The Empire Of The Rose

Decoy [III]

"At this point you have surpassed yourself; this is pure madness." Nicholas told me.

I turned around and looked at him as I shook my head.

"Please don't say that as well, even my art teacher thought it so, yet I don't seem to see it." I told him as I stared back at the painting made of black charcoal.

Nicholas draped his arm around my shoulders pulling me closer to him.

"It's madding to see what you can do when you have inspiration Ali." Nicholas told me.

"I actually took your advice and poured all my emotions to it, I basically stripped myself bare to any feelings." I told Nicholas as we continued to look at my artwork that was proudly displayed in the studio I attended.

"What was the assignment this time?" Nicholas asked as he eyed the rest of my work.

"The aspects of my current life, the plan was to show everyone how I see myself, how I live my life currently now after two years in the University." I said explaining to him.

Nicholas looked at me confused.

"It's your life, then why is it so dark? Is it because you're boring and the colors didn't seem to fit that?" Nicholas asked me.

I gave a small chuckle and nudged him softly in the ribs, making him laugh as well.

I knew he found it ironic because when we were in the Academy I never broke a rule, acted out or whatsoever is why Nicholas had spent large amounts of time trying to persuade me into breaking the rules for once but he never managed on making me cave in, it wasn't because I was a nun as he had called me several occasions or I wanted everything lily-delivered, it was just something to actually double think just questioning if it was really worth it especially when your mum is the Headmistress of the Academy.

No one could ever be as scary as my mum when she is completely pissed off. There was a reason why Mason and I still feared mum when she was angry, blimey I even believe there were even times when my daddy feared her especially now after giving birth to my baby brother Nathaniel; I could still remember how disappointed I felt when my dad and mum told me that it was a boy and not a girl like I wanted them to then I proceeded on being pissed off when Mason viscously rubbed it in my face.

But even now at his year and four months Nathaniel was the most adorable baby I had ever seen.

"Earth to Alice, are you still there?" Nicholas said as he slightly shook my shoulders regaining my attention.

"What's wrong?" I asked him confused.

"You were going to explaining me your painting, but you spaced out like you do always." Nicholas told me.

I forced a small smile and gave a sigh.

"You're right, so the painting isn't boring or dark as you put it. These colors are simple yet strong at the same time, the designs have complicated turns but because of the various shades of grey I've added all of it gives the appearance to be soft at the touch." I finally explained to Nicholas.

He nodded slowly as if in deep thought before looking at me, his hazel eyes shining as they caught the light.

"Then tell me again why you are going to start taking pictures instead of painting like you always have done?" Nicholas asked me.

I gave a sigh and started to lead him out of the studio.

"Because I'd like to capture the moment, besides I've been having a lack of inspiration lately." I confused in a sad voice; I had never felt so disappointed.