Chapter 24: Chapter 24

I enter the room and find a spacious area filled with natural light. I see other people arriving, some with brushes and paints in their hands, others with sketchbooks and pencils. I feel a mix of admiration and insecurity as I observe the other students, all seeming so talented and dedicated.

Soon, the teacher enters the room and warmly greets us. She is a renowned artist and her inspiring words calm me down a bit. She introduces us to the course program and expectations for the semester. I feel excited and determined to absorb everything I can.

"Well, before we officially start, I would like to get to know a little about each of you, your career goals, and other things," the teacher says. I see a girl raise her hand, the first one to speak up.

"Hi, my name is Sarah and I love painting, the feeling I get from expressing myself through my canvases is... Indescribable."

"I understand that very well..." another student responds. "I feel the same way when I'm creating my sculptures."

"Hm, so we have a sculptor here?" the teacher smiles. "What's your name?"

"Miguel."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miguel. Does anyone else have any other skills they want to share?"

Another girl nods.

"Hi, my name is Hannah and... I'm a photographer. I love capturing moments and telling stories through images."

Several more people introduce themselves, and when everyone has finished, I speak up.

"Hello, I'm Alice and... I love drawing. It's through my drawings that I can express myself better and let off steam."

"Excellent, Alice," she smiles at me. "I see this class is full of talents. Let's take this opportunity to learn from each other. Now, let's talk a little about the history of art."

The teacher introduces us to the main artistic movements and famous artists, while we discuss their influences and styles.

***

The next class begins and now we are all sitting in a circle with canvases in front of us.

"I want you to free yourselves from conventional forms and explore abstraction in your works. Let your creativity flow!" says the teacher, and immediately the classroom is filled with the sound of brushes moving on canvas and lively conversations.

"I'm a little nervous. I've never done anything like this before. Will I be able to do it?" I hear the guy sitting next to me say.

"Of course you will!" encourages the girl next to him.

And then, I decide to encourage him too.

"At first, it may seem difficult, but... soon you'll get the hang of it."

"You see? Just let it flow..." says the girl.

I see the guy take a deep breath and start painting his canvas.

The goal of the class was to do warm-up exercises to loosen our hands and stimulate our creativity through abstract art. Gradually, I start feeling more comfortable. I pick up the brushes and paints, and let my imagination flow. Despite some doubts and uncertainties, I dive into the painting with passion, expressing my view of the world on the paper.

"This color turned out completely different from what I was expecting, but I like it!" said the girl who had encouraged the other student. "Because... I think that's what makes abstraction so exciting. We never know exactly how it will turn out in the end."

"Exactly, Sarah," said the professor as he walked around the room, observing the students' progress and giving guidance as he stopped in front of her canvas. Then he looked around the room and said, "Remember to try different techniques and approaches. Don't be afraid to take risks and express yourself freely!"

"Professor, I'm struggling with creating an abstract composition. Any tips?" said one of the boys in the room.

"Try to distance yourself from the desire to represent something specific. Let yourself be guided by intuition and the movement of colors and shapes. Abstraction is about freeing yourself from the constraints of realism and exploring the unknown," the professor advised.

I followed the professor's advice and returned to painting, experimenting with different colors, textures, and shapes.

"Wow! Your drawing looks great!" said the boy next to me.

I lifted my face from the canvas to look at him.

"Your color choices are simply amazing. They complement each other so well and bring the artwork to life."

"Oh, thank you very much," I smiled. "I was experimenting with watercolor technique to create an abstract landscape."

"I must admit, I really like it too," said the girl sitting on my left. "I think you've explored the possibilities of the medium in an interesting way, and the way you worked with abstract forms intrigued me."

I looked at her and kept my smile.

"Thank you very much. I'm glad you liked it too. I still need to finish it."

"Hm... Can I give you a suggestion?"

"Sure."

"I really like the vibrant colors and the texture, and I think you could further explore the shapes to make it even more interesting, like adding an abstract human figure, for example."

"Great suggestion! I'll work on that. Thank you!"

"If you need help, I can assist you with the proportions of the human body and provide some visual references."

"Sure, I appreciate your help."

"By the way, my name is Hannah," she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

"I'm Alice," I shook her hand.

Hannah moved her stool closer to mine, and I started adding the detail she had suggested.

