In the car, I returned the bag to Christopher and collapsed into the chair quietly. Christopher ruffled my hair affectionately with a smile. âWere you scared?â
I glared at him. âI was so frightened my legs went wobbly. Your mom saw me holding a bag full of condoms. Iâm so embarrassed!â
Christopher burst out laughing and teased me for being a coward. I took a condom out of the bag and tossed it at him. âHurry up and send me back home. You have a pretty date waiting for you at Clove Eatery, after all. Remember to take away some food for me later.â
âDo you want me to bring you back a coupleâs set?â Christopher teased. âYouâre jealous.â
âNo, Iâm not!â However, my denial sounded like the cover-up of a guilty person.
âAlright, youâre not jealous. By the way, I left something for you on the coffee table. After considering carefully, give me your answer. Iâll be waiting for you,â said Christopher out of nowhere.
When we arrived, Christopher gave me a steamy kiss and flashed his headlights three times as usual. He was about to leave when I yelled out, âChristopher, what does flashing the headlights thrice mean?â
âWhy donât you make a guess? Eve, Iâll wait for your correct answer.â With that, Christopher stepped on the accelerator and sped away. It just so happened that a car was driving past, so he flashed the headlights three times on purpose and stuck his head out of the window.
âIf you get it correct, youâll get a prize. Letâs see who gets the correct answer first. I still remember the story about the planes and love.â Christopher grinned.
I watched as his flashy sports car sped away. Pouting, I muttered to myself, âWhy is he so mysterious? Iâm sure Iâll be able to get it right!â
Back home, I rummaged around the coffee table before noticing a card. It was an invitation card, so I thought it was for a party or something similar. When I read it carefully, it turned out to be an invitation to join a contestâthe National Youth Art Exhibition and Contest.
It seemed like it was a reputable event that would be held three months later. I spotted a few renowned artists among the judges who I got to know when I first started learning how to draw. Recently, most contests had turned into publicity stunts and advertisements, but still, the top three winners of the contest had to be capable enough to secure the spots.
Where did Christopher get the invitation from?
I held the card as mixed emotions overwhelmed my heart. Christopher seemed strangely confident in my skills. He was sure I could produce a breathtaking art piece. I had no idea where he got his confidence from.
My first thought was to say no. The contest would be held three months later. It would take around six months for the few rounds of exhibitions to end. I was certain I wouldnât even qualify for the second round with my horrible drawing skills.
Strangely, Monicaâs face popped up in my mind. She was glowing brightly like the moon, while Christopher was burning like the sun. One of them was burning with passion, while the other was as gentle as flowing water.
After our previous discussion, Christopher didnât mention he wanted to bring me back home again. Is he giving me a chance to show my talent and let me shine so I can visit his parents confidently?
As I caressed the card, my heart leaped in joy. He had paved the path for me, so I should forge ahead bravely and show my talents. No one would want to be a nobody. In the end, I kept the card carefully in the drawer.
I took out my easel as inspiration flowed out like water escaping a dam. I hurriedly drew everything out on paper. Eyes that couldnât cry; the blissful feeling; everything could be expressed in a painting.
When my phone rang, I thought it was Christopher. I answered and asked with a smile, âWhat is it?â
Lyleâs voice sounded over the line. âYvonne, forgive me for saying those words back then. I was too mad to see you and Christopher together. Come downstairs. Iâm waiting for you here. I need to talk to you about something important.â