Make A Wish

PART 2: First Date

“You certainly are keeping this surprise of yours concealed,” Anthony admitted. He glanced at Paul’s profile. His eyes were focused on the road but Anthony could see the subtle smirk that displayed on his mouth. 

“Now it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I told it to you,” He said, “now would it?”

Anthony narrowed his eyes for a bit as Paul turned his head towards the cute boy in the passenger seat. Just for a moment.

“Who says I like surprises?”

“Who says that’s gonna stop me?” Paul shifted his eyes back to the road as Anthony rolled his eyes in merriment. He was driving to an unknown place with an utter and complete stranger, but he didn’t care. Paul made Anthony feel comfortable and he wouldn’t judge him. Then Anthony’s eyes glanced at Paul’s strong hands clutching onto the wheel, then towards the window. They were pulled up in front of a small property.

“Is this your house?” 

“Not exactly,” Paul retorted, “but it sure feels like home.” He shut the car off and briskly got out of the automobile. When Anthony turned to the door, it automatically bolted. Paul unlocked the car and opened it for him.

As Anthony got out of the car he asked, “Why did you lock it?” 

“I didn’t want you to open the door before I did.”

•

As they entered the building, the aroma of paint filled Anthony’s nostrils. Paintings were scattered all over the place. Some were planted on the wall, stacked on top of each other, or just on a stand waiting to be finalized. The walls were white, but they had been covered with red, blue, and yellow paint splatters. Anthony’s mouth gaped. He turned to Paul, who had displayed an adorable smile. 

“This is my art studio,” Paul conceded. 

Anthony’s lips formed a smile, “So is this is where you work or something?” Paul chuckled and then lightly clasped his arm, leading him towards the center of the room. His touch instantly created heat and made Anthony’s heart pace swiftly. 

“This is like a chapel to me. It’s where I celebrate what really matters to me,” Paul elucidated. “It’s an escape.” He gazed at the boy he was holding onto. The little things Anthony did when he was so wrapped up in thought, fascinated Paul. He hoped that time would cease for just a couple of minutes. He didn’t want to stop looking and he most certainly didn’t want to let go of him. 

“It’s simply amazing, Paul,” Anthony took in all of the paintings, sketches, sculptures. It amazed him how his gentle fingers fabricated such beautiful pieces of artwork. 

“Thank you,” Paul let go of his arm. “Before I let you look at all of this,” he added, “I want to show you something first.” 

Anthony was overwhelmed with his surprises. He took one last glance at a certain painting of a withering tree in the middle of a slim vase and then turned towards the man standing by his side. “Lead the way.” 

•

The back door led to an enormous forest and Paul wanted to show Anthony an alluring sight. They had been walking for a few minutes up a long trail, but they soon reached the top. A big rock had been planted in the center. They had reached the edge of a cliff. 

Paul sat himself upon the rock and patted the spot next to him. Anthony smiled and sat next him, gawking at the view in front of him. The sun was slowly setting as it illuminated the water down below. The sky had turned bright pink, exhibiting a breathtaking outlook. 

Anthony caught his breath. The height didn’t scare him. The scene staggered Anthony. It gave off such a tranquil atmosphere. 

“This is what I call amazing,” Paul watched three ravens soar through the air. He then turned his concentration towards Anthony. The boy he gotten to know in one sitting. The boy he felt comfortable enough to show all his escape routes. His skin glistened and his tiny fingers rested on the rock. “You’re beautiful.”

“What?” Anthony asked in surprise. 

Paul looked down to his feet, “Sorry. That was a little forward. I tend to just emit whatever is on my mind.” 

Anthony paused for a moment and just peered at Paul. “Thank you.” 

Paul’s eyes found his and his lips constructed an attractive grin. “I’m not really good with dates.”

“So we are on a date,” Anthony confirmed to himself. Paul nodded but didn’t reply. He just leaned in closer. “So what do you want to do next on this date?” Anthony asked. 

Paul gently laced his fingers with Anthony’s as he looked straight into his eyes. “May I paint with you, Anthony?”