Lies

Chapter 33

***
Hi guys, I wanted to dedicate this chapter to my kitty. She passed away 03.02.23

I've had her for 10 years but she was initially my husbands cat. Her name was Paprika.

She was sweet, kind, the calmest kitty I've ever known. So Papi this chapter is for you.

You will forever be missed, loved and remembered. Thank you for making it this far with us. We were blessed to call you ours. ❤️

R.I.P. PAP

***

Kagami

Flashback - One year ago

Every three times a year, my school announces parent teacher conferences. It is moment where parents can either see how great their child is doing or how horribly. I've been the star pupil of this school and every year my mother knows it. She doesn't normally tell me that she's proud but there is a way she grabs her cane that confirms she is.

This year I thought I could do one more extra curricular activity, that isn't really extra. Since we didn't go to Japan like we planned, I created some time to sit for thirty minutes and use the art room. I don't have any art classes and even if I wanted one, I know my mother wouldn't allow it. I'm not sure if she dislikes artists or if she just could care less for them.

For my project I created a watercolor painting of my mother. It is of one of her photos that she keeps in her office. This photo shows her lunging to the left as her chest faces the camera. Her eyes focused off to the side, while she pointed the saber in the same direction. Everything about this photo breathes to life.

So I wanted to recreate it.

My mother and I are seated in my history class. She's currently speaking with Mr. Douver. This man's hair really needs to be glued on better. It tips over to the side and I'm not sure if he's aware of it. He also seems to have every pair of pants in brown. He has a blue long sleeved button up, a white tie and black shiny shoes. Someone had thrown up all over him.

My mother and Mr. Douver are so deep in conversation that I ask if I could go to the restroom. My mother nods and I head out. My eyes snag on the open door to the art room and I make my way inside. There's a cubby at the end of the room that has my painting. I pull it out and admire my work.

My mother looks incredible.

"It's a beautiful piece." His voice breaks the silence.

"Oh, Graham de Vanily." I nonchalantly slide my work behind me.

"Just Vanily, the name is a bit too long for my liking." He slides his finger against the wall as he walks over to me. He's not wearing a suit like he normally does and he's not wearing his uniform either. He's wearing jeans and a black t-shirt. I don't believe I've ever seen him in something so casual.

"You're here for your conferences too?" I'd like to slap myself in the face. Of course he's here for his conference.

"Can I see it?" He points to the painting, disregarding my earlier question.

"I-I don-" Felix steps forward causing me to step back into a wall. How did that get there?

"I'm not going to ruin it." For some reason I believe him. My hand slides out from behind me and places the piece into his hand.

"How long have you been painting with watercolor?" He asks.

"Not long, I just started a month ago." I shrug.

Felix eyes the painting. He holds it delicately and begins to scan every inch of that paper. He turns it like it would change the image. He smiles at it, maybe thinking of a memory. His eyes land on me and he frowns. My hands at one point twisted behind my back.