Painting A Lost Heart novel Chapter 4

"I will e-mail you when the art goes through the first draft," for the first time, I've seen Miss Monte smile at me genuinely. After giving her my contact information, I excused myself.

As I zombied my way towards my next class, I couldn't help but think... who would buy that stupid painting anyway?

"These people need Jesus."

My best friend slash roommate slash partner-in-crime Erin Johnson exclaimed as we both stare at her computer screen.

A month had passed since my fortunate meeting with Miss Monte where she had told me about her intention to let my art participate in an auction- unfortunately, it didn't pass the first draft, but I just shrugged it off.

When I told my best friend about it, she immediately dragged me to her work station and googled the museum. According to the website, the 2011 auction had been a successful event.

Truth be told, a little piece of my heart tore when Miss Monte had delivered the bad news.

Reality really hit when I scanned through the paintings that were sold in the auction. All of them were magnificent pieces of art and it showed how far behind I was in terms of technique and talent.

But I didn't let that affect me in a negative way; in fact, it became my drive and motivation to become better in painting and hon my skills in every way possible. Besides, I was only at my first year in university. I have more room to grow and I wouldn't expect to be a one-hit-wonder.

"Look at this! All I see is a big canvas of blue and black and it sold for 8 million dollars. I don't know what's wrong with these people buying complete nonsense." Erin commented, snapping me back to my reverie.

I shook my head. "This piece is different. A famous painter created it so it's worth so much more. Besides, art doesn't work like that. It has to speak to whoever's looking at it," She looked puzzled at my explanation so I indulged in.

"It's like you're buying a pair of stilettos. Don't you say that when you shop, it's as if the mannequins are enticing you to come in? Art is just like that. It speaks to you."

Erin nodded, completely satisfied with my analogy. Good for her- she was an only child of a well-off family and she could buy whatever she wanted. She may look clueless and bratty on the outside, but she was really brilliant.

She was the girl version of Jack, minus the sports. According to her, she wasn't ready to date. But to flirt- she would give it her A game.

"Well, all I see is a big blue canvas... and it'll always be a big blue canvas," she answered sarcastically. "Honestly, your art is waaay better." She flipped back her hair as she rolled back her eyes in annoyance. My best friend had always been supportive of me and I liked that about her.

"It's such a shame, too. You could've met the hotties in the picture. I also recognize one guy here from Forbes magazine!" she exclaimed as she glued her eyes on the screen. I didn't pay any attention to her disturbing ogling.

"Speaking of sweet, want to come to the coffee shop instead? We can take our books and study there," Erin suggested.

My brows furrowed. "But the coffee shop is noisier."

"But the view is better. Plus, we get to drink hot chocolate. They're really good especially in this freezing weather," she winked and I grunted.

A local coffee shop near our apartment was always swarmed with university students. During exam season, the crowd was twice as much because of their student special: free cookies for Northwestern University students.

Before I could even protest to Erin, she already packed up her MacBook in her purse and closely held onto her Accounting and Business Fundamentals textbooks.

"Come on. It wouldn't hurt to study and look at some cute guys at the same time- especially now that you're single," Erin winked and strode towards the door. I didn't have the choice but to go after her.

A few minutes later we were outside the apartment, trekking the winter white snow wearing our thick parka and snow boots. And in about fifteen minutes, we reached the coffee shop. The aroma of coffee in the brewing machine and freshly baked cookies instantly filled my nostrils as soon as I opened the door.