97 97 In the Secret Place (2/2)

”When you cannot find me at the house or in the field of flowers you can find me here.” Gabriel stepped into the clearing and there was a small shine-like building. ”When I was little Inari showed me this place. I used it as a place to paint in. I always respect the gods and goddesses. I pay my respects and give an offering to them every time I come here.”

Inari jumped on the stairs then transformed. ”I always like the treats of goodies you left. Beside you repaired this shine as it was falling apart. I never had a problem with you being in my shrine. I led you here so that you could repair it.”

”Inari, this is your shine? But why is it out in the middle of the forest?” Amelia touched the wood and smiled.

”In the past it wa snot out in the middle of nowhere. It used to be popular. Mother said it was very prosperous and that I would not dial. So she assigned that shine solo to me but hundreds of years went by and people slowly stopped coming and that was when mother let me go to the mini shine on your property. I lead you here to keep me alive. Thank you Gabriel.” Inari bowed.

”I see, that is sad but I will come here as well and I will help leave you gifts. It might not be much. I hope that you will like them.” Amelia smiled and looked at Gabriel.

Gabriel was staring at Inari in shock and heard everything that was being said. ”I need to know. Do you mind that I have been in your shrine?”

”Not at all. You are a peaceful soul and there is nothing that you have done that has bothered me. I am actually glad that you brought Amelia here. She is a sweet soul. One that belongs to the wild hidden beauty. I will go and give you two some alone time.” Inari disappears and a ball floats away.

Amelia smiled and stepped up on the shine. ”Will you show me the inside?” She looked at the door and waited for Gabriel.

Gabriel walked up behind her and opened the door. Welcome to my shine getaway. Also known as the painter's den.” He looked inside and the first painting that could be seen was one of Amelia at the Library where she was studying. ”I guess I no longer need to keep it a secret. I painted a lot of pictures of you and kept them all hidden. I hide them here because this is a place that Mother does not know about and I would like to keep it that way.”

Amelia stepped into the room and saw that there was a picture of her on the walls. There was one while she sat under the tree and was watching the girls run around the track. ”I remember this day. I had just gotten back to school after an episode that left me bedridden for a month. In between sleeping I was doing assignments that I knew would be due.” She touched the painting then turned smiling at Gabriel. ”You did an amazing job!”

”I only did amazing because I had an amazing subject to paint. I would be lying if I said that my eyes were looking for you that whole time. Everyday that our classes would overlap I would look for you. My world lit up that day because I finally saw you.” Gabriel walked up to her and pulled her in and kissed her this time letting their lips linger for a minute.