Missed Chances

4. I have a request

"OMG," Cherry screamed. "That's my friend!"

Gaping at the stereo that blared out the current pop song from this boy group who has tattoos scattered all over their bodies.

"Cool!" I replied. "Tell her we're listening then."

Fast as lightning, Cherry grabbed her phone and sent an SMS to her DJ friend. We were having our last cups of coffee for the day at a cafe near the harbour. The orange sun setting on the horizon gave the sky a beautiful gradient of orange and purple. The view was spectacular.

"Listening right now is Cherry and her friend, Gin!" says the female hiding behind the speaker. "Thanks for tuning in!"

I grinned while Cherry was waving and moving her hands in some sort of a warrior dance ritual.

"Send in your requests and greetings, guys!"

—

I need bigger space, I thought to myself. This backdrop doesn't fit the floor of my room! I stood up from sitting down on the floor. I was painting one of the backgrounds for the drama department. I stared at the purple and orange paint stained cloth spread on the floor in front of me.

A bigger space, a bigger space. I repeatedly muttered to myself. I walked to the window and looked out. The sky was a light blue, the sun was hidden behind the white cotton-y puff clouds. It must be nice to be out in the lawn today. Just laying down on the grass and staring at the sk-. Like a Eureka! moment, I realized I could just paint out in the afternoon sun! The lawn would provide me the space I needed to paint.

Of course, I told my self, shaking my head. The weather's not bad too! I grabbed my brushes and mini tins of acrylic paint. Ran out my bedroom door and dashed down the stairs noisily.

Stompstompstompstomp

What's happening? My aunt shouted from the kitchen.

Where are you going with your painting stuff? She asked when she saw me opening the front door.

Outside. I grinned at her. I need more space for the background. The lawn has all the space I need , plus the weather's beautiful!

Ok, was all the reply I got from her.

And I dashed off outside.

Ah, I closed my eyes as I inhaled. And smiled when I let it all out. Fresh air. I set my paint and brushes on the cemented pavement and ran back to the house, up up my room and carefully pulled the cloth down the stairs and out on the lawn. I spread the whole cloth on the grass.

Nope, I thought. Not gonna be able to paint properly like this.

I carefully dragged the cloth to the driveway. I stared at the sun and moon motif I have already started on the cloth. With my hands on my hips and my head cocked to the side, I wasn't sure where to start again.

Ah, I scratched my head, this is frustrating when I get distracted.

I let out a loud sigh and picked up the nearest painting brush near me. Slowly, like magic, my hand started to move on it's own. I started painting. With my knees on the cloth, I even forgot to wear an apron but it doesn't matter, I was already in the zone then-

*HONKHONKHONK*

Startled, I looked up where the sound came from. A maroon pick-up truck passed by with a hand waving out on the side window.

It was you.

I raised my painting hand and gave a little wave after the truck to acknowledge your presence. I continued to paint with a smile plastered on my face. I can't continue this, I thought. You were quite the distraction.