LUCAS.
After slipping on a pair of white sweatpants since it's the closest clothing I could find I jog back downstairs eager to join Mia in the kitchen. Entering the kitchen, I find her still seated on the stool by the kitchen counter, a smile adorning her pretty face. Her eyes sparkle with delight as she savours each mouthful of the delectable dish. Steam rises from the plate, carrying with it the tantalizing scent of the perfectly blended herbs and spices. Her appreciation for the meal isn't just for the flavours alone, Mia eyes light up with joy as she admires how I presented the dish to her. The lasagna seats elegantly on the plate, its golden brown cheese slightly bubbling and oozing over the sides. The vibrant red of the tomato sauce peeks through the gaps in the layers, promising a burst of flavours in every bite. She already finished her first serving, her hunger still insatiable and I added another generous portion of the mouths lasagna onto her plate. Mia's huge appetite is a testament to her love for good food.
"Is this comfortable enough for you?" I ask, pointing at the white sweatpants I'm wearing. I'm still shirtless though, because I didn't bother putting on a tshirt.
Mia looks up from her lasagna with a smile. "Yes it's comfortable, they suit you just fine." She says, her eyes twinkling. "But I have to say, you look better even without a shirt."
One of the things I've noticed about Mia is that she's a shy woman and I find it cute and adorable. Her features are regal and proud as well, drawing the eyes of all those around her. She has this distinct aura that makes her enchanting. Her porcelain skin, flawless and radiant, glows with an inner light. Silky strands of hair cascade down her shoulders framing her face like a delicate veil. Her eyes, like pools of liquid warmth, reflect the world around her and reveal the gentle soul that resides within. When she smiles, it's a fucking sight to behold. A gentle smile that reaches her eyes and has the power to brighten even the darkest corners of a room. "You should smile more, you have a pretty smile." My statement makes her let out a pleased sigh.
I guess she's used to getting overwhelming compliments all the time considering her huge and successful modelling career.
"You have a cute smile too." Mia says to me. "When you smile, the dimple on your left cheek shows. It's cute."
"That's a lie, I don't have a dimple." I deny it even though I'm aware of having one. Quincy is always making fun of me and poking it to annoy me.
"You do. Right there." Mia points at it as we laugh. "Your smile lights up your face. In fact, it lights up the room, honestly. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
What is this crazy girl talking about now?
"You're a shy man." Her words catch me off guard and a faint blush creeps up my cheeks. "Do you want to know something?" She asks and I nod wondering what she wants to tell me this time. "You're different when you're not staring someone down like you want to kill them. You talk alot and it's not boring at all to be around you. I can listen to you talk for hours, all day actually. Your presence makes the situations better for me and no matter what I'm stressing over or upset about, you help me through it and I think that's beautiful. We've only known each other for a few weeks yet I've already realized how much of an amazing, caring and giving man you are. Honestly you're a blessing to the people lucky to have you in their lives. You're rare and one of a kind."
I've always been known for my serious demeanor, often lost in my own thoughts and asserting my presence with an intense gaze. But here's Mia, teasing me playfully and it's as if she has discovered a hidden side of me that I rarely show to anyone else.
I turn my gaze away from her, grinning sheepishly not quite sure how to respond to her observation. It's true that around her, my guard comes down naturally. I don't feel the need to put on a stoic facade or project an aura of intensity. Instead, I find myself opening up, letting my words flow freely and engaging in conversations that I would have otherwise avoided.
As she continues to speak, her words carry a warmth that resonates deeply within me. The fact that she finds my presence enjoyable and is genuinely interested in listening to me talk is a feeling I rarely experience. It's a refreshing change from the usual dynamic I have with others, where my silence is often mistaken for disinterest or aloofness. Her words fill me with warmth and acceptance, like she has peeled away the layers of my guarded exterior and seen me for who I truly am. It's a rare gift to be able to express myself without reservation, to share my thoughts and ideas with someone who appreciates them.
"Thank you, I hadn't realized how much my presence impacts you and I'm glad I can be of help to you whenever you need it. I barely talk though and I know you've noticed it already. I'm more of an observer." I state to her.
"Well I guess I'm trying to get you to talk more."
"Should I take your first statements as a complement?"
"Yes, you can." She winks at me and I laugh softly not able to believe she just did that. Mia is different too when you get to know her better. She's a kind hearted and humble person.
