Framed Connection

Chapter 28: Realization and Compromise

Marcel is a bit worried if she's going to turn up. Remembering that she didn't sound all that thrilled to hear from him. Not to mention last night he'd hoped to have seen her and tell her everything then and there. Yet for some reason she just wouldn't show up. He tries not to overthink it, not wanting to go into a panic again. "Maybe I should make some refreshments and take my mind off all this." Marcel says walking out of his studio bedroom and heads to the kitchen.

Meanwhile on the way to the gallery, Lucas notices that Roxanna seems a bit walled off. He internally curses Marcel for what he'd caused, hoping he fixes whatever he broke in her. Otherwise he won't only have Celine to watch out for. "Marcel you idiot, look what you've done to my poor sister in law." Lucas tries to cheer her up a little by saying " If he decides to pull anything like yesterday again, I'll tie him up to a chair for you." The air between them is more frigide than the autumn wind outside.

They finally stop in front of the gallery "Okay Roxanna go ahead. Just remember what I said, say the word and I'll grab the rope." Roxanna wonders why he's not coming in with her, "Don't wait for me I need to make a few calls. I'm sure you know the way by now." Roxanna gives him a curt nod behind the window and heads inside.

Walking up the stairs saying in her mind "There's no use wasting energy getting excited." She wasn't able to get much sleep last night, her mental state already waning in our out. Especially with the disparagement she has to face from Valdes waving her job over her head. Seeing that the door from before was wide open, walking in getting hit with bright natural light. The room being quite spacious, large arched panel windows, the right side of the room having a king sized bed with brown and white comforters neatly tucked. A dark wood bedside table, on it a book and a cup of pencils.

The left side of the room was the art studio. Paint splattered on the walls and the tarp layed on the wooden paneling flooring. Paint splattered canvases and easel a little table with paints and brushes. If she had the energy she'd be marveling over this, but she feels frustrated that the person she's set to meet isn't present. Wondering if it was just another waste of her time. " Why should I leave when I made so much effort to come here?" It tires her even more thinking about the possible mess clean up if any paint were to splatter across to the other side of the room. Taking the time to look around she notices some canvases covered by fabric. "Are these the new pieces he's been working on?"

Feeling a bit curious, reaching her hand up to take a little peek. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long." She freezes suddenly feeling like she was caught doing something she wasn't supposed to. Straightening up she turns around only to be shocked to see Marcel setting down a tray on the long coffee table. She blinked a few times wondering if her lack of sleep was causing her to hallucinate. "Note to self get home and get some sleep." Roxanna thinks to herself. Marcel looks over at her noticing her standing across the room, a dumbfounded expression.

"Are you okay? You're not uncomfortable or anything?" Marcel asked, snapping her out of her stupor as she walked over to him. "Please take a seat, I didn't know what you'd like so I hope you don't mind Jambon beurre sandwiches with all the fix-ins and an apple berry smoothie."

Roxanna doesn't know what to say quietly sitting down, looking at the food; She wonders when the artist is going to show up. "Is something the matter? Is it not to your taste?" Marcel says she looks up at him, She is not sure what to make of this day dream or if she was actually sleeping she shakes her head. Then Marcel walks over to her touching her forehead, which surprises her a little "Then are you not feeling well? I noticed that your eyes looked a bit dark." He says, his hand felt warm against her forehead, she hadn't felt the warm touch of Marcel's skin until recently when she finally decided to let him in.

However this warmth felt different it felt real, "Marcel? Are you..." She doesn't want to finish it and then realize it's all just a dream. "Real? And ecstatic to finally meet you? Then yes I am." Roxanna is confused for a moment then her expression starts to change one that's suddenly distant. She slowly moves his hand away from her "Thank you for giving me the chance to finally meet you Mr M.W."