The Finer Arts

*Scene: II * Skeptical

Narrator:

Instead of bathing in fresh air and warm rays of light, everyone has moved to Nova's apartment. I don't quite understand how anyone can call this shack an apartment. They're not even that clean. A coffee cup with a dark liquid coagulated at the bottom. There were tiny ground green leaves stuck to her coffee table. It can't be catnip, she doesn't have any cats. My, she must really like tea then. Anyway, her dad stands, emotionless with arms crossed. He's quite intimidating. Ice cold grey eyes that pierce right through you. broad shoulders, years worth of beer rounding out his stomach. I can understand why he doesn't have many friends.. He smells of cheap tobacco and motor oil.

Nova:

Here it comes, folks. What you all came here for. My dad's unwavering skepticism and endless amounts of two-cents. "I'm going to pursue digital art. They have some of the most renowned artists teaching there! I have to go!" My dad rolled his eyes, right on cue. "I've told you this before, Nova. Art doesn't pay the bills. Pursue something with more than just colors to it " I huffed in frustration as i go to start on my point, " Listen, dad, like I've told you before, digital media is full of opportunities. Video game design, animation, advertising, illustration for mobile books, who do you think created the Green Bay logo and uniforms? There has to be some creative mastermind behind it all! " I am not about to claim defeat. " Nova! If you want to work on computers so badly just do what Jacob's doing. I'm sure tuition would be cheaper too! Besides, do you really want people telling you what to draw all the time?" My blood started to boil, " No! That's not what I want to do, " I felt like a toddler screaming at a rock right now. " I can do what I want with MY life. Besides, I plan on paying the tuition myself! I have money saved back, no thanks to you. It's cheaper to live off campus anyway since Jacob is moving out with me." I went to continue but my dad just walked away, mumbling, "you don't even know yet, kid.."

I wanted to scream at his stupid sun-beaten, permanent scowl right off his stupid face! " I can do whatever I want. " I pouted softly as I turned to Jacob, completely emotionally drained. I sat on his lap and rested my head on his shoulder. This time, I pouted in silence before Jacob spoke up. "It does seem like a really nice university. The history of it is pretty cool too." I picked my head up and looked at the monitor. He opened a different tab. "It was built in 1928, originally meant to be a church. Well, with the fall of the roaring 20's it became an orphanage." I nod, putting a pin on that fun fact as he went on. " Flash forward to 1943. A massive storm blew through the valley. A tornado tore through the surrounding area paired with hail and lightning. Texts have described, a strong bolt of lightning hit the roof. No lightning rod was present. However, the building was unscathed, no charring or burning marked the wood. Everyone inside? Sister Eunice and all the children? Gone. " My face contorts with confusion. " The only thing that remained in the orphanage were physical things, clothing, books, notes etc. " He scrolled down a bit more on the forum. " Then in 1951 refugees came across the building. Everything was still intact from when the lightning struck. Except wildlife, of course since the door was left open all that time. " I pinched my skin while my brain jumbled up with thoughts. " They seriously just.. vanished? like that? " I ponder out loud but Jacob doesn't pay attention to anything I said. " The refugees put up a base, a bar, a bank, farms and homes. Years later one full moon another storm crept through the valley. Except, when a tornado approached the town it exclaimed that it seems to have, evaporated. The rain and lightning continued, but the tornado was no longer a threat. This caused the townfolk to become superstitious and curious as to what caused the phenomenon. "

Honestly, I never would've known all this stuff about the school if it weren't for Jacob. He was about to go on with more fun facts but we heard a racket coming from up the stairs. " Ey Davey, come give big brother a han' with this 'ol shoppin' cart!" Oh no, I was hoping he'd get lost. Or try to cross the road again, that would be tragic. My dad sighs and stomps out the apartment, Jacob and I follow.

I'm kind of impressed, he already has it half way up the stairs. It just looks like his tarp got stuck in the railing on the way up here. I held in an exasperated sigh as I watch those two bicker about what to do.

"Davey, listen 'ere. Do NOT take this 'ere tarp off!"

"Scott, that's the reason it isn't moving dammit!"

They're doing more fighting than progress. I turn to Jacob and suggest we head back inside. I don't want people to think they're with us if there's a noise complaint. I went to the kitchen to re-heat leftovers then saw all the party food and drinks set out. Charcuterie board, nice one too, finger sandwiches and wraps, chips, you name it. let's not forget the booze. Sigh, my dad is really big on the booze. That's when I see the big "Congratulations" banner hanging above the sink too. Seeing all this made my heart warm. I didn't think my dad would go through this much trouble for me. Especially when it comes to pursuing a career he doesn't particularly care about.

"Can you guys just leave it outside the door? We just vacuumed the carpet." I hear Jacob sheepishly trying to instruct my dad and uncle. It's no use, they bring Scott's cart in anyway. Outside, you can't pick up the stench from that thing. Random objects just gathered from only the Lord knows where. I want this thing out of my living room before I gag. I rolled my eyes, and rubbed my temples at the same time. Breathe, Nova, he won't even be staying that long. I tried to take my mind off of it by clapping, "It looks like everyone is here! Hooray." I wonder if they could hear my lack of excitement in my voice. "What should we do now? Shall I whip out some board games?" I try to muster up all my strength to try and seem delighted. "Where's the food at huh?" My uncle shoved past me and headed straight into the kitchen. "Niece-y! Where are dem plates?" This is going to be a long day.

Time goes by rather quickly, my dad popped open a bottle of whiskey for the men, while I enjoy a bottle of Sauvignon to myself. There were no fights, snarky remarks or negativity. We all cheated at Monopoly a bit, but as long as you didn't get caught it was fine. Next thing you know everyone was giggling and sharing stories. Uncle Scott started with sharing his war stories. "I remember when I was overseas on my third tour! Nova, you wouldn't even recognize me! I was a dashin' youngin! " My dad let out a groan, interrupting my uncle. " Do you have any idea how weird this sounds? You're kinda -hiccups- hitting on your niece. " He let out a drunk, hearty laugh. I was trying to keep down my lunch. I looked to Jacob to help me change the subject. "Mr. LeCroy! Scott is taking money out of your funds!" I slid some of Dad's Monopoly money over towards Scott before he looked over. That just made things worse. I kicked Jacob under the table and whispered through my teeth, "good one." His response, "Look, I tried."

Midnight rolled around and everyone was ready to settle in. Dad got the couch, Scott got an old air mattress. Jacob and I curled up in bed together. A wave of relief washed over me as I turn the lights off and indulge in Jacob's warmth.

I woke up yawning, stretching out across the bed like my dogs do. Jacob was nowhere to be found and it was eerily quiet. I half-assed cleared my eyes as I head towards the bathroom. I can hear a football game coming from the T. V. Great, is my dad still here? I thought to myself.

I freshened up and waddled into the living room. Jacob played on his computer, my dad is partially awake on the couch trying to watch a re-run of an old football game. My uncle Scott was nowhere to be seen. I get Jacob's attention. After wishing him a good morning I inquire about Scott. He hasn't seen him at all. Something wasn't right, his cart was still stinking up our living room. I paused and listened, trying to pick up any other noise in the house. No luck. A solid, but gentle knock resignated through our small apartment. I open the door and I'm in pure disbelief.

"Uncle Scott, is that you?"