a Piece of Art

18.0 T H E S U P P O R T

   "You didn't have to close the door in my face." He said grumpily when I finally opened the door to leave.

   "It was a great opportunity, though. I couldn't miss it." The tease in me usually made an appearance around him.

   An awkward feeling set upon us. We got to his car and I was surprised to see Richard wasn't there. Parker had driven here by himself.

   We got in, still without uttering a word. Just before starting the engine, he spoke.

   "I'm sorry." He didn't elaborate, but surely, that wasn't what I was expecting.

   I sighed. "I'm so sorry too."

   Even though we had still a lot to talk about, I felt content. Things were okay again. And I didn't have anymore the hopes of something happening. Maybe, we wouldn't talk again or maybe, it wasn't meant for anything to happen between us. But I realized, that even though he never noticed, he had been my prince, and he did save me.

   Unintentionally, the thought of him supported me and helped me be who I wanted to be. I may not tell him that, but I'll be forever grateful. I realized it wasn't him directly what I need, like I always thought, but the confidence in myself to know that I indeed could do it.

***

   "Are you ready?" The woman in front of me asked. I nodded, so she turned her tape.

   "Hello, miss Turner." She started. Getting near the microphone so the sound would be better. "My name is Nancy, I'm from New Art magazine. We are delighted with your job."

   "Thank you, Nancy." I responded. Trying to get comfortable in the hard chair, trying to not be nervous.

   "Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?" She asked, although it was mery formality. Clearly it was to answer her questions that I was there in her office, in the eleventh floor of a busy building.

   "Of course not!" Truly, I wasn't. After everything, I was ready. This is what I wanted and like Pam promised, many were interested in my photos. This might have been my first interview, but I definitely hoped it wouldn't be the last.

***

   "Wow, Lizzie, who knew you were so charismatic!" Blake mocked me, almost two week later, when we had, finally, the magazine in our hands.

   They all had read it and it felt so good to see their proud faces because of it. We were having a celebratory lunch in the nearby cafeteria.

   "Yeah, and here you had all of us thinking you were shy!" Naomi said.

   I just laughed. I didn't know either what had come over me, but when that lady asked me about my inspirations, my dreams and experiences, I just couldn't stop talking. Surprisingly, it went pretty well.

   I knew that wasn't the only reason we were there though. Blake's gaze showed he had something to tell. He shared a look with Leah, who merely nodded, approving. So those two had talked.

   "I have something I would like to tell you." He started carefully. Steph and Naomi seemed confused while I only smiled. No matter what he said, I hoped he knew I would be here for him.

   "This is something I've only ever talked to with Leah. I hope you can understand this isn't easy for me to talk about, I was only just figuring it out when Jackson passed." Something changed in the air, the topic making us all uncomfortable. "I know we don't usually bring him up anymore. Believe me it pains me incredibly, more than what you would have ever guessed."

He stopped for a second. "I guess that what I'm trying to say, to admit, is that I loved him too. More than a brother, more than a friend. I think I loved him for a long time before even considering or realizing it but he was a great person, he was always there for me. And I guess I couldn't help falling in love with him."

A tear escaped his eye. Leah got up from her seat, and hugged him. The rest of us were silent for a moment, I guess Steph and Naomi were digesting it. I can't tell if they knew or not. I stood silent because my friend's strength never ceased to amaze me. I wished I could be as brave as him, as Leah were. Are.

   Slowly, I left my seat too and joined their embrace. Naomi followed next, till we all were joined in the comforting embrace.

   Sometimes that all you need, those around you to show they support you. Even without words.

   I don't think we were anywhere near getting over Jackson's tragic death. But we had each other, so everything would be okay.