Page 76 of Painting Her Fate

Once showered, the look of soft waves flowing down my back and a hint of makeup lighting my eyes, I donned the long sleeve dress then stood star struck at my reflection. The person in the mirror is unrecognizable. She has confidence, she holds her head high, and she is determined to make a difference in her world now. I may have a long way to go, but I will get there.

Straightening my skirt, I made my way downstairs to the main room, dare I say with quite the pep in my step.

Rounding the corner, I found everyone all dressed and ready, their celebratory birthday wishes and merriment bringing out my bright smile. My ten-month-old sister, Sadie, clad in her little blue tutu dress, was rather unhappy to be dressed in such a fashion- until she saw her sister. Her drool ladened fingers popped from her mouth as she screeched excitedly and reached for me. She is absolutely adorable, even if she is a hellion whilst teething.

I scoop her from mum's arms then begin spinning her ‘round, blowing raspberries on her wet cheeks. Giggles abound from the little one making my heart light, then as I knew it would, a tinge of longing makes its way to the surface.There is no need for me to worry over such insecurities right now. I am still young, and doctors can be wrong in their findings.

Sadie is another part of my on-going recovery. Given any opportunity I can to be with her, I take it. If I’m being haunted by bad dreams, I’ll sneak to her room and watch her sleep. It brings me a sense of ease to know this little one, so pure and innocent, is safe and loved. No matter what may lay ahead I shall always be there for my sister. That is my promise to her.

We gave our goodbyes to Gran who said she would be staying in and enjoying the bit of rare tranquility. The two of us did have quite a fun-filled day today, so it’s no surprise she is wanting to sit this one out. In the car we went, across town to the upper-class part of the city where many of Raymond’s clientele reside.

Our meal took place at an extravagant upper-class restaurant located in the heart of London. Dinner was divine, and oh, I found my go-to restaurant for my most favorite dessert, tiramisu. Good heavens, I could eat a pan of that myself if I didn’t end up gaining a stone. I'd never work that off!

Raymond declared the night had one last surprise in store. So, in the car we went yet again.

“We’re here.” Raymond states as the car stops.

I peered out the window to find one of the largest art galleries in London brightly lit and welcoming patrons inside. Here they sell hundreds of millions of pounds worth of paintings and other fine arts to buyers across the globe. A dream of mine is to have one of my items displayed here and maybe, just maybe, someone would purchase it. It’s a silly notion, really, but a lass can wish, can't she?

“What are we doing here?” I ask, a little excited. Gran and I do not make it to any of the evening events as they are set for private members. I feel a little special having the luxury tonight to feel like a V.I.P.

Mum unstraps a sleeping Sadie from her seat as Raymond answers my question.

“We thought a night at the gallery would end your birthday on a lovely note.” My stepfather said after opening my door then he flashed me his polished grin.

There is never the answer of ‘no’ to a night at an art gallery. They are magical places and never do you have the same experience twice. I wish Gran was here to enjoy this night with me.

I smile and take his hand then toss him a quizzical glance as I find my mum is way too eager to be here. Something is up with her; she dreads wasting time like this. “How much negotiating did you have to do to convince mum to come here?”

Mum finds this profession of mine rather boring.Guineverethinks it lovely that I have found a vise to channel my emotions, however she’d rather see her daughter be a surgeon, a political advisor, or a lawyer, like herself. According to her, wasting valuable time and energy on painting or fiddling with an instrument in my free time is rather a redundant hobby. I have one goal, though. Prove her wrong.

He let out a chuckle as the car door closed, “I have my ways, and yes, it took some bartering, but nothing I can’t handle.” He smiles, “you’re worth it, love.”

My stepfather is not what one would expect when thinking of a lawyer, no paunchy belly and balding hairline. Quite the opposite, really. Raymond is tall, lean, wears custom tailored suits, and has these piercing crystal blue eyes that see into your soul. He is tough as nails when he needs to be, and always super sweet and loving at home. Raymond spends money on his family, takes us on holidays to his home in France, and sees to it mum be home to enjoy more family time. Mum, however, would be happier being back in the office. At least we can agree on something.

To think, here I thought this man a tyrant in the beginning. How wrong I was. I owe Raymond so much for everything he has done for my sanity. We walk to the gallery entrance, a warm smile lighting his eyes as he held the door for me. “Happy birthday, Lili.”

I smile at him as we walk through the foyer and hang our coats. Walking into the main space, I turn the corner and damn near jump to the ceiling in surprise.

“Happy birthday, Lili!” is shouted from over forty people in the gallery room. I am absolutely gobsmacked and try restarting my heart at the fright.How-?I turn to Raymond who holds just a flicker of a smile, then I turn back around to the guests, my eyes pausing on Gran and finding my answer. That sheepish crinkle in her eyes tells me she was in on this too.

What a cheeky Gran I have. I’m so happy to see her here.

All these people are here.Why? Why would they come celebrate a

stranger’s sixteenth birthday? I’m no one special.

Through the throng of bodies, dad stands between Gran and mum, everyone with lively smiles and twinkles in their eyes. Well now, things are beginning to make more sense; mum and dad have spent time talking with one another for at least a fortnight, civilly I should add. I just thought it was about holiday plans for me this summer; never did I expect this.

I ran to dad, wrapped my arms tightly around him, and tamped down the tears to not soil my makeup.This is not the place to get weepy. I couldn’t contain my excitement, after all, it’s been since Christmas since we’ve been in each other’s presence. Three whole months since we have embraced each other. Longer than either of us ever want to be apart again.

“Dad! You’re here!”

He wrapped his arms around me and gave a good squeeze. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss this. It’s not every day I get to see my daughter turn sixteen.” He plants a kiss to my crown, “Happy birthday sweetie.” I have concluded Daniel Thompson is very much a rugged man with a tender soft side. He would rather be in jeans and a cotton shirt any day over a button-down and trousers. Yet here he stands, strapping in a five-piece suit, his tie the same color as my dress.Why is there not a lady in his life? Surely, there is someone out there waiting.It’s about time I get on the subject with him. I’m a bit confused at his next words. “Your art seems right at home lining these walls my sweet Lili.”

I watch as he observes the room, wondering why he saidmypaintings?

I’ve never entered anything here; my portfolio is too juvenile for a place such as this. Gran and I have spoken about it many times and I have a few pieces set aside, but I’ve never had the bollocks to ask the owner. I’m quiet as my gaze flows over every piece within range and sure enough, my art is the only thing on display tonight. Not one other artist is shown.

---