From Bully To Beloved

Being retired apparently doesn’t stop Professor Ramstraat from making an appearance at the shows.

His critiColtoneye darts from one canvas to another through thick glasses that sit on the tip of his nose. He shows no sign of softening, and his expression remains unyielding. I watch him get closer, feeling the weight of his intense scrutiny.

“So you decided to reveal your true potential?” he asks, his voice thick and raspy. His wrinkled face turns to me.

He remembers me. Hot and cold shivers prickle over me. I open my mouth-and nothing comes out.

I’m too stunned to speak.

“Not many people have it in them to come back,” he proclaims. He points to the middle of the room with his cane, to Cal’s sleeping drawing, and to two newer ones, then he lowers it again. “I believe this is just the beginning of what you’re capable of, and we haven’t even scratched the surface of your talent yet. With some refinement in your technique and consequent practice, you have the rare potential to create truly remarkable art. Keep pushing yourself.”

With that, he tips his hat and walks away. Just when he’s about to leave the gallery, he pauses and looks back at the drawing in the center of the room. Then he’s gone.

My jaw drops. Something big in me deflates. This was not what I imagined our encounter to be like. In all my scenarios, I was bold and witty, and he was on his knees begging my forgiveness-forgiveness I never granted him.

What happened today is better. So much better.

I see Cal’s thumbs up from the back of the room, and I give him a happy nod. His facial expression says, “told you so-didn’t I tell you so?” and he bites back a cheeky smile.

I love him so much.

“Sera!”

I turn around and see Kelly and Justin coming my way. They’re holding hands. “Hey, you two! Long time no see!” They look cute. They look like they’re very much in love.

“This issoexciting,” Kelly says, giving me a big hug. “I’m so proud of you.”

“You sure have come a long way since those study halls in high school,” Justin says.

“Thanks. I’m so glad you two are here. Come on, let me save Cal, and show you all what I’ve been working on…”

“Remind me-how did you get her to go out with you?” Coltonasks Justin as soon as he’s joined our little group.

“You tell him, princess,” Justin says to Kelly, a wide grin on his face.

Kelly smiles. “Well, he showed up at my porch one night, and then Dad stormed out, shotgun in hand, and the next thing I know, he’s fixing Dad’s old truck and changing tires.”Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Boom.” Justin shrugs. “That’s how you do it.”

“That’s how you do it.” She beams at him, and he leans down for a tender kiss. It’s sweet, and it seems like they’re taking their time and not rushing things. Looks like noteveryonegets married the moment they meet again.

“Did you wear a bulletproof vest?” Coltonasks.

“You bet your ass I did. And I’ll wear it when we announce we’re moving in together in a month.”

I give Kelly a big hug at the fantastic news-as best I can with my big belly.

“Better make that two vests,” Coltonsays.

“Okay, I’ll borrow your spare one.” The men grin at each other.

I spend the rest of the night with my husband, my best friend and his best friend. The four of us are inseparable, and it makes the night even more special that I spend it with the people I love. Even Marie makes an appearance.

Everything is perfect.

By the time we get to our new apartment, I’m ready to strip off this dress and crawl into a nice warm bed. Coltonhad the king-sized bed removed from storage to place in our spacious new bedroom, and what can I say, it’s the best thing ever. I was definitelynotsad to see that terrible couch go. (Mrs. Bianca had obviously left it there on purpose, LOL.)

My husband opens the suite door for me. “Just a second,” he says, before lifting me into his arms.