Inspired

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Epilogue

About The Author

Acknowledgements

I would like to dedicate this book to all dreamers and to those who think outside the box.

Also, I am extending my heartfelt thanks to all the animals that helped inspire this tale.

Chapter 1

In the middle of a busy city on a crisp fall day, the sun was starting to set it was late afternoon. A man in his late twenties stood in a long black coat as his exited his car. You can see his broad shoulders as he stands with confidence. His black hair is slightly blowing in the wind. His classic haircut seemed to enhance his rugged manly features. Iridescent blue eyes look upon a sizeable unique building in front of him. There are many sculptures set amongst the pavement directly in front of the building in an intricate fashion. The building’s entrance with its modern geometric shape looked like an oversized sculpture as well. He takes out his cell phone and calls his wife. The phone rings for a bit. He gets the voice mail.

Hi, Hun. I won’t be home in time for dinner. Just save me a plate. Tell Skylar I am sorry, I love her, and I will see her tomorrow. Vincent called me over; he says it is imperative. I will be home later. I love you. Bye.

Just then a slender man in a designer suit opens the front glass doors and lightly jogs across the pavement towards the car. He does not have his coat on. It was early fall however the days were getting cooler, and they were getting darker faster. As he approaches, his perfectly styled silver hair matched his obviously, high-end suit. Each button and seam meticulously detailed. There was not one hair out of place. He was a man of high fashion and society. Approaching, he extended his hand in greeting as he collected himself. In the underlying tone of his voice, you could hear this news was significant. Mostly his clients came to him. Today was the exception.

Conner glad you could come on such short notice. I only just received the news. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for an artist like you.

With a well-manicured hand placed on Conner’s back, he guided him to the opportunity of a lifetime. As they neared the glass doors, you can see the sign above The Royal Crest Museum. Below there was a banner that said New Gallery Opening Soon.

Conner was a bit tired after meeting up with some of his clients. He was a young artist with an eye for detail. His versatility and creativity had caught the eye of the art world when one of his pieces got noticed at a local event. Conner’s talent was far beyond many of the modern masters of past and present, especially for someone so young. This self-taught painter made many people think he was a prodigy. He had the talent to make a painting so real that it seemed to breathe. It felt as if you could feel and live inside the painting. The frames were just like a doorway into another room.

From a small country town, he received the honour to attend one of the best art schools around. Conner’s skills were beyond many of his teachers. News of this rare gem spread and like a shark in the water Mr. Brooks found this talented new blood the art world. He took this once simple country boy and turned him into one of the societies up and coming artists of the twentieth century. Mr. Brooks felt like he hit the jackpot that Conner also just happened to be handsome, personable and down to earth, all qualities that added to his appeal. Mr. Brooks was smooth like a wizard able to shape himself at will to what he needed. The type of charm to make a shady car dealer buy one of his cars yet charismatic enough to convince a child that homework was the most significant thing you could do and enjoy it. That is what made him good at his job. He took raw talented artists and made them want and desire. He earned his nickname and was well known worldwide as the Silver Fox.

As they entered the building, Conner rubbed his hands warming them from the chill of outside. Since he did business around town, he dressed in a casual tieless suit. His jacket was more fashion than practical for today. He needed to look his best. Growing up on a farm, he knew better. At this moment, he needed to sacrifice comfort for fashion. Appearances were everything when you made it big. Conner generally was well dressed however when he moved to the city Mr. Brooks set him up with one of his connections to supply him with a top of the line clothing. The hall was vast. When they entered the walls were lined in the artwork. Large Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton stood in ferocious stance in the middle of the styled marble floors. Conner broke the silence and finally had to ask. He did so in a questionable tone.

Mr. Brooks, what’s the rush? What is this opportunity of a lifetime? It’s Friday. It has been a long week. I was looking forward to going home and just relaxing. I have put in extra hours in this week to finish what needs to get done so that I can spend some quality time with my girls."

Brooks looked Conner in the eye, and his charming manner knew how to get Conner to be excited about this opportunity.

Conner, you are not with your clients. You don’t need to be formal with me. I don’t need artwork for an ad. Call me Vincent. This event is a game changer, my friend. If this goes off without a hitch, you will no longer need to do ad work. You will be selling art for millions instead of meagre thousands. Then you can spend all the time enjoying being a family man. This is what you want, is it not? To be able to spend all the time in the world with your loving daughter.

In a heart filled sigh, he said, Yes Vincent that would be nice, and that is my goal to take care of my family.

As Vincent led the way, they all navigated the many halls and displays throughout the museum. Conner looked around at the various halls and the history. It felt like they were starting at the beginning of the story of life. Everything had a story to tell every painting an item. Conner understood that no portrait painted was ever without a reason or emotion. What was portrayed is only the front-page cover of a story waiting to reveal its wonder inside.