Fetching a glass I pour water for her to drink as she washes the plate she ate in herself not wanting me to do it.
"People always ask me one question, 'how do you do it?'." Mia mutters lowly taking a sip of water, the cool liquid momentarily soothing her patched throat. "They claim I have everything figured out in my life and that I'm always happy. How do I do it?" Her eyes wonder down to her hands where delicate tiny tattoos are inked on her long slender fingers as we go silent again. "That's what I always do whenever I'm asked that question." Tilting her head up she glances at me. "I stare at the tattoos on my fingers as I try coming up with an answer. Most of the time I never have the answer to that question. You know, just because I don't show it doesn't mean I don't go through hard times too." She whispers to herself, my eyes not leaving her sight. "Everybody always say and think that I have my life figured out and everything goes well for me. They don't know that sometimes I struggle and break down too. I'm also human who gets lost in sadness at times."
It's funny how people think your life is easy just because you don't talk about the things you go through.
The tiny beautiful tattoos on her slender fingers catch my attention. Each delicate stroke of ink tells its own story, etched upon her skin like a gallery of intimate expressions. I'm drawn to them and curious to understand the meaning behind these works of art. As I hold her hand, a surge of warmth engulfs me, accompanied by the softness of her touch. My thumb grazes over the love tattoo inscribed on her middle finger, tracing its graceful curves. It's a secret message and a hidden declaration that invites exploration. I'm eager to know the significance behind these tattoos, to unravel the mystery they hold. I want to gain insight into the depths of her soul. "Why did you choose these tattoos?"
"Why do I have tattoos on me. Must I have a reason for getting a tattoo?" Mia asks and it's like she's asking herself and not me. Slowly I trail my thumb along the delicate lines of the diamond tattoo on her ring finger. The design holds a certain elegance, a symbol of strength and endurance. It's a choice she has made and a mark she has willingly embraced. "I guess I fell in love with the designs of some of them. They make me feel like I'm my own person, you know. They also remind me of where I've been and where I'm heading to." She whispers as if she's talking to herself again. Slowly she looks up meeting my eyes with her beautiful ones.
Mia's tattoos are a reflection of her own individuality and a way for her to express her unique identity to the world. Each stroke and ink motif represent a piece of her character and a visual manifestation of her beliefs, passions and experiences. Her tattoos also weave together the moments and memories that have shaped her life. They're markers of her journey, a visual map of the paths she has traversed and the lessons she has learnt. Each tattoo carries a story, a chapter in the book of her life. As I listen to her every word, I get to understand that her tattoos are a way for her to carry those stories with her, a tangible reminder of the person she has become and the person she aspires to be.
I can relate to everything she's saying. "When I got my first tattoo, my dad viewed it as an act of rebellion. He couldn't understand why I would choose to permanently mark my body with images and symbols." I explain to her as my fingers drum on my chin thoughtfully. "But as I continued getting more tattoos, something shifted. I never did it to defy him or anyone else, I did it for myself. And slowly my dad's objections faded away, replaced with a quiet acceptance and understanding. My tattoos tell the story of my life, like a timeline of my life and they empower me everyday. They mean the world to me. Every single tattoo inked on my skin has a story to tell."
"Your wolf tattoo is amazing." Mia blubbers and closes her eyes, swearing under her breath at what she has just said.
I chuckle moving closer to her. "When did you see it?"
"Forget it." She gets off the stool walking out of the kitchen. Not wanting her to leave I hold her hand and she faces me, her cute lips curving into a smile. "You're shirtless right now, I can clearly see it." She points at the wolf tattoo and I slowly let go of her.
"Thank you, I love wolves. They're all about loyalty, instincts and love." I admit to her. Wolves are my spirit animal, if anything like that even exists.
"I love wolves too, especially white ones." Mia confesses smiling at me. "I love butterflies alot as well. I'm actually crazy about them." Her eyes glimmer in excitement as she sits back on the stool, resting her hands on the kitchen counter and dropping her chin into her palm. "They represent transformation, faith, blooming and acceptance to new beginnings. I relate to them in many ways. Actually, I have a butterfly tattoo, same way you have a wolf tattoo." She utters surprising me. I didn't see a butterfly tattoo on her finger though.
"I didn't see a butterfly tattoo on your fingers."
