Chapter 14- Paint

“Riley, wake up.” A soft voice said

“Wake up you lazy bum…” whoever you are leave me alone

*whispering* “We’re already late for school so we might as well let her sleep.” Thank you kind one. I

smiled to myself and snuggled into my blanket.

“Nah!” a hooligan decides to jump on my bed and before you know it I face planted into my floor.

“Oww my nose.” I cried

“Dude what the hell.” Wade asks with an annoyed look

I woke up from the floor and looked Jayden dead in the eye. I couldn’t even say anything because I

realised my cheek was on full display. Panicking I, ducked behind my bed, Jayden and Wade were

only able to see my eyes.

“Who. Did. This. To. You.” Wade seethes

My eyes widen and I run into my en-suite. I slid down the wall and leaned my head against the

cupboard. My heart is pounding, how I can be so careless!

*banging on the door*

“Riley you have to tell us what’s going on and who did this to you!” Wade demands

“Wade calm down, getting angry is not going to solve anything.” Jayden frantically said

“I-I’m fine, I just err…I did something and got caught.” That sounded convincing right?

“What nonsense, I am not dumb Riley. You can’t lie to me so easily.” He breathes out heavily

“Jayden take Wade into my spare room, I’ll be out in a few minutes.” I sigh. Why does my life have

to be so difficult? You get teens with a step- parent but you don’t see them beating up their kid, so why me?

I hadn’t realised how bright it was. What time is it? Never mind, I have bigger problems right now.

I had a bath and got dressed. My face was still stinging a bit but the cold water soothed my face and

the swelling went down. I picked up my foundation but put it back down because what’s the point using it when they already saw my face.

“Wade, I do not want to discuss what had happened. Just understand that I am fine and it’s not

something you should stress about.” I said walking into my spare room

“Don’t worry? You asking me not to worry about having a 5 finger mark on your face!” he asked in disbelief

“My mo-”

“Don’t even blame your mother because she wasn’t at home when I dropped you off last night. And

Jayden asked your maid if your mom is at home, we were told she got an urgent call and had to leave.”

I was lost for words, now what do I say?

“You know what let me just leave for now and cool my mind.” I turn to leave but Wade grabs my hand

“Riley you always help out when we in a situation, now for once let us help you.” He pleads

“Is Fred at home Jay?” I ask

“No”

“Does it have to do with that man we met last night?”

I immediately look at my shoes. Wade slams his fist on my desk.

“I knew he was trouble! Who the hell is he? How dare he raise his hand to a woman?” Wade states angrily

A look of fear washes my face; he’s reminding me of Fred. Jayden caught on and asked Wade to calm

down. I got my heart rate even before I spoke. I honestly was battling with myself whether or not to

tell Wade.

“The man we met last night is my mom’s husband. W-we don’t get along so last night when we were

arguing *takes a deep breath in* he slapped me.” I blink away the tears and shake my head to get rid of the flashbacks

“That doesn’t mean he must raise his hand to you!*Wade walks up to me and places his hand on my cheek* whether you were right or wrong it did not give him the right to do this to you. If he does this

again tell me okay.” He whispers

“Why don’t we go out and do something fun today?” Jayden suggested

“How about a picnic? We can either go alone or with the guys?” Wade asks

“How about we go another time, I don’t feel like doing anything today.”

“Well, I won’t let you sit at home all day and sulk. So how about you put your trust in me today and let me take you to a place which I’m sure you’ll enjoy.” Wade asks

“I’m sure he won’t disappoint you Ry. C’mon do something which you haven’t done in a long time.” Jayden tells

“I don’t know Wade, I-I… fine.” I say defeated

“Alright let me make a quick call and we’ll get going.” He says and leaves the room

“Riley, why didn’t you tell me about this. *he carefully touches my cheek* I could’ve made an excuse

and taken Wade straight to school.”

“It all happened so fast, I-I didn’t know what to do.” I whispered

“I told you the last time if he does anything to hurt you, no matter what you have to tell me.” He pleads

“I know that Jay.” He pulls me into a soft hug

Wade walks back inside and we three get settled in the car.

“Where are we going Wade?”

“I don’t know?”

“What do you mean you don’t know? Please don’t tell me you’re taking Jayden and I into the forest to be killed.” I say with eyes wide as saucers

“Of course I won’t do that. If I were to do that I would never tell you I’d just do it quietly.” He smirks

“W-what…” Jayden says shocked

“Just relax I’m taking you to do something that’ll make you relax.” He smiles

We arrived at… an art studio? And not just any one but the one which dad used to take me. A sense

of nostalgia ran through my body. Did I feel happy? Angry? Or just sad and panicked?

I took a deep breath in and calmed down. Jayden looked at me with full concern, he knew what these places meant to me. I forgot to mention that I’m a painter, well I was new to painting because my dad stared taking me to this studio a couple months before that horrible day.

“You okay?” Jayden asks. I shook my head

“Surprise! I saw a picture on your wall with you standing in front of a canvas and holding paintbrushes. So I thought you’d like to paint.” That was a picture my dad had taken out on my 8th birthday.