He had done some high-end galleries shows. With Vincent’s expertise, he made him a name. The money Conner earned from some of his art he could get a lovely home on the outside of the city limits and give his wife and daughter a beautiful home. Unfortunately, you still needed something stable and used his creativity for ads and promotion works kept a steady income coming in. When the money came in, it was great. However, it’s the ones with the money that can pay top price. They are far and few between, in this day and age, where the new technological items come in more in demand the appreciation of art were slowly dwindling. Conner’s name was his edge. He spent many days working at home in his studio. His one perk working from the comforts of home was being able to spend time with his family. Of course, except on the days he had to meet with clients and Vincent. His house was his personal space, and he wanted to leave it that way. His father had told him we all need to work and working from home is fine, just don’t let it take over your house. Your home needs to be a place of rest. Projects are, but it is best the clients stay out of your home. There should always be a fine line drawn, or they will start to walk all over you. He was willing to work hard, but no one was going to rule every aspect of his life. That was why he wanted to move outside the busy city. He wanted his daughter to enjoy her childhood and grow up with the family values he did. There had been many factors that brought him to the city however he still longed for the countryside. The one he left to better himself, his family, chase a dream and to one day shake off the chains that bound him.

Finally, they came to the west end part of the museum. Long clear plastic hung from the ceiling, so we pushed through the plastic. On the other side of the barrier was a safety sign that hung on beautiful wooden doors. Vincent grabbed an orange safety helmet and handed it to Conner. As Vincent pushed the doors open, the room was dark. As he turned on the lights with arms outstretched in a dramatic display, he walked toward the middle of the room; more plastic hung everywhere, scaffoldings and tools laid out amongst the room and walls. The workers had a deadline so just a little while more to go. This part of the building was the new addition being built on the museum to help promote and bring more interest and new blood to the museum. With the growing city and technology on the boom, people were more inclined to stay home and play with their devices. Cell phones were now a portable entertainment center. Home TVs now provided better quality, and many people preferred watching movies at home than going out to a movie theatre. The day of photos albums filled with many family adventures now turned to hundreds of selfies and pictures of everybody’s meals on social media with the occasional family vacation thrown in for reasonable measures. The goal was that this new gallery is to help attract sponsors and to do that they need the assurance of crowds. It is how it works. You scratch my back; I scratch yours. A lesson Conner had learned from the beginning and somewhat followed him. If Conner could, he would love to attract the younger generation. It would be nice to see families out and children with their eyes open and full of wonder instead of looking down at their phones. No matter where you go no one seemed to enjoy the scenery or small things. The other challenge would be to cater to the critics of the art world.

With Vincent’s arms outstretched he turned around to add effect. He needed the right hook to reel this fish in.

This boy is your opportunity of a lifetime! You have made a name for self, but this is where you can become a legend. You have done well and have kept up the interest and done well at galleries. Now with this opening, this will be big we are bringing the best of the art world, from around the world. Dealers, celebrities and most of all people with money to burn will be there. Vincent started to sound like a carnie trying to sell his snake oil.

He continued with his sales pitch, This is the big leagues a final obstacle to see if you can sit amongst the gods of the art world. You can make it to the doors of Olympus, but let’s see if you can join the gods on their thrones. Do you have what it takes to join the leagues of artists like Leonardo, Raphael or even van Gogh? Can your inspiration start a new art movement? This room sir is your empty canvas. I hope you seize this opportunity, I pulled many strings, and I believe you have the talent and image the sponsors are seeking. Your down-home boy looks are a bonus that is an asset you might as well use. Have I not always had your back from day one Conner?

Conner’s eyed the room. It was still much unfinished. The shock left him speechless for a moment. It was the opportunity he was waiting for to excel in his field. He was not about to let this opportunity pass. It could be his key to freedom.

Vincent said, I am taking your speechlessness as a good sign. Vincent said with a little uncertainty. I would not have brought you out here.

He rested a hand on Conner’s back and slowly moved around Conner in a smooth snake-like manner, with his speech sputtering in hissing and yet enticing tone.

Imagine what you could do with all the money. You would not have to end up like every other artist, starving. It was starting to annoy Conner. Emily could start up her own business, and that lovely daughter of yours could have everything her little heart desires.

Vincent knew very well even with the best intentions the world is not a secure place and to live you needed money. It is even worse when you are indebted to someone. He just had to make sure that Conner was reminded from time to time that to give his family everything you needed money.

Your paintings have brought in some decent money. You know you have made it big when you make your first million. Vincent tried to put the SOLD sign on this venture.

Calmly, Conner tried to hide his excitement. It is what everybody hoped for in their lifetime, that one opportunity, a reward for all their hard work. It was not so much the money that drove Conner it was the chance to share his passion with others. Plus give his family the opportunities to live their dreams and not to have to ever worry about anything. He had witnessed it once and never wanted to ever put his wife or child through that if he could avoid it. Especially his wife who put some of her dreams on hold for the moment for Conner to have this opportunity. Vincent knew how to make things appeal to Conner’s humble desires. So much talent and he could become world renowned and live the high life, yet Conner seemed content with the simpler things. How could Vincent drive Conner to make the right decision?

