Sade's Return

XIX

My e-ride pulls up to the Art Factory, and I thank her. Opening the door, I grab my things and walk into the building. I have to speak with Jack, but that will be later. I want to take my frustration out on my canvas.

Knowing that I'm in a foul mood, I make sure to think and take my time while I take my supplies out. I lay them out: paints, pencils, brushes, and I set up my canvas. I paint my first stroke, and next thing you know, I'm in somewhat of a trance. The brush is doing a beautiful dance leaving a small trail of color behind it. I am in no way focused on a specific goal, right now the brush is doing the talking. My heart is relieved and I'm relaxed. Everything that is bothering me is temporarily gone. What a Xanax can do for me, painting has done.

Just then I can hear someone walking up to me. I turn around and I see Jack. "Jack, how's it going?" I ask as I'm placing the brush on the table next to me. Looking at my painting he says softly " I was going to ask you the same. I like this piece a lot and think others will too." He seems lost in thought. Unfortunately, I interrupt him. Looking at the painting it is nice. One of the best pieces I have ever done. "Well, it's not bad." I laugh. Trying to sound humble. In my hearts of hearts, I hope I have. "Well, today I made some choices that I hope will lead to some good feelings."

He turns from the painting and looks me right in the eyes with curiosity. "Really, what?" I can't help but face my painting to avoid his look. " Well, I left my apartment to avoid Ronny and I don't plan on going back". "Don't plan on going back? Tell me what happened." He made sure he was making eye contact as he touch my arm. I was about to speak when he interrupted me. "Wait. Isn't he supposed to be in jail? Why would you worry about him?" I clear my throat and begin to tell him about the bus and Sonny. "To add now that I'm not angry I blame him for losing my opportunity to get a donut.."
"Sade I can't believe that shit happened." We go sit down on a couch that is draped with a giant white fabric. The whole room is clean except for the canvases and paintbrushes. In the corner, I like it the best there is a tall wide window that I can people-watch as I sketch or paint. You will always find me there. I look down at my hands while speaking. "I'm just going to a women's shelter for tonight." Jack bops my nose. I look up at him. "Sade, you can stay with me. You have my room and I'm in my living room."

That doesn't sound bad. I feel safe around him and a women's shelter can get full when they open the door. After everything I have been through he has helped me. I grab my bag and a trash bag and stand up. "Okay let's go then," I reply. He gives me a look like I have done something wrong and I sit down. "Sade, I have to go around the factory and check if anyone is still here then close up." He says. I laugh "Oops my Bad." I felt embarrassed by my excitement. He gave me a soft look as he went to stand up and leave the room. I was relieved. Sometimes I get ahead of myself.

  Before I knew it the Art Factory was checked over and we were on our way to Jack's place. We made a turn that looked familiar. Was he thinking of me like that? He told me that he did like me. The car stopped Jack leaned on the steering wheel and smiled. "Look." He says and pointed to my right. I turn my head and see the bakery that I have wanted to go to earlier this day.  They were still open. I gave him a smile that probably look like a stupid grin and got out of the car. I heard him come behind me and beep his car. It's not a bad neighborhood but a busy one. You might want to be a little more vigilant when it comes to your things. Kids are mischievous and get in trouble all the time pulling stupid stunts. We walk into the bakery and the smell is wonderful. The smell from the baking oven smells delicious and fresh. Every item looks so perfectly done as if it was made with love. It was evening time and the bakers were putting whatever they didn't sell that day away. My eye caught the view of a donut. Just one. Plain with pink frosting and sprinkles. I was about to ask for it when we hear a CRASH a kid is sitting on his ass after bumping into a table that was carrying chocolate-covered pretzels. The baker is furious and throws the empty basket he was carrying down. "Hey kid what the hell are you doing?" he exclaims. "Nah..man it's all good..some kids broke...into your car ." the kid stammered. "I didn't mean to make a mess." Me and Jack are stunned just staring at what is happening in front of us. " I mean you." He points to Jack. "What? Holy shit!" He looks at me and we both run to his car. Jack put his hand over his mouth and I know he wants to say so much but it is probably something you wouldn't want to hear. I look over at the car and all I can say in a whisper is "Oh that is just very bad luck." We were gone but just five minutes. I don't think this neighborhood is good anymore.