The Strings of a Violin

19. Kito

  As I walked down the hallway of the university, I couldn't help but think of how Mariya was doing right now at the high school.

Last thing I heard from her today was that her friends were going to a café for lunch and had invited her to come with. She seemed very excited about finally being a normal teenager again.

I sat my book down on the table and put my bag on the hook while taking my seat. This was probably one of the only bearable classes I was taking this year.

After a long talk with my parents and Mariya, I decided on becoming a doctor. While Mariya had the idea of being an elementary teacher.

Within the time of school starting, Mariya had a room dedicated to books. It was her reading nook with a desk and computer in the closet along with other various things like her art supplies.

When she has the time she draws. Recently she's become famous for her art work and does commissions for a living.

If I can't ever find her, I just go to the reading nook and peak inside the huge closet. There she would be, reaching for a marker, glancing at a sketch that's taped to the computer screen, or looking for the stamps.

The art room is a mess to say the least. A box full of fan mail, a box full of packages to send the art in, a label printer on a shelf, a bin full of stamps next to it. Shelves everywhere, one with compartments for markers, and another for colored pencils.

If I ever ask if she wants me to help her organize it she instantly says 'no, you'll ruin the process!'

I always laugh and get her more tea or whatever she needs until she decides to be done for the day.

Anyways, after this class was over I was heading over to the high school to pick up Mariya. We decided to go to an anime expo where she could sell her art work and take in more commissions.

She also wanted to dress up as a few of her favorite characters so, I thought I would tag along and help her out with the stand.

At the moment all of her stuff was loaded up in my car ready to go.

When my professor let us loss, I bolted for the car to go pick up Mariya. After the short drive she was up in the car and all jittery. I couldn't get her to calm down but she was just so happy I didn't want to spoil the moment for her.

We arrived at the expo a half hour before it was set to start and we got right to work making sure everything was there. While Mariya got our passes I found a dolley to put all the stuff on to get to our spot.

After a long process of setting up the chairs, table, art work, and her boxes of markers and what not, we were ready to go.

I sat down and watched as Mariya pulled out a small alpaca plush and a piece of paper. Pressing a few buttons on her phone she brought up an email for a commission that she was going to start.

The doors for the hall had already opened and people were everywhere. Mariya was almost done with the sketch for the commission when
a girl came over and looked at some of the pictures.

Mariya looked up at her and smiled. "Hi, welcome to my stand!" She said biting her lip.

"I really like that drawing of the two cats playing with Skitty," she said nervously.

"That one is 10$ dollars since it took a lot of ink," she laughed a little.

The girl reached into her purse and pulled out a ten. "Kito, would you be a darling and get the picture down for her?" Mariya asked putting the money in the box and getting a protective slip for the picture.

"Here's your alpaca and your new picture! Have a great day!" Mariya chimed as the girl walked away with a big smile on her face.

The day went on in waves like that. A person or two would show up, then a big group would gather. By the time artist alley closed Mariya sold all of her art work and had no more alpacas.

"I'll have to print more prints today off of my computer to sell tomorrow Kito. How many do you think I need? I'll have to order more paper and I need to finish these commissions!" She said surprised.

"Take a breather darling," I said hugging her from behind and kissing her cheek. "I can help you if you need it like always," I teased.

We packed up what was left of her supplies and headed back to the car.

On the way home Mariya was smiling non-stop and was gazing at her social media accounts. "There are so many nice comments and likes on everything Kito, maybe I should just stick with art and not go to college..."

"You know I'll support you either way Mariya. I'll be making enough money for the both of us and I'll get my father's inheritance," I said stopping at the red light and looking over at Mariya.

I took one hand and pulled her chin so she faced me. Leaning in I kissed her deeply and pulled away when a car behind us honked it's horn.

Mariya blushed, and bit her lip before continuing to smile more.

Best. Decision. Ever.