Professionally Conner had to ask Yes, I want this. When is the grand opening supposed to be? How much time would I have?

A small smug smile came across Vincent’s face that also reflected through his eyes. His pupils widened with excitement. They made his brown eyes almost appear shark-like. The fish was on the line, and he was reeling him in carefully. This man had talent, and with his good looks, he would be able to grace the covers of all the magazines and be an internet sensation. Best of all Vincent’s name would make him immortal; a name set in stone and set for life, the man who discovered the next prodigy.

To sweeten the deal and make it appear less daunting Vincent calmly said, It is only the fall you have till early spring. The grand opening will be just before the beginning of May. That’s almost end of the school year or the beginning of the summer holidays. The museum directors want to take advantage of the summer holidays. More families and people tend to travel at this time of year. This way we can broaden our reach to not just local folk but internationally. I would rather cater to those who can spend millions, rather than millions who don’t. But the art world needs these people. Families, I guess that is what truly matters . . . Isn’t that right Conner? Conner nodded in agreement.

Vincent lived the life of a high-class bachelor, enjoying whatever his heart desired. If his eyes coveted it, he would go after it and obtain it. It is this is what made him good. He was almost dangling this lifestyle in front of him trying to tempt him, almost to find another string to add to his control.

Vincent waited for the reply as he stood back. He knew full well he already had it.

Because I have your okay I will move the rest along. I will be in contact with you to get updates on your progress. I have taken enough of your time, and it is getting late time to go home to that lovely family of yours.

Vincent then turned off the lights to the room they took off their orange helmets and put them aside.

As they walked back through history, Conner felt like he was now going back to the story from modern to the past. The old saying goes you don’t look back to move forward which he found funny. Yet growing up we are taught history and to learn from it.

Vincent watched Conner as he looked at the paintings of royalty and suits of armour as they passed.

Nice, isn’t it? So many people fought their way to the top. Nowadays the pen has proven its self much stronger, much more civilized don’t you think. He then reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a shiny silver pen. This pen has proven itself throughout the years in more ways than one. I never go anywhere without it. Conner had always wondered about that pen. It was slightly larger than an average pen.

On one occasion Conner remembered walking into him while he was talking to an associate. Vincent was not pleased. The man wasn’t too happy about a deal. Vincent only tapped the pen in his pocket, and the man quieted down. Conner did not pay much attention to what transpired, but that pen made the man think twice. From that day on his intuition always told him to be careful not to get on the wrong side of this man.

After the long walk back from the gallery they finally arrived at the front. Vincent picked up his long black jacket this time from the front desk. One of the museum workers locked the doors behind them once they exited through the front doors.

It was much darker outside. Now the street lights lit up the sidewalks. In the sky, you could make out the faintest of stars. Tonight, the sky seemed so empty with hardly any stars up above. With all the hustle and bustle of the city, doubt many even looked up and noticed. The downtown streets were still noisy as cars honked in frustration of the congestion. Friday night downtown was not the place to be. Most people were headed out to the clubs this hour. Taxis were fighting for a position outside clubs waiting for drunken partygoers needing to go home. Conner took off his jacket and placed it on the passenger seat; he shook Vincent’s hand.

Thank you again. I will be in contact with you. I will keep you posted on my progress. I will not disappoint. Right now, I do have to I need to get home.

Vincent looked in from the passenger window and asked for him to roll it down.

As he did Vincent said, I am glad you are onboard. I hope you can think of a nice theme that is marketable. It would be in your interest to start getting to work. We will need as many new pieces as you can do. It is a large room. It has two floors, and you will need to take advantage of it if you can. Best I let you go. Also, tell your lovely wife and daughter a good night for me.

Conner was feeling the effect of the night sky and bright headlights of the fellow cars. I will and good night Vincent.

It took a bit, but he managed to squeeze out of his parking space. Vincent was watching all the while with a steady cold stare. He knew Conner would work hard. The love of his family motivated him. That was easy. He used it to his advantage. If Conner looked like he would falter, Vincent still held on to the key. Everything that Vincent coveted was riding on this next venture. Then with a slight wave watched as his prey went off into the forest of cars.

Traffic was moving slowly he was right to have called his wife. There was no way he was going to make it home in time to put Skylar to bed. On a good day, it would only take him a half hour. He would be lucky to be home in the next hour.

He finally reached home in just over an hour later. It was after ten pm. The street was dark except for the odd street light that let off its dim light. The road was quiet. Emily left the porch light on for him. He gathered up his jacket, art binder and a gift for his wife. Conner knew he was going to be late anyway, but he wanted to surprise Emily and give her the good news. He walked up the pathway to the house. The garden lights are guiding his way along the flower-lined path. Fumbling for his keys, he went to the front door. He could see somewhat through the frosted glass that the kitchen light was on at the end of the hall and the light from the TV was on in the living room. Just as he unlocked the door, he could hear his wife in the kitchen. It was Friday night, so he knew she might be up a bit later.