"It's not on my fingers." She smiles shyly trying to run out of the kitchen but I grab her small waist pulling her back to me.
"Where is it?" She laughs instead, not answering my question.
Then she lifts her sweatshirt and a magnificent butterfly tattoo comes to view on the left side by her ribs. Its graceful and delicate wings are vibrant with vivid deep colours, a breathtaking array of hues evoking a sense of awe and wonder. "It's beautiful." I whisper in amazement tracing the patterns and veins on the wings meticulously with my finger, an intricate beauty of nature brought to life on Mia's soft and smooth skin.
"I had it done when I turned eighteen and I'm in love with it." She smiles touching the butterfly tattoo.
"A tattoo isn't only ink on the skin, it goes deeper than that and tells our stories and journeys. Having them doesn't make one a delinquent, thug, irresponsible or lost in life. They don't inhibit a person's ability to learn and grow. To me, tattoos are art and a form of expression and creativity. I'm glad I finally met someone who understands." I state smiling at her.
"The only difference is, other people hang their art on the walls while we wear ours."
Checking the time on the clock, it's 3.15 am, early in the morning now. "Come with me." I tell Mia as I take the stairs going back to my room with her closely behind. She can't go back to her apartment at this time of the morning, it's still eery dark outside and we haven't talked like she wanted.
Opening the door we enter my bedroom, Mia looking around in amazement making me wonder why. Most of the things in here are either black or white. Most of them are black because it's the only shade I know. "Why're you so shocked?" I ask wondering what's wrong with her. "Is my room scaring you?"
"No, it's just that," She sits on the armchair still astounded. "I feel some sense of familiarity with this room."
I pick one of the white duvets and a pillow, Mia and I heading back downstairs, walking through the corridors and reaching another room. I open the door wide and once again she's left speechless.
"Welcome to my den."
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
🦋MIA🦋
Lucas and I enter another room that leaves my mouth wide agape once again because of the striking contrast of black and white that permeates the space. The black silk sheets on the large bed catch my attention, their smooth texture inviting me to sink into their embrace. The pillows, adorned with matching silk pillowcases provide an elegant touch. The walls of the room are painted a deep, velvety black creating a dramatic backdrop to the room's decor. A white woollen rug adorns the floor, its plush texture offering a softness underfoot and contrasting beautifully with the surrounding darkness. Hanging from the ceiling is a magnificent black chandelier casting a soft warm glow throughout the room. The light dances off the silk sheets and bounces off the glossy surface of the black walls, creating an enchanting ambience.
In one corner of the room, I notice a dart board, inviting me to engage in a friendly game. Nearby, a mini fridge stands, stocked with refreshments. A basketball hoop is affixed in one wall, drawing my attention with its playful presence. Propped nearby is an autographed Nike Elite basketball, a prized possession that hints at a love for the game and a connection to the world of sports. Two white couches, plush and inviting, sit opposite each other in the middle of the room, offering a comfortable space to relax and unwind. A small round table is placed between them providing a convenient spot for drinks and personal items.
Adding a touch of nature to the room, a tree stump has been repurposed as a side table, its natural wood finish contrasting with the surrounding black and white elements. Adorning one of the black walls is a captivating painting of a majestic wolf. The artwork exudes a sense of power and mystery, its details capturing the essence of the animal. Several photography pictures and trophies are arranged on glass shelves, a floral embroidered guitar in the corner. This den is a blend of light and darkness.
This room is spotlessly clean with Lucas's scent all over it.
I turn my gaze towards the open door realizing that Lucas is no longer in the room. Hurrying to the corner with the glass shelves, my eyes are immediately drawn to the breathtaking collection of photographs that grace the shelves. Each picture is a window into a world of natural beauty and wonder, capturing moments frozen in time. The images depict serene beaches bathed in the warm hues of sunrise and sunset, their golden light dancing upon the gentle waves. I can almost feel the soft sand beneath my feet. Moving along the shelf, my attention is captured by an image of raindrops splattering rhythmically on the weathered rooftop of an old house. The droplets create a symphony of sound as they cascade from above, breathing life into the worn facades. I can almost smell the earthy petrichor that permeates the air and feel the cool mist caressing my skin.
Another photograph transports me to a tranquil morning scene where dew kissed blades of vibrant green grass glisten under the gentle caress of the early sunlight. The delicate droplets sparke like diamonds, casting a magical aura over the landscape. I can almost taste the freshness of the morning air and feel the coolness of the dew on my fingertips.