“Its been years since I’ve touched paint. But thank you.” I smiled. Maybe this was a sign for me.

We went inside and seated ourselves at our own working station. I wasn’t panicking as much as I

though, the place changed a lot in these past few years. I blocked my thoughts and paid attention to

the instructor.

“Today you will get the opportunity to either sketch or paint a picture of any mythical creature. It can be any creature which you like, in the end we’ll choose the best and display it on our wall. You have exactly 45 minutes and you may begin.” The official says

I look at Wade then at Jayden and they both look dumbstruck. I let out a small giggle in which Wade

looks at me and sheepishly smiles.

I on the other hand knew exactly what to paint. I picked up my paintbrush and was about to paint before I stopped. I just can’t… Jayden places a comforting hand on my back and after a minute I get to work.

As I’m painting I feel like I’m alone and that I have no worry in the world. 43 minutes later I sit back and admire my work of art. I truly feel proud of myself, after 3 years I painted something. I take my black marker and put my signature at the bottom.

“Right time is up! Mrs Anderson from Cape University will be judging alongside myself.” The official announces

“Woah! Riley your painting… Oh my god, you’re an artist. I can’t believe my eyes.” Wade says astonished

I just blushed, unsure of what to say.

“I’m proud of you Riley, your art just amazes me.” Jayden says almost tearing

“Can I see your painting Wade?” I asked

“Uh I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He says scratching his head

I know for a fact that Jayden can’t paint for peanuts but I don’t know about Wade.

“Well what do we have here? My goodness, you are exceptionally good at painting. Your art is not

worthy to be put up in this studio but rather on billboards and museums.” Mrs Anderson says in

amazement.

She walks over to Wade and she turns her head left then right.

Curious to find out what he painted I walked behind him and looked at the painting. I couldn’t

believe my eyes.

Wade painted a house and I think he tried to paint a tree? Now I understand why that lady was confused. But hey I ain’t judging.

“Riley just because I brought you here, it don’t mean I know how to paint.” Wade says with a laugh

“Well then I need to give you lessons on painting.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

On the other hand Jayden painted hearts and a pink heart. So predictable…

“Okay artists, it has been tough to make this decision but I’m happy to announce that the painting of

Dobby from Harry Potter has stolen the show. Miss Riley Mathews your work of art will be displayed

on our wall. We are certain it would inspire others.” The lady said proudly

Shock. Utter shock. I knew I was good at art but I’d never expect my work to be praised and chosen.

I woke up from my seat and shyly smiled at everyone. Wade being the idiot he is also wanted to be praised.

“You see you need to thank me for bringing you here. Thanks to me you were chosen so I deserve something.” Idiot smirks

“Thank you oh kind gentlemen. You shall be rewarded for your noble deed.” I stand on my tippy toes and kiss his cheek. Pssh I did not just do that.

Once I stepped back I saw everyone smiling at us and a couple of girls ‘awed’ at us. *cue intense blushing*

*Wade clears his throat*  “W-well we should get going…I’ll wait in the car.” And he power walked to the car.

Jayden puts his arm around my shoulders. “That was entertaining” he giggles

“Shut up.” I smiled and jabbed my elbow into his side

“Seems like someone is in love.” Jay wiggles his eyebrows

“It’s infatuation not l-”

“So you admit it.” He smirks. Wait I did didn’t I.

“Lets go, Wades waiting in the car.” I muttered

“You ready to go?” Wade asks without looking at me. The tip of his ears is pink, how cuuute.

“Yep, I think I’m going to call it quits for now. I feel like sleeping after all that hard work.”

“Lazy ass.” Jayden remarked

“Shut up old man.” I laughed

“I’ll message you later, we need to catch up.” I turned around and said to Jayden

“And to you Mr I take all the credit for bringing her to the studio, thanks a lot for today.” I say with a wide smile

“You don’t need to thank me princess.” He winks

“Enough of the romance, how about you drop me off at Graysons house?” Jayden rolls his eyes

“You command shall be fulfilled.” Wade let out a short laugh

After we dropped off Jayden Wade drove me home. We spoke a little, I think he was a bit shy after the whole me kiss his cheek thing. Might I say his cheek is softer than a babys bottom.

“Bye, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I say to Wade

“Adios mi amor.” And he speeds off

I walked inside and went straight into my room. I left my phone on my table and dug out a key from

my cupboard. I had this key kept away all these years, I didn’t step foot in that room. But I’ll change that today.

I walked to the other side of the house and unlocked a door which I never knew I’d open again.

My Art Room

When I started sketching my dad made a specific room with every kind of tool I needed. I would sit

every day after doing my homework and draw something. The room was quiet dusty but it was okay.

I never let anyone enter this room not even Jayden.

I switch on the light and walk around the room. All of my paintings were neatly kept on the table and

some on the wall. I found a sketch of my mom and dad which I drew. I gently touched the paper and placed it aside.

Maybe it won’t be so hard to move on from my past.

________Message from Wade_________

Wade: Hola chica, I want to show you a place which you’ll like. It’s a 45 minute drive from here, it’s a

great spot to think and relax. You up for an adventure?

Riley: You betcha, I’ll see you tomorrow ;)