During the class, I began interacting with my classmates. We talked about art, shared ideas, and praised each other's work. I realized that everyone had their own insecurities and doubts, but we were all in this artistic journey together.

Time flew by, and soon the professor announced the end of the class, giving constructive feedback on my work, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. I felt grateful for his guidance and eager to improve.

As I left the room, I felt exhausted but also filled with enthusiasm. The first day of class had been challenging, but it was also filled with learning and inspiration. I was grateful for the opportunity to study what I love and be part of this artistic community.

As I walk through the campus towards the exit, I hear someone calling my name.

“Alice, wait!”

I look back and see two girls from my art class.

“Ah, Hannah, hi!” I smile.

The girl immediately comes up to my side, along with her friend.

“Sarah and I are going to a café nearby, do you want to join us?"

“Hm...” I think for a moment. It wouldn't be bad to make some new friends. “Sure.”

“Perfect!” the blonde girl smiles cheerfully.

***

I sit in one of the chairs at the café and glance over the menu to decide what to order.

“How did you like your first day?” Hannah asks, starting a conversation.

“It was good. I hope I can keep up with the learning process here. Since it's a bit different from my college in Los Angeles.”

“Los Angeles?” she says surprised. “You're not from here? Your British accent is great.”

“Actually... I was born in London, but I had to move to Brazil when I was younger... It's a long family story. Then I moved to Los Angeles and now... I recently moved to London with my boss.”

“Your boss?” the girls exchange surprised and mischievous looks.

“And who would that be?” Hannah puts her hand on her chin, looking at me mischievously.

“Joshua Scott.”

“What?” their lips part slightly. “Joshua Scott? Owner of one of the biggest perfume companies in London? No way!”

“I used to work as a maid in his parents' house in Los Angeles and he offered me a job.”

“Wow! Teach me that! I would love to work as a maid for a sexy and rich guy like him.”

I let out a amused laugh at their words. I place my order and the girls do the same.

***

I receive a message on my phone, it's from Joshua.

Are you done with college? Can I pick you up?

I'm at a café near the college. I send the message to him.

Okay, I'll come get you.

“Are you sure you don't want us to accompany you?” Hannah asked.

“It's fine, I can take a taxi.” I smile in gratitude.

“Alright, then we'll see you tomorrow.” The girls get up from their chairs and walk towards the exit of the café.

I stay in my seat, waiting for Joshua to arrive, and in the meantime, I take the opportunity to send some messages to my mom. And suddenly, I see my phone being taken from my hands and a person sitting in the chair across from me.

“Excuse me...?” I look indignantly at the man who did that.

"What's wrong, my love? Are you going to treat me like this?" the guy asked. I looked at him completely bewildered. Who was this man?

"Who are you?" I question, leaning forward, trying to retrieve my phone, but the stranger dodges.

"Don't be like this with your boyfriend, Alice," he said.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" I shout, annoyed.

Some people sitting around us looked at us, all with curious looks.

"You're making a scene, darling."

"Look..." I immediately stand up from the chair. "I don't know who you are, I don't know how you know my name, but know that this is a very tasteless joke! Now, give me back my phone," I raise my hand, "unless you want me to call the police right now."

"You're going to call the police on me?" He smirks mockingly.

"Miss, is everything okay?" asks one of the waiters at the location.

"It's fine, it's just that my girlfriend is a little upset today." He gets up from the chair and grabs my wrist.

"What? Let me go! I don't even know you!" I scream, trying to break free.

"Sir, I suggest you do what the young lady said," the waiter says seriously.

"It's fine, there's just been a misunderstanding," he says with a repulsive smile on his face.

"Let me go!"

"Shut up!"

I groan as I feel him tighten his grip on my wrist.

"Let her go." I hear a familiar voice speak coldly through the room.

I look to the side and see Joshua.

I confess I've never been so relieved to see him as I am now.

"What's up, man?" he turns to look at him. "Don't interfere in couples' arguments."

"Couples?" Joshua furrows his brow. "You better let her go. And I won't ask again." His voice sounds even colder. I could swear Joshua would kill him if he had the chance.

"And what are you going to do?" He challenges Mr. Scott's son and pushes his chest with his free hand.

Surely this wouldn't end well.

"What's the matter? Are you scared?" he says in a confrontational tone.

In a swift move, Joshua lands a punch on the guy's face, making everyone in the establishment look shocked at what's happening.

