I wanted to stay for Mark, and he wanted to leave for me.
Since neither of us would compromise he put in his notice the very next week, on exactly the same day I cancelled my university place.
We both huffed and argued the toss, and said our way was better.
And then we stopped huffing and dreamed instead.
We dreamed such beautiful dreams, and it seemed Mark hadn’t forgotten how after all.
The doorbell tinkled, one of those awesome old-fashioned bell ones that sits above the doorframe. I smiled every time it sounded.
“Hey, kids…” Lizzie’s voice was a happy cackle. “I come bearing sugar-loaded gifts!”
I put my brush down, and she held open the box as I approached. “Donuts.” I grinned. “Mark! Lizzie’s brought us donuts again!”
I heard his feet on the stairs, and the thump, thump, thump made my stomach flutter. He smiled so brightly, just like he always smiled at Lizzie.
“Elizabeth Thomas, you’re on a one-woman mission to fatten me up, I swear.”
But he wasn’t fattening up. He was glowing here. The sea air really suited him, and even the hustle and bustle of Aberystwyth’s main seaside drag suited him. The air made his hair more curly though, and made it grow, too. It was longer these days, past his collar, and greyer, but only a little.
Lizzie clicked her fingers in front of my face. “Hey, love’s young dream, I’m right here.”
I poked my tongue out. “How was uni?”
She bit down on her donut and smiled. “It was cool. You’re totally missing out, like big time. My room buddy is awesome, for real.” She tipped her head. “Nearly as awesome as you, Hels Bells, but only nearly.”
Mark took his donut and shot me a look and it made me poke my tongue out in his direction, too.
“Helen will find out herself next year, Elizabeth, since she’s only taking a gap year.”
I groaned. “What’s the point in studying art for three years? To qualify me to paint pictures and open a gallery?” I shrugged and looked around me. “Seems I skipped the uni part, Mr Roberts. You can stop harping on about it now.” I took a donut from the box. “Anyway, you teach me. I don’t want another teacher. I don’t need one.”
“I’m no university professor and this conversation isn’t over,” he said.
He kept on saying it, but these days I’m not even sure he meant it himself anymore. I liked to think I was wearing him down, slowly, just a bit at a time.
“When are your parents over?” Lizzie quizzed. “Isn’t it soon?”
“This weekend.” I pulled a face. “I’m so nervous. I thought we’d have it more… ready. I thought I’d feel more prepared.”
“Don’t be nervous, this place is the bee’s knees, Hels. It’s awesome.”
And it was awesome. Our little gallery by the sea.
Mark painted boats, and clouds over the water. He painted people caught in the moment, buckets and spades in hand. He painted life and soul in this town, and he captured it all.
And I painted him.
I painted him in everything. In abstracts, and landscapes, and weird little watercolours that made no sense.
I was always painting Mr Roberts.
And deep down, under the clouds and the sea and the sky, I knew Mr Roberts was always painting me.
I have, as always, so many people to thank for their input in this novel!
My editor, John Hudspith, who pulled out all the stops for me, as he so tirelessly does. Johnny, you are both an inspiration and a true friend. My work is so much better for your involvement, and you’ve taught me so much. Absolutely no pun intended.?
Letitia Hasser, of RBA Designs, has once again delivered a fantastic cover. I love it. Thank you so much, Letitia, your work is incredible.
Tracy, my fabulous PA, thank you so very much for all your hard work. I’m so glad you are on my team.
Lesley and Michelle, for running my street team. Thank you so much, ladies, I appreciate you both so much.
Lisa, I meant every word of the dedication. You mean the world to me, and your beautiful family make me smile so hard. Love you all.
Nikki, thanks for being my crush buddy. I love how you understand my crazy. Having you around has made such a difference to my world. <3
Kate, thank you so much for your involvement with the pictures. You were the perfect Helen, and were an absolute trooper trudging through mud in the hail on a Saturday in school uniform. The pictures were beautiful, just as I hoped they would be. I appreciate it so much.
Brad, I’m so proud that you are my brother. Your photography skills were amazing, and you managed to capture everything I dreamed for the Teach Me teasers. Thank you.