Page 10 of Costume Party Crush
“Ok Kaleb, it’s go time,” I said to myself. I grabbed a set of chalk markers so that I could outline my plan and make changes before the actual painting started, and decided that starting from the center and moving out was the best way to ensure that I kept everything as I wanted it.
Satisfied that everything was ready, I popped in my earbuds and started my music.
My hips swayed to the beat as I began to outline, different colored chalk symbolizing the colors I’d use in the final piece.
Every once in a while I’d catch somebody inside smiling at me as I danced to my work, which made me grin in return.
Smiles was what my work was about, whether I was in the process of creating it, or as they saw the final product.
I’d just stepped down from the ladder when I felt a tap on the shoulder. I yelped in surprise and turned to see a pleasant-looking woman standing behind me.
“Yes?” I asked as I pulled one of my earbuds free.
“Megan Quinn from the Valle Granja Gazette,” she announced. “May I have a moment?”
I blinked several times. “Umm… me?”
She laughed. “I don’t see anybody else.”
“Is this for some sort of public opinion thing?” I asked. “I’m kinda busy.”
Another laugh. “No, we spotted you working on the windows, and I got the ok to write a small piece for our local section.”
“Wait… what?”
She smiled, and I had the feeling that it had to be a slow news day. “The city usually doesn’t have their windows painted for holidays, so I wanted to find out more about it.”
“Oh… um…” I said, scratching the back of my neck. “Sean Jefferson is probably the man to ask. He’s the one who called me.”
She nodded. “Good to know. Can I take some photos of you working and set up a time to ask questions?”
“Sure, I guess.”
“Great!”
I motioned to the windows. “May I…?”
“Of course!” she chirped. “We’ll snap a few pics and be back later for an interview.”
“After lunch, please,” I requested.
She nodded then took several steps back.
I blew out a shuddering breath, popped my earbud back in and stepped a few feet away from the ladder to start outlining the next section.
Maybe I should have expected it, but the potential visibility of my work just took another leap.
∞∞∞
Two and a half days of work had really tested my speed and stamina, but I knew I was getting close to finished. If all went well I’d only need the afternoon to focus on the fine details that would make the piece complete.
I’d stepped back to examine the painting and decide what needed to be done, when Sean stepped out.
“It looks fantastic!” he said as he walked up. “Is it done?”
I shook my head. “Still some detail work to do, but I think I’ll finish today.”
“I’m excited to see the finished result.”
