Beyond the Canvas: More than Paint

Amber’s eyes glow wide looking at the room Collin leads her into “This is.. Really all mine?”

“Do you need something else?” Collin said. “We’ll get what you need.

“No this is.. More than great. I just.” Amber replied.. “Might not ever leave if this is how spoiled imma get.”

“Spoiled?” Collin’s dad said as walked in. “This is the standard studio size. What are you used to?”

I… a garage” Amber said. “A corner of a garage of, actually… And I'm not supposed to cover the walls with paint.”

Collin and his dad blinked before Collin spoke. “Mom?! Could you come in here?

“Nina, seriously.” Collin’s dad added. “We need a ladies’ touch in here.” 

“Mason, what is it? Is she not liking the room?” Nina asked.

“I love the room I just… It feels like it feels way too special for me? If that makes sense?” Amber asked.

“It makes perfect sense.” Nina replied. “Your work reflects a lot of that, you know? However we weren’t even using this space anyways, so make this whole place as much of a mess as you need to.”
“Is that actually going to—”

“Yes it is, and out. All of you.” Amber said, and was already pushing Collin out the door. Amber took a deep breath as she locked the room up. Grabbing a brushing dipping it in some paint. Near whipping the preset up canvas as she did her best to capture the moment she felt right now. Free, nervous, scared. And both unsure and certain.

“Well, glad that room is mostly soundproof.” Nina said. “You boys let her work for a bit.”

“Yeah, thanks mom.” Collin said.

“We’re just glad you found her, I think.” Mason replied.

The door clicked open. “Not submitting yet, but it's a good start.” Amber said. Walking away from a paint cover room and a painting with some kind of hopeful monster. It was clearly worth submitting… 

(and that was just her practice?) “Amber?! Collin asked.

“Hmm?” Amber said. Watching him trying to form words before giggling. “That on its own means a lot, so thank you. Sorry about the paint on the walls?”

 “You cover those walls if that is what you produce on a trail run… Knew I was right to pick you out.” Collin said, and covered his mouth after.

Amber blinked at him. “When did you look up my stuff?.. As far as I know it is only barely in our local news.”

“It is also on an unacknowledged talent thread.” Collin replied. “And no, I'm not a judge for the contest.”

“Are they?” Amber asked, pointing to Collin’s parents.

“Only the event of a tie…” Collin replied. “And they won’t take my thoughts into account. If that's the question?”

It’s a good thing to know.” Amber said. “So what made me stick out to you?”

“A lot of things.” Collin replied. “Maybe I could tell over dinner sometime?”

“Sounds lovely.” Amber replied.