It’s official, we’re dating
And yeah, this time, I mean it. It has been almost a month now and being with him is great. I finally have something and someone to think about other than my haunting deadlines or article topics. Right now, I can’t stop thinking about how he makes me happy and how he doesn’t even make too much effort to do it. I can’t stop thinking about how comfortable I am with him and how comfortable he is being with me. I can’t stop thinking how his artworks touch my heart every time I lay my eyes on them. And I can’t stop thinking how he reminds me so much of someone from my childhood.
But it was such a long time ago and I must be over thinking too much. Though he also lives in Cebu and he also loves art, he can’t be the boy from 12 years ago. It is just a coincidence, isn’t it?
Right now, I’m heading to the art studio where Mike works on his project. I heard that his project should be any form of artwork which will be part of a summer gallery that has a theme that talks about something inspiring from summer, and his work should of course relate to the theme. I guess it would be more difficult than you think because even writing an article with a theme like that is hard.
As I arrive at the destination, I see a one storey building. It was built with red bricks and the building has big glass windows with beautiful landscape at the side. I stand at the front of the entrance, a glass door. Through the glass, I can see people inside the lobby, a girl and a boy around my age. I try knocking but they didn’t hear me because they seem busy, well, busy arguing. From outside, I hear both of them yelling at each other as their voices rise higher and clearer. I decide to open the door slowly, trying to let myself in but I didn’t realize that both of them have stopped arguing as they look intensely at me.
“Uh, ah-ah-I’m s-sorry. Is this a bad time?” I stutter, making the moment more awkward.
“No, it’s okay. You’re Mike’s friend, Joney right? Come in, come in.” The girl with red wavy hair tells me with a calmer voice. I close the door behind me and give both of them a warm smile. The girl seems very nice but the boy still looks pissed from the fight they had. I think his name is Reggie, the jerk from the ball. He looks different now; he seems more serious with his reading glasses on.
“Hi. I’m Kate. I’m Mike’s girlfriend.”
“Holy shit. Really?” I ask, shocked at what she said. I see Reggie roll his eyes at her as he walks out the door, passing by me and Kate.
“Gosh, I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I’m actually Reggie’s girlfriend, the guy who was just here a second ago.” Kate tells me with a smile. I’m amazed how easily she can ignore her boyfriend walking out on her.
“So are you an art student too?” I ask Kate.
“Me? No, no.” She shakes her head. “Well, I wanted to be but my father doesn’t approve. I’m actually an architecture student in University of San Carlos. I’m only here to accompany Reggie and Mike.” She tells me and I nod. I was about to say something until she continues to speak, “Wait, speaking of Mike, he told me to let you wait inside his cubicle until he comes back from buying art materials.” She points to a room at the right. I thank her as I head towards the room.
“If you ever need something, I’ll be outside, choking my boyfriend.” She yells at me. I just laugh and yell back, “Okay, thanks again.”
As I step inside the room, I see two cubicles. The first cubicle has a sign on the door that says: ‘Michael Rodriguez’. I open the door of the cubicle and there I see papers and artworks posted on the wall. There are also two tables with various things on top of them. There are papers, cans of paint, scattered pencils and brushes, and other materials I’m not familiar with. I sit down on the stool near the drawing table as I wait for Mike. On that table, I see a big and thick book that seems old and worn out. I know it’s none of my business but I just can’t help but take that book and open it. And besides, I’m bored as hell.
There was nothing written on the ripped cover of the book, so I have no idea what it is. As I open it, I then realize that this book is some sort of portfolio, a collection of Mike’s artworks for the past years. There are paintings of trees and mountains, sketches of people and animals. Some works don’t seem impressive, I assume that they date way back when he was still very young. But most of these artworks are breathtaking, like created by a true professional.
The passion, the inspiration, the emotion, the message that each artwork conveys, I can’t explain it but I admire each one. Each artwork tells a story that no writer can write; a story that shows what kind of person Mike is: passionate, sensitive, emotional, and powerful. I’ve fallen in love with these artworks; I’ve fallen in love with him.
I was about to close the portfolio until I notice a wrinkled and worn out paper inserted between the last pages. I take the paper and then my heart starts to beat fast. It is a drawing coloured in crayons; a drawing of a girl with black hair tied in pig tails. The girl is smiling and sitting on a swing, wearing a pink blouse and white shorts.
And in that moment, I finally knew the name of that boy, the boy in the playground.
“Hi Joney. Sorry to keep you waiting.” Mike greets me as he enters his cubicle. I immediately close the book.
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A/N: Read me.
I know what you're thinking, this chapter isn't so great, I mean, how it ended sucks, right? But I promise you, the next chapter will get better. Trust me.
Thanks for reading. I'll be posting a new chapter every weekend. Tell me what you think. Comment, vote, follow.
