7 Chapter 6 (2/2)

I watched her again as I spoke. There's a scar in her neck I didn't notice before. Maybe because this was the first time I actually got to look at her closely.

”Anyway, I wanna finish, it's not like I wanted to stop. But I had to be practical you know. And I got to save up first. Especially… if…” I stopped mid sentence when she showed me a picture in my camera.

It was a picture of her. The one I took when I saw her on her balcony that one night.

”Uhh.. that.. well..” I could feel my ears getting hot. How do I explain that I'm not really some weird guy spying on her at night, taking pictures?

”It's a good shot.” She smiled and handed me back my camera. In my mind I thanked her for not looking at my other shots, she must have sensed my shame.

She stood up and washed her paint brush on a bucket.

”Well, I have a beautiful model.” I got up and smiled at her before leaving the room.

I noticed a small smile form before she turned her attention back to her painting.

===

The next morning I found her in the room directly in front of ours. She was wearing my earphones again. She took them off as soon as she saw me peep through the door and gave me a warm smile.

My heart never fails to jump whenever I see that smile. It's like being struck by lightning, only in a good way. I hope I never stop get that feeling.

”Hey.” I greeted.

”Hi.” She took off one of the earphones, letting it dangle on her shoulder.

”I'm about to go meet someone from a local paper, they said they're interested in some of the pictures I took.” I don't know why I told her. I guess I just wanted to start a conversation. And maybe try to impress her a little bit.

”Wow. That's good. Congratulations.” She was painting, but turned her head slightly to face me.

”Thanks. I'm a little nervous though. They might not like my pictures.” I said honestly, looking at the floor.

”They're going to love it. I'm sure.” There was so much sincerity and confidence in her voice that I had to look up at her. But she wasn't looking at me.

”I hope so.”

”Just trust me.” I do. ”Now go, you don't wanna be late.” She urged.

”Oh. Right.” I waved at her and she smiled.

===

”Dude. Relax.”

I was practically jumping as the elevator took its time in getting us to our floor.

”I am relaxed.”

”Relaxed.” He scoffed. ”You're bouncing.”

”Am not.” I answered, trying to control myself, as the elevator stopped 2 floors below ours to let in an elderly couple.

”Yeah. Sure. I'm kind of hurt, you're more excited to tell her than you were when you told me.” He placed his hands in his chest trying to look hurt.

I laughed and shoved him lightly.

When we finally got to our floor I practically run out to find her. She was still in the same room, finishing up. I stopped when I got to the door.

It was amazing. She painted the parade, the floats. Different flowers put together to form something just as beautiful. Colors blended flawlessly, the shapes were detailed and fit perfectly with each other. It was like she actually saw the parade herself. It was breathtaking. Like watching the parade all over again.

”I hope you don't mind. I kind of based it on your pictures.” She was standing by the window, cleaning up some paint brushes.

”No, I don't. This is beautiful.” I was still in awe. I felt a little proud that my work could inspire such art.

She was drying her brushes now, lightly patting them with cloth then placing them side by side on a towel on the table. It's soothing to watch her be this gentle.

”Thanks. By the way, how did your meeting go?” I almost forgot why I wanted to get here so bad.

”They loved it!” my excitement is starting again.

”I told you.” She smiled a big smile at me and I couldn't help myself. It took me four big steps to get to her and hug her tightly.

”They loved it.” I repeated.

I felt her stiffen a little when I hugged her and I wondered if I crossed a line, I was about to let her go when I felt her hand raised slowly to pat my back. Not exactly a hug, but still, it was something.

We both let go when we heard a camera click.

We looked at the door to see Lester leaning so casually, twirling a camera in his hands.