Unconventional

Chapter 10

The next day Mel was up early for a change. Papers scattered on the table in front of her and an open telephone book was nearby as she scribbled numbers and names on apiece of paper. Half a mug of a caffeinated beverage was opposite the telephone book. She grabbed their phone and dialed a number. After awhile someone answered. "Yes? I'm looking for bids to help me build–"

"You're a woman looking to build a structure?" the voice interrupted.

"Yes, yes I am!" The line went dead. Mel sighed and hung up the phone. She crossed another number and name off her list. "What am I doing wrong?!" cried Mel burying her head in her arms. "I just want a simple building; is that so hard?!" Lisa came in and sat down next to her.

"There, there." Lisa patted her on the back. "Maybe it isn't meant to be."

"I just want to make you happy!" sobbed Mel. "Is that so bad?" Lisa sipped her tea as she tried to comfort Mel.

"Maybe women aren't meant to–"

"Don't you start that, too!" Mel practically yelled. "Women can do anything men can do! I'm going to find a way to break that plastic wrap ceiling!" Lisa nearly dropped her tea in shock.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean–"

"This fight is far from over! I'll find a team to help me build this restaurant for you!" Lisa's eyes widened. Mel stood up proudly. "But first, maybe, we should get breakfast." Mel's stomach rumbled. Lisa giggled.

"Sounds like a plan." The two of them smiled and headed into the kitchen to prepare some food.

The morning sun danced on an opened sketchpad propped on an easel. Mike stared intently in the distance and carefully sketched some lines onto his paper. Charlie sauntered over to Mike and peered over his shoulder; then he looked into the distance. "Mm-hmm. Not bad." Mike jumped slightly.

"Gah! Don't do that!" Charlie sipped on his drink.

"Sorry; I really didn't mean to scare you." Mike sighed.

"It's just as well. It's not like I was actually being productive. I'm just–"

"You were just doing what I usually do. You are using art to calm yourself and express what you otherwise couldn't." Mike looked back at Charlie in confusion.

"If you say so. Anyway, what have you come up with for setting up shop in the park?" Charlie plopped onto the step next to Mike and sighed.

"Not much actually. I will admit, though, I am fairly certain everyone will be attracted to my sign!" Mike tilted his head to one side and then the other.

"Well, where is it?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Charlie said and shoved his drink at Mike. "Hold this! I'll be right back!" Charlie rushes back into the house and comes out carrying a rather large canvass. "Behold!" Charlie turns the canvass around to reveal the words Charlie's Scenery and other Creations in fancy writing and decorated in various forms of floral work ranging from ivy to trees. Mike smiled.

"Quite nice. Do you really think you'll attract enough people to pay you, though?"

"It's worth a try don't you think?"

"You bet. Can't hurt to try."

"Well, I'd best pack up my art supplies and make my way to the park! Wanna come?" Mike dejectedly looked around.

"I'd like to, but..."

"There's plenty of benches for you to study at and places to draw," Charlie offered.