Chapter 52: Painting him
Melissa stepped out of the black Rolls-Royce which Jeremy had sent to pick her up. Few weeks ago she had asked if she could paint him due to his unique facial features and today he had gotten the time for her to do so. He had invited her over to his house.
Melissa walked into the villa. It was so unique. The place was clear and elegant but also dark in a way. The grey and black walls were simply a work of art own there own. She was taken into a nice comfy living room with white sofas and was asked to wait in there for Jeremy who was in a video conference.
She sat still on the white sofa for a while but got bored of just sitting still and decided to look around. She looked around the room but there was nothing much in it. A flat screen TV on the wall, a chandelier on the ceiling, A lovely black vase filled with beautiful white roses. She walked over to the glass walls through them she could see outside where some flowers where planted neatly in rows. Judging from everything she had seen so far Jeremy seemed quite meticulous. Every detail of everything in his house was perfect.
Just then the door was opened and a smiling middle age woman walked in. Maria. Melissa remembered her. How could she forget the nice lady who had help her the night she was drunk and dirty. She had helped her cleaned up. She was holding a tray of snacks and juice.
"Hello dear. It's good to see you again." Maria said sweetly.
"You too." Melissa replied.
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while. But don't worry I'm here to keep you company."
Melissa smiled. "I'll love that."
"I heard your an artist." Maria said with sheer interest.
"Yes. I am."
"That's nice. Mr Nobody truly loves the painting in his bedroom. I guess you painted that too. It's absolutely marvellous." Maria praised.
"Thank you." Melissa replied shyly. Although she really wondered why Jeremy had bought that painting, she would ask him.
"A really amazing piece. But l don't seem to understand it. Anytime l look at it I just feel there's more than meets the eye. I hear every art work has a story behind it. It there a story behind yours."
"Umm..yes there is."
"Well go on then tell me." Maria pestered.
Melissa smiled then told her the meaning of the painting. She found it a bit sweet that someone was this eager to know the meaning behind one of her own painting.
"It's a painting of a boy who is surrounded by darkness and the only source of light he has was is the one inside his heart."
"What inspired such a wonderful piece?." Maria asked.
Melissa looked down when asked that question she vaguely remembered the exact details of that night and it was one of the memories she wished to forget and not remember.
"It was inspired by one of my childhood memories." Melissa said slowly she really hoped Maria wouldn't press on and ask her more questions. She wondered where Jeremy was and how long he would keep her waiting. She thought Maria to be a sweet kind woman and she didn't know how to politely tell her she was not comfortable discussing about her past.
And just then Jeremy walked in at the perfect time.
He was dressed in plain clothing. A black sweat pants and a white shirt. Which off course complimented his body. He smiled at her which made her insides tingle. He walked over to were She and Maria sat. Maria excused herself and they were left alone.
"I'm terribly sorry for keeping you waiting." Jeremy apologised as he sat next to her.
"It's fine."
"I hope Mrs toweli didn't give cause you any trouble? She always means well but sometimes she can go over board with questions."
"No she was a treat." Melissa replied. "Just a tiny little bit too sweet." She thought.
"So where would you like me to stay for my portrait?"
"You can stay anywhere you want. But l advice you to choose a place your comfortable with. Your gonna be staying still for a while."
"Have you ever done this before?"
"Yeah, actually with Nicky and my friend Sam but they didn't make it to the end."
"I'm guessing this is gonna take long."
"Good thing I'm a conversationist." Melissa said witha chuckle.
Melissa took out every equipment she need for the portrait. Her drawing and painting blog, pencil extenders, painting palette, brushes and so much more.
"Pick a position."
Jeremy looked around the room pondering on where to seat. He finally settled on the smaller sofa and just sat down how he'll would normally sit. Legs open, body and shoulders reclined. A lazy and comfortable position. He could stay like this for hours.
Melissa saw how Jeremy sat and was satisfied. His relaxed position matched his calm facial features. But she couldn't help but tease.
"Couldn't you think of a more creative position."
"Your the artist not me, I'll leave all the creativity to you." Jeremy replied. He knew what she was trying to do and it wasn't going to work. He wasn't going to pick some silly position that would make him tired in minutes.
"I just want your painting to be perfect. I feel it would be more artistic if you were maybe doing a yoga pose or something." Melissa joked.
"Seems like Steve is rubbing off on you." Jeremy replied and Melissa laughed.
"Fine, do what suits you."
Jeremy sat still and Melissa painted him. She had to take good looks at him before she painted which lead her to look at every unique detail of his face. He kept a straight face through out the process but she couldn't help but blush from time to time. I mean she was painting a really attractive guy. But she had to be serious and focus if she wanted the painting to come out good.
Jeremy on the other hand who was force to stay still as she painted him just looked at her. Her face changed colours from time to time but most of the time she looked serious and beautiful. Her hair was packed up in a messy bun and her lips would slightly path any time she accessed him. Her eyes were blue and captivating. This painting had to be the best thing that had happened to him in a while.