settle on market prices.
Let's step into my office.
Cecily!
May I see you again sometime?
Later this evening perhaps?
My house. 10 P.M.
Oh. How'd it go?
How can you work with him. He is vulgar and selfish.
I told you. There's nothing I can do about him.
Now someone like you
Would be in a better position to do something about him.
I am nobody to him.
He doesn't give a fuck.
So....
What happens now?
What's next?
Back for round two?
Cecily. I was hoping I'd see you again soon.
Are you drawing
Well yea. Drawing and writing actually.
I have an affinity for creating martial arts-based comic
characters. Each with a different skill.
One is a kata master, another knows kung fu.
Very creative. I like that.
It's nice to have a creative outlet.
Yes. Well it's more than that for me.
It's almost like therapy.
Hmm. I'm not sure I follow.
Well what I mean is; sometimes my thoughts get the
best of me.
Recent events in my life have.....
made me feel like I'm spinning, spiraling into a dark place.
This...lifts me to a place where I feel alive again.
Like there is some sort of purpose.
I am involved in the art world myself.
Really?
I am an art director at Mison' de la Art Galli.
and I like to make art myself sometimes.
Looks like we have stuff in common.
Yes well. I must excuse myself. I have to use the restroom.
Would you like to have diner with me sometime?
Oh!.....why yes.Of course.
How about Friday night 7 P.M. at Casas di Pizzas?
I'll meet you there.
Yes. Well I have to go now.
OK. I'll see you then.
I don't know Buddy. How can I begin to process something
I do not understand.
I thought I knew my purpose in life.
It was all maped out for me.
I didn't have to worry or think about anything.
Only do and be.
Now it's all been shaken, stirred, and flipped around.
Due to one simple encounter.
Let me guess, You're referring to your feelings about
a man no doubt.
Nothing in this world would let my little Goddess
get so "flipped" around.
Oh Buddy. You are the only embodied soul who knows
what my spiritual mission in life truly entails.
Yes my dear.
I've told you of my past relationships.
I used to blame it on my personality deficits.
I get you Cecily. You don't have to explain yourself to me
of all people. Now what's the big issue with this stud?
Because I know he must be fine as hell to....
ah...capture your attention.
Well yes, he is very handsome in a
very artistically, eccentric manner.
The trouble is; my feelings for him are interrfering
with my mission.
He is one in need of absolution.
How can I carry this out while harboring feelings of
wanting to be in a romantic relationship?
Ugh. This sounds sticky and complicated.
Like every other great love story on this planet.
That never stopped anyone before.
These things have a way of working themselves out.
I say "go for it" darling.
I aint never done good in the romance department
The ladies...they want to wrangle with....you know.
Like i try to get serious, but they run man.
I ain't no fuck boy Doctor Wagner.
I'm classier than that.
Why can't I find me good woman?
Well Daryl, have you ever considered the manner in
in which you approach women?
If you set clear intentions from the beginning,
that you're interested in a serious relationship,
then a serious lady will be attracted to your ability
to be open, honest, and upfront about your feelings.
Whoa. Doctor Wagner.
Well hello there.
I'm always pleased to see another new face...
I must be doing something right here for the group
to be gaining in popularity.
Please introduce yourself.
Cecily.
It's nice to meet you. What a beautiful name.
That's one we don't hear everyday.
I'm not your typical girl.
Well my suggestion to new members is to not force
immediate disclosure of any relationship issues.
Just speak from the heart.
Tell us what you feel most comfortable with sharing
at this time.
I'm surprised to see so many men here.
Well we men want a happy, healthy relationship just like
the next female.
We just have a hard time expressing needs or
being in touch with our feelings as do our female
counterparts but both sexes struggle with that at times.
Everybody's different.
But that's not a bad thing.
That is very well put.
I am here for help.
and I admit this is not the most natural experience for me.
But i will speak frankly in hopes that yourself or another
group member may have some insights to share with me.
Well you want to speak to the group now?
Go on.
For the first time, I am in love. I think.
At first site.
At first touch of the hand, first gaze into those eyes,
the trouble is this man...he is well...how do i say it...
He's incompatable with my work.
Well you may have some crossroads...
but then, sometimes crossroads meet at the same place.
Then again, sometimes they don't.
We can't have it all Cecily.
Accepting the fact is a part of life.
and it's not to say that....
it's a cliche' to say that balance isn't important.
But on that note. Why don't we take a break.
Hello.
It's so nice to see there are so many men out there
looking to improve their relationships.
Cecily. You seem like an awfully sweet girl...
and yes. I'm always trying to improve my relationships.
I'm contacted by a wide range of people
and that can cover a different amount of things.
I kind of consider myself a garbage man...
...mixed with an accountant.
People think they can get away with anything these days.
and that's when they call me to fix them.
I think I've done alot of good work through my life...
I really think it's a calling.
Even though a strange one.
I hear you.
Well if you ever need anything fixed....
Here's my card.
It was a pleasure speaking with you.
Cecily, this is great. Thanks for inviting me.
I've been looking for a workout partner,
you know, someone to keep me motivated.
Yes, I'm very much into fitness and yoga.
