Christine pulled up to the valet beaming with hope. She had finally gotten Paula to agree to talk to her. She wanted her back and she knew it. She had truly missed Paula and the love they shared. Even dating and marrying a number of different men never replaced what she felt when she was with Paula. She spotted Paula sitting alone at a table for four looking very beautiful yet uncomfortable. Christine took a deep breath preparing herself for the worst and walked over to her table taking a seat.

“Hello, Paula”

“Oh Christine, you startled me. I didn’t see you come in”

“Sorry, about that”

“That’s okay”

Christine reached for Paula’s hand. Paula allowed it for a few seconds and then pulled away. “Paula, I just want us to be okay”

“Christine. There is no ‘us’. That time is over. I shouldn’t have kissed you the other night.”

“But you wanted to. Paula, don’t you still think of me? Don’t you still –?

Christine was interrupted by a sight that she couldn‘t believe. She looked at Paula with sheer surprise and disappointment. Paula had brought Arthur, her husband, to brunch.

“Hey…Christine…long time no see,” Arthur said sitting down not offering his hand to shake.

Christine could feel tears building up in her eyes as she looked at Paula who had her head down.

*****

“So what’s you first class today, Spencer?” Ashley asked.

“Hmm…well since we actually missed our first classes…hanging out at the beach…my next one is…Art,” Spencer said sarcastically.

Ashley frowned, “Oh yeah…we missed a few.” Ashley chuckled, “…mine is math… “

“Hmm…that kind of sucks Ashley,” Spencer smiled.

Ashley was happy that at least Spencer was still in a joking mood with her. “Well, I guess I will see you at lunch later?”

Spencer nodded and headed to class. She almost felt as if she was running. The intensity of the morning had shaken her up a bit. She needed some release from her stresses and drawing and painting would hopefully do the trick.

Spencer found the first empty desk along the wall of the door. Still being new she always seemed to have trouble finding a good seat. Actually being there a little early, she placed her books on her spot to save it and walked around the room to take a look at the paintings. She stopped in front one that just drew her in. It was beautiful and full of color. She was in awe that someone in high school had actually painted this piece.