FINDING YOU AT LONG LAST

Chapter 8: AN ARTIST'S WISHING STAR

In the celebration of the coming of fall, the school will hold an anual Arts Fest exclusive for students and their parents. It is a festival for all different forms of art like paintings, music, movies, photography, cooking and so much more. This year I decided to take a break from the musical performance by the music club since I have always been part of it since 1st year of highschool and I'd like to see what other students do during this time of the year. Feel what they feel at the loud and cheery ambiance. I will display the painting at the campsite as a substitute for not participating. Aunt will come as Jax, Ruth and my guardian. Even if she is not like any other parent, she wouldn't miss this for the world.

Hellena:"Are you sure you do not want to perform along with your club?"
Liz:"Yes Aunt I'm sure, beside it'll be nice to take a break"
Ruth:"Yeah mom, it will be awesome if Liz takes a break. Afterall it is her last year as a highschool girl"
Hellena:"Alright Liz, if you say so. Come along now- wait Rutheris, where is your brother dear?"
Ruth:"Oh come on! Jaxillo get your butt down here, we're gonna be late!"
Jax:"(irritated) Alright I'm here. Geez you could wake the entire neighborhood with that voice"

We arrived at school just in time for the event to start. I spotted Erica and Kat by the school fountain and waved at them. I pleaded Aunt to let me stay with my friends, and she agreed as long as I call her at lunch. I ran towards them and Kat jumped at me. She looks more blooming than ever. Ian and Chazee came within a few minutes. Rolan is busy, preparing his photo for the competition. The 5 of us went inside and as expected, the place was booming with colors. From banners to floors, from stalls to rooms, everything was filled with chromatic life. I was amazed by the efforts each student putted for this festival. I didn't even notice this from last year or any other past years everytime this event happens, must be because of how tight my schedule is. Taking a break this year was not so much of a bad idea afterall. We went to stalls after stalls, taking pictures, saw performances from different classes and clubs, played games- both physical and electronic and the souveneirs this year were so adorable that I bought a little jewelry that would go well with my school bag. I displayed my art piece in a frame at the art club's exhibition. We had so much fun I had no idea that it was already lunch time

I called Aunt and asked her if it was okay to eat with my friends, which she has no problem at all. I ate lunch with Erica and Kat near the gym track since the other two went somewhere else. I got pasta, and fruits for dessert. Erica had dumplings while Kat had barbeque. They both had ice cream for dessert. Just as I was about to leave to check my art display, Rolan came running to me. When he finally catched his breath, his arm stretched towards mine.

Rolan:"(panting) Luney... give me your hand"
Liz:"W-what? Why? And slow down idiot"
Rolan:"Just trust me"

I didn't care so I did as he requested. His palm carried my right hand and he gave me something, wrapped in purple velvet cloth and tied in a blue ribbon. Feeling surprised, I  soon opened it. I was ecstatic to see a new paintbrush and not just any normal one, it was one of the most expensive paintbrushes in all 4 cities. It's made of a special wood and a hardly produced bristles. It's colored in light blue with pink and purple highlights, embedded with crystals and a small diamond at the center.

This one looks different from other displays I saw at stores and malls. It has a distinct form, color and it's literally adorned with gems. I heard you can get a custom made one but that costs alot of money. Did he seriously use that much for this? I was so marveled with mixed emotions, that I literally cried happiness in his shoulders. I felt happy, mad, and shocked at the same time. I finally got the paintbrush of my dreams in my hands. My hands!

Liz:"You idiot. How did you even-"
Rolan:"You need not to know Luney, so is it to your liking?"
Liz:"Yeah… thank you Ray"
Rolan:"Now be sure to enjoy your time with this cause trust me, this is tricky to obtain but all is worth for you (gently stroke her hair)"
Liz:"(push back) Don't even think about it"
Rolan:"Well it was nice for 2 minutes"
Kat:"Ooohhh~ would you look at that Erica"

I totally forgot they're still here. Damnit!

Erica:"So now?"
Liz:"Awh hell no"
Rolan:"I mean-"
Liz:"(glared) Shut up, idiot!"
Rolan:"Ouch! Calling me that again?"
K:"Yeah Liz, you two look great together"
Liz:"Ha ha"
Rolan:"Oh yeah I have a favor to ask you Luney"
Liz:"What"
Rolan:"For instant, I have a photo of you and a friend of mine would like to see it, is it okay if I like show him that picture or something like that?
Liz:"Well I guess there's no harm in that, as long as it's not inappropriate, then it's fine with me, why?"
Rolan:"Oh nothing, just wondering, well see yah later Luney! Bye girls!"

He sprinted away before I could react and process what just happened. I wonder what he meant by that.

Kat:"Awh I thought my eyes could never be this blessed. What a sight of love~"
Erica:"Yeah, didn't expect that. C'mon girl just admit that you like him. Basically everyone in school thinks you two are dating, I mean you see each other at the library every breaks"
Liz:"I was tutoring him, not flirting"
Kat:"Mhm~ are you sure it's just "tutoring" him or is it something even more?"
Liz:"(eyes rolled) Ok whatever, think what you want girls cause guess what, I am not listening"
Kat:"Oh we will so prove you wrong"

Rolan's POV:

I'm glad Luney likes my gift. She's going to make so much memories with it. I wonder if the whole diamomd thing at the center was too much. Yea nope, nothing is ever too much when it comes to her. She may probably think that was everything but just you wait, this isn't the end of my spectacular little fair. Oh no it's not. Prepare for a wonderful show coming this afternoon, l-opps! Almost said something.