Art is Everywhere

Since it’s Wednesday should we go elsewhere? I don’t want you to spend your free time at work.

Somewhere else? What did you have in mind?

That all sounds great. I mean if you have time with school and things I would definitely enjoy some company. I like to think of art as a shared experience, no two people can ever see or think the same thing looking at a piece of art. I’m available any time really, whenever is good for you just let me know. 

Yeah, being new is….scary. Exciting but a bit scary. I’m not in school but I have been thinking about taking a class here or there. I never went to school growing up I was……home schooled. How are you liking the classes there? 

Oh I can make time. No problem. Wednesday for example is my day off. No classes, no work. Just relaxing. And I am definitely up for company. I am new as well after all and pretty much know no one here. Not really. Well...except one person but that...is complicated. And very true. Art is something everyone sees different. There are so many ways of interpretation. Its amazing.

It is, actually. And just a tad lonely. Haven’t met up with anyone since I moved here around a month ago. And finding friends is hard.. Oh? Home schooled? Why that? And I would always recommend to take classes. You never stop learning after all and knowledge is something we can’t have enough of.  Oh the classes are great and interesting.

I can come by today right when you get off from work?

Okay, sure. Why not.

When is your shift?

Three days a week - Saturday/Sunday/Monday. 12-6pm. on the weekend and 8am-12 on Monday.

I’m shocked to see you, too? 

Which coffee shop?

I work at Zuivere Koffie. You can always come over during my shift or after.

Hi, Elizabeth, you can call me Liz if you prefer. That sounds wonderful I’ve been wanting to get around to see the art galleries, just been trying to settle into here. Is there one that you would recommend? I’ve never ridden a bicycle before, but I have seen them around. IS there somewhere particular that I should go get one? 

I am so sorry that I am just asking so many questions, I just haven’t explored much and don’t want to get lost. What type of art or you studying? 

Well hello there Liz! Pleasure to meet you. Oh they are all amazing! If you want, we could have a little art gallery tour together. Its always more fun to go with someone. Also you can book a bike online actually. Via rent-a-bike-amsterdam.com. You can pic a date and everything there and then pick up the bike at their store. 3e Hugo de Grootstraat 2 hs 1052 LL Amsterdam

All good. I am new here too so I get it! Also I msjor in art - I mostly do paintings with oil colors but also pencil and charcoal. And I minor in art history. How aout you?

Go Hufflepuff!! 

We’re going to fucking work on changing that. You’ll be sick of my ugly face before you know it, ha. Alright, soon to be bestie, is there something you really want to check out? Want to sit on that bench that’s featured in The fault in our stars? Canal ride? Van Gogh museum? 

Oh I hope we will! Because I think we could be pretty amazing friends, actually, Awww, there are twoo lies in that sentence of yours. First - you are not ugly. Second - somehow I doubt that I would ever be sick of you. All of that sounds perfect!! So why don’t you surprise me?

Of course they would, but I think the principle behind it is a rather good one. 

Well, when I finally figure out when to go, then I’ll let you know - How about that? 

I’m as safe as possible, I promise. I’ve got a lot of stories, but I don’t know if I’d share many, because there are some really bad ones, and ones that I don’t think anyone would want to hear because of how boring they are. 

That is true. One would just need a way to actually do it.

Now that sounds perfect, actually. So I am all in!!!

Thanks, Layla, you’re a fucking angel! Ah, but I am. It’s my inner Hufflepuff showing it’s ugly head. It mostly happens whenever I’m near a cutie-pie such as you. 

I know we’re technically not friends, yet, but if you want to meet up one day, let me know. 

Always doing my best, my dear~ Awwww Huffllepuffs are the best though, in my opinion. They are sweet and caring. You are adorable, really.

I mean, it’s cool you’re here.I’m glad to see you again. I just didn’t think it’ll be this way. 

It’s been two years so yeah, I think it’s a good idea…When are you free?

Glad to see me? Are you now?

Crazy how time simply flies by, isn’t it? Well...fine. If you insist. We can meet after one of my shiftfs at the coffee shop.

Thanks. You definitely are, there are times I wished the police bikes that we have had motors in them so that we could use them to catch perps, rather than use the cars. I will at some point, I promise! 

It can be, yes. Depending on the day, and case. 

Oh now wouldn’t that be a great thing? I guess in some situations cars still would be needed though and switching from bike to car woulld take up precious time. I can come with you if you want. I am studying art history after all so I could give you a bit of background to the art pieces.

I hope you will stay as safe as possible then. Also you must have a lot of stories about things you have seen. 

Layla? From Ohio Layla? 

I had no idea you planned to come to Amsterdam. I…wow. Okay. We should meet and catch up. It’s been a couple years.

Yes...exactly that Layla.

It wasn’t planned. More like a rather surprising development. And...I wasn’t aware that you are here. Meet up? Well, true it has been a few years. You really think that would be a good idea?

That’s how I get to and from work most of the time, I’m technically allowed to use a department issued car, but I prefer biking a lot more - it’s easier to get around and better for the environment. I haven’t been to any of the art gallerias yet - but good to hear you like them. 

I’m Ben, pleasure to meet you Layla. I’m your friendly neighborhood constable/agent. 

Now isn’t that good thinking. I like that. It’s true you are way more flexible with a bike. Y ou haven’t? Oh you should! I just saw a few annd not all yet but I loved what I saw so far.

Pleasure to meet you, Ben. And I see. Constable, huh? Isn’t that a pretty dangerous job?

You know my coffee order and my name? I foresee a rather large tip coming your way next time I drop by for a fix. I’m far too shy to ask such a pretty young thing as yourself for her name. 

I’m fucking fantastic. How are you? Anything fun planned for tonight? 

Yes. That is just how good I am~ And I most certainly wouldn’t complain. I’ll make sure your order will be ready. Too shy, huh? Somehow you do not strike me as a shy person though.

I never learned how to ride a bike. I feel like I barely count as an adult. Those bikes are, like, taunting me.

What? You are kidding me right now. You don’t know how to ride a bike? Well, we can change that. I can teach you.

Fucking finally got a name to go with that lovely new face over at the coffee bar. Nice to ‘meet’ you Layla. No need to tell you mine cause we both know I’m one of a kind so if you forgot the name going with my face  I’m changing coffee bars. Period.  

Obviously, I’m fucking kidding. Any coffee bar is better than that Starbucks at the station and I fucking love the place you work. So, welcome to Amsterdam. and in case you did forget, it’s Wade. 

If that isn’t one of my favorite customers. Wade Wilson. Loving all things caramel and right now the ever so amazing pumpkin spice latte. So yes, I do remember your name and also your coffee order. Because true, you are rather unforgetable. Also if you wanted my name, all you had to do was ask~ Thank you for the sweet welcome.

That is also the reason why I haven’t said hi yet, I was far too overwhelmed with everything. Which is still incredibly rude of me, isn’t it? Well, I’ll just say hi now. I am Layla and just moved here to study art. Also, I am your friendly and cute part-time barista. Can’t wait to meet you all!