Checkmate ⚢

Chapter 16 Mess

"Therefore," Professor Oakley continued. "I'd love to hear your thoughts once you dears are done with being tongue-tied?"

"It's an interesting proposal that benefits all parties," Althea said, once she got her bearings. "However, I am reluctant to participate in such a contest where Hana and I have to clash against each other."

"Oh? But I'm fairly certain that your mother would want you to follow in her footsteps. It would truly disappoint her if you didn't triumph in where she stood."

Althea's lips fell in a straight thin line. "Very well, please give me time to consider it. I have some basic skills I need to acquire." She stared at Hana, knowing full well that she needed to master the art of painting women.

"What?" Hana asked, confused. "I don't understand?"

"In time you will." Professor Oakley chuckled. "We have loads to talk about but I'm afraid we hadn't had the time. You should head back, the sky is clearing up. We can chat up once more at the right time. Also, you are free to do whatever you want with this area, I will leave to give you creative space. Besides, this place means more to dear Althea and her mother... until we meet again, ladies."

The duo agreed to the prospect and headed back to the others in relative silence. Abruptly, Hana felt Althea's pretty long fingers searching hers. Even with the October breeze finally became rather chilly, Althea's proximity and touch brought enough warmth to Hana.

Hana was a simplistic girl. She would say what's on her mind and she would do anything without any hesitation. It's like a do-or-die thing and her friends couldn't disagree and ride along with her. It's because of her unrelenting desire to beat the odds and her firm belief in good. This is why, she had pursued her interest in Photography, instead of assuring a rather secure environment as one of her Japanese classmates back home.

Hana turned to face Althea, and couldn't stop staring at all. It was a good thing she was the photographer. She was allowed to stare too much without being a creep. For good measure, she was about to steal a photo when the blonde's eyebrows knitted together and lips pursed in deep thought, she can't help but be concerned.

"Althea?"

With a honey-toned hum, she replied. "Yes?"

"What's bothering you?"

Althea's frown deepened. Hana feared she might have snooped in too soon. She was about to apologize when her companion spoke first.

"Hana... May I share my qualms with you?"

She was vaguely unaware of her hasty heartbeat. "Oh sure, what is it?"

"Are you familiar with the personification of the Nine Muses?"

Hana wasn't sure where Althea was going with that so she asked uncertainly, "The Greek one?"

"Yes," Althea said, their walk came to a halt. Hana turned to her worriedly. "For some reason my tutor, Professor Toscakept raving on and on with her lectures about them, like some sort of supreme beings in the art and that possesses artists. I thought what she said was some sort of metaphor for inspiration. But meeting Professor Oakley makes me believe that Professor Tosca wasn't insane."

"What?" Hana blinked a few times.

"My painting tutor," Althea explained. "She kept spouting facts and sayings about the Nine Muses. It's no coincidence Professor Oakley talked about nine sources of the knowledge and the power to shape the world."