Finding Her Canvas

Chapter 5

Lily pov

Since that first lunch with the art club, Mia and I had grown closer. It was refreshing to have a friend who shared my passion for art and who understood the joy and frustration that came with it. We spent most of our free time in the art room, either working on projects or just talking about life.

One day after school, Mia and I were sprawled out on the floor of the art room, surrounded by papers, pencils, and paints. The room was filled with the soft hum of creativity, and I felt completely at ease.

"Lily, have you thought about submitting some of your work for the school art show?" Mia asked, her voice breaking the comfortable silence.

I looked up from my sketch, surprised. "I don't know. Do you really think my stuff is good enough?"

Mia sat up and gave me a serious look. "Are you kidding? Your drawings are amazing. You have a real talent for capturing emotions. People need to see your work."

I blushed, feeling both flattered and doubtful. "I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of attention."

"You have to put yourself out there, Lily. The art show is a great opportunity. Plus, the more you participate, the more you'll grow as an artist," she said, her eyes full of encouragement.

Mia's confidence in me was both reassuring and intimidating. She had always been so bold and fearless with her art, while I tended to hide behind my sketchbook. But I trusted her judgment, and I knew she genuinely believed in me.

"Okay, I'll think about it," I said, trying to muster some of her enthusiasm.

"Great! And don't just think about it. Do it!" she replied with a grin. "You're going to blow everyone away, I promise."

Over the next few weeks, Mia and I spent more time together, both in and out of the art room. We'd meet up at lunch, hang out after school, and even work on our art projects over the weekends. Our conversations ranged from art techniques to our dreams and fears. I felt like I could talk to her about anything.

Saturday afternoon, I was at Mia's house, working on our submissions for the art show. Her room was a chaotic mix of canvases, sketchbooks, and art supplies, much like my own. It was comforting to see how similar we were in our creative spaces.

"Hey, I want to show you something," Mia said suddenly, getting up and rummaging through a pile of papers. She pulled out a large canvas and set it in front of me.

It was a stunning painting of a bustling city street at night, with vibrant colors and dynamic lines. The energy of the scene practically leapt off the canvas.

"Mia, this is incredible," I said, genuinely awed. "You're so talented."

"Thanks," she said, smiling. "But it took a lot of practice to get here. I used to be really shy about my work too, you know. But the more I shared it, the more confident I became."

Her words resonated with me. I realized that Mia's confidence wasn't just natural—it was something she had cultivated over time. If she could do it, maybe I could too.

"I want to be more like that," I admitted. "I want to share my work and not be so afraid of what people think."

"You will be," Mia said firmly. "Just take it one step at a time. Start with the art show. It's a great way to get your feet wet."

With Mia's encouragement, I began to feel more excited about the art show. I started working on a piece that was deeply personal, something that reflected my journey through high school so far. It was both terrifying and exhilarating to pour my emotions onto the canvas, knowing that soon, others would see it too.

As the weeks went by, Mia and I continued to bond over our shared love for art. She pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, and I found myself growing not just as an artist, but as a person. I was more confident, more open, and more willing to take risks. When the day of the art show finally arrived, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. But I knew I wasn't alone.