Chapter Text
This is a short story based on characters that I do not own and references to established works.
"Professor Donahue and An Opportunity"
"Hey, Ava. I came as soon as I could after I got your text. Is everything alright?" Trina asked, as she entered the gallery.
"Trina, I need you in the biggest way that I've ever needed you!" an overly eager Ava responded.
"Hmm. Well, you know I'm always here for you and, based on your demeanor, I must say that I'm more than a little intrigued," Trina replied, as she put her things at her desk.
Before letting Trina know what she needed, Ava took a big cleansing breath and released it. "Alright, first things first. Have a seat, please. Because I think that you'll want to be seated for this," she started, as Trina took a seat. "Well, as I'm sure you've heard by now, the Nurses' Ball is returning on May 20."
Trina nodded. "Yes, my mom told me, "she said softly, as her mind flashed back to a previous Nurses' Ball.
Fortunately, her mind didn't stay there long due to Ava's excitement over the news that she had yet to share with Trina.
"But of course she would. Well, our little gallery has been given quite the opportunity at this year's ball. Because the goal is to raise money for the hospital's HIV/AIDS research fund, the organizers are always looking for different ways to raise money. I thought that there could definitely be a way for the gallery to help out, plus get some much-needed publicity.
"Sounds good, so far," Trina responded.
"So, I came up with the idea of a silent auction of paintings by some of those newer artists we've been in contact with about exhibiting their works. They would get a chance to get some free publicity, while the money raised would be a huge benefit to the HIV/AIDS research fund! So, what do you think?" a near breathless Ava asked.
"I... I think it's great. So, did you need my help displaying the paintings that morning? Oh, and what works will be auctioned by which of those artists?" Trina asked, as she noticed a cagey look come over her mentor's face.
"Uh, Ava. What's that look?" a suddenly anxious Trina asked once she recognized that look, which she knew meant more than what Ava had just told her.
"I must be out of practice with using my poker face. I didn't know that my face had given me away," Ava replied.
"Yes, it did. So, what exactly did you leave out, Ava?" Trina asked.
"You know how your work here is connected to your studies at PCU, in terms of your responsibilities and learning about different artists and pieces?" Ava asked, as Trina nodded.
"Well, I got a phone call from a Professor Donahue, who was most impressed by you in her Art History class and from hearing about you from other professors and instructors. So impressed that when she found out about the silent auction and the up-and-coming artists, she came up with a wonderful role for you, Trina."
Trina was getting visibly more and more excited as Ava went on. "Which is?" she asked.
Ava smiled before she answered. "Trina Robinson you will be in complete charge of this silent auction. You will meet with the artists and work with them on deciding which of their pieces will be auctioned. You will work with them and me to determine starting bidding prices. You will also set up the display for the paintings and you will do promotion for the event," Ava replied.
"Ava, whoa! That's huge! I mean it's an amazing opportunity, but... whoa!" Trina responded, clearly blown away by the prospect.
Ava smiled again as she watched Trina attempt to process the enormity of the tasks that had just been laid out for her consideration.
"Ava, I would love to do it, but..." Trina hesitated. "You want me to run an entire show."
"Trina, it's not like you haven't put together an art show before. Remember the Joel Sartore "Photo Ark" exhibit that you put together at the gallery? You came up with the idea, planned it, and brought it altogether. And it was a smashing success, I might add," Ava bragged.
Trina nodded as her mind flashed back again- this time to the very spot where they stood and sat. She remembered the photographs and... she remembered him.
"Trina, you took charge and put on a great show. Honey, how would this be different?" Ava asked.
Trina, refocusing on Ava's words, was all set to answer that time. "How would it be different? Oh Ava, let me count the ways," Trina started as she got up from her chair. "First of all, only one artist, photographer was involved. We've been in contact with at least ten new artists, each eager to get their chance at exposure. That's a lot of communication and matching of schedules that would be required. And then there's the silent auction aspect. I wouldn't know where or how to begin. Plus, I think I might be performing again this year. So, Ava it's really..." Trina responded breathlessly.
"It's really something that would make an excellent and complete senior project that would satisfy your graduation requirements," replied a new voice to the conversation.
"Professor Donahue! I didn't know that you would be here," a startled Trina responded.
"Hello Miss Robinson, Ms. Jerome. When Ms. Jerome told me that she would be presenting this idea to you today, I wanted to be here. And based on the doubts that I heard you addressing, I am so very glad that I came," Professor Donahue stated.
Trina smiled and then addressed her professor. "Professor Donahue, I am so humbled by your faith in me, but I..." Trina started.
"No "buts" Miss Robinson. Just facts. Fact, you've been an exemplary student every year at PCU. Fact, you've excelled in all of your art courses, most recently with your Art History presentation that you did with that young football player. Fact, you have years of experience with THE Ava Jerome, who you have worked side-by-side with as she's curated events. And fact, you could actually graduate on time with the completion of this exhibit slash silent auction. So, have I helped you to change your mind, Miss Robinson?" Professor Donahue asked.
Ava couldn't help but to grin and nod her approval.
"Graduate on time? That's really a possibility?" a stunned Trina asked.
"Do this silent auction and exhibition, Miss Robinson, and it will be a reality. And please know that Ms. Jerome and I will be there to help in any way. But we are more than confident in your abilities. So, take the day to think about it and decide whether you're willing to undertake it. It will be a huge time commitment which will take you away from most other interests or... whatever or whomever takes up your time now," Professor Donahue said with a slight grin. "I'll look forward to hearing from you in the morning."
"So, what are you thinking, Trina?" Ava asked once Professor Donahue left.
"Hmph. I'm thinking so many things. I'm thinking what an amazing opportunity this would be for me. Something like that on a job resume or a grad school application would be huge. And graduating on time? After the Sorbonne and..." Trina paused, as she flashed back to the moment that cut that semester short.
Ava could tell where Trina's mind went, so she didn't push. She just waited.
"So, yeah. I'm thinking about a lot of things," Trina replied once she was ready to continue.
"And I would imagine a certain someone who would miss you when you got started," Ava teased.
Trina looked puzzled. "Do you mean Kai?" she asked.
Ava, slightly dumbfounded, nodded.
"Oh," Trina replied blandly. "If I'm being honest, Ava, I think that my putting all my time into the auction, rather than whatever it is I've got going with Kai, would be one of the biggest arguments for me to actually take it on."