A Spark of Hope

Chapter 9- Protect Your Dream

Of course it's impossible to live in privacy when Layla had brothers. More specifically an older brother named Kylo.

Layla was at her desk, like she had been for nearly every moment since the competition had been introduced. Kylo entered, seemingly bored out of his mind.

"What are you doing Layla?" he asked, knowing the obvious answer.

"Sketching." Layla replied without even glancing at him.

"I can see that!" he groaned. "That's what you've been doing nonstop for the past two days!"

"If you knew that then why are you here? Don't you have enough common sense to leave me alone?" she glared, clearly irritated.

"I'm your brother so that gives me special permission to annoy you." Kylo teased playfully.

"What do you want Kylo?"

"What are you working on?" he asked, seemingly interested. But it only lasted for a moment before he lost interest.

"Why do you care? You'll probably just make fun of me anyway." she rolled her eyes, holding her sketchpad closer to her.

"You know me too well." Kylo chuckled.

"Go away, I need to work on this." Layla said, beginning to push her older brother out of the room.

Kylo stopped as the realization hit him. "Is this for the stupid art competition?"

Layla immediately shrunk at his words, biting her lips nervously. She hated when people looked down on her talents, the things she loved more than anything. "Maybe." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Why do you even paint?" Kylo sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. "Didn't Dad make it clear that you won't make a living as an artist?"

Layla stood up, glaring at her brother. "And why should Dad decide my dreams?"

"He's seen more than you have. Therefore he's obviously right."

Layla felt her blood boil at his words. "Age doesn't give you intelligence!" She rolled her eyes, "Is that why you gave up on your dream? Because Dad is wiser?"

Kylo shook his head. "No I grew up. Dreams welcome disappointment, so I stopped in order to avoid that. That's what I'm trying to save you from."

"So what, you can dream whatever you want and I can't?" she huffed, getting more and more annoyed with the conversation. 

"My dream is realistic!" Kylo exclaimed, trying to get her to understand. "It's not just a dream, it's my future!"

"And mine isn't?"

"Don't you get it? I'm trying to protect you! I don't want you going through the same thing I did! I couldn't bare to see you like that..." his voice trailed off.

"So what? You want me to not experience life?" she retorted. "Hate to break it to you, but life is filled with disappointment, with or without dreams."

"That may be true. But that doesn't mean I can't spare your feelings just this once."

Kylo grabbed her sketchbook before she could even think. He ran out of the room, Layla right on his heels. Anger surged through her at the thought of anyone ever taking her work away from her.

"Give it back!" she yelled, trying to grab it from his hands.

"You know I'm right!" he shouted, running through the living room.

Layla began pleading, terrified that he would just throw away all her hard work. "I have to do this! I don't have a choice!"

"Yes you do!"

"I promised I would, for Hope!" Layla panted, causing Kylo to pause for a split second.

"Well Hope will get over it, you won't!"

Layla jumped forward, grabbing the sketchbook, preparing to run away. "I can't live without painting!" She raced through the living room, running past Oliver and Cameron who were playing a board game. Cameron looked towards them, unsure of what was going to happen.

Suddenly she ran into a figure, slowly looking up to see her dad. She gulped, immediately shrinking down. "Sorry-"

"What are you two doing?" David raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing!" Layla squeaked, not wanting to tell him.

Kylo, however, had no problem revealing what she had been doing. "Layla was painting again."

David groaned, "Layla! We've talked about this." The disappointment in his voice was immeasurable.

"You said I couldn't take classes. You didn't say anything-" she began.

"I meant all art. I thought I made that clear." he folded his arms, looking at her sternly.

Cameron sent Oliver away, not wanting him to get into the argument. He made his way towards the three, trying to figure out what to do.

"But-"

"Hand it over. Now." he reached out his hand, urging her to hand it over to him.

Layla hugged the sketchbook closer, not wanting to give it up.

"Layla, I won't ask again." he warned, his voice much scarier.

Cameron came to stand in front of the Layla much to her surprise. "She's not doing anything wrong."

"She's dishonoring the family! I won't stand for it! Why are you defending her?" David demanded.

"She's making herself happy, just in  a different way. Now leave her alone." Cameron growled, practically shielding her from the man.

"Give me the art Layla. NOW!" 

"Go to your room Layla, I'll handle this." he whispered to her, giving her a small smile.

"But-" she began, not liking the idea of leaving him alone to be yelled at by their father.

"Don't worry Layla. Just go, protect your dream." he reassured her.

She nodded, running to her room. In the background she could clearly hear the argument beginning to form.

"Give her a break!"

"She needs to grow up!"

Layla hugged her work tighter, not wanting to ever let it go. "It's safe, my dream is safe." she whispered to herself, trying to calm her nerves.

His words stung in her brain. A dishonor... was that really all she was? But painting is what made her happy. Maybe she shouldn't participate in the contest... but Hope. No, she couldn't give up. She couldn't lose Hope's support. She was really the only one left to support her. 

Layla sighed, shaking her head. They meant well, she knew that. But their version of protection would destroy her. It was like living without the stars.

It wasn't possible.

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Hope you liked it!

Sorry I didn't post for a few days, I was super busy and I just didn't have time

Thank you for 72 reads!

Hope you have an amazing day!

-Snowy