Hundred days from you

5. HEATHER

2 years ago...

I step off the bus. I looked around for something familiar. However, everything changed. Nothing was the same as it was 13 years ago. Of course, neither am I. I had two choices after graduating from Les Çeaux. One, I could live in Paris and work alongside other well-known artists I admired, or I could return to my hometown for inspiration. And I went with the second option. Many people would mock my decision, but I had never seen another town as inspiring as mine. After all, this town was my first landscape. It was wonderful to be back here.

To begin with, I purchased an art studio using the money I made from the sale of my paintings in Paris. I'd bought a two-bedroom apartment. Though it may not seem like much of an accomplishment for someone my age (25), it was a major deal for me. And if the "art" thing doesn't work out here, I can always return to Paris. Professor Leroux was strongly opposed to my abandoning my "bright future" in Paris and returning to my hometown, where no one knew who I was. I wouldn't dispute that I could have accomplished more in Paris. But this place had a profound hold on me. However, I had to return here eventually to handle some unfinished business.

That night, I brainstormed various ideas for promoting my paintings throughout the neighborhood. The best one was street painting. I know it sounded ridiculous. Nonetheless, I would be able to demonstrate my abilities. I resolved to return to work the following day.

I had just completed getting everything ready for painting in the town square. I only hoped that some random flying bird doesn't crap on my artwork. There were at least a few people that were interested in the first few hours. But in the afternoon, I was kept company by a street dog. At the very least, it's better than being alone. Suddenly, a lady approached me.

Looking closer, she appeared to be my age. She leaned in to look at my artwork. "Do you draw portraits?" she inquired. "I'd like one in a large size." I gave her a careful glance before saying, "I normally draw landscapes, but if you want one, I can do it." "Then make one of me. The size should be large. I'd like to hang it in my room. So that everyone can see my dazzling face. Make me appear as though I'm looking down on them." The lady stated it with sass. When I heard her remarks, I unintentionally chuckled. "Are you laughing? But I'm not joking. I have a lovely face. However, images do not do me justice, girl. I see a lot of potential in you. I know you're the right guy for the job." she said, poutingly. "All right, I get it. Do you have any ideas or examples of how you want it to look?" I inquired. "I do want it to be beautiful. You may decide on the background. I have some references from my photoshoots." As she took out her phone to show me the images, she said it.

I didn't realize it at first, but after seeing the photographs, I realized. She was an absolute pro. When she said she was famous, she wasn't joking. She appeared to be... familiar. "May I ask what your name is?" I will need to make it for the receipt. So, what will the name on the receipt be?" I inquired. "It's Ava Lee." "Does this ring a bell?" She said it with a snarky tone. That's when it struck me. Ava Lee, the famous supermodel who was famous, vanished from public view a few years ago after winning a $10 million lawsuit against the country's leading fashion brand. According to rumors, she moved to the Middle East and married a wealthy man to settle down. Who'd have guessed she'd be here?

"I recognize you," I said. "All right, enough about me. So, how about you? Give a little background on yourself, girl," she inquired. "My name is Heather Avery. I graduated from Les Çeaux. Now I'm here to get some inspiration. Oh, I have a studio near the bus station. You are welcome to visit and see if anything piques your interest." I said. "I'd love to!" Please provide me with your contact info. If necessary, I may need to contact you. And don't worry about the commission fee. Just so you know, I'm rich and single." Ava assured me.

Soon after, I took on her assignment. Although she was extremely picky about her items, she entirely left it to me after providing some references. And I appreciated it. After a month of hard work, the painting was finished, and she was overjoyed to see it. Even though she had no work with me after her art piece, she came to my studio frequently. She was friendly and humorous. We quickly became close. I also began to receive offers from nearer neighborhoods. Everything was OK until my odd neighbor showed over.

Or so I thought.