Paper Memories

Chapter 15-II

Chapter 15-II

I stared at my painting with awe."...Natapos ko."

"It's captivating." Percival complimented right by my ear, then he planted a quick kiss on my temples. If I'm with him I don't need worry if my words ever falter, he still understands and continue loving me. Mas na-eenjoy ko na din ang pagpipinta ko." Are still working on more?"

"Yeah, inspired kasi."

"By who, Sheena?"

I glance back on my canvas, its been while since I finish painting this fast, baka dahil nga sa sabi ng iba na pag may inspiration ka, pag nagmamahal ka parang iba na ang kulay ng mundo. I painted my attic room as if it's a portal to a magical world." That's a secret, Percival--- basta inspired ako. At dahil dun ang rami ko ulit nagagawa."

"Ang daya mo naman---you're keeping secrets from me."

"Fine! Fine. Iba ang definition ko ng ispired ha? I paint based on how view people and my previous interaction from them, it makes me excited and curious you know? Aside from you, and despite I'm already an outcast I'm seeing more and more of the secret or hidden side of others. Okay na?Gets mo logic ko?"

While I was wondering what else I could sketch or paint, Percival suddenly lifted my chin. His gesture made me look away, he step back as if trying to catch my eyes. " Seeing you go back to your hobbies and smile more makes me glad, Sheena. "

Then I saw a mirror."...You really do?"

Tumango siya." I want you to be in love with the world again, Hon."

I gulp, trying to take his words in. He's been giving me more attention since he have returned. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako at saka itinali ang buhok ko." S-sure, stop flattering me. I still have things to do. I'll paint a portrait this time, I'd show you the sketch in a little while."

Percival step back." Then I'll play piano, it helps in painting."

Tumayo ako para abutin ang salamin na ibinaba ko kanina dito sa living room. Nag-aayos kasi kami ng gamit. Nandito na yung ilang mga easels, canvas, at art materials ko para maiba naman ang ambiance ng bahay." Percival, don't messy things make you feel at ease sometimes? Kahit magulo na dito sa baba parang mas nagiging creative ang pakiramdam ko."

"Growth and beauty is found in imperfection, Hon." Usal ni Percival.

"That might be so, if everything is perfect, it would just be boring don't you think?" Tanong ko habang pinagmamasdan ko ang sarili ko sa salamin habang inaayos ang pwesto neto. I squinted, I'm not the best at self-portraits. Sa huli na lang yun. "Speaking of perfection, that painting I made...The one that look like you. I painted it based on what I think my ideal man would be. Don't you wonder why it's not a slightest bit like Ralph?"

Percival pressed the piano key." Ideals are the replacement of reality."

I shook my head." Art is here for me enjoy reality, not run away from it."

Percival playing is in perfect control, I can't feel a trace of emotion in it. I was still looking at the mirror as I listen." I see, I understand, Sheena.Ganyan din ang gusto ko para sayo. Nandito ako para pagandahin ang reality mo. Ayos lang sakin na si Ralph ang isipin mo kahit kasama mo ako."

His words are too good to be true, so I ask." Don't you get jealous?

Percival just answered softly." Should I be?"

I chuckled, mag-uumpisa na sana ako ng panibago canvas. "P-Percival-----your reflection."

Yet my boyfriend just hummed." I'm here, Sheena."

"P-Percival, nakikinig ka ba?" Nakatapat saming dalawa at sa piano ang salamin na inaayos ko, pero bakit ganto ang nakikita ko? Hindi ko agad nagawang makalingon. I thought could give up dreaming because reality is in my hands." M-Move or do something! You're here right?"

I look behind me finally...He's there...Playing the piano...

The serenade of the piano raved in the air, each tune raging with a heartfelt piece of what seems to be the mixture of Percival's devotion and passion towards the world. His fingers thrived to finish what he started, he didn't listen to me. But when I look back at the mirror, there is no one.

I thought he's dream come true...

But don't some dreams only come true when you lose your mind?