Love Against the Odds

Chapter Nine

Rayne

I cannot believe I finished my sculpture in one night! Nate and I were up until 2:00 talking while my creative juices were flowing. I think this is my best piece of work yet! Maybe Nate is my inspiration! Now I have one more piece to complete and I will be able to display at the show. I will certainly make The Flight of Caleb my centerpiece! I am so proud of this piece. Toward the bottom there is a motorcycle in the jump position with and angel flying off.  Then higher there is jet above the clouds with an angel riding on top with his wings spread wide. Now I am in bed lying next to Nate unable to sleep as I am thinking about my next project. Next to Nate- I just love the sound of that! I have one month before the art show where I can reintroduce my parents to Nate. I know they will be so happy I have someone like him in my life. Nate and I met each other’s parents years ago but neither of us spent much time with the other’s  families.  It will be great once we can introduce them to each other.

Nate

Tonight is Rayne’s art show and she is so nervous! Last night we delivered the sculptures to the studio. The display area they gave Rayne is beautiful. Her metal sculptures against the red wall with black velvet draped across the floor just makes her magnificent sculptures look even more breathtaking. But no beauty in that gallery will compare to my Rayne! She came out of her room dressed in a deep red dress that hugged every one of her curves perfectly and had a slit that stopped right above her knee. Her long hair was swept up on top of her head with a few loose strands around her face. She had long crystal earrings that sparkled in the light hanging from her gorgeous ear lobes. She was a vision!  Once she stopped fussing and pacing I got her to head for the truck so we wouldn’t be late. What Rayne doesn’t know is my parents are in town and I invited them to her art show. She will be so surprised! Her parents and my parents both there to support her on her big night! 

The first people we saw when we arrived were Jim and Shelly Finn, Rayne’s parents. I had met them in the past but never really spent any time with them.  I was re-introduced to them as they had already heard a lot about me over the last few weeks.  Then I saw my parents come through the door and brought them to meet the Finns.

“Mr. And Mrs. Finn I would like to introduce you to my parents Nathan and Eileen Johns.” I said “And  this is my lovely Rayne, the premier artist the evening.”  The look of surprise on Rayne’s face was priceless!  Tears welled up in her eyes as she said “How are you here? You live in Michigan!”

My dad responded “We couldn’t miss seeing an artist start her career.”  

“This means so much to me! Thank you for coming!” Rayne said with a soft voice.

The parents shook hands but there was something awkward in the air between the couples that I could not quite put my finger on. But I didn’t have time to worry about babysitting parents, people were starting to look at Rayne’s artwork.  The Flight of Caleb was getting the most attention and Rayne was really shining while watching people admire her work. I am so proud of her! 

Rayne

People talking about my sculptures was a dream come true to me! People seemed to like my art! One visitor kept catching my attention as I could not figure out who he was with. He was a spirit and he stayed near my art, never leaving with a guest. Most spirits follow someone and stick with them, this one seemed to be stationary. He seemed very nice as he smiled at me when I looked his way. I had hoped one guest would come that I had not yet seen, Caleb’s Dad. I had left  him an invitation at the address Caleb gave me with a note there was a piece I thought he would be interested in seeing. 

Suddenly I noticed a man I recognized as a local art critic walk in. My heart fell into my shoes. If he doesn’t like my art I am done! I took a deep breath and walked to my display when I saw him stop. He had an intense look on his face while he studied Caleb in Flight.

“Are you the artist?” He asked me

“Yes.” I replied with a shaky voice.

“What was you inspiration behind this piece?”

“Well” I started then hesitated as it involves a spirit “ I am a medium and sometimes the scrap metal I find gets me a visit from the departed prior owner of the metal. In this case the visitor was a 10 year old boy who died on a motor cross track.” 

The man was silent as if he were in a trance. I had no idea if this was him liking my work, not liking my work or shocked that I was a total nut case! I wanted to break the silence but had no idea how. Suddenly I saw a boy emerge from behind the critic and realized it was a spirit and it was Caleb! I didn’t want to speak to him as I was still unsure of the reaction I was witnessing from the critic. 

Caleb spoke “My dad came! I knew he would!”

Was Caleb’s dad was the art critic? Or has his dad just entered the room? I had no idea! Now I really don’t know what to say to break this uncomfortable silence! 

Finally the critic spoke in a shaky voice. “Is the boy here now?”

“He is.” I answered

Unshed tears were forming in his eyes. He seemed unsure what to say next so I asked “Would you like to hear from him?” 

His eyes went from the sculpture to my eyes and asked “is that possible?” 

“Yes as long I am here to communicate his words.” 

“Is there someplace we can go away from the crowd?” He uttered

I took his shaking hand and led him to the room set aside for artists to speak with potential buyers. Caleb followed without hesitation.

Caleb starting talking so I started relaying his words. “Dad, I am with you a lot but you can’t see me. I have met your girlfriend Cindy and I really like her! I also met her son Andy and I think sometimes he may see me. I like him too! Tell him it is ok if he plays with my toys, they are just getting dusty and should be played with.” 

Caleb’s dad just looked at me with wide eyes. Then Caleb continued “it is not your fault I died dad! It was an accident. I think you need to tell the kid who landed on me it’s not his fault either. He is still sad. I still ride whenever I want in heaven so I am happy. I want you to be happy too! Mom left us a long time ago, it is time for you to have a new family. I know you bought Cindy a ring-give it to her dad!” 

The unshed tears in the eyes of the boys dad spilled out after hearing Caleb’s words. He finally spoke “That really is Caleb speaking, it has to be! Nobody else could know all of these things. Could you please tell him I love him and I miss him very much?”

“You just did.” I replied “Caleb can hear everything you say.” 

“Would it be possible to talk with him again?” He asked. 

“Of course.”

“Now let’s talk about your sculpture. I want it.”

The calm medium just turned into a nervous artist! Could it be I was about to make my first sale? And to a critic? Nate’s parents and mine came to my premier and now I am selling a piece? Could this night possibly get any better? If this is a dream I do not wish to wake up! I am officially an artist!