Horizons(part 5)

Lee had just finished the last stroke of the border he had hand painted along the top of the kitchen wall. The intricate pattern had taken him over a week to complete and the final result was on the verge of masterful. The entrance into the kitchen was painted as an arced opening supported by grand pillars. Passing through the opening into the small room the viewer was entranced into a breathtaking view from an orchard-laced veranda overlooking a lush ancient Grecian valley. The walls that ran parallel to each side reflected perfectly the image of vibrant multi-colored blossoms sprouting from swirling green vines that flowed symmetrically with the side columns of the balcony. But, the heart of the masterpiece lay on the middle wall where the table sat. Here Lee had created the illusion of looking down into the valley where a Corinthian blue river meandered gracefully from the distant mountains that were crowned by a timeless Athenian sky. The effect was simply staggering.

Wiping his brow, Lee stood back to scrutinize his work. Always critical of himself, this time even he found it hard to find much fault in his artistry. As he scanned the illusion, he sighed to himself. He had always loved painting, whether on a canvas, or a wall, or the tank of a motorcycle, it didn’t matter to him. Painting was the mistress of his passion. He left himself and the world as the images flowed from his mind and exploded into three-dimensional life. Brush and color consummated to reveal snapshots of his innermost being. When he painted, Lee was free and alive. Yet, something within him kept him from pursuing his gift. An undefined fear crept from the shadows of his thoughts, telling him that guys with his background never succeeded. He had never been formally schooled in the arts. He didn’t have a portfolio that attested to his talent. He wouldn’t admit that he harbored a fear of success or that he lacked the courage to take the next step to claiming his dream.

Courage was not a problem with Blanche as she impatiently banged on Lee’s door with her cane. Lee’s surprise at her presence was obvious and before he could offer a greeting Blanche implored, “Do ya like peach cobbler?”

“Ummm, yeah, I guess so.” Lee answered.

“Well, do ya or don’t’cha?” Blanche demanded.

“Yes, I like peach cobbler.” Lee replied, feeling like he was facing a strict schoolmarm.

“Well then come on and give me a ride to Wilson’s. They got peaches on sale today.”

Lee hesitated and began to protest, “I’ve got a lot to do around here…”but, seeing Blanches’ eyebrows start to scrunch in a look of consternation, he simply replied a resigned, “Yes ma’am.”

“And another thing, put on some clean clothes and comb your hair. I don’t want people thinking I’ve lowered what little standards I have!” Blanched instructed.

 Lee nodded in surrender. He knew better than to argue. He figured it would be better to tug on the ear of an angry grizzly than to take Blanche on. Lordy, she was one feisty lady!

On the drive to the market, Blanche pulled no punches and grilled Lee on his background, probing for information of his character. Normally, Lee was the type to keep his intimacies to himself, but Blanche was a surgeon at extracting details from people. Thankfully they reached their destination. Lee felt as if he had been ran through the Spanish Inquisition.

When the two of them entered the store, Lee was surprised to see Betty walking up to them.

“Well, imagine seeing you two here!” Betty exclaimed as she approached.

There was a tone in her voice that hinted to Lee that Betty wasn’t as truly surprised to see them as she let on.

“We came here for some peaches,” answered Blanche.

Lee was barely able to utter a hello to Betty before Blanche was poking him with her cane, “Now you go and get them peaches while me and Bett get the other makings for the cobbler. Go on now!”

Lee shook his head and started off to find the peaches. Just before he was out of earshot he heard Blanche tell Betty, “I

think he’ll do just fine.” Lee wondered what that was supposed to mean.

As he rounded the corner to the produce aisle he was listening to the music floating from the overhead speakers. It was a strange, melodic tune from a long lost era. Lee guessed it to be from the 1930’s. The male singer was crooning in a hypnotic, swaying manner, about finding his one and only true love, just beyond the next hill. For a moment Lee was caught up in the story of the song and his eyes faded. When he re-focused his sight he saw Michelle standing in front of the peach bin, unaware of his presence. She was studying the fruit, one hand propped on her cheek in concentration, the other unconsciously rubbing her pregnant tummy. The store lights fell softly on her long hair creating an illusion of honey flowing about her face and shoulders. Lee watched as her hands delicately stroked the surface of the fruit as she sorted through the bin. He found himself holding his breath; his mind entranced with her every movement. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Lee had never seen a more beautiful woman.

 

With Betty and Blanche peeking around the corner watching and Rudy Valee serenading from above, Lee slowly took the first steps toward his destiny.

To be continued…