The stranger touches the spot where Joshua's punch had done damage, and a few drops of blood emerge.

During that moment, I manage to break free from the grasp of the stranger. I approach Joshua, who immediately wraps his arms around me, hugging me.

"Are you okay?" he asks, examining my face. "Did he hurt you?"

"I-I'm okay," I stutter, despite my wrist being slightly sore from the stranger's force.

And just when I thought it was all over, I see Joshua being pulled away from me and a punch being thrown at his face. I immediately cover my mouth with my hands, shocked.

Suddenly I saw Joshua and the stranger in a fight that wouldn't end well. Some men in the establishment tried to break them apart, but not before half of the place had their belongings broken. Tables and more tables shattered.

"Someone call the police!" the owner said.

I covered my face with my hands as I watched Joshua landing blow after blow on the stranger's face. It seemed like a never-ending fight. Joshua was winning, but he didn't seem satisfied until they finally managed to restrain him and make him stop.

What the hell got into him?

"Someone call an ambulance too," someone said.

I opened my eyes and was shocked by the condition the stranger was in, his face covered in blood.

What did Joshua do...?

***

Due to the commotion, everyone ended up at the police station, including me. I was still in disbelief about the situation the stranger was in.

"Let's go home," Joshua said as he walked out of the detective's office.

"How is the guy doing?"

"He hurt you and you're worried about him?" He raised his eyebrows, walking past me.

"You didn't have to almost break his face," I said.

"He deserved it!"

"I know, he was an idiot, but still..."

"Alice!" Joshua turned quickly to face me. "I was trying to protect you. And I wouldn't hesitate to do that when it comes to someone I care about." His words surprised me. "Besides, after the beating he took, he admitted that he was hired to act that way." Joshua started walking again.

"Hired?" I questioned. "What do you mean?"

"He said a woman named 'Madelyn' hired him to do it."

I froze, speechless.

"She hired someone to harass me?" I asked in shock. "She wouldn't be that crazy, would she?"

"Honestly, I'm starting to believe I have a psycho ex-girlfriend." He sighed.

"So... That guy is not at fault!"

"Of course he is!" Joshua argued. "He had the option not to do what she told him, but he still acted in bad faith."

"But if there was money involved, not everyone can ignore it."

"Good people can."

"But what about you? You could tarnish your reputation with this, getting into a fight."

"If the reason is because I defended someone, I don't care." He continued walking through the police station.

"But..."

"Alice!" He turned to me again. "You should just be grateful that I saved you, even though the results weren't so good." He pointed to his black eye. "I prevented that man from doing something to you, so... Please stop worrying and just be grateful that I showed up in time!"

I looked at him, surprised.

"Wait... Are you angry?"

"What do you think?" he continues walking. "I was just hoping to hear gratitude, not reproach."

I reflect on his words.

"Sorry, it's just... I'm really shaken up by all of this."

"Everyone who was in that café is, believe me," he says seriously. "Now let's go, I don't want to see that bastard's face again."

Joshua reaches down and grabs my hand, pulling me down the corridor towards the exit of the police station.

***

I get in the car and fasten my seatbelt. Joshua is in a foul mood. He doesn't look at me for a single second, just focuses on the road.

"Where are we going? I noticed you didn't take the route to your apartment," I ask, trying to break the silence.

"I've decided to change plans. We're going somewhere far away where I can think."

"Is it still about what happened?"

He sighs a little loudly.

"Let's not talk about it, please. I don't want to fill my head with it again."

I nod my head and decide to stay silent. I didn't want to make Joshua any more irritated than he already seemed to be.

We drive a few more kilometers when suddenly the car starts slowing down gradually.

"Shit..." he mutters.

"What happened?"

"I don't know. The car just died," he says, trying to start it again.

"It can't be..." I look out of the car window, realizing we were in the middle of nowhere. "Where were you trying to go?"

"To my country house. I always go there when I'm not feeling well. Can you lend me your phone? I'll try to call for help."

I nod my head and open my bag, taking out my phone and handing it to Joshua.

"There's no reception here," he says, opening the car door and stepping outside.

I watch his actions and do the same.

"I can't find any reception," he emphasizes.

"What are we going to do?"

"I saw a motel a few kilometers back. We can walk there and ask for help," he suggests.