Wall of Thorns

Chapter 1

It's been weeks since Tasha's birthday, we've been bar hopping since then. Every Friday ata akong lasing. Good thing hindi kami bumalik sa bar na 'yon.  Whenever I'm drunk, I tend—no, I always do stupid things. Lahat ng hiya ko sa katawan ay nawawala kapag lasing.

Carl reminded us that we're going to a bar again this Friday. Nagsitanguan lang ang aming kasamahan. Marami kaming ginawa ngayong araw kaya lahat kami ay pagod. I decided to go home and rest. Lumabas na ako sa building at sumakay sa taxi. Malapit lang ang condo ko sa workplace kaya mabilis lang ang biyahe. Bumaba na ako sa taxi at nag bayad.

I opened my door and went straight to my bedroom upstairs—which is the only room. Nilagay ko ang bag sa upuan at humiga agad sa kama. Huminga ako ng malalim at naalala ko na naman ang nangyari sa birthday ni Tasha.

Ah, wth did I just do?

Part of me wanted to blame alcohol but I'm well aware it's entirely my fault. I feel frustrated so I decided to get up and change my clothes. Went downstairs in my art room. Canvases and paints were everywhere. The scent made me calm. I went to my unfinished painting, it did not even reach half of the canvas.

I'm invited in an art exhibit which will happen a few weeks from now. Different artist were assigned to paint about emotions that a human could possibly felt. Unfortunately, I was assigned to paint longing. I've been given a lot of time to prepare for the event but I just couldn't finish the painting. How am I supposed to paint about longing when I lack the emotion?  I didn't even long for a parent nor a family in the orphan, the family I knew in the orphanage were enough for me.

I sighed. An image popped in my mind. Unknowingly, I already continued painting while thinking about the man's eyes. I've been thinking about him for weeks now. Since Tasha's birthday. My phone lit up and saw a notification, I just received a message. When I saw the time on my screen I realized I've been painting for almost two hours and haven't eaten dinner. I was too drawn to him and my painting that I didn't notice the time.

Leila:
Hello Cap! I just received the painting and my heart is so happy. It's beautiful, just the way I want it and I'm beyond thankful for this. You're the best! I would recommend you to my friend.

Minutes later I received a bank transfer, my eyes widened with the amount. Although, I already received a down payment for this commission. I don't do commission without a down payment since it's harder to sell. She paid me whole this time despite knowing that! I received an extra half for this and it's not quotes appealing to me.

To Leila:
Oh no! I am happy that you liked it but you paid too much. Give me your bank account so I could send it to you back.

The woman was persistent and that I deserved even more. I accepted the payment and thanked her. Painting for me was my saviour, I never ran out of money because of commissions. It's supposed to be my hobby, when I posted it on my art account, people wanted to buy it since they liked my art style. Although, I've been selling my art since high school for extra income, the position I am right now is not something I've imagine. This is success to me. I'm not a famous artist but more people started following my art account which is Cap. People would reach out to me for a commission but I'm busy with my work. I'd only accept if I have time to spare.

Before this art exhibit, I would paint anything I want and then sell it. The artwork that made me known was War. I did not intend to sell it. Though, when I posted it, people kept on resharing until art enthusiasts went crazy and started commenting prices. They were bidding on their own when I was merely posting it. Since then, it has become my hobby to have an auction at least once a month. Dahil doon marami akong naipon. Honestly, I've been saving a lot. Wala rin akong luho, may trabaho ako plus may kinikita sa pagpipinta. At ngayong buwan ang huli kong babayaran ko para sa condo. It was simple yet cozy dahil ako lang naman mag isa.  After that, wala na akong iisiping babayarin maliban sa tubig, kuryente, at art supplies. Ang ibang kailangan gaya ng grocery ay wala ring problema. I guess I'll travel this Christmas since marami akong ipon or go to the orphanage.