The Artist

8

Helloooo :) I've missed writing so much! A whole month of grounding!!!! Most would be scared and lost like a puppy without their phone or laptop. That's me but without my writing! DX anyways, here's chapter 8, it's short but it'll blow your mind!! And um, comment? I'll fan you! Kay, have a lovely day, dearies!!! :D <3 

-WritingIsEcstasy (Skai)

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"Would you like to see my tree-house?" Senka asks as we leave the warm house. 

It's chilly so I hug my arms around myself as I trail behind the little girl into the 'backyard' part of the plantation. I'm met with dozens of blooming flowers. It's wintry but somehow the flowers make it look like we've just hit spring. There a purple flowers along with ones that are yellow, red, white, orange, pink, sunset colors in one flower; plants that are unknown to mind intertwine with the petals. This garden is at least half an acre. A brick stepping path leads into the trees and we follow that.

Only a bit into the trees, a little clearing sweeps before us and I see that a square tree house has been built into a large oak. The wood that they used to built it was at some point painted with silver but moss clings to every crevice so it looks amazing and beautiful. 

"Wow....Who built this?" I wonder, making awed sounds under my breath. 

"I'm not sure, but they did a good job, huh?" 

I nod my answer and then start after her up the branches and into the little one-room home. It's bare except for a mattress, a small, wooden table, and one big comforter. I look at Senka. "Who lives here?"

"Our friends comes and stays in her a lot. He's kinda weird for wanting to be up here at the dead of night, but I guess all musicians are like that, eh?" Her eyes twinkle as she grins up at my shocked face. So the artist sleeps here?

It's a long while before either of us feel the need to start a conversation. I strip my thoughts from a nagging memory that's trying to erupt in my mind but instead let it wander in and out between my mother and the artist's face. 

A slight stream of wind pushes through the boards of the tree-house. I lean my head back, close my eyes, and breathe in the fresh air. Suddenly, a smile flits across my features. I don't regret exploring today; I met a little girl that's made me feel welcome, I think to myself. Though it's extremely odd to find a family out here, meeting the artist of the music I have dreams of, I don't regret it. I assure myself mentally, I won't allow myself to regret meeting this lovely family.

"I know this sounds weird but I'm naturally curious..." Senka pulls me out of thought with her serious tone. "What happened to you?"

Subconsciously, I skim my fingers over where bruise is. "My younger brother got angry with me this morning," is my response. 

"You must be very fragile, Jack. I'm sorry." She murmurs. A second later, however, she goes on. "My daddy was poisoned by a horrible man." 

I can't help but stare, wide eyed, at the girl beside me. She's wringing her hands and biting on her lip. What did she just say? Erebus...was poisoned? Then he wouldn't be here today, surely. That's impossible....Somehow, though, it seems I've lied to myself. Could it be possible? No, I think stubbornly. It's not.  "How did they heal him?" I whisper.

We lock gazes.

"They didn't."