Chapter 240:
Emotion in Every Stroke
Megan’s POV:
As Megan stepped inside that small studio once again, she suddenly felt a gush of emotions. She just could not get over the memory of that totally unplanned encounter with the artist, Max. She was getting the feel-no matter how hard she tried shaking it off-that something big was going to happen.
She cast her eyes around the studio, the vibrant colors of the paintings, the homey interior that seemed to emanate warmth. Her eyes lit on Max, who was all hunched forward over his canvas, his brow furrowed in concentration. There was a sense of calm and purpose about him which she admired. Drawing closer, Max looked up, his piercing blue eyes meeting hers with curiosity and recognition.
“Megan,” Max said, his voice smooth, inviting. “What brings you back?”
Megan smiled nervously. “I needed to see you again. There’s something about your work that speaks to me.”
Max laid down his brush and wiped his hands off on a rag. “I’m glad to hear that. Want to see what I’m working on?”
Nodding, Megan’s heart raced with excitement as Max led her to his easel. A new painting was spread there-a very striking portrait of a lady at the edge of a cliff, her hair blown in the wind.
“This looks so real,” Megan said full of admiration. “You captured a piece of me that I didn’t even know existed.”.
Max’s gaze softened. “Well, it means so much more than being just a painting. This is what I see in you: There is strength, vulnerability, shining through in your expression.”
Megan felt a lump well up in her throat. “I didn’t realize just how much I needed to see this,” she said. “It was as if he had taken something she was feeling but couldn’t express and put it into paint.”.
Max looked her over for a second, then spoke softly. “Art has this way, sometimes, of bringing into the light things we often keep buried. Sometimes it’s easier to express emotions through creativity rather than words.”.
Megan’s emotions suddenly swirled to the surface as she nodded. “I’ve been going through a lot lately, real conflicted feelings about my past and the pressure of the public image. Your painting gives me clarity I haven’t felt in so long.”
Max’s gaze was sincere. “You do sound like you’re carrying a heavy load around. If you want to talk about it, I’m here for you.”.
Slowly, the studio door creaked open as Miles walked in, very nervous; his eyes scoured the room until they alighted on Megan.
“Miles,” Megan said, astonished. “What are you doing here?”
Miles did a walk toward them, his face a mixture of regret and determination. “I needed to speak with you, Megan. I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Feeling the tension rise, Max stepped back. “I’ll leave you two alone. Call me if you need me for anything.”
Megan focused all her attention on Miles when Max left the studio. “Alright, Miles. What do you want to say?”
Miles took a deep breath, his voice shaking a little. “I’ve been doing so much thinking lately. I realize now how badly I really hurt you when I disappeared. I was scared and didn’t know how to cope, but that’s no excuse.”
Megan crossed her arms over her chest as she squared off to him-her face guarded. “You vanished without a word. And I was left to deal with everything on my own. Why should I believe you now?”
Miles’s eyes were begging. “I know I screwed up. I am not asking for your forgiveness right away. I just want to explain myself and, hopefully, make things right.”
Megan looked at him complacently. “Go on. I am listening.”
He advanced a step closer to her. “I just felt smothered with everything-us, my insecurities, fear of failing you. I didn’t know how to face you or myself. It was easier to run away than face reality.”
Megan’s eyes did soften a little then. “You think running away was a solution?
“No,” Miles shook his head. “It was the coward’s way out. I’m so sorry. I should have stood up to my problems and not left you behind.”
Megan took a deep sigh and then turned her eyes toward the art Max had been sweating over. “I am trying to move on, Miles. I’m trying to find clarity and peace. I see this artwork, and it is like I’m slowly beginning to understand me.”
Miles followed her gaze across to the painting; his expression changed to reflective. “It’s beautiful. It catches a depth of emotion that I’ve not seen. Maybe that’s what was lacking in my own life.”
She turned around to meet his eyes with a tightly coiled promise of sadness and hope. “It’s not just about the painting, Miles. It’s ways of confronting the past and ways of finding a way forward. I’ll give you a chance, Miles, but only if I know you really mean it this time-that you are really committed to changing and making amends.”.
Miles nodded very seriously. “I am committed, Megan. I want to show that I can be the best man for you and that I am capable of making things right between us.”.
They were talking when Max entered the studio again. He felt the resolve in their conversation and walked forward, showing a very supportive attitude. “If you are ready both, then I’d like to offer just a small gesture. Art can be healing. Maybe it would help you both in moving forward.”
Megan turned around to face Max. Her curiosity was peaked. “What do you have in mind?
Max smiled gentle. “I’d like to extend an invitation to you both for some work on a project. Something that could represent new beginnings, healing. It just may help you both close some doors and open others.”
Megan glanced at Miles, who actually seemed to be considering the offer. “I think it could be good,” Megan said, her voice tentative. “What do you think, Miles?”
Miles nodded very slowly. “I’m game if it means working things through and coming to some sort of resolution. I’m willing to give it a go.”
Max’s eyes brightened with approval. “Great. Let’s create something together that represents growth and understanding. Art has this thing about bringing people together and healing wounds.
Megan felt mixed emotions of relief and apprehension. Working together on the assignment seemed a step towards resolution, but it brought up fears of vulnerability and confrontation.
As the three of them kicked around ideas for their project, Megan began to realize that emotions and healing came in all sorts of unlikely packages. An art that had initially provided her an escape had now blossomed as a source through which a human being could better understand herself and strive for improvement. Guided by the advice of Max, with Miles finally willing to make amends, she felt the slightest hope that she would be able to move on from the hurt of her past and embrace a new future full of promise.
Chris’s Point of View
Chris sat in his apartment later that afternoon, reflecting on the day’s events. He had been pretty attuned to Megan today-very supportive and concerned. Wondered how things went between Megan and Miles and if this new project with Max was going to help her finally put some closure on things.
The phone rang: Megan. He picked up with some excitement. “Hey, Megan, how’s it going?”
“Hi, Chris,” Megan said, her volume mix of excitement and nerves. “We’re doing a new project with Max. Collaborative artwork that means a new beginning, healing.”
Now the interest was piqued. “That does sound interesting. What do you think about this?
“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Megan admitted. “It’s going to be very hard, but I believe in taking the right step in the right direction. Miles is penitent and sincerely committed to atone for all he’s done. And Max… well, his involvement does feel like a good influence.”
Chris nodded, though Megan couldn’t see him. “I’m glad to hear that. It sounds like you’re taking steps toward resolving things and finding some peace.”
Megan took a deep sigh. “I hope so. It’s just been a lot recently. Having your support, though, means a lot to me.”
Chris’s voice came through warm, reassuring. “You’re doing great, Megan. Just remember that whatever happens, I’m here for you.”
Megan smiled. Her heart lifted with his words. “Thanks, Chris. I appreciate it.”