Little Lux

38

29th November, 2022 - Los Angeles, California

The bell above the shop door jingled as Vincent led Lux and August into the cozy little pottery painting store.

Luckily, the bug which August and Vincent had only lasted one additional day before everything was back to normal. Now, Vincent had taken the little ones out to a small pottery shop in downtown LA so that they could paint something for Sebastian's birthday which was only a little over a week away.

The air smelled faintly of clay and acrylic paints, and the walls were lined with shelves displaying an array of mugs, bowls, figurines and lots more, all waiting to be chosen and brought to life.

Lux's eyes widened as she took in the sight of all the different pieces. "Wooooah," she breathed, gripping Vincent's hand tightly. "We paint stuff?"

August, standing beside her, clapped his hands excitedly. "Paintin'! We make somethin' for Daddy?"

Vincent chuckled, relieved that they seemed so excited. "Yeah, that's the plan. We're going to paint something special for Daddy's birthday. You two can pick whatever you like and make it all nice for him."

A friendly-looking woman in an apron approached them with a smile. "Welcome to Painted Dreams Pottery! Are you here to paint today?"

"Yes, we are," Vincent replied, adjusting the bag on his shoulder. "We want to make birthday gifts."

"That sounds wonderful! Feel free to look around and choose any pottery piece you'd like. When you're ready, I'll help you with the paints and brushes."

August immediately scampered off to the other side of the shop, his hands already reaching towards a ceramic puppy figurine with big, floppy ears. "This one! Daddy likes puppies!" he declared excitedly.

"Careful Auggie." Vincent warned, knowing the mix of over excitable boy and breakable pottery meant potential disaster. He moved closer, steadying the ceramic puppy in August's hands. "That's a great choice, buddy. But remember, we have to be gentle."

"I be gentle." August said firmly, already making a b-line towards a small painting booth in the corner of the store.

Lux, meanwhile, stayed glued to Vincent's side, gazing shyly around the store.

Vincent crouched beside her, giving her an encouraging smile. "See anything you like, sweetheart?"

Lux pressed her lips together, scanning the shelves with a deep, concentrated frown. She wanted to pick something perfect. August had been quick to decide, but Lux needed to be sure. She needed to be sure she got the perfect thing for her daddy.

Finally, her gaze landed on a heart-shaped trinket box on the top shelf. It was simple, smooth, and small enough for her tiny hands.

Perfect for Daddy's rings.

Lux pointed. "That one, Papa. Daddy can put his rings in it."

Vincent followed her gaze and nodded approvingly. "That's a great choice, sweetheart. Daddy will love it."

Lux beamed as the shop assistant carefully climbed up a ladder and took the trinket box from the shelf and placed it on the painting station along with August's puppy figurine.

Once their pottery pieces were settled in front of them, the shop assistant handed each of them a small apron to wear. Lux giggled as Vincent helped her tie the strings in the back, making sure it wasn't too loose. August, already antsy to begin, fumbled with his apron before Vincent stepped in to fix it properly.

"All right, you two," Vincent said as he rolled up his sleeves. "We've got a bunch of colors to choose from. What do you think Daddy would like?"

August hummed thoughtfully, staring at the paint bottles lined up along the table. "Rainbow! Cause, Daddy likes all the colors!"