My eyes are then drawn to majestic mountains and rolling hills, their peaks reaching towards the heavens. I can almost sense the awe inspiring scale of these natural wonders, their silent majesty evoking a sense of reverence within me. A burst of colour catches my attention as I come across pictures of vibrant tulips and daisy fields, the blossoms seeming to sway in harmony with the breeze. I can almost feel the gentle brush of petals against my skin and smell the sweet fragrance that fills the air. Next to these natural wonders are photographs of old aesthetic buildings exuding a timeless charm and majestic waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs. The final touch of this gallery of wonders is the presence of two Sony cameras sitting side by side as if inviting me to capture my own moments of beauty and awe. They stand as a testament to the artistry behind the photographs, the tools that brought these stunning visions of life.
As I stand here, captivated by the sheer beauty and surreal quality of these images, I'm reminded of the profound impact that art can have on our souls. Each photograph is a masterpiece, a testament to Lucas's ability to capture fleeting moments of beauty and evoke emotions that transcend time and space. It's a collection that speaks to the boundless wonders of the natural world and the immense power of human creativity.
On the top most shelf is a beautiful picture of Lucas's sister, her radiant smile stretching from ear to ear. Beside her is a man who exudes paternal warmth and wisdom. Undoubtedly, this must be Lucas's father. With a strong yet gentle demeanor, he stands tall, his arm draped around his daughter's shoulders. A subtle pride glimmers in his eyes, reflecting the deep bond shared between father and child.
My eyes settle back on the large painting on the wall of a big black wolf standing on the snow, it's eyes two gleaming orbs that seem to hold the secrets of the universe reflecting the depths of the majestic wolf's soul. With it's head held high and long ears up straight, its snout is elongated and mouth slightly agape symbolizing a heightened sense of instinct and fierceness. Even though it's only a canvas brought to life, it's beyond scary. The big black wolf is giving off a strong irresistible aura of a kind, gentle and loving creature which is also the most powerful and relentless, one that isn't to be trifled with. Make a mistake of messing with him and he will unleash his dark side on you. As my eyes follow the contours of the wolf's body admiring the contours that make it truly exceptional, Lucas clears his throat behind me and that makes me jump, almost knocking down the shelves.
This scary wolf painting says alot about Lucas's personality. Alot. Look closely and it'll grant you a glimpse into the human he is. All you have to do is see beyond the colours.
"Be careful, everything on those shelves are my life treasures." His voice issues warning behind me.
I move away from the shelves as he sits on the bed with a glass of milk in hand.
"You're an excellent photographer." I whisper, my eyes still hooked on the pictures on the shelves again like I'm hypnotized by them.
"I'm a nature photography lover. It basically covers shooting flora and fauna." Lucas states and I turn around facing him, cocking an eyebrow. He stares at me for a moment before chuckling as if he can hear exactly what I'm thinking. "It means plants, flowers and animals photographed in their immediate environments. I do this kind of photography to clear my mind and feel everything around me, it's something I love and enjoy doing. Nature has alot to offer."
"The pictures are amazing and breathtaking." I complement him and he smiles sitting back on the bed.
"You're just saying that but you don't mean it." He lies on the bed, gazing upwards at the chandelier.
"I mean it."
My gaze roams on the wolf painting again and I stand infront of it seeing some writings on the bottom. "If what you see by the eye doesn't please you then close your eyes and see from the heart. Because the heart can see beauty and love more than the eyes can ever wonder."
"You have to learn to see from the heart." Lucas's deep voice sounds behind me. Sitting on the bed next to him, he pulls me so I'm lying on my back, staring up at the black chandelier. "You're the first girl to step in here apart from my sister. This is my den. I stay in here when I want to get away from the outside world, be alone and have some quiet time. I unwind in comfort and refresh my mind in here. My bedroom is upstairs, the one we were in before coming here. This den is my personal sanctuary."
"Why did you bring me in here?" I ask lying on my back again.
"I don't know."
I sit up and Lucas does the same, mirroring my movement. He's someone who sees right through me. I don't have to voice out how I'm feeling because he can see it in my eyes. He's always honest with me and tells me the truth as it is. He never sugar coats it. Everyone else around me finds it difficult to tell me the truth as it is because they don't want to hurt me.