The TV flashed in the dim light of the living room. He closed the door quietly. His wife seemed distracted and didn’t seem to know he was there. A devilish smirk came across his face, he put his stuff down and slides his shoes off. His hand was on the railing for balance as he reached down for a small bundle on the floor. He could see the lights were off upstairs; the Munchkin was in bed.

Conner moved gingerly across the hardwood floor. It helped growing up in an old country home because he mastered the art of walking on a creaky floor. As he got to the kitchen, his wife was washing the dishes. Emily still had her work clothes on from the day at the cafe. Her thick wavy deep red hair seemed to brighten her sleeveless blouse and a black skirt that went down to her knees. She worked at a classy coffee shop now, but when they got married and moved to the city, Emily had a good job; however, when she found out she was pregnant, she wanted to spend time and enjoy being with her soon to be a daughter. She would not be able to do that in a business office. So, Emily ended up taking a break. When Skylar went to school, she wanted to go back to work. Emily needed something with flexible hours and something less demanding. She found an elegant coffee shop not too far away. Best of all it had some reminders of home. Her parents ran the coffee house in their hometowns she had insight into the ins and outs of running a coffee house. Her experience and knowledge played to her advantage because she became one of the head employees at the Classy Bean Cafe. With elegant grace and calm demeanour; she was well-liked by anyone that frequented the café.

His wife was an exceptional woman and very intelligent. She had top marks in school and had many degrees in business and marketing. She had become interested in business because her parents owned their own business, The Country Garden Cafe. When her parents retired, she hoped to take over her family’s business and possibly expand. For now, they were still doing well and in good health. Conner had to start now paying back his end of the bargain to Vincent. When they were nearing the end of their college years, Vincent gave them an offer. They could not pass up the opportunity. Since they were engaged at the time and were planning to get married as soon as they graduated, Conner loved the opportunity yet was thinking of something with a steady income especially since both they intended to have a family eventually. He was aware the art world was a hard one, and Conner was not about to become a starving artist trying to live off a dream.

Vincent could see Conner’s hesitation at first. He grew up in this quaint country home and was hoping to raise his family someday there. To help sweeten the deal Vincent had worked some magic and set him up with work in the promotional art sector. He could do artwork for business, marketing and ads. To seal the deal, he also needed Emily. Her fresh eyes for business could also be an asset for Vincent. He offered her a job working in the business department of his building. She earned the position on her own merits and being top of her class in college. Vincent liked young blood. However, Conner had an inclination the sly Silver Fox hungered for more than prey. He wanted and hoped for this little vixen. It was just the way he moved and talked to her. It was never direct, but there was an underlying intention to have Emily for his own. Conner believed the only reason he never pursued Emily other than in his imagination, was not to ruin his relationship with future money maker. Conner always kept his guard up.

Just as Conner got to the kitchen, he waited until Emily was almost done and quietly came up behind her as she dried off her hands. He gently wrapped his arm around her.

Hello, my dear, he whispered as he pressed his face against her.

She jumped a little bit. All her years with Conner she was somewhat used to his surprises.

She turned around, and he took a step back and revealed a couple of movies and a box of microwavable popcorn, her favourite. Conner was always full of surprises.

This is for you Emily and Skylar too. I am sorry I am so late. I hope Skylar was not upset I know we were going to have a family movie night tonight. I hope this will make it up.

Emily’s emerald green eyes shone brightly against her pale skin. Every time he looked into her eyes he felt calmness like looking over a country meadow. Her Irish roots were strong even though she was the fourth generation. She looked at Conner with empathy. She knew it bothered him, yet she understood he wanted more for his family.

Vincent got me a grand opening at the Royal Crest Museum. I will be displaying my pieces when the west wing is ready. It could mean big things and an opportunity to open new doors.

I am so happy for you, as she hugged him.

Conner held her tight she was his backbone and one of his greatest supporters. With the extra money, he was eventually hoping they could go back home to move closer to their parents. Emily could take over her parent’s business and expand it like she always wanted to. Conner hoped to be able to have his studio maybe even teach art at his leisure. He supported her as much as she did him. Life could be hard, but it made it more comfortable when you had a great friend who also happens to be the love of your life by your side.

Emily was tired, but she seemed to come to life. Tell me all about it. I will warm up your plate for you.

As they sat down at the table, he told her about his meeting with Vincent. Emily was not a hundred percent comfortable with Vincent but considered that he was a businessman and up until this point had helped Conner move in the right direction.

It was then Conner needed help. I will have to come up with an idea, a theme that needs to be a crowd pleaser. It is my chance to have my work be seen in its truest form finally. I want people to enjoy art as much as I do.