We should attend a class together sometime.
Yeah! So, i know you mentioned about that new art series
you're working on.
So what medium are you working in?
Well, it's oil paint as well as a biologically-based medium.
I'd rather not reveal to many details at this point.
I hope to have my audience "get it" at the opening.
hmmm. uh-huh. I see. Well I'd like to be there.
So what else is new?
My art, as well as my life's purpose have always
been consuming me.
Now something else....someone else...
is taking up space in my mind.
In my heart really.
So I've been attending meetings where people get
together and discuss relationships.
Wow! That's great Cecily!
That you're handling your emotions in such a healthy way.
You're a strong woman. You motivate me to do better in the
art world. I look up to you.
and i know I haven't said it before...
but I've needed a friend like you for a long time.
I'm glad we're hanging out together.
I don't know what to say Nola.
I believe the correct response is "thank you".
and a sense of humor. You're definetly my girl.
So tell me more about...what's his name?
Lucas!
Hey Cecily. It's a beautiful day out isn't it?
Yes. Well, my associate and I...my friend...
and I, we're just out getting some exercise.
Hi. I'm Lucas.
Nice to meet you. I'm Nola.
OK. Well, I'm off. So...um, don't forget to give me
those details about yoga. OK? See ya.
So, since I happen to run into you, it's a perfect opportunity
for me to make sure you won't stand me up on Friday night.
Yes.
Yes, you will stand me up?
No. I would never do such a thing.
I never thought you would.
I have a meeting to attend Friday but it will finish before
our date.
What's there a meeting about
It is a group where I can discuss my feelings pertaining
to relationships.
An area of my life in which I've often lacked
understanding.
It seems I am gaining a deeper perspective thanks
to the counselor there, Doctor Wagner.
I see. That's interesting.
Well, I'll let you get back to your workout. I'm looking
forward to Friday.
As am I.
I find it strange you're wearing sunglasses indoors.
Could you remove them perhaps?
My eyes are sensitive to the gallery lighting.
Oliver is relentless Cecily.
He calls late at night drunk, requiring me to be his
entertainment for the evening. Then the next day, I'm
required to be responsible for all of his personal needs.
Oliver did this to you?
If only it was that simple...
No. I have a husband. One of which is
unemployed. Depends soley on my income.
So I confided in him regarding Oliver's behavior and this...
was his response. He finds me cheap and disgusting.
...and tainted....by Oliver's hands.
Really Cecily. It's a dreary situation.
Why dont you relax with me...
Drink a bottle of wine with me...
It'll be a chance for you to escape with me...
So. I hear you have your own show in the works.
It's true. I tried to keep it quiet but you know how word
gets around in our line of work.
I'm very excited to see what the mind of Cecily
will create for my visual enjoyment.
I like to think I'm pushing boundaries.
Creating something only I am capable of
due to my unique purpose in life.
Well there was this period of time when I was with the
local jam band, "the Funky Sneakers".
Yeah, my family growing up was very musical.
So I learned how to play the piano AND the saxophone.
I never knew that about you.You seem artsy yet so typical.
Allow me.
You've been so good to me.
At a time that I needed it obviously.
You know I feel like everyone in my life was trying to control
me. Oliver.
My husband.
It's like they wanted control and to be right...
then to be happy.
You don't need them anymore Nola.
Not your husband...not Oliver.
Whatever fillment they gave you was only fleeting.
Now I am here to give you something eternal and permanent.
True freedom.
Well..I'm not sure what exactly you talking about
but it sounds wonderful.
and I hope we can continue all of this....
I change my mind.
So darling, when are your pieces finally going to be
ready to show? I've already picked out my ensemble! I hope
it's still in style for the opening!
Buddy you know you can't force great art.
Besides,my art is a visual representation of my life's purpose.
and lately I have been questioning everything!
Immensely.
It's that hot man-thing invading your brain again.
You could say that.
Quite frankly I'm tired of speaking of it.
Darling, have you gotten it on with Lucas yet?
I...I feel it's a must!
and sweetheart, you need to chill on all this spiritual mission
stuff! Sometimes you just need to go and have a nice
long hard one!
Hello. I'm Sarah Ann. I have a very important message
for you today.
So as you can see, this is a message that can increase
the meaning of your life...and your relationship with God.
Excuse me. I was just baking some cookies.
Would you like some tea?
Please.
My beliefs are aligned with the highest purpose given to us
by God.
To serve our fellow man.
So the word of God provides direction in your life?
Very much so
God has given me a main purpose...
To serve as savior to my brothers and sisters.
And there are many offshoots to this.
But i experience direct communion as well.
What of the Lord Christ himself as mediator?
I don't mean to be rude....that is blasphemy.
John 14:6 " I am the way and the truth and the life no one
comes to the Father except through me."
Christ is the only way....and you certainly are not him.
Oh Sarah.
I am not committing blasphemy.
What of the stories of Moses and Jobe?
Those who recieved direct guidance from God.
They were specific cases...made to serve a purpose.
How can you compare yourself to their level?
Come. I have something to show you.
Can you feel it Sarah Ann?
Can you feel the soul of God in this room?
