Lost Or Denial

The earth seemed to come back to life as the new orchid buds bloomed in the lush lawn, surrounded by the chattering of birds.

Theresa was facing the large sliding balcony window with her reflection visible on it. Her face was obscured by the easel canvas stand board, leaving just the pair of her blazing brown eyes fixated in the canvas.

The room, which has wooden floors, a ceiling with light frescoes, and a light gray wall, is small yet adequate for her to organize her thoughts. There was a little cabinet in the corner that contained sketchbooks, poster and pencil colors, crayons, lid pencils, Kleenex, and everything else an artist may need.

Her phone beeped loudly in the empty room which diverted her attention. She ignored the call from the phone that was on the table since she was too busy to engage in gossip.

Her other hand had a pallet of red and yellow acrylic paint, and she dipped the tip of her paintbrush into it. She finished off her three hours of effort by precisely shaping the texture.

With the paintbrush in her teeth, Theresa examined her masterpiece up close. The rarity paragon painting depicted the phoenix, a fabled mythical creature, in all its unparalleled glory. It was phenomenal and realistic. Theresa was a prodigy in the arts despite not being a professional artist.

"Finally, I did it!" Theresa sighed and jumped in joy. Walking to the table, she placed the palette and paintbrush on it.

With a yawn, Theresa stretched her body, before staring at her paint-spattered hands, "I need to clean up."

She reached into the cupboard and unlocked the drawer in search of a packet of wet tissues. She wiped her hands before throwing the used tissue in the nearby trash can.

It was late afternoon, the setting sun bathed the room in its warm light. Tiny specks of dust seemed to dance in the shaft of afternoon sunlight that slanted through the window.

Theresa slided the window, that's when the cool breeze touched her messy hair bun. She exhaled the clean air while beaming.

Ambling over to the orchid tree, she embraced its sturdy trunk. "Look at you, Orchid. It's already spring, and soon purple blossoms will cover you. Time really does pass quickly." Theresa took some time to admire the tree.

"Am I really missing something or perhaps someone? Why do I end up searching a part of me that feels forgotten whenever I see you?" Theresa pondered, her gaze pierced in the breezy blue sky leaning up against the tree.

"Nonsense! It's all because I planted you when I was young. Orchid, you are aware that you will complete three this year. Anyhow, I have to go inside. I'm sure Mom is waiting for me; talk to you tomorrow. Be careful, lovely. Tata!" Theresa grinned, kissing it. She stepped away from the tree, running towards her room.

This is weird but Theresa has always been a nature lover and has a strange affinity for communicating with plants. She doesn't mind that people think she's a little insane.

She shut the window after taking one more look at the orchid buds. Her eyes swiftly landed on the dry paintbrush and palette. "Oh! I completely missed it." She picked it up and exited from the room to clean it.

"Theresa!" Her beloved mother Thalia, reached out to her. She was in the living room, resided in the couch and examining her newly launched nail-polish.

Thalia was a makeup artist, entrepreneur and the founder of 'Demithe Cosmetics' which was one of the most well-known businesses in Greece. Powerful. Endearing. She is a boss lady. Theresa resembled a lot like her mother in terms of facial and physical features, traits, habits and behaviour. Theresa is always referred to as "Little Thalia" by those closest to her. Theresa adores and respects her mother greatly for who she is.

"Yes, mother. I'll return to you right away after I finish cleaning." Theresa responded as she disposed of the paintbrush and palette in the washbasin.

"This girl...." Thalia clicked her tongue and continued checking on her product.

Theresa turned the tap, the water poured out, she washed it thoroughly, patted it dry with a tissue, and put it back in the cupboard, where it belonged.

"Yes, mom. Is there something you need to say?" Theresa questioned, taking a seat beside her mother as she scrutinized the products.

"Is this the newly launched nail polish?" Theresa uttered in excitement.

"Are you ignoring him?" Thalia turns her attention from her freshly painted nail polish to her daughter.

"Well, it's him, not me." Theresa shrugged before applying the creamy peach nail-polish in her index finger.

"Why are you so arrogant?" Thalia hissed, scrunching her brows. "Genetics." Her lips stretched into a thin grin.

Thalia sighed, her expression growing gloomy. "Anyways, the girls will be here in an hour."

"Oh shit! I completely forgot." She then remembered her phone, "Now, I understand. They must be the one who called me." She mumbled and dashed back to her room.

"Hey, hold on! Where are you running, girl?"

———

Meanwhile, in the room, the window was wide open. A tall sturdy, muscular physique guy dressed in black shirt and pants, stood facing the window. He was gazing at the exquisite painting of the Phoenix when his golden eyes gleamed in the warm orange hue of the sun.

The door knob clacked and Theresa entered. She was alarmed for a while however as soon as she recognized him, she relaxed.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice cuts in. She leans against the doorframe with her arms crossed and her jaw clenched.

That man turned on his heels to face her. His ethereal sapphire blue eyes stared Theresa affectionately. His perfect shaped nose and pinkish lips were as charming as his handsome face. The black quiff hair matched his look incredibly showed his admirable taste in fashion.

"Didn't you miss me?" He asked flirtatiously. A small smile slashed across his face.