Desirable

~59. I Found a Reason

2 Years Later

"Honey, I found a reason to keep livin'"

The brunette's hips slowly sway as the song plays, her paint brush feathering away at the canvas in front of her. 

"And you know the reason dear it's you"

A soft sigh escapes her mouth as a smile graces her face, she steps back and tilts her head towards the painting. Her eyes narrow and flicker to the window then back to the canvas, nodding in contentment. 

Clementine had discovered a love for art while doing finger-painting with Celise in the garden one summer afternoon; the sun was gentle in the sky and the wind was swaying the trees ever so slightly, the flower beds shivered in the breeze. Celise's painting was a swirl of bright colours, trying to mimic the flowers that were planted - and it amazed her mother. After an evening of painting with her daughter, she knew she was destined to continue the art form. 

"Oh, I do believe
you are what you perceive"

The faint noise of a door closing and the rustling of bags interrupts her concentration, but it was not unwelcome. Soon after, she hears uneven footsteps and familiar voice getting louder. The door to the studio opens and a smiley 2-year-old steps in, gripping her tall father's hand.

"Mummy!" she squeals, beginning to stomp her foot in excitement and tug at her dad's hand. 

Clem spins around and a wide smile spreads across her face, she carefully puts down her palette and brush. She kneels down with open arms at the same time the young girl releases her dad's hand and quickly stumbles over to her mother, wrapping her small arms around her. Clem wraps the girl in hers and squeezes, kissing the side of her head. 

"How was the store, Lizzy?" she plants another kiss on her forehead and pulls away, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. 

"Fun, daddy is slow," she fiddles with her hands, smiling a smug little smile. Clem gently pinches her dimple.

"Were you running away again?"

"Yeah, she was a treat to chase around the alcohol isle," Louis laughs, stepping toward his two girls.

The dreadlocked boy takes her hand and she stands, looking up at him with the same soft smile stuck on her face. He meets her eyes and brings another hand up to her chin, brushing a thumb against her bottom lip. 

"How's your painting going, beautiful?" he asks with a voice as soft as butter, making her slightly blush. 

She peers back over to her canvas, "It's going well, it's getting to summer time again so the flowers are blooming." Louis follows her gaze and smiles. She loved painting their garden, it was her favourite part of the house. 

"It looks incredible, Clem. You're amazing," he turns her face back to his and plants a loving kiss on her lips.

Her honey eyes close as she lingers against his lips, holding on to his shirt and keeping their bodies close. His arms wrap around her, encasing her in a warm embrace. Their lips part and Louis smiles down at her, his eyes beaming with love. 

"I love you," he runs his hand along her back.

She plants a quick kiss on his nose, "I love you back."

"What comes is better than what
came before"

~~~

In the last two years, many things had happened. Their year group graduated from high school, everyone went on to do what they wanted. Brody took an apprenticeship at a nearby veterinary clinic, hoping to become a qualified vet. Marlon is trying to continue his passion for football, but has secured a job in the property field. Violet didn't want to commit to a full-time position, and is doing well as a freelancing photographer.