Colors of Rain

Chapter 17: Under the kiss of the moon

"Why don't we check your masterpiece," Evelyn spoke making her lover look up to her. Eliza didn't respond but just hugged her arm tighter.

"What's wrong? Do you not want me to see it?" No response was heard but Eliza began to walk and led her lover to a huge canvas. Evelyn couldn't help but chuckle at her childishness. As they got to the canvas, Evelyn couldn't help but be mesmerized by the piece before her. It was an angel with black wings sitting on the ground. The creature itself was magnificent. Beside it was a maiden in white, laying her head on its shoulder. Letting her eyes wander around some more, she noticed that the creature's other wing was held above the maiden in white. But why?

Evelyn looked closer and noticed that the girl was peacefully sleeping, and though at first glance, the creature seemed to depict a malevolent intent, its eyes were soft and its gaze directed on the girl. This made Evelyn think that such dark intentions were not directed at the girl but at those who tried to harm her. She stepped back a little bit to see the whole picture. Her eyes grew wide when she realized that behind them was chaos as the war progressed behind them and the scene engulfed in flames.

A surge of unexplained emotions ran throughout her body. An unfamiliar feeling made her look at her lover who only clung to her tighter as soon as she realize she was being watched. Eliza yet again braced herself for Evelyn's reaction if she realized what the story was about. Looking up slowly she expected a horrified Evelyn, but instead, she saw yet another warm smile. Evelyn's eyes were glistening under the lights as if she was about to cry. Eliza couldn't help but smile knowing full well that the story got through her and that she accepted it.

"Ah! Eliza there you are, my little duckling!" Dr. Lane's voice made the young woman jump, ruining the moment.

"Our guests would like to know about the artist of this magnificent masterpiece," she said motioning to the men behind her.

Eliza was surprised and began to tremble lightly as she was unprepared for the situation. Thankfully, Evelyn was there to calm her down. The older woman placed her hand on her shoulder to ease her panic and gave her a smile of reassurance. Eliza took a deep breath as Evelyn held her hand, interlacing their fingers. Eliza felt her courage spark which was enough for her to muster some energy to speak. It took them a good few minutes of talking but to Eliza it felt like an eternity and she was already losing so much energy.

Evelyn noticed that the young woman was getting tired and wouldn't last long if this goes on.

"I'm sorry gentlemen, but it seems Dr. Blanchard has grown a bit tired. She wasn't able to get enough sleep as she had quite a tight schedule in the past few weeks. So if you'll excuse us."

The guests wished them a good night before they left. As they left the gym, Eliza's shoulders dropped as she was already drained. Her eyes grew tired and could no longer walk properly. Evelyn held her tightly, making sure she doesn't fall. As they reached the parking lot, Evelyn took Eliza to her car. As both settled inside, Evelyn placed the seat belt over her lover who was now unable to keep her eyes open. They drove off in silence of the night. Once they had arrived, Evelyn carried the young woman inside the Blanchard residence. No one was home. "Must've gone on another trip." Evelyn thought as they were greeted with silence.

Bringing her to her room and gently placing her on the bed, Evelyn was careful not to wake Eliza. Turning around to leave, she was stopped with a hand holding her wrist. She turned around to see Eliza sitting up rubbing her eyes.

"I have... to show you something" Eliza spoke weakly, ending her sentence with a yawn.

"You have to rest-" Too late, Eliza was already up. The young woman pulled her lover and led her to her studio. Opening the door, both women were greeted with a big canvas covered in a white sheet.