Chapter One:The Start of The Beginning

Light poured in through the windows bathing the room in soft silver light. Callie stared out the window in a daze her mind overtaken by the email of confirmation she had received from Preston Arts, the most prestigious art school in the country.

She thought about what to create, the confirmation email was just the first step, she held a folded fist against her chest as she twisted in bed to face her laptop the words PRESTON ARTS INTERNATIONAL staring boldly at her as if edging her to travel through the screen. She’d dreamt of this her whole life, well technically her whole junior year which was ironic considering she studied mostly science related subjects.

“Tsk” She let out a soft scoff her mind reeling over the torture of attending grueling chemistry and physics classes, the only thing that helped was her intelligence, she was smart, incredibly so infact.

She managed to keep her spot as top of the class without much effort. She still leaned towards art despite her smarts, her parents on the other hand did not share her love for the arts and instead pushed her towards the sciences, she had complained and fought over it but ultimately decided to agree just to keep the peace, she had been slowly planning her escape out of those hellish science classes and extracurriculars she was forced to participate in.

She had a full-proof plan, she’d apply for PRESTON hopefully get in, drop the bomb a day before she was supposed to leave or even on the day of, then run off for a year learning about the things her heart aligned with. She could almost imagine the shock on her parents’ faces when they found out. She had it all planned out, she had gotten admission into a top university outside the country, had it deferred till after she was back from PRESTON, written admissions to several other art schools just incase she didn’t get into Preston and had enough saved up from all the competitions she had painstakingly participated in.

“Yes!” She squealed excitedly burying her face in her pillow and kicking her feet happily. “Freedom is mine.” She calmed down and drafted out a rough plan and timeline to work on her art submission and drifted off to sleep, she dreamt of learning new art techniques and being surrounded by people with similar feelings towards art.

“Beep beep beep” The digital alarm clock rang out dragging Callie out of her dreamland, she drowsily sat up and stared blankly. Her hand shot out to the side, slamming down on the alarm clock.

“Ugh. My head…” she groaned grabbing her head as she laid back down.

She stared into nothing her facial expression twisting into that of annoyance as she argued with herself in her head. She was still deciding if it was worth it to stand up or not. She shot up out of bed once she remembered she had told herself that she’d be strict with her submission for Preston.

“It’s just the first day and I’ve almost failed, what a waste.” She walked over to her closet and grabbed a clean towel before heading into the adjoined bathroom. She hung her towel before tossing her clothes off and untying her hair.

She stepped into the shower setting the water to warm, the water droplets cascaded down her ivory skin hitting the floor rhythmically. She shook her head to dispel any thoughts and hurried through the shower eager to start on her art.

Once she was dried off she grabbed a sports bra, a cropped shirt and grey pants and of course her underwear, threw them on tgen hurriedly did her hair routine, she’d let it air dry today.

“Morning” She called out as she stepped out her room with a bag to head to the art supply store she frequented.

“Good morning honey.” Her mum responded from the kitchen. “Want some breakfast?”

Callie paused a tight smile forming on her lips, she quickly softened her expression before heading to the kitchen. “I’m going to be out for a bit, could you leave it in the oven for me?”she asked her eyes scanning the kitchen.

“Sure” her mum smiled brightly holding up a plate of pancakes. “Hope you’re preparing for your finals well?” She continued her tone taking on a more serious note as she studied her daughter’s face.

Callie backed away from the kitchen smiling “of course I am.” She quickly ran out the door after her statement. Her parents were suffocating, it was always about books with them. She could never relate with them past that and she had given up a few years back.

On the surface it looked like everything was good between them but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, there was a time she was deep in therapy and taking medication for depression. She frowned and hastened her steps as she crossed the road, the art store shone brightly even in the distance, she skipped as the thought of paint and brushes melted away her heavy thoughts.

She opened the door and it freaked quietly. It was a medium sized store with different paintings from different artists lined up on the walls, multiple colored shelves containing rows and rows of different artists lined up supplied filled the space, it smelt of acrylic and…vanilla? She hummed and breathed out slowly as she took in the place that had been her safe space for so long.

She walked towards the checkout point that was really just a depiction of a cozy study, with an oak table that was carved to perfection and art supplies arranged neatly on it save for the one displaced brush.

“Callie!” A warm voice called out clearly joyful to see her. Callie’s head snapped to the direction of the voice. “Lucas” she squealed rushing to embrace the man in front of her.

Lucas Belswort. The owner of the famous Belsworthy Art Store, he had many branches but specifically stayed in this one because it was in his hometown, Millswood. Lucas drew back from the hug and grinned at her. “How are you? I was quite worried when you didn’t come in throughout last week.” He said with a hint of worry showing on his face.

“Ha ha…” Callie laughed nervously. “Family stuff as usual.” She said as she pulled back completely and fidgeted with her hands. “It’s fine now though, I’m okay.”

“You sure?” Lucas asked staring at her with worry. He must’ve noticed something in her expression because he immediately cleared his throat. “So, Preston? How’s that?

Callie’s eyes lit up as she remembered “I got a confirmation email.” She gushed happily. “I’m sooo excited! I have it all planned out. I came to get supplies for it.”

Lucas beamed brightly “that’s wonderful news” his expression shifted slightly, “ do they know though?”

Callie’s face darkened, “No.” her voice was hard but it softened “ I’m not telling them till after I get accepted—if I get accepted.” She looked away once she said that.

Lucas smiled sadly, “I understand”.

They stopped standing around and started looking through supplies whilst simultaneously discussing the project. Callie left the store with a small bag which contained a gift from Lucas while he confirmed that the items would be delivered on Monday to her house. She waved goodbye to him and smiled as she walked back, the store having given her newfound energy to endure the rest of the Saturday.