Secrets, Lies & Revenge by Ben Andrews

Author:Ben Andrews [Andrews, Ben]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-01-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Making a Splash

EMILY WAS SPENDING more time painting since moving to Beechwood. There was something about the calmness of the street that allowed her to relax, to lose herself in her work. All those years, she was surrounded by the hate and aggression from her gran. Told endless stories about the death of her parents — how tragic it was and how unfair. Cynthia’s mind was engrossed with revenge, spending every day trying to figure everything out. Her father fixated on the loss of Emily’s mother the same as Cynthia, both winding each other up. She remembered the nights he’d come home, telling her of another lead, tracking down the woman who took her away. Then that night arrived. He left in uniform to approach the house, to find her only to be killed before he could report home. Mugged and killed on the way home from work, it was all so convenient. It only made Cynthia more determined to make the plan work this time. Cynthia had convinced Emily that this was all that mattered. Yet now she was here, it felt wrong. Who hasn’t made mistakes in their past? How could Cynthia be so sure that it was Ava? How did she know Ava was unremorseful? She paid her dues, did her time, and found a better life for herself. Was that really so bad? If it wasn’t for Emily’s lucky fortune, she’d still be broke, living in her old two bedroom flat with her grandma, painting depressing canvases of art in her room. Emily went to her sketchbook, skimming through each page. It was like a diary, each page scrawled with anger and darkness — pain. Yet her art had changed since moving. Not just in technique, but in tone as well. Seeing a therapist had helped her see the world differently, and not just through Cynthia’s eyes. A tap came from the window and Emily jumped, turning to face Nick standing before her.

“Sorry to bother you, Emily,” he said, “I noticed someone was in here and thought I’d see what art you were busy creating.” Nick stepped into her studio.

“Come in Nick. I could do with some fresh air really. I’ve never gotten used to the paint fumes. What do you think?” Emily asked, stepping back to reveal the canvas to him.

“These are something, Emily. Who knew you had such a vivid mind?” Nick flicked through her sketchbook, ignoring the canvas she had worked on.

“That’s my old stuff, mainly from college. Do you think they’re any good?”

Nick looked back up at Emily with surprise. “I do, actually. They’re real. From the heart. You have genuine passion. Don’t tell her I said this, but Ava’s never had passion. Her interior design business never got off the ground because she had no real want to do well. Your art, however, just comes naturally. Maybe it’s this studio but you don’t seem to be short of inspiration. Judging by your recent stuff, you’re happier as well.” Nick replied, now noticing her newer artwork.

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