I'll be Home [On Going]

Chapter 36

~ Wistful Girl

~ Nostalgic

~ Amore

~ Aphrodite

~ Fille Seule

Lea took the two canvases that caught her attention yesterday at the art exhibit. Lots of them were really remarkable and exceptional, but these two... She stared at them for a moment, couldn't take her eyes off. Her hands landed on the lower part of each painting where the signature resides.

~LA

"Are these... Lianne's?" she asked because she can't understand what's this rolling inside her. These pieces struck her, they shout pain, loneliness and grief. Bold but mysterious. Dreadful but brave. She can say, that would probably the artist was trying to express. The artist used dark, gray and neutrals which clearly are quintessential sad colors.

And that's Lianne.

"Yes, she really is a talented girl." Nana proudly answered as she nodded and she couldn't agree more.

She is.

She is great that she can convey emotions by making pieces like these.

When she returned her gaze on each painting, the air around her felt heavy. She noticed a letter attached at the back of the painting on her hand. The letter brought a lump in her throat upon giving it a scan. It was touching and melancholy at the same time. She was about to lift the others so she could check if there were letters attached too.

"Nana."

They were surprised by Hope's sudden appearance. Lea caught her daughter's eyes down on the canvas she's holding. Suddenly that stare makes her anxious.

"Gising ka na pala anak. Ito palang mga paintings mo naiwan mo daw sa sasakyan kagabi... ang gaganda Hopie." Nana said when she noticed Hope looking at those. Lea took a deep breath and tilted her head back to stop the tears that stung her eyes. She then returned the piece she's holding to Nana. She was biting her lower lip to cover the poignant effect of it. She wants to believe overthinking is consuming her.

Hope took the paintings on the table while Lea remains standing on her place. "Kumain ka na din anak, ihahanda ko lang." Nana added as she walked away to prepare her breakfast.

"Thanks Nana." she said before facing on her left. Her eyes bore into Lea then to the paintings.

"Those are confidential you know." Hope said while eyeing Lea.

"I-I'm sorry?" Lea couldn't comprehend her words right away.

"I believe it's not your place to read those... Next time, I don't like you touching my things." she said gruffly and put each canvas in their bags.

Oh.

"I-Im sorry... I was just-"

"Oh just save it... pakihatid na lang po sa kwarto ko Nana." Hope said dismissively and informed Nana before walking back to her room.

Lea could only watch her walk away.
She sniffed and blinked her eyes several times as she felt hot liquid welling up again. "I will just be in my room too." she said and turned her back before Nana could see.

~~

Hope turned to her door when it opened revealing Nana with a tray of food. "Kain na, nakapagpahinga ka naman ba?" Nana asked as she placed the tray on the bedside table.

"Yes po. Salamat." she answered with a warm smile on her face. Nana has been watching her put the paintings on a small mounted desk near her study table.