In her calm voice, she said, Why don’t you go through your old work and see what inspires you, maybe you will see something there? Take your time and find what is right. You have a lot of finished pieces that have not been on display yet. This way most of your work is already done.

She was right and seemed to ease some of the burdens off his shoulders. I will look through my work tomorrow. Right now, let’s sit down and relax before going to bed. They both stayed up and caught up on some of their shows.

While Conner took a shower, Emily went to bed. She was tired even though she did not say if he could tell because she fell asleep on the couch. He had gently nudged her awake and suggested she headed to bed.

He dried off and wiped the steam off the mirror. While brushing his teeth the look in his eyes was bright, and his clean-shaven face was full of life. Life was good and going to get better.

As he left the bathroom, he could see the light from the moon through Skylar’s window. He could make out her figure in the bed. He closed her door gently. With a slight hesitation, he was about to head to bed when he looked at his studio door at the end of the hall. There was just one thing he wanted to do before he went to bed. He walked down the hallway and turned on the light, closing the door behind him, as not to wake anybody up. The room was very plain white walls and a large drafting table to the one side and a comfortable work chair. All his art supplies had a place or drawer and were neatly organized. Some small boxes full of artwork and sketches stayed in the back corner and another table by the rear wall with some paintings resting on top. Wooden easels set up in the back corner were beside a large locked cabinet that contained many of his paintings. He picked them up and set them in a semi-circle behind his desk. Tomorrow he was going to go through his art and see what jumped out at him. He looked one more time and gave a gentle nod of approval. Tomorrow was a new day. It all would be fine.

As he laid his head down on pillow his looked up at his ceiling till he fell asleep. The adrenaline from the day was still pumping through his veins. Yet that night in his dreams he could see a distant fog and a dark shadow moving in the distance beckoning him to come. He walked toward the noise. He was hesitant to step into the dense fog. Curious about the sound he walked into the mist. The fog was so thick he could barely make out his hand. It was then he could hear a deep growl. The sound that could make your blood curdles. Then the outline of an enormous shaggy beast appeared. Its eyes were glowing red. Conner went to retreat. But he was blocked by a wall of glass. He could see the valley behind him but was unable to return. He turned to see this beast approaching and before it could approach a shrill noise broke the air. This was only the beginning.

Chapter 2

Many months have passed, and it was the week of Spring Break. It is a beautiful early spring morning. The street is quiet this morning. Most mornings you can hear cars starting up as people get ready to leave for work and kids laughing with their friends as they walk to the school two blocks over. Today you can only hear the odd joyous bird singing or a dog barking at a squirrel because it wanders onto his domain. It is Saturday morning, and most people are just rising. One elderly man goes out and picks up his newspaper off his doorstep to enjoy it with his morning breakfast like he has done the last thirty years. As the sun rises, its rays creep through the leaves and moves along the dew touched the grass. It takes its time and continues up the front of a house. It enters through the front door like a welcomed guest as it slowly moves up the staircase as if to wake everybody up. Hints of red shine against the rust-coloured bricks nestled amongst other similar houses. However, this house stood out a bit more. The front yard was beautifully tended. It has some wildflowers leading up the path to the front porch. As the light travels across the lawn, the flowers awaken with a warm sunny hug. On the outside of the house ivy winds slowly up toward the second story. As the light climbs the ivy, it brings a warming light to each window it comes across waking the house from its gentle slumber. The pastel covered walls come to life. There are paintings on the wall and simple, homey decor. You can see family photos in the stairwell. In the air, you can smell bacon and eggs cooking and a pot of fresh coffee brewing.

The sun is almost fully awake. The light shines brightly through a white trimmed window. You can see a white desk with a child’s drawing of horses and crayons of every colour spread out amongst the paper. As it shines with its entire embrace, on the sizeable handmade rug on the floor, you can see model horses and a handcrafted wooden stable. You can see the beautifully painted walls of meadows, hills, and forests. The side walls are beautiful forests with deer and wildlife moving amongst the trees. On the back wall, there is a peaceful scene of an open meadow of long grass swaying in the wind like gentle waves. In the pasture, horses frolic and graze as a gentle breeze plays in their manes. On top of a rolling hill, a large black horse watches over his herd, still and while letting the wind dance through his mane. The painting is so lifelike you can feel as if you can touch their soft muzzles and feel the gentle breeze. They seem to flow toward a creek that travels toward beautiful large willow tree that sits near the back corner of the room with a golden horse standing in the stream. As you gaze upon the tree your eyes travel up to the ceiling. The peaceful blue skies have billowing lazy clouds slowly drift across the ceiling. The gentle slope of the ceiling above her bed had clouds painted. They had so much detail if you stared at them long enough they seemed to move. That way before she closed her eyes she could see their softness and like a lullaby ease her into a calm night sleep. This is Skylar’s room.

