Unconventional

Chapter 9

"So I've been doing some thinking –"

"Trying something new, eh?" interrupted Lisa laughing. "I'm joking, Mel." Mel rolled her eyesand scowled. "Continue."

"You know how you always said do what makes you happy, right?" Lisa nodded. "Well, I'd really like a cabin in the woods..."

"So besides money and a crew, what's stopping you?"

"That's just it; I also want to see you happy. That would make me happy, too." Lisa put down her cup of tea and leaned over the table and tried to sketch something on a Mel's napkin.

"Well, there's no reason we can't make both come true. First, though, we need to find a place to live in the woods that we can both call home. In the process," Lisa shows a very rough sketch of a house and logs cleared away. "We will have cleared enough trees to make a restaurant for me."

"Hate to break it to you," Mel started as she took the napkin away, "but buildings aren't just made of trees. It'll also take a lot of metal, glass, and who-knows-what else." Mel started doodling on the back side of the napkin. Lisa looked at Mel's drawing and looked like The Thinker as she studied the sketch.

"Hmm. Okay, so we can use some of the trees to make the tables and chairs at least and maybe make some shelves or other décor for the restaurant." Mel looked up.

"You're really bent on this whole nature indoors thing; aren't you?"

"What's wrong with it? I'm sure it will look absolutely fascinating!" Mel crumpled the napkin and started drawing again.

"If that's what you really want, then I think I have the perfect idea." Mel doodled for quite some time and Lisa remained silent as she watched intently, occasionally sipping on her tea, but mostly watching.

The sun slowly began its descent into the azure sky and a purplish hue started entering the window replacing the once bright daylight. Mel still sketched away, but by now the napkin was completely unfolded and a blueprint of sorts was nearly complete as was Lisa's tea. Lisa pulled her chair around the table, edging closer to Mel and pressing her thumb to her lip sideways. "I think that looks amazing!" she whispered. Mel looked up with a slight smile on her face.

"And I think it will look much better when it's actually completed," she chimed in. "Now we just have to find a crew and supplies."

"Not to mention a location."

 "But I think all that can wait for another day," Mel yawned. "I dunno about you, but I'm beat. "Lisa nodded in agreement. "We can try looking at a temp agency tomorrow." Lisa and Mel both yawned in unison. "Definitely bedtime." Mel grabbed the napkin as she and Lisa headed out the door.

Mike made his way to the backyard where Charlie was already standing in front of his easel creating yet another masterpiece. Mike smiled and leaned against the door frame." How did I just know I'd find you out here?" Charlie looked up briefly and smiled in return. "You really love painting, don't you?"

"Nearly as much as you love caring for others and tending to their wounds," Charlie replied still smiling, but working again on his painting.

"I guess you tend to their emotional and psychological needs. Who knows, maybe we could find away to work together after I get my pea-aitch-dee."

"Perhaps I could make paintings for your waiting and exam rooms and your office," Charlie offered. Mike nodded even though Charlie wasn't watching; he was too engrossed in his painting.

"That's not a bad idea." Mike paused though and walked over to Charlie. "Only thing is, what are you going to do for the next four to six years it takes me to get my full degree?" Charlie stopped painting.

He pressed the paintbrush tip downwards towards his lips. "Hmm," he thought aloud, "now there's something I hadn't thought of before."

"I suppose you could do commissions," offered Mike.

"Who would pay a nobody like me?" Charlie said. "I'm no good."

Mike looked at Charlie's canvass then back to Charlie. He looked at the canvass again and this time to the scene in front of them. The canvass was nearly a photographic duplicate of the scene. "If this is a nobody's work, I'd surely hire him." Charlie, still somewhat dejected, glanced at Mike with a sideways smile.

"You're just saying that." Mike shook his head.

"Just gotta know where to advertise and how." Charlie sighed. "I know it's not going to be easy; heck being my roommate probably isn't easy either, but you've done good so far with that." Mike chuckled.

"I dunno. I guess maybe I could paint some murals downtown; set up an easel in the park and see if anyone would stop by. I could set my paintings up nearby and offer them up for some money." Mike smiled.

"Now you're getting it!" Charlie started to smile himself. "Not such a bad idea, is it?"

"No," Charlie shook his head." It's not such a bad idea. I just hope it works to keep us both afloat until you get your degree."

"The sky's the limit, Charlie. Reach for the moon. If astronauts can land there, we could surely hope to land among the stars surrounding it!" Mike encouraged and put his arm around Charlie opening his other arm indicating where all the stars were coming out in the night sky and surrounding a full moon.

"That gives me another idea for a painting!" Charlie exclaimed and darted back inside for another canvas. Mike smiled.

 "Knock 'em dead, kid!" Mike said to no one in particular. "You got this!" Mike smiled.