Say the truth as it is, no matter how painful. It's better than lying to please someone.
"Thank you for being my friend and always listening to me. You're one of the few people who are real with me. I'm grateful and lucky to have met you." I say to Lucas and his eyes, like windows to the soul, meet mine and in that moment, time seems to stand still. In this shared moment, I can feel the unspoken connection between us. The world around us has faded into the background, leaving only the two of us, bound by an unbreakable bond of friendship.
"Mia I don't get along with people easily, I have to force myself to be around them but with you it came naturally, it just happened. I'm glad we're friends." He states still looking into my eyes. I'm trying so hard not to look away because it's like he's staring right into my soul, stripping me naked and leaving me bare that I can't hide anything from him. He's seeing right through me, the real and true me. "Let me be honest with you." He adds. "I never give a fuck about people that aren't either my family or bestfriends. Since you're now my friend, I think I give a fuck about you too." He states and I laugh softly at his words, he swears alot.
He holds my hand and we both get up heading to the corner of the room where a huge mirror is hung on the wall. The moment I stare back at my reflection I quickly avert my gaze, making a step to walk away but Lucas holds my waist keeping a firm grip on it so I don't cower away as he remains standing behind me. "When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see?" He asks softly, his voice soft and comforting. He can still remember what I told him in the garden the day I broke down, that when I look at myself in the mirror, I hate what I see, I don't recognize the woman staring back at me.
"When I look at myself in the mirror I see a woman full of imperfections. A woman struggling to be comfortable in her own skin and not feel like her body is a prison or a cage anymore. I've grown up trying so hard to be flawless and perfect. I've been caring about what people say and think when they see me. When I'm slim I get picked on, when I add weight I get mocked and called all sorts of names. I can't even remember the last time I smiled or laughed in confidence. On most nights I cry in frustration because I can't fit in. When my ex cheated on me, it worsened my insecurities because now I kept asking myself if I'm not beautiful or pretty enough. I kept torturing myself with the thought that I'll never be enough or worthy. For a long time I've seeing my body as tainted and can't stop overthinking about my flaws. So when I look at myself in the mirror I see a woman fighting to convince herself that she's worthy and deserve beautiful things in life. A woman trying to learn how to love the person staring back at her in the mirror."
Tears prick my eyes and this time I don't wipe them away, instead I let myself cry as I stare into space, tears falling uncontrollably. My heart is held in a tight grip, getting squeezed and it's painful I can't describe it. My heart is bleeding.
Lucas picks a napkin turning me around once my body starts calming down and wipes away the tears in my ears. He smiles warmly pinching my cheek to make me laugh and cheer me up. "If you keep paying attention to the negative statements people say about you, you'll remain stuck. What they say should never matter to you because this is your life and body, not theirs. In this messed up and lost world, you can't do anything without getting criticized. In this society we're so unfortunate to live in, people can't survive if they're not judging that person next to them. So don't strive for perfection because perfection doesn't exist. We're all imperfect and that's okay. Even with these tears, pain and your heart crumbling, you'll survive so don't give up. You'll heal, find your inner stability, strength and learn to embrace who you are. You'll learn to love yourself again. So cling to that hope and make your own rules to live by. Then you'll finally realize how beautiful life can be when you make it be. You don't have to be the same as the next person, just be unique because you're special in your own way. Live your life because it's sorely yours and nobody else's. It's your life, live it."
Nodding my head he opens the mini fridge taking out a bottle of water for me. "Thank you. Not only for the water, for everything. Your kindness is slowly turning my life around. You make me believe that there are still good people in this world. So thank you for being my special friend." I state and he wraps his arms around me in an embrace.
He leaves the room coming back with two towels. "I know you must be exhausted so take a rest. You can shower and then go to sleep. This bed is spacious and comfortable enough. I'm going to sleep in my room upstairs so if you need me for anything just come, you already know where it is."
He leaves the room and I take a warm shower before climbing on the elevated bed closing my eyes, peaceful and relaxed with no troubles worrying me or bringing me down. Few minutes pass and I fall into a deep sleep, Lucas's intoxicating body scent on the silk sheets and comforters lulling me to slumber.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
AUTHOR'S RANT.
Quote of the chapter.
♥️YOU'RE SPECIAL♥️
Lucas's guitar.