Conner painted this room when he found out Emily was going to have a girl. Every girl seems to have a pink or purple room. She was lucky she had an artistic father who wanted her to wake up to something beautiful every day and to feel as if everything was limitless. She never got the opportunity to wake up every day to a beautiful countryside as he did. However, the detail he put into this mural you felt like you did.

As the sun finally rises above the trees, the light shines on Skylar’s golden hair. She is nestled in her blanket with a row of plush animals leaning against the wall. They stand guard diligently as she sleeps. At her feet, is a large brown and white cat. He sleeps. This is Skylar’s best friend and protector Chance. He is very pretty. Chance would be quite offended by being called pretty. He is a boy. He is mainly white with a few large brown tabby coloured patches that lay on top of his body. The spots are brown with thick brown strips within the spots from the top it looked like a small hooded mask and cape of a superhero. To Conner, he looked sort of like the caped crusader. His hood covered most of his head but had the distinct M shape marking just above his eyes. Thin black lines went from the peak and spread out like a rake to the base of the neck. His eyes well masked had a long black line that made it seem to finish the design. His mask and cape were separated by the white that came up. To the eye, it looked to form a flying dove at the base of his neck which made the shape of the brown striped cape seem to almost look tied behind his back. Like all capes, they have a signature of their super hero’s symbol. A faint white line travels down and then forms a very faint capital C then continues down. His tail also has the same tabby marking and has a white band that sits near the end of his tail.

As he feels the warm sun hit his back, he raises his head. His eyes are still closed. He points his pink nose up. He takes a moment he then lets a big yawn and a muffled meow. As his eyes open you can see his greenish eyes. It is time for Chance to start his morning routine. He gets up and stretches out his legs before he moves to the sleeping girl. When he reaches her, he gives out a gentle meow, meow. Skylar awakes and opens her blue eyes sparkling. When she was born Emily said her eyes were as blue as the sky. That is what inspired her name. Her round cheeks are rosy and lovely.

Skylar rolls over. Good morning Chancy, she says is a sweet childish tone. Chance crawls up and rests his body halfway on her chest. He is the size of a small dog yet with a gentle paw reached out and rests his paw on her cheek.

She gives Chance a friendly hug as she takes a deep breath in. She can smell the bacon and eggs. She knows it is Saturday morning. They always have bacon and eggs on the weekend.

Just then Emily walked in a lavender robe, and she opens the partially opened door. Most times she would be dressed in simple but elegant wear. Today was a day of rest her wavy reddish-brown hair and green eyes were enhanced by her robe.

She said in a warm, soothing tone, Good morning sweetie, I see you are already awake. Chance answered back first. Emily addressed Chance, Morning Chance. I see you got Skylar up.

Chance was happy with her acknowledgment and in operatic vocalization started to talk away. In unique tones and vocalizations, he could almost say words. Chance flopped onto his side; he then lay on his back. He knew what was coming next. Chance was a very talkative cat. He was like that since he was a kitten. Skylar was four when they got him, and she would have great conversations with him. In time, it seemed as if he was trying to answer back. Sometimes you would get a no or a loud HELL LOW (hello) if he wanted attention. Personality was not wasted on this cat.

Emily walked over to Skylar’s bed. Her full wavy hair gently moved as she walked. Emily carried herself with grace and assurance. As she sat on the corner of the bed, she reached over and gently rubbed Chance’s white soft belly. Skylar looked at her mother with a big smile. Her mother’s wavy hair caressed her pale face. Her eyes were a deep emerald green. Her Irish roots were strong. They were full of calmness and hardiness like an Irish countryside. Her calm spirit helps her take life in stride. She is ageing gracefully you don’t see any stress lines happening anytime soon. It is as if she seems to defy life challenges of ageing with a fiery spirit. Though only nearing the dreaded 30-year mark, you could see that time stood still for this Irish beauty.

Skylar loved her mom you could see the softness in her eyes. Morning mommy, are we having bacon and eggs?

Yes dear. I will help you with your hair, and as you get ready, I will go get your father.

Before she could make a move, Chance already knew what was going to happen. Skylar was awake now, and he got his belly rub, now for the next part of his job. He rolled over and leaped off the bed. Chance headed toward the door and then trotted hard down the hardwood floor. He was on a mission. As large as he was his soft paws never made a sound. Conner’s office door was almost closed. Chance knew it was not fully closed. It was always just close enough so that his light would not bother anyone when he woke up. The door was always left open a crack for a reason. If he did not leave the door ajar, Chance would protest and wake everybody up with a loud Hell low, Hell-low. A happy compromise was never entirely to close the door.

