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Monday afternoon found me working on my painting. My thoughts kept returning to the dinner I had shared with the family. Notwithstanding my aunt staring daggers at me from across the table, it had been very nice. Another thought that preoccupied my mind was my dad. When had he come into my mom's life? Had they dated or was it just a hook up? Had she even remembered him? Did he remember her? Was it possible that for a time my mom had been happy despite the secrets that haunted her? I truly hope that was so. Ms. Whitney interrupted my thoughts.
“Lark, could I have a minute, please?”
I wondered what was on her mind because I knew she didn't generally like interrupting a painter at work. It was something she found intolerable when others did it to her. Placing my brush down, I joined her at her desk.
“Please have a seat. There's something I would like to discuss with you.”
I settled in the chair, but I was nervous. Luckily, she didn't make me wait long before she just got right to it.
“Have you heard of the Logan Dupree scholarship?”
“No.”
“It's given to one graduating senior every year: a full academic scholarship to any school of your choosing.”
“Wow, that's quite a scholarship, but isn't it a little late to apply?” Ms. Whitney and I had already applied for pretty much every art scholarship out there, but I didn't remember this one.
“Well, I'll get to that in a minute. The recipient is required to mentor with Logan Dupree, and due to his wife giving birth this summer, you would have to move to Harrington, Maine the last week of April. I've already discussed this with your teachers. They have all agreed to give you your exams early. You would miss the senior prom, though.”
She acted as if I had already won the scholarship. “I don't understand.”
“I applied for you—submitted a portfolio of your work—but I didn't say anything because it was a long shot, but such an incredible opportunity if you did win it.”
She reached over her desk and took my hands into hers. A smile spread over her face. “Lark, you won the scholarship.”
It took me a minute to understand what she said and another few minutes to process it. Two weeks ago I would have accepted it immediately, and it was stupid to even ponder not accepting it, but now there was Bastian.
“A scholastic opportunity like this comes only once in a lifetime.”
“I know. How long do I have to make my decision?”
“February.”
“Okay, so I have time.”
“Yes, but I do so hope you take it.”
“Thank you, Ms. Whitney, for applying for me.”
“You are very talented. Despite what else is happening in your life, please don't lose focus on that. Think of David Cambre and the joy you feel when studying one of his sculptures. Now imagine if he had gotten sidetracked and deprived the world of his art before he died. Your gift should be shared.”
“You're right and thank you. I'll let you know.”
***
I was distracted for the rest of the day and ended up skipping lunch to spend the time Googling Logan Dupree. Damn, the man was talented. Having an opportunity to mentor under him really was a once in a lifetime chance.
His wife, Saffron—cool name—was expecting their second child in July. He sounded like a dream. He had learned to have both a family and a career, and so it wasn't just art I could learn from him.
My thoughts turned to Bastian. He was the reason for my hesitation and for good reason because deep down I knew he felt for me what I did for him. It was crazy, this attraction between us, but it was real and something I really wanted to explore.
I headed for my locker when the final bell rang, but I was so lost in thought, I didn't realize Bastian was waiting for me until he said my name.
“Lark, are you okay? You've been kind of out of it today.”
“I just have some things on my mind.”
“Your conversation with your uncle?”