This is where communion takes place.
and I must trust the power of God i feel moving through me.
Come....and kneel at the altar.
You see. I serve the same purpose as Christ himself.
I can feel your pain from your time with the church.
Some have not been so kind.
They hurt you and told you it was meant to be from God .
False prophets.
I can take you to heaven if you are willing to travel
through hell to get there.
I'm sorry.
I know we have discussed things here today that are
difficult for you to understand.
But you'll get it.
Why hello Lucas.
How did you get my address?
Well I'm happy to see you.
Well I just wanted to invite you to a show this Saturday night.
One of my favorite local bands is playing and...
I thought it'd make for a nice date night.
Why yes. I would love to accompany you.
Do you have pets?
Yes. Yes I do Lucas.
She's an occelot. domestic cat with wild roots. She just
gets abit frisky at times.
Um....OK Cecily. I'll see you Saturday then.
You know....what the fuck!
Quite a place you have here.
Would you like a tour of the gallery?
Sure. I'd like that.
The pieces here come from all over the globe.
It takes alot of research, travel, and negotiations to
acquire pieces such as these.
Interesting. That says alot about you.
"Art emenables us to find ourselves and lose
ourselves at the same time". Murton said that.
"Set piece of mind as your goal...
...and organize your life around it." Tracy said that.
Thanks for the tour Cecily.
Your work. Your passion.
This place.....
It says alot about you.
The man reason why I stopped by was to....
make sure you feel you're ready for your big show.
I hope you will attend the showing.
Well I wouldnt miss it for the world.
Wonderful. I will see you then.
This is great. I knew it was a good idea for us to get
to know each other better.
Yes. Worth the time and effort it seems.
So. I'm interested in knowing more about your art Cecily.
Well I don't like to speak much of my creative endeavors...
I'd rather let my art speak for me.
But if you would like to speak of your work,
I am more than happy to listen.
In fact, I'm quite intrigued by what i have heard thus far.
My work is an extension of what I'm feeling.
....and my soul.
It's the only way I can express myself really.
Sometimes i feel so vunerable Cecily...
This is hard for me to admit but...
I trust you. I don't know why but for some reason...I do.
I have been through some very challenging experiences
through my upbringing as well as my romantic relationships.
Growing up, neither of my parents were in the picture.
The only family i had was my Grandmother.
and she could not care for a young child on a daily basis.
So, she found a family from her local church, the Briggs,
to take me in.
They were very poor.
and lived in a delapitated house on the wrong side of town.
Part of our....Chirtsmas tradition included a knock
on the door from the local prostitute to turn over a
portion of her holiday bonus money to Mr. Briggs.
She would at our diner table.
Right between Mr. Briggs and his wife.
Needless to say, I never learned what a healthy relationship
entails.
I'm still struggling to understand....
But, I am seeking assistance with the matter.
No?
")
...It's hot".)
*gasps*
What the fuck?
I made you breakfast.
You fell alseep on the couch.
I'm going to my group therapy session before my
showing this evening.
You're still attending those meetings?
Yes. Why would i stop?
It's helpful for me.
Well, i just thought, we were helping each other out now.
These meetings, Doctor Wagner helps me understand
our relationship.
Well whatever Cecily. I....just think it might be a
a little bit unneccessary. It could be confusing you know?
Um....over analyizing a relationship is one of the
worst things you can do here. You do have feelings for
me right?
That's all you need to know.
So how's the art show coming along?
Where's Doctor Wagner?
Can you believe this Cecily? Just when i thought
I had someone reliable in my life.
So you mean to tell me Doctor Wagner never arrived tonight?
Buddy, It's Cecily.
I came to counseling before my show tonight and
my instructor is absent.
It is very strange of him to cancel without notification .
Anyway I was hoping we could talk before my show tonight.
I'm feeling abit anxious about such a prominent reveal
and my feelings for Lucas are part of the issue.
Please call me back so we can discuss things before I go
on tonight.
I hope you will attend the opening as planned Buddy.
Goodbye.
"Cecily, I've had an emergency come
up with my dear mother. I'll be with you spirit tonight!
I hope your show will be wonderful! See you soon!
Buddy.
Cecily, I must say, I am shocked with all of this.
I really think you got some brains working tonight.
Yes, but I want them to get it Lucas.
Art is such an individually interpreted experience.
Yet with this showing it is a very personal expression
of who I am.
I want them to see me Lucas.
and in turn, see themselves reflected.
Well...I think I get this and i finally get you too.
So what do you say we go back to my place
for some diner, some wine, and some conversation.
Yes. I would like that.
So, I think things are working out perfectly.
Yes. Things have turned out quite well....with you...
...with my show.
I must admit things felt abit incomplete without
Buddy's presence.
He never arrived at my show and I still have not
heard back from him.
and then that note stating he went to visit his mother.
Here, let me get you more wine.
and Doctor Wagner missed a very important meeting.
Everyone seems to have vanished on me when I
needed them the most.
Everyone except you.
I'm going to get a coffee. Would you like some?
Maybe I'm all you need now.
Nothing more to fear...or a tear to shed ever again.
Come. Dance with me my love.