Her Mate, The School's Player novel Chapter 85

"What is all of this?"

"This is my painting room. For years I've painted in here and as you can see, you've always been my muse. As you know, I really love art and enjoy doing it. Since I was thirteen, I've drawn and painted you. I was thirteen when I knew I loved you. Before that I thought it was just a crush. I'd spend hours drawing you, using my memories of the day to picture how you looked. I haven't ever shown anyone this room so you're the first person to ever see it. I know it seems weird, creepy and stalker-ish, but please don't get mad."

"Damian, why would I possibly get mad? This is the most romantic thing I've ever seen. I can't believe you've done this for years. I wish I saw them sooner, you're amazing at art!"

"They all have dates on the back if you want to know when each was made."

"Do you mind if I check them out or would you rather I left and forgot I ever saw this place?"

"Seen as you know about it, you might as well see it." I smile before going around the room, studying each one carefully. Every picture was of a day Damian and I spent together or a day when I was with my friends. He has sketched me at all ages. There are some recent ones, a few actually. He's drawn a few of him with his hand on my belly or him kissing it. He's even copied the first ultrasound we got. As I move from picture to picture, I feel my eyes beginning to water. This is the sweetest thing someone's ever done for me. He's captured all my memories and now I can forever remember them.

"I never knew my belly was that big," I grumble, sighing at the latest sketch.

"You're quite big, baby," Damian chuckles, wrapping his arms around me and placing them on my belly as he rests his head on my shoulder. I move around in his arms and kiss him deeply.

"Will you draw pictures of the babies when they're born? Please, Damian, you're such a talented artist."

"Of course, I will, I was going to anyway. I was going to capture them in drawings as they grew up. You know, I used to spend a few hours in here just looking at these pictures. Whenever I was upset I'd go up here and just gaze at you. Now do you believe me when I said I've loved you for a long time?"

"I'll try be quick, I have been waiting for this day for ages!" Damian grins just before she's out of hearing distance. What's going on today? This is more than suspicious, I'm so angry.

"Damian," I call, walking up to him. He looks at me with worry and nervousness. "Are you coming home?"

"I can't, baby, I'm sorry, I'm busy. I can't miss today, I'll make it up to you, believe me, I will," he promises. The worry and nervousness on his face doesn't help his innocence.

"Fine, whatever, see you at home," I snap, storming off.

"Amber, please, wait. Don't get upset, tonight is the last time I'm going to be gone, I promise." He catches up with me quickly and holds my waist. I pull his hands off me and slap his cheek.