The Queen's Thief

Chapter 9: The art

*26 years old*
*Story Brooke*
~Samantha's pov~

We walked into the town hall building and I was surprised by the very first thing I saw.

It was my painting, but it's one I haven't actually looked at in years. It was of a kid sitting on the bowsprit watching a storm in the distance. The child was wearing a loose looking red shirt, and khaki pants tucked into a pair of dark brown boots. I also could see a sword hanging from the child's belt.

It actually was a nice picture but it's one I'm not entirely sure I finished, because it's the only painting I never put a face on the person. Maybe it was meant to be that way though.

Mary Margaret was amazed my the painting and she quickly realized who had made it.

"So this is the one Emma chose." She looked at me and smiled. "She chose a really good one. Also Marco did a good job with building the temporary walls just so the art could be displayed around the place and not give a cluttered feel."

"Yea. I'll have to thank him."

I went around and made sure everything was set up right. I'll admit I was worried Emma was going to hang up one of my paintings of Regina, but this seems less awkward.

"You know that is one of my first paintings." I finally said to Mary one I met her at the doors.

"You know I don't think you ever told me what got you into art." She said as she leaned against the wall.

"You know. I don't remember." I said as I tried to think about why I started painting. "It's like I've just lost the memory completely. Actually I don't remember much about painting this one."

I walked over to the painting and placed my hand on it.

"I just remember spending weeks on it. Staying up many nights because it had to be perfect, yet for some reason I never finished it." I felt a warm sensation at first while touching the painting, but the longer my fingertips were on the painting it grew cold. "But I know the painting is supposed to be about getting what you want even though things will be hard."

"You painted about what you want to do? To keep pushing forward even when it can be rough?" I hadn't even noticed Emma had come in until she spoke. "That's what I thought when I saw it. That's why I chose that painting."

"Yea. You choose well." Mary Margaret smiled.

"You chose the one that's unfinished."

"Who's to say it was supposed to have a face. This way people can see themselves and relate to the art before them." Emma placed her hand on my shoulder. "Even if it's not finished it's still amazing."

"Thank you. Now I've got to give a quick speech. Sadly..." I said as I pushed through the door and saw Regina standing at a podium looking at me. She had a kind smile that she always wears around me.

After my short half-assed speech everyone began to head toward the door.

Regina was the first person inside since she was the closest to the door and she froze immediately when she saw my painting, but I couldn't read the expression on her face.