Calling All David Ryans

Chapter 18

                                                                         XVIII.

One would assume by the sheer amount of romance movies my roommate has consumed, that I would know how to replicate a reunion scene.  All the images that Maggie displayed on our television faded, however, when Dave stepped into the room.  My palms began to sweat when I saw his graceful figure highlighted by the natural light emitting from the doorway.  The door swung close.  With trembling hands, I tucked a lose strand of hair behind my ear.

A grin parted Dave's lips.  It did not falter when he saw that two stranger worlds stood in one room together.  His chest rose and fell as he took a deep breath.  "I got the grant."  He said.

Rox and Toni jumped up to him.  Toni collected Dave into a hug as Rox stood by his side with glee glowing from her face.  "You see," Toni said, "all your work has paid off.  You're dreams are finally aligning to make you some dough."  She pushed him from her hug and looked him in the eyes.  "I guess that means that you won't have to slave in restaurant anymore."

Chucking, Dave nodded.  "That doesn't mean I won't come and visit you every now and then, you know."

"I assume that you will buy more of my delicious food with your new found wealth."

Dave teasingly shook his head.  "I've got to maintain my status as a starving artist."

"Oh you, stop it!"  In a playful manner, Toni pushed Dave away.  Roxanne moved forward.  She pulled him into a tight hug.  Dave lingered in her arms before stepping back.  Roxanne's hand still clasped Dave's arm.

"Was the grant just for your artwork?"  She asked in an earnest tone.

Dave took a further back so that Rox's touch could not reach him.  "Actually, no.  In few weeks, when my studio is open, I will be using art to help teens going through depression."

Rox's expression soured.  "Once again you just give up on your dreams."

"I am not giving up on my dreams.  After all, I did go all the through graduate school for art therapy." 

A deadness entered Rox's cold stare.  "And you told me that you did not want to make that your career.  You said that you wanted to make your art your living."

Dave's voice became tender as he tried to soothe his friend's tirade.  "I still do.  But, this is a chance, a first step.  This is a chance where I can help kids through art.  Who knows?  I could even inspire the next big artist by helping them turn their lives around.  Rox, this is just a stepping stone."

"Dave, if you are not careful these stepping stones will control your life."  When a silence formed after her words, Roxanne turned and stomped out of the room.  The door slammed as she went outside.

"Rox, wait!" Leaning forward, Dave moved to chase after her, but Toni placed a strong hand on his shoulder.

"David, let me remind you," she said, "that you have visitors."

Dave turned his head and met wide-eyed stares.  A silence fell upon the room.  Dave adjusted his glasses, pulled at his shirt, and coughed, but he still said nothing.  Drew finally stepped forward and shook Dave's hand.  "Congratulations."

Dave forced a polite smile.  "Thank you."

One by one my companions queued up to shake Dave's hand.  Christian tried to pass a joke; laughter did not enter Dave's breath.  When mother went up, she recited a monologue.  My father tugged at my mother's arm.  "Come along, dear.  Others are waiting for a change to congratulate him."