The Legacy Restored: NYSSA
What did Ariadne mean by her statement?
Nothin’ serious, unless of course makin’ some money from the business.
Ever since I came out of the hospital, I had spent months tryin’ to discover who I was. And I had done that with the help of Ariadne who now wanted somethin’ in return.
Somethin’ that will benefit not just her, but myself who would benefit more than the rest.
Lysander, with the little help he could offer, was back to his senses. He may not recall it all at once but there was progress and I looked forward to ‘im gettin’ even much better. What would happen by then?
“How’s it goin’?”
Who else would interrupt my art session if not Lysander? Ariadne could, but she wasn’t in the house so it was ‘im.
“No,” I smiled and went ’bout my paintin’. “Do you need somethin’? Have you had somethin’ to eat also?”
The door made a sound.
“I have had somethin’ to eat. We had breakfast together, remember?” He shut the door and was standin’ next to me soon enough. “I asked how it’s goin’ and you said no. Is everythin’ okay with you at all?”
What was I doin’?
What was wrong with me?
I heaved a sigh and dropped the pen on the tray. “I’m sorry, Lysander. I was concentratin’ on this piece of art. Ariadne mentioned that the customer can be so picky. Out of twelve, I’m done with six at least.”
Lookin’ closer at the board, the man gave a nod. “Not a bad idea. Ariadne has done nothin’ but brin’ light to my life. Not yours only in case you don’t know.”
He was right, after all.
Then, it struck me.
Ariadne had talked ’bout holdin’ a meetin’ with my mother and the other members of the family who were in the city.
How was it goin’?
I looked in a direction to pick up my phone, but Lysander had brought it to me already. “Thank you.” Meetin’ the gaze of the screen, I looked at the time. This was the time when she would be out, so I needed to call her.
“I’ll be back.”
I jumped on my feet and headed to the door. Turnin’ around to look at the piece of art I painted, I nodded in satisfaction. But Lysander was already in the way and assistin’ with completin’ the piece, while I walked out of the room and led my way to the livin’ room.
“Ariadne?”
“Nyssa?” From the other end, I could hear a door shut. “I just came out of your mom’s house. I have spoken to her and the rest of the members. As the owner of these pieces that I am, the instruction has been passed to them.”
A sigh of relief.
“This is good news, Ariadne. Thank you. Will you make it here or not? And has the woman in need of these portraits made the payment at all? We’re not exactly done but will soon be. Go home and rest while we’re at it.”
“I thought you asked if I was comin’ just now, Nyssa?”
“Yes, but you still need some rest.”
She scoffed and started the engine of a car I believe was hers. “I’ll be there shortly. I know I trust you, but not with these pieces. The woman can be annoyin’ sometimes.”
Days passed and things became better.
More than I would imagine.
There was a lot to talk ’bout when Lysander and I sat down to watch a program, and it took hours for Ariadne to show up in the house.
“This is beautiful, Lysander. Thank you for your help.”
My gaze met that of the man. He smiled at us and went on with packagin’ the pieces. “He’s a good man.”
When he was gone from our sights, Ariadne mouthed. “Far better than Kazmir.”
No, I didn’t want to recall that man.
Not when I was havin’ the best time of my life from the look of things. “Let Kazmir be. It’s not his fault that he did what he did, you know.”
“Have you heard from ‘im since then?”
What?
I looked at her.
“Come on, Ariadne. He hates himself for what he did. He can’t possibly wake up one mornin’ and reach out to me.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.”
Same thing I thought. “And how is Michael? Enough ’bout me. I can’t recall the last time I called to check in on ‘im. I’m pretty sure he hates me so much now.” With a scoff, I said and relaxed on the couch.
The woman on the other side, scoffed.
“Michael understands. He’s relatin’ very well with you these days more than the other days. And of course, money must be made.”
She was right.
It was time to serve her the meal I prepared long before she came so I got up from the couch.
There was no need to serve her in the dinin’ room. Not when she was no longer a stranger to the house and even if she was, there was a lot to talk ’bout, rather than stayin’ where the rules are for people to not speak.
“Here.”
“Thank you, my child.” Adjustin’ on the couch, she mouthed and looked at the door of the art room. “Have you checked on your man? I hope he’s doin’ it right.”
She was right.
What if he wasn’t?
I got on my feet and left her side. “Give me some time, Ariadne.” I let out and caught up with the door of the art studio, openin’ it and walkin’ into the space.
“Oh, I’m almost done.” Lysander mouthed at the sight of ‘im. “I don’t know what to think ’bout this packagin’.” Handin’ it over, I checked and gave a nod.
“You have done a good job.”
From behind us, someone said these words. We turned around and it was Ariadne holdin’ the plate of food in her hand, smilin’ at us with a nod of approval.