The Art of Loving You

Easel (Ash)

I tucked the strap of my leather bag around my shoulder and walked across the grass to the bench that now overlook a ridiculous fountain that  had erected in place of my favourite hangout.

I cant help but sighed at the sight of the fountain. After five years, the government actually got rid of my favourite hideout and built a non-profit-generating fountain instead.

A thought suddenly came to my mind, I wonder how were Oli and Saffy...

I placed the leather bag on the space next to me and took out my drawing pad and pencil. I breathed in the fresh air and scanned my eyes around the park.

After five years, it still looks the same, as if nothing from the past few years happened here. I've drawn the park countless times ever since I came here, but each time I pick up a pencil or paintbrush and start drawing, different perspective come to life on canvas.

I took interest in the boring looking fountain and decided to sketch a new perspective to it. It was nothing special, the fountain was painted white and is very relaxing in its sight and sound. I closed my eyes and let the sound of the water falling surround my senses. I picked up my pencil and started sketching the fountain in my mind.

"Hello..."

I was in the midst of sketching the water flowing from the top when I felt a tug on my jacket.

I opened my eyes and a pair of dewy eyes stared right back at me. The pair of eyes belong to a little girl, who look no more than 4 years old. I was stunned for words. I looked around to see where this girl came from. I put down my drawing pad and stood up. The little girl let go of my jacket and took a step back.

"Um... Hello? Where are your parents?" I lowered myself to one knee so that I can talk to the little girl on eye level.

"I'm Rory..." She kicked the grass with her feet and swayed around, not answering my question but instead giving me her name.

My pencil on the bench caught her eye and she reached out to grab it. She took a look at my drawing pad and the next second I know, she started doodling on my fountain sketch.

"N-No!" I swallowed my shriek as she turned to look at me with those dewy eyes again.

Damn those dewy eyes...

"Do you want to draw?" I spoke softly to her, hoping she did not get a scare from my shriek.

Rory nodded her head. I took my drawing pad over and tore off my now ruined fountain sketch. I turned it over to the blank side and handed it to her.

"Come here, I'll seat you on the bench."

Rory raised her arms and I picked her up, plopping her down next to me. I ruffled her hair and let her doodle on her own.

Where on earth are your parents Rory...

—————

"Rory! Rory!"

Rory and my head immediately snapped up from our paper and looked around for the source of the call.

I turned my head to the left and my heart stopped.

"Daddy!" Rory crawled down from the bench and ran with her little legs towards the man whom I once loved. I stood up instantly and watched their reunion.

"Rory! Where did you go!" I watched as Sage knelt down and embraced Rory into a hug. He hadn't noticed me then but as he pulled away from Rory, he realised I was there right infront of him.

"Ash...?" Sage stood up to face me while Rory hugged his leg. "Is that you?"

I swallowed the swell in my throat and forced a smile. "Hey Sage..."