Page 56 of Fallen
His words encouraged me, lessening some of the angst deep in my heart. "I was only about fourteen when I painted that one." I pointed at the canvas filled with black wings. Feathers fell from the tips like dripping wax.
Professor Chang nodded. "Itisthe most eye-catching, isn't it?" Rubbing his chin, he turned his head. His brown gaze met mine. "I hope you're still creating. Because this tells me you were filled with hope and love."
At the time, the picture I'd created in my mindhadbeen beautiful. Seeing it with real eyes, though, and knowing who it represented, filled me with sadness.
"Thanks. I'm taking a few art classes here in town." I toed the wooden floor. "I haven't created much lately. Inspiration has been hard to find."
Only soft orchestral music played from the speakers overhead. His silence made me look up.
"Hmm." He fished around the inside of his suit jacket, then pulled out a business card. "I'm the head of the art department at Barkley College." Pinched between his thumb and index finger, he pushed the card toward me. "I'd love to have you in our program."
"I don't think I can afford a university." My scholarship had been granted for the local community college.
"You should check us out. We have a robust art program. It's possible we could see about a scholarship transfer, if you're interested."
"That's an hour away. I'd have to move." I took the card, knowing I could never afford such a fancy education.
"Dorms are included in the scholarships we offer." He tapped his chin. "Let me ask you something, Anna. Do you enjoy what your current college has to offer?"
"Eh," I said, sticking the piece of paper in a pocket. "It's good enough, I guess."
"Good enough?" He chuckled. "Is that what you're settling for? A life of mediocrity?"
His words stung, yet there was truth in what he said.
"Even with a scholarship, I can't afford Barkley, not without taking additional financial aid." Being an orphan in the State of Texas did provide tuition assistance, but I didn't want to saddle myself with the unnecessary debt of covering anything over the scholarship amount.
Community college is fine. I don't deserve anything better.
He shrugged. "Well, if you'd like a challenge and the chance at becoming great, I think you'd enjoy Barkley. You have a unique way of seeing the world. Don't waste your talents ongood enough." Professor Chang gave me a fatherly smile, patted my upper arm, then walked away.
"Wow," Sister Carrie, who'd been milling about but keeping her distance at another artist's alcove, clapped her hands. "Did you have your first bidding patron?"
I shook my head. "No, but he gave me something to think about."
Maybe Icouldmake a living doing what I loved. I had nothing to lose. Everyone I'd ever loved—Ryan, Jason, my parents…Lucian—had left me in one way or another.
What if the point of life were not to help others, but to take what was owed?
And this world owes me a lot.
I'd investigate Barkley's scholarship program. Might as well use my eyes for a better life because they'd cost me so much.
With an innocent grin, she hugged me tightly. "You are well on your way to pleasing God."
I held back a snicker. I didn't know if my change in direction would please God or not, and frankly—I didn't care. Angels, Demons, or Gods; I wanted nothing more to do with their kind. They were all the same. Humans had always been their pawns and I refused to play the game any longer.
I'm in it for me and me alone.
If I'd learned anything, it was I could rely on only myself.
After an email exchange with Professor Chang, he sent an invitation to audit several of the art classes as a precursor to joining.
Nervous butterflies danced in my belly as I leaned toward the window of the house.
A small Toyota, golden with several dents, screeched to a halt in the driveway.
My Uber is here. Time to start a new life.
