Lost in Paradise

Chapter 15

From the position occupied by Nadia, she could gaze at the paradise-like beauty of the greenwood in Ivana. The green color of the savanna is as bright as the leaves of various kinds of fruit trees. The flowers of different kinds and colors appear to be rainbow as they accompany the fresh breath of wind. Exact the same view could be seen on Nadia’s canvas. She comfortably sits facing her canvas while gently painting the view of the place she’s currently witnessing. It’s been a long time since Nadia last painted. This is probably the first time since Joshua had left her. Nadia missed it so much that’s why she was very happy at this point.

“Wow! Ms. Nadia, your painting is so beautiful!” Juno proclaimed

The fifteen-year-old boy just returned carrying a big basket full of root crops that Nay Nita asked them to collect. This is also why Nadia is here, she just joined Maliya and Juno. Nay Nita ordered the siblings to get root crops in the forest to fill in their stocks. Nadia took the opportunity to paint so she brought her equipment and was not disappointed because the scenery was so beautiful. Juno put down the basket then moved closer to Nadia and watched her finish her work.

"You’re really good at this Ms. Nadia" Juno praised.

"It's a result of several years of study and practice" Nadia replied to Juno as she was still focused on what he was painting.

“Hey Juno!! There you are!!!! Why did you leave me!!”

Maliya shouted from a distance as she walked closer to Juno and Maliya. She’s also carrying a basket full of root crops.

"You’re so slow. You walk like a turtle!" Juno teased

"What did you say?!! Come here!”

As she reached them, Maliya immediately put down the basket and ready to whack Juno.

Juno immediately hides behind Nadia.

“Oh ooh! You’ll mess up the painting” Juno chuckled.

“Wow! Ms. Nadia your painting is better than the scene itself”

Maliya swooned as she saw Nadia's painting.

Nadia gave her a chuckle.

"You two are really cute" Nadia praised the sibling.

Nadia is good at art. Painting is her medium, it started as a hobby and eventually became her means of support. The woman's talent in painting is undeniable because she has always loved drawing since she was a child and often represents her school in art contests. Because of this, Nadia's name became popular among art patrons, many of whom noticed her works and wanted to buy it. Most of her clients are wealthy, well-known personalities, and even collectors. Various exhibits were also filled with Nadia's paintings. That's why Rebecca convinced Nadia to build her own art gallery. That’s when the “Lost Girl’s Gallery” was established. It was named after the first ever masterpiece sold by Nadia. All of Nadia's paintings are being displayed in the said art gallery. It is open to all who want to see Nadia's work as well as those who want to buy it. There is also an art studio in the art gallery so she could work comfortably inside. Since Nadia just wanted to paint and make it a hobby, her friend Rebecca manages the marketing and sales of the gallery, that’s her expertise after all. As business partners, that is how they operate the gallery.

Aside from that, Nadia completed her course “Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Art Management” in college and later finished its master's degree so she immediately got hired in Horizon Corporation and joined the firm's Design Planning Department. The company is a renowned major distributor of various interior accessories from furniture to minimal decorations. Since Horizon Corporation is Nadia’s dream company, her focus has been on work. However, she still does not forget the gallery because it is valuable for her and Rebecca. So Nadia makes sure to go to her art studio whenever she has enough reason and inspiration to paint. Busy and tiring but luxurious and contented, that’s how Nadia’s world can be described before Joshua left her.

Meanwhile, Maliya and Juno kept on exchanging taunts at each other while watching Nadia paint who was about to finish her work. Soon, they heard a familiar voice from a distance.

“Maliya!!! Juno!!!”

Nay Nita shouted with her hoarse and low voice. Carrying a big basket, she walked slowly toward them.

Upon seeing the old woman, Maliya and Juno immediately approached her and took the basket.

“Ooh, it’s heavy! What’s in here? ” Juno asked

“Be careful, that’s food. I brought it so we can take the lunch here” Nay Nita explained

"Is it lunch already?" said Maliya

“Right!... What on earth are you doing here that it’s already lunch time and you still haven’t come back? You even left early in the morning!” croaked the old woman

“Ask Juno...He kept on playing like a kid” said Maliya

“What’s wrong? It’s just you who’s acting like a woman. That’s why you’re busy looking for a boyf— “

Juno failed to finish what he had to say because Maliya immediately covered his mouth.

"Goodness! Stop fooling around"

Nay Nita scolded then left the two to approach Nadia.

“You're good at painting, I didn’t know” Nay Nita uttered as she watched Nadia paint.

“Thank you Nay Nita” Nadia said politely who was finally done with her painting and was just finishing some detail.

“I know nothing about painting but I can say, this painting is beautiful, hija. You’re a pro painter, aren’t you?” asked Nay Nita

"Ummm.. art is a big part of my personality, especially painting... this is also my means of support back in my place" Nadia explained.

“That piece explains it all Nadia. It’s very clear that you’re a professional” the old woman praised.

"You're praising me too much Nay Nita" Nadia joked

"Anyway, what brought you here?" she added

“Are you done with that? I brought lunch. Let’s eat”

“It’s lunchtime already?” Nadia exclaimed in shock.

“It’s probably past lunchtime already. You guys haven’t arrived yet so I decided to bring the food I cooked here. The weather is good so it’s nice to eat outside.” Nay Nita replied

"We’re going to have a picnic today? Exciting!” Nadia giggled

“Maliya and Juno is now preparing. Come on”

"I’ll just tidy my things... I’ll be right there" Nadia reassured

"You must clean your hands too, hija" Nay Nita joked as she noticed Nadia's hands full of paint.

"Mmm.. you’re right" Nadia grinned as she waved her hands.

Nay Nita left Nadia and went to her grandchildren to help them. They laid out a large tablecloth and arranged the dishes. Nadia quickly finished tidying up her things so she came right before the three started eating. Nadia asked why Ivan is not with them, Maliya said that her father is still at work.

That experience was another happy memory for Nadia. The weather was nice, the scenery was good, the food was delicious and the people she was with were accommodating. Nadia experienced all that in just a simple lunch. Simple but it's far different from the everyday life she used to live. She had experienced a picnic before but only with either Joshua or Rebecca, not with a family and the scenery was not as beautiful as this. So that simple experience became special for Nadia.