Chance reached the door instead of nudging it open, he stood up and pushed the door with his front paws. The door opened abruptly catching the attention Conner sitting at the large upright drafting table in the dull white room. He was dressed in a plain grey t-shirt and a comfortable pair of pyjama bottoms. At work, he was always well dressed. At home, he wanted to be relaxed and comfortable. There was no media or client to impress. Unlike the rest of the house, this was the only room absent of colour, personal photos, or paintings. He tried to keep his mind clear and did not want to be influenced by outside work. This was hard because of the internet. He did not want to become another artist jumping on the latest fad. He wanted to be a trendsetter. The tidy boxes that once sat in the corner now were opened throughout the room and beside his chair. Another table by the wall has finished work for a client’s campaign. All the easels had a painting sitting on them showing the countless hours he had been working. The one corner of the room had some paintings in protective boxes to be delivered to Vincent. On his tray beside him there are paints and drawers below filled with every kind of art supplies, once well organized were stacked upon each other.

Conner looked over as he raised his brow and said in a tired and calm tone, Morning Chance, I take it everybody must be up for you to grace me with your presence.

Chance moved across the room meowing along the way and found a spot on the large drafting table. He meowed at the man as he sat down and stared at him. His tail was moving back and forth as he waited for his head to be rubbed.

Conner’s hand reached out and gently rubbed Chance’s head. With his other hand, he runs his fingers through his black hair. Tired from had been up the last few hours. He embraced the early morning growing up on his parent’s farm almost made it second nature. When he used to help with chores, he found his greatest inspiration. He had not been on his parent’s farm for a while, but his roots were embedded in him. That is what attracted many to his natural rugged country looks. His shoulders were broad from years lifting heavy hay bales, taking care of the horses and barn chores. Right now, they seemed to be carrying the weight of the world. With this weight, it appeared that it had far drifted into his sleep. His dreams were not whimsical but filled with fog and a shadow. The black beast would approach him with those glowing eyes. The sound of hissing from the snakes wrapped around its neck like a living collar. Just as it approached a shadow in the depths would appear that resembled a horse. Only when he heard a neighing from its depths did he awake. The black beast had appeared every night since it appeared. No matter what he tried to do to escape, it blocked his path. Like his mind, he could not seem to get past this barrier.

Aside from the stubble on his chin and tired eyes, he kept himself up. He was by no means vain, but he liked to be presentable for his own well being. When you take care of yourself, you feel good and when you do it shows it to others. In the world of business sometimes you are your own business card. If you don’t take yourself seriously, no one else will. Conner’s tiredness was trying to take over. He was forced to reduce his workload. Vincent made it possible. He needed Conner’s focus on this big project. This gallery was taking a lot out of him. Before weekends were for family and he did not like working at the weekend. If he did anything, it was for his own pleasure. Now it was all work. That was another reason he liked to work in the early morning. He enjoyed the world when it was peaceful, quiet and his mind was calm. This was the only time his mind seemed at ease. Over the last few months, he could not shut off his mind at night. What little sleep he did get was now filled with him trying to search through an unending fog. So, he was waking in the early part of the morning even became a part of his weekend routine now. This was the only thing he could find enjoyment in when it came to this job. That is what this all boiled down to, a job.

Chapter 3

The museum was almost done with their renovations. There were a couple of months left to go. Vincent had been contacting him constantly even threatening to get another artist in and reminding him about the contract. That contract was supposed to bring promise but turned into an endless sentence. Conner worked tirelessly to please Vincent. He had enough so far and had managed to find a few already done and unseen pieces. However, it was not enough. He went with a life theme and painted many beautiful landscapes and scenes of photo quality that would be worthy of National Geographic. Some of the northern lights or couple sitting watching as the shooting stars shot across the sky. Not only were his paintings very vivid but the detail that went into each paint stroke seemed to bring his work to life. This is what made Conner stand out in the art world. The amount of detail in his painting was beyond that of many masters. To paint detail is one thing but to make a painting come to life as if you could grab an outstretched hand or feel the grass in the fields, was a whole new visual experience. To see this self-taught painter, excel was beyond what most could comprehend. Many still had many questions as to how he got this good.

Conner had painted a portrait once for a dear old family friend. The painting was of his beloved wife after she passed. The old man cried when he saw it. Every detail of her skin made it seem as if she was just sitting in another room reading her book like she had always done. From that day on the man said no photo he had of his beloved wife Eleanor could warm his heart like that painting did. The man was still heartbroken yet strangely never felt alone. Eleanor was always there. Conner could make a painting seem as if it was breathing and the more you stared at his painting, the more they came to life. Some people swore they could see them move.

So far, the theme could be life in all its beauty. This would include everything life had to offer. In the past, he always had new ideas. Lately, it seemed as if he was in a rut. Emily had pointed it out to him it was probably his restriction with doing promotion work. In the past when he first started out, he had more leeway and expressed his art how he saw it. In time he broadened out and started creating artwork for advertising and more. His expression got limited more and more. He had to start looking at art in a more logical way than creative. In his spare time, he would paint the landscapes and hang them around the house. It was relaxing. Skylar’s room being some of his best work. He worked on that room for over a week when he got the news their baby was going to be a girl. Conner wanted to make sure she was going to have something unique, and he did just that. Right now, he could really use some inspiration like he had back then.

