In the Shadows

Chapter 44

  I let Christine lead me inside her room. Her bedroom is broad. The first thing I notice is looking up at the ceiling and what do you know another chandelier, but it's beautiful compared to the others I have seen. It's wider and made with clear crystal and bright six lamps around it. The color and brightness are perfect in almost every way possible.

  Walking further into her room, I notice a giant bed in the center made up of lavender fabric mixed with cotton and polyester to create a satin luster look; making it look super modern and graceful. As my eyes travel up to the white walls, I catch sight of pieces of artwork such as a portrait of Bloch Bauer I- "The Lady in Gold", painted by Austrian artist, Gustav Klimt, and then another catches my eye a stunning painting of Nafea Faa Ipoipo, it translates to "When Will You Marry?" created by Paul Gauguin. Do you have any idea how much these paintings cost? If they are originals then they cost over a million dollars.

  I stand absorbing the decor when Christine comes up to me and says, "It's beautiful isn't it?"

  I nod and mutter, "Yes... Are these pieces original?" I question.

  "Yeah, I take it you're a lover of art?" She asks me.

  "I had study art history for a semester." I flash a brief look at Christine, who remains impressive. 

  "That's lovely, did you enjoy it?" She turns shining her eyes toward me.

  "Hmm-huh, I found it really fascinating learning different types of artists and the way they use color or textures in their art," I say softly.

   "Same... I took art history as well when I was in college. I study it for 2 years," she smiles. "The paintings tell a story, they're like a soul upon the canvas, a story of colors. The creativity of art brings it to life; inspiring, and enchanting, bringing us closer to what life is really about. I think the artist gives it inspiration, or that is how I see it when the artist truly loves their art and make it become compelling." Her tone is full of endearment and the way she talks about the art is captivating.

   "But enough of me going on about art, let's get you some pajamas," she says as she walks over to the chestnut drawer and pulls out a long red silk nightgown. "I think this would do," she smiles when she holds it up and I take it.

  "Thank you, but I can't-"

  "Don't sweat it, I have a hundred just like those." I slightly giggle at how much she's like her brother who doesn't like to hear the word "no," and would also cut you off before you can say it. "You can use my bathroom and I have makeup remover if you feel you need to take it off," she says smiling as she leads me to her enormous bathroom, the tile and vanity unit is a light grey with brass fittings and wood to add warmth bringing it luxurious and elegant at the same time. I eye the extensive silver frame that goes around the mirror giving its own personifying look. It really is luxurious.

   "I do love how you put on your makeup," she utters snapping me from admiring the bathroom and pulling my eyes to her.

  "Oh, thank you but actually my friend, Camile did my makeup. I literally don't know how to apply it on my face; I barely know how to put on chapstick," I laugh.

  "Well, your friend does nice work. I should ask her to do my makeup, lord knows I need a new makeover."

   I don't know why she would feel the need to change her look; I mean she's already flawless. Her skin is a nice shade of ivory cream and her cheeks are like roses against the deep red of the dress she's wearing. She's so beautiful without any makeup.

   I shake my head. "You shouldn't say that. You're beautiful just the way you are," I compliment her; I'm just being honest.

  "Really?" She objects, but her voice is in a polite tone.