Episode 13
At home, Noah and Lily were settling in. Lily sat on the couch, completely absorbed in her drawing, trying her best to imitate Noah’s painting style on the paper. She had also brought over her supplies, which were part of the items Noah had fetched from his before.
Lily noticed the canvas Noah had set up on the side, and with a curious glance, she grabbed it, eager to try her hand at painting. She remembered that Noah had mentioned he would be submitting his work again after the upcoming exhibition next month, and that excitement sparked something in her. She wanted to be part of it too.
With a focused expression, Lily began experimenting with her brushstrokes, not quite as confident as Noah, but filled with determination. She looked over at him, admiring his skill.
Noah Rivera
*sitting nearby*
Noah Rivera
What’s this, Lily *setting down his own paintbrush as he glanced at the canvas she was working on*
Lily Evans
I’m trying to paint like you! I want to submit something too, after your exhibition next month
Noah Rivera
*chuckled* Well, you’re off to a great start. Just keep practicing, and who knows? Maybe we’ll be submitting work side by side
Lily Evans
Yeah! Maybe we can even have our own exhibition together someday
Noah Rivera
Sounds like a plan
As the two of them continued to work side by side, the air was filled with a quiet sense of creativity and shared passion, both of them eagerly looking forward to what the future would bring
As the afternoon passed, the soft hum of the brushes moving across the canvas created a peaceful atmosphere in the house. Noah, who had initially planned to focus on his own painting, found himself glancing over at Lily every so often, watching her delicate yet determined movements. There was something about the way she poured herself into the process that reminded him of his own childhood, the quiet moments when he would lose himself in his art.
Lily, unaware of Noah’s watchful gaze, was completely immersed in her work. She concentrated hard, her brow furrowing as she carefully blended colors together. Occasionally, she would look over at Noah’s canvas for inspiration, trying to mimic his techniques, though her work was still more abstract and filled with splashes of color than the precise brushstrokes Noah typically favored.
Noah’s phone buzzed on the counter, and he quickly reached for it. He glanced at the screen to see a text from Aiden.
Aiden Blake
📱I’m heading home now. Everything went smoothly at the office. Hope you and Lily are doing well
Noah Rivera
📱We’re good! Lily’s getting better at painting, and I’m getting some work done too. See you soon!
He put his phone down and turned back to his own canvas
Lily Evans
*Lily stood up*
Lily Evans
*holding her canvas out triumphantly* Look! What do you think?
Noah turned to her, admiring her work. It was a collection of bold colors and energetic strokes, almost as if she had painted her feelings onto the canvas. While it wasn’t a perfect replica of his style, it had something special—something raw and full of potential.
Noah Rivera
This is amazing, Lily
Noah Rivera
You’ve really captured the energy in your work. I’m proud of you
Lily Evans
*looking at her canvas with pride*
Lily Evans
Thanks! Maybe I can show it to Daddy when he gets home!
Lily Evans
*bouncing on her heels*
Noah Rivera
*laughed softly* i’m sure he’ll love it
As if on cue, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway reached their ears. Lily’s eyes lit up as she ran to the window, peering outside.
Lily Evans
Daddy’s home *shouted before rushing toward the door*
Noah watched her go, feeling a little surge of happiness for the little family he had become a part of. He turned back to his own work.
When Aiden stepped through the door, he was greeted by a flurry of excitement from Lily, who immediately ran up to him and showed off her painting. Aiden kneeled down, examining it with a smile.
Aiden Blake
this is incredible, sweetie *pulled her into a hug before looking over at Noah*
Aiden Blake
You’ve been teaching her well
Noah Rivera
She’s a natural. I’m just guiding her a little
Aiden Blake
Well, I’m glad you’re here. Both of you
Aiden Blake
*Stood up and walked over to Noah* I’ll have to get you both something special to celebrate this
Noah Rivera
No need for that *feeling a warmth creep up his neck*
Noah Rivera
Just being here is enough
Aiden Blake
Well, I appreciate you being here. You’re not just ‘here’ for the moment. You’ve become a part of our little world
The simple words hit Noah harder than expected, and for a brief moment, his thoughts went quiet, overwhelmed by the sincerity in Aiden’s voice.
Lily Evans
*tugged on Aiden’s sleeve*
Lily Evans
Daddy! We should hang up my painting in the living room
Aiden Blake
*chuckled and stood* I guess we’ve got an art exhibition to set up
Noah Rivera
*smile* I think I’d like that
As Aiden and Lily made their way to the living room, Noah took one last look at the unfinished painting on his easel, feeling hopeful about what was to come.
Lily had finally fallen asleep, and Noah was still in the living room, absorbed in his painting.
Aiden, who had just come out of his room, noticed Noah still working on the canvas. He walked over, curiosity in his voice.
Aiden Blake
What’s that for? Are you planning to sell it?
Aiden Blake
*leaning against the doorframe*
Noah Rivera
Nah, not this one. It’s more of a personal project. I’m just trying to improve, you know?
Aiden Blake
*raised an eyebrow* Personal project, huh? You’ve been at it for hours. You’re really passionate about this
Noah Rivera
*wiping a bit of paint from his hand onto a rag* Yeah, I guess you could say that. It’s more about self-expression than anything else
Aiden Blake
I can see that. It’s nice to see you so focused. You’ve got a lot of talent
Noah Rivera
thanks. I’m still figuring things out
Aiden Blake
*took a step closer*
Aiden Blake
*looking at the canvas*
Aiden Blake
You’re doing great. I can see the progress. I think Lily will be proud of you too
Noah Rivera
I hope so. I want to show her that if you work hard enough, you can really make something out of what you love
Aiden Blake
I think you’re already doing that. Just keep at it
Noah felt a surge of gratitude, silently appreciating the support Aiden had shown.
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