A Simple Love

Chapter 6

Jen invites her best friends for coffee on Sunday afternoon to tell them about her job proposal.

They all meet up that Sunday and Jen starts by saying, "I have some exciting news," Jen says. "I got a job offer!"

Her friends look at her in surprise.

"That's amazing, Jen!" Ashley says. "You must be so excited! What's the job?"

"Well I'll be working as an assistant to an artist." Jen says.

"That's so perfect for you, Jen," Connie says. "It's like it was meant to be!"

Ashley smiles and says, "I'm so happy for you, Jen. This is such a great opportunity."

Star looks thoughtful. "I'm so proud of you, Jen. You've come so far since Alex was born, and you're really showing how strong and capable you are."

Jen blushes. "Thank you, guys. I just feel so lucky to have you all in my life. I don't know what I would do without you."

Star reaches over and grabs Jen's hand. "You would be just fine, Jen. But we're so happy to be your support system. We love you, and we're so glad you're happy!"

Jen smiles, feeling so grateful for her friends. "I love you guys, too. Now, let's talk about something else. How's everyone else doing?"

Ashley laughs. "Well, I've got a story to share!" Ashley starts telling the group about a recent date she went on. "I met this guy online, and he seemed really nice. So we decided to meet up for coffee. But when he showed up, he looked nothing like his pictures! He was easily 50 pounds heavier, and he was at least 10 years older than he said he was!"

The group gasps. "Oh no, that's awful!"

Connie says. "What did you do?"

Ashley shrugs. "I was polite, of course. But inside, I was cringing. I just couldn't believe he had lied to me like that. It was such a waste of my time. I mean, if he had just been honest, I might have still given him a chance. But the lying really put me off." "That's so true," Jen says. "Honesty is so important, especially when you're trying to build a relationship with someone. It's not a good start when someone is already being deceptive."

Star nods in agreement. "I think it shows a lack of respect, too. If someone is willing to lie about something like their appearance, what else are they willing to lie about?"

"Exactly!" Ashley says. "I just don't get it. Why not just be honest from the beginning? It would save everyone a lot of time and trouble."

The group falls silent for a moment, pondering the mystery of dishonesty. "Well, let's move on to a happier topic," Jen says. "What's everyone's plans for the weekend?"

Ashley perks up. "I'm going to a new art exhibit! It's supposed to be really amazing. Have you guys heard of it?"

"Ooh, tell us more!" Connie says.

"It's called 'The Art of Color and Light'," Ashley says. "It's a collection of works that explore the use of color and light in art. I'm really excited to see it, because I love art that plays with those elements. I think it can really add a new dimension to a piece, don't you?"

"Absolutely!" Jen says. "Color and light can completely change the mood of a painting or photograph. I'm really interested to see how the artists in this exhibit use them."

Star nods in agreement. "And it's not just about the visual appeal. Color and light can also evoke certain emotions and feelings. So a piece of art can really tell a story with those elements."

"That's so true!" Ashley says. "For example, warm colors like red and orange can create a feeling of energy and passion, while cool colors like blue and green can create a feeling of calm and serenity. It's really amazing how color can affect our mood."

The group starts to discuss their favorite artists who use color and light in their work, and the conversation turns to a lively debate about which artists are the best at using those elements. As the discussion continues, they realize that they all have different favorites.

"I'm a huge fan of Monet," Jen says. "His use of light is just incredible. I love how he captures the play of light on water and on landscapes. It's like he's able to capture a moment in time with his brush."

"I'm more of a Van Gogh fan," Star says. "His use of color is so bold and expressive. I love how he uses color to create a sense of emotion and movement in his paintings."

"I have to say, I'm partial to Georgia O'Keeffe," Ashley adds. "Her use of color and light is so subtle and delicate. It's like she's capturing the essence of her subjects rather than just the physical appearance. I find her work so moving and beautiful."

They continue to debate the merits of different artists and their use of color and light, and they find that even though they have different favorites, they all appreciate the power of art to evoke emotion and tell a story. In the end, they agree that art is a very subjective experience, and that everyone connects with different artists and works in different ways. As Jen and her friends get carried away in their discussion of art, they realize that they've been talking for hours. "Wow, we really got into that!" Jen says, laughing. "Time flies when you're talking about art!"

Sarah Colleen, who has been listening to the conversation, smiles and says, "That's so true! I love hearing you all talk about art. It's like you're all so passionate about it." Taking all of them aback because they didn't notice when she got into the shop.

Sarah then turns to Jen. "By the way, have you spoken to John and me about your job situation or this is all new?" Jen's face flushes slightly (Jen had an agreement that when Alex was born they'd adopt him but when Jen gave birth to Alex and held him in her arms, she couldn't give him up and ever since she's been living with the Colleen's because she doesn't have a place of her own and Sarah helps her watch Alex when Jen goes to work)

"I know we had an agreement when Alex was born, but I've been thinking a lot about it lately," she says. "I love living with you guys, and you've been so supportive. But I'm not sure if I can go through with the adoption."

Sarah takes Jen's hand and says, "Jen, it's okay if you've changed your mind. John and I understand that this is a difficult decision. We want you to do what's best for you and for Alex. And if that means you want to raise him on your own, we'll support you in that but first let me still help you take care of Alex while you go to work, it's the least I can do."

Jen feels a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you so much," she says. "That really means a lot to me. I just feel like I need to be the one to raise him, to be the one to make the decisions for him. I know you guys would be amazing parents, but I just can't let him go."

"Jen, we understand," Sarah says. "We'll be here for you, no matter what. And we'll still help out with Alex whenever you need us."

Jen feels a weight lift from her shoulders. She knows that she's made the right decision, and she's grateful to have the support of Sarah and John. "I really appreciate that," she says. "You guys are the best."

"We're just glad you're happy," Sarah says.

Jen smiles, glad to have this supportive family in her life. And she knows that no matter what, she'll always have people who love and support her and Alex.