Just then Emily walked into the room. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Morning Emily, he turned his head gave her a kiss on the cheek.

She always smelled so good, she always smelled sweet. Her vanilla body spray smelled like homemade cookies in the morning, like a warm memory. It was comforting.

Conner turned to his wife, Skylar must be up, his lordship came crashing in like he usually does. He chuckled through his tiredness.

Morning Hun, breakfast is ready. Come down when you’re ready. I also brewed some coffee for you. You have been working too hard. You could really use a shave touching your face it feels like I am rubbing against a hedgehog. Take a break. Don’t force it. It will come it always does. If you listened close, you could hear an Irish accent come through.

Emily was the fourth generation of Irish immigrants in North America. Her great-grandparents moved many years ago to take advantage of the upcoming and prosperous country. It seemed from what he knew of Emily’s family, her great grandparent’s blood was strong. She gave him one last kiss then walked out the door, she was his backbone and when he needed words of wisdom and encouragement.

He put his pencil down and tidied up. Chance stayed with him as he put his art supplies away. Leaving one pencil on the table, Chance decided to start bating it with his paw and then knocked it off the desk. Conner picked it up and placed it on the table.

He looked Chance into his eye. Don’t worry you won’t miss out on breakfast. Conner headed toward the door. Chance followed right behind. Talking away as they left the room.

When the sun came up, Conner wanted to spend time with his family before they went to school or work. Skylar was in grade two and with his wife working again. He did not get to spend as much time with her as before. Conner missed the times they were all home together. When Skylar was young, he used to love lip-syncing to their favourite rock songs with Skylar while he cleaned the house. Conner still loved the classic rock, and she enjoyed it as well. One day he was goofing around with the broom and had jumped up on the couch while he danced. Skylar laughed at her dad. He remembered Emily standing at the doorway looking at him with a surprised, puzzled look. He remembered Skylar and himself stopping as he stood on the couch a bit surprised. Emily had gotten home from her yoga class. To their surprise, she joined in with them. With age she became graceful, yet her wildness still resided within her and was never scared to be released whenever the time was right.

Family values were embedded in them both. They both grew up in a quiet town in the country when things were simpler. They ate at the table and not in front of the television. They didn’t live on their cell phones, and their best memories were hanging out with friends playing in the fields and creeks. Our best memories were never made in front of a screen of any kind.

When Conner got to the table, he sat down at the end of the table. His breakfast was on the table. Skylar was already eating away. As Conner looked to the side, he could see Skylar had filled up Chance’s food bowl already. This was a condition of having a pet, and she gave her word that she would feed and take care of him. Even clean out his litter box every day. She did it with no guidance or reminders. Her hope was in time she would earn her way to work up to something bigger. He was about to get his coffee when Emily brought it over. She always made it just right with three creams. He thanked her. Emily generally made breakfast. As much as he liked to be down early for breakfast sometimes he had to finish his work. However, he always came down. They both enjoyed their breakfast in leisure. Conner could feel a paw on his leg. Without hesitation, he tore a small piece of bacon and gave it to Chance. Chance was more like a dog than a cat. A better description is he was family.

When Chance was content, Conner went back to his breakfast. There was a faint ring; Emily received a text on her phone. She took a quick glance at the phone before she sat down. Her bright smile turned to an annoyed look on her face. Her boss wrote, Can you come in today Susan has the stomach flu, we need someone to cover her shift today can you be here for 10 am? Emily put the phone down.

Conner had a feeling but asked anyway, They called you into work, didn’t they? Emily rolled her eyes, Yes they did. I was hoping to start working on do a little work in the garden. I guess I can do it tomorrow. She loved her garden, she always had flowers. When she was young, she had even won some awards for her flowers and vegetables.

He tried to give her hope despite his tiredness, Don’t worry dear go to work. Tomorrow will just be a laid-back day. I will have dinner ready when you come home we will watch a movie together.

Her smiled returned. Connor was right. She returned to eating. She would have to get ready for work after she ate.

Just then Skylar put her fork down and looked at her father.

In a hesitant tone, she asked, Do you think we can go to the park today dad? She looked at him with hopeful eyes.

Conner hesitated for a moment because he hated this part. Sorry Munchkin I would love to go. But I have to try to get some work done. He felt terrible for having to turn down his daughter request. This gallery opening was taking up a lot of his time and energy. Skylar never asked for much and liked spending time with him. However, this job was a big one and an honour.

She sighed, Okay daddy.

She was about to leave the table when Conner stopped her, Skylar. Let me work for a few hours and then we will spend some time together. We will do whatever you want, how about that?

She nodded her head. "It’s a deal dad! Chancy