The Dark of You - S01 E24

7 months ago

The Dark of You - S01 E24

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 24

You want to paint me?

I pulled out a massive box from one of my closets and dragged it into the living room. With a breath, I hesitated to open it as I'm scared but then decided to throw that feeling away and attack the box. A smile came onto my lips as I looked down at my old drawing and painting equipment. It's been a while since I have had the desire to paint. Four years ago, my father decided to crush my dreams and not allow me to go to college for art.

As time went by, I had placed all my things all over the place. I had to throw away the old Acrylic paints as they were expired or opened. My aunt bought me a brand new set for my birthday in April and I stored it away. My family knows how much art means to me and has tried to help me find inspiration again.

It's been a lot easier to hide it away than to be reminded that I could never use my skills the way I wished. Yet, someone has made me find that spark deep down in me again. I went back to the bedroom and brought the easels with me. I put it up and placed a canvas on top of it. With a sigh, I fell into the chair, staring at it endlessly as I don't know what to create. When I was younger, I always tried to paint my mother, but for some reason, no matter how many I made, it never appeared good. I couldn't capture her the way I wanted. She was beautiful.

A knock on the door scared me to the point I held my hands over my heart. I stepped over to the door and unlocked it.

"Morning," Rylan said with her hands folded behind her back in her green tank top and black cargo pants.

"I'm here to remind you about your father's Christmas party at 17:00 today and that your plane will leave tomorrow at noon," She explained. I nodded with a soft smile as I can't wait to visit my family, but a frown wants to be exposed as well for the stupid business party dad has every year.

"Thank you," I said and she nodded as she turned around, but I grabbed her arm without thinking first. She faced me again with a questioning look.

"Can I borrow you for a few hours?" I asked and she tilted her head unsurely.

"I won't' bite," I chuckled as I pulled her inside of my apartment. She stared at the stuff I had placed all over my table and onto the easels where the canvas stands on. A moment later, she turned to me and bit her lip as if a thought has hit her.

"You want to paint me?" She asked and I nodded shyly.

"If that is okay with you?" I wondered and she looked back down onto the table as if to consider her answer.

"Sure," She shrugged as she faced me and I grinned from ear to ear.

***

I leaned over the bar to ask for a glass of gin and tonic. The cute bartender smiled at me as she took my order. I rubbed my forehead to the loud conversations that flow through the large room. My dad's workers seem to have a good time as they laugh and drink the bar's free drinks. I scan the room to see familiar faces. My father talks to a few of his managers with a grin on his face. Then there is Mario, my dad's security guard, that's stands hidden in the corner of the room. Right next to him is Rylan back into her regular black suit with her hands folded behind her back.

She was incredibly easy to paint as she stood still as a state, but I presume she is used to doing that in her work line. I started with her shape first and when we have time, I'll fill in the details.

Yet after we met to go to this party, she changed back into the old Rylan. The cold, quiet and heartless one. She managed to pull my plugs over the roof and I ended up ignoring her in the car and so far into this terrible evening.

"There you go," I turned back to the cute bartender as she offered me the drink.

"Thank you," I smiled and she bit her lip shyly as she went back to work. I observed her every skillful move with the mixing of drinks. A few times, she would catch me looking at her, which always resulted in her blushing and brushing those loose straws of hair from her ponytail behind her ear. It's adorable how easy some people show how they feel.

"Are you okay?" I almost drooped my drink on the floor as Rylan stood beside me.

"Why do you care?" I asked rudely as she interrupted my fun with the brunette. Rylan frowned at me and I downed my drink in a minute.

"Go away, please," I waved her off and I indicated the cute woman behind the bar for another drink. Rylan left my side quickly, but only for my father to show up beside me.

"Great work you did for me," He said and the small scotch from his breath hit my nose. He asked for another drink from the bartender as she had placed my glass in front of me.

"I really do appreciate it," He smiled, the only smile he shows when he has been drinking.

"Sure, dad," I grumbled as he stared at me with his drunk brown eyes. When he finally got his drink, he went on his way. The bartender cleaned the top of the bar as she looked at me.

"Are you okay?" She asked and I nodded as I pushed myself away from the counter and headed for the exit in a rush. Tears stained my cheeks before I pushed the door open in anger. I stumbled down the line of cars until I found the right one. I threw the door open and hurried inside as I couldn't catch my breath. Hands clutched into fists; I hit the seat in front of me.

The first time he had seen me since I came back from Europe to do his work, all he had to say is: good job. Not to ask if I'm alright or how the trip was in general for me. The door beside me flew open and concerned blue eyes stared at me before she sat down next to me.

"I want to be alone," I sobbed and dried the tears off my face.

"Get out!" I shouted as I pushed her by the shoulder, yet she didn't move. Instead, she took me by the wrists to stop me. I tried to fight her grip, but she kept me in check. She parted her lips and then closed them as she furrowed her eyebrows. Slowly, she let go of my hands, pulled me by the arm towards herself and held me close. Her silent embrace let me cry in peace as I laid my arms around her belly and hid my face on her shoulder.

I let myself surrender to her comfort that could bring anyone to their knees. Her strong arms wrapped around me as if they were a shield to keep the pain out.

"I'll drive you home," She said and I nodded as I can't find the strength to use words.