The Meta Six

Chapter 6

(Excuse my typos)

POV: Onyx Grace

"You did it again Onyx," I said to myself, smiling as I hold out the painting I had just finished in front of me, admiring my work.

"Another masterpiece."

I had been working on it for three days with the new colored pencils Etta got me. This is probably my favorite of all my drawings, but then again, I say that about all of them.

I got up from where I was sitting Indian-style on the floor and went over to the wall to tape my drawing where I tape all the others. I stepped back and admired my creations. Over the years I've created over 80 drawings and paintings and I'm still going.

There isn't anything else to do when you're being imprisoned for a crime you didn't commit.

I haven't been able to see the outside world since I was younger. So I use my paintings as a way to connect me to the outside world. I paint the sky, the clouds, the sun. I paint the ocean, the sea animals, and seaweed. I paint cities, buildings, and roads. I paint everything.

The loud buzzer of the chamber went off indicating someone was entering. Etta walked in with a tray of food.

"It's lunchtime," she said with a smile on her face. Etta has been sort of like my friend here. She's the only one of them who treats me like I'm human and not a monster.

She brings me books, paper, paint brushes, and more.

She wears glasses with thick black rims and her hair is long but she always wears it in a ponytail and her usual white lab coat.

She fished her keys out and unlocked the cell door. "Thank you, Etta," I said taking the tray from her and setting it on the side table.

"Wow," she said in awe as she admired my paintings, "I've been in here countless times and your talent never ceases to amaze me"

"Don't flatter me," I replied with a proud smile "Look, I just finished the one I've been working on" I said pointing to the painting hung at the top left.

She walked towards it "I see," she said reaching out and hovering her fingers over the painting. "You know I always love to hear your inspiration for each painting, so spill, Why a plane?"

"I've never been on one. I don't care about the destination, I just want to have a chance to ride in one," I explained, "My brother always used to tell me he would buy us plane tickets and we would go anywhere, anywhere I wanted"

My mind started wandering to memories of me and my brother. I felt a weight in my chest as I thought about him. I didn't notice that a tear had escaped my eye till Etta wiped it gently with her thumb, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Uh anyway because of obvious reasons, we never got a chance to," I said trying not to focus on the memories.

I took my food and sat on the floor with it on my lap. I unwrapped the sandwich she got me and took a bite. She came and sat down beside me. "You know what I think? I think one day you'll go on that plane, and that boat, and see a dolphin, and of course one of my favorites, you'll sit in a field of flowers with someone you love", she pointed at each of my paintings as she spoke.

I laughed, "Yeah right," I say, taking another bite.

"I'm serious Onyx. Your life isn't over, you can still do all the things you paint about and more, just have hope."

"Etta, my life ended before it even got a chance to begin. I haven't seen daylight since I was 9. Hope? What is that?"

She sighed. Etta is always an optimist but she knew I was right, I still appreciate her always trying to lighten the mood.