All Chapters of Wunsken: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Profesor Guteud suggested some options for my situation. Although I knew it was risky, I chose the dangerous one and that was keeping Paloma. I couldn't hurt her. I really didn't have the heart to kill her. She had been with me for years. I never treated her like a simple frame, though. I used to speak to her and tell her about my frustrations and success during my sittings. I might sound crazy but even though she was a portrait before, Paloma was one of my treasured friends whom I relied on. Maybe her existence as a human being was really her destiny. Maybe she was really given to me. Maybe. I had no idea what the consequences might be in the future. But for now, I would let Paloma experience the life of a real human. "How do I look, Lawrence?"

Semester break finally approached. Though I learned to love teaching Fine Arts, I really missed painting. It was in my blood. That's why when I woke up, I went directly to my ministudio and set up my canvas and brushes. And then I started to paint after a couple of minutes.  My mind was still partially blank and still half asleep so I had no specific thought to follow. I would just let something flow on the canvas. It was large anyway. I could paint on it without boundaries. I never felt this so pumped up in a while so might as well seize the chance that I was in the mood, I was even humming and whistling as I brushed the oil paint across the canvas. Two hours later when I put the last details of my newest portrait. "Finally it's done." I got off from the stool and took some steps back to have a better look at it. I nodded to myself. "Beautiful."

I brush that thought off. I had a lot of more important things to think about than figuring about Mike's inconsistent stuff. Like how I improved my relationship with Ruth. I didn't know if it was just because we barely talked when she was out of the field. Our sex life was amazing, keeping us intimate with each other. But we often argue too. Anything that opposed her will or thinking would surely lead to discussions. 

About thirty minutes later when we arrived at Mike's boutique. It was a modern house inspired by Roman design. Since we were already expected to come, Mike's old female maid was already out of the gate when we got there. She escorted us toward the main lobby where the arches and vaults made of more concrete and limestone were more prominent. There were a few copper and jade figures around rested on their pedestals."Oh, my goodness," Nina sucked in a quick breath as she looked around us. "You mean your friend did all these?""Yeah," I chuckled, amazed by how she smiled right now. "Mike's a sculpture, remember?"She looked at me, wide eyes. "This is where I'm going to work?"I was about to speak when we heard footsteps into the hall."Hey, hey!"It was Mike approaching. He was still wearing the semi-casual shirt and jeans he had this morning, but minus the jacket.

Chap 24If only staring could melt, the metal human sculpture in front of me was already gone fifteen minutes ago. However, my mind wasn't really exactly on the lifeless figure. He might be gloriously made — the details of his colorful clothing inspired by a datu or sovereign prince in the Visayan region of the country. He was holding his sharp bolo as if ready to fight anytime.I wished he could lend me some bravery so my tongue wouldn't retreat when I proposed to Ruth later. This was the night I'd been waiting for. I hope everything will be in the right place."Mike made that too, right?"I turned to Ruth and smiled. "Yes."He wrapped her arms around my arm. "If I'm not mistaken, he used to live in Cebu to do some research about datus. That's why he was able to create a sculpture from them."I tilted my head. "How did you know that?""Um…" S

Chap 26 For the rest of the night, my eyes were satisfied with the extraordinary sculptures made of jade and copper and monuments proudly standing all over the wide gallery. However, I still found myself out of the mood since Mike showed up in the exhibition with Nina. It really even made me irritated when every time I glanced at their direction, his hands were tightly wrapped around her waist as if those soft curves belonged to him. This was really insane. With that lovely red dress I purchased only for her, I was starting to see Nina differently. Of course, she was still that smart and outspoken girl I wanted to talk to.  "But damn, so captivating tonight." "What's that you're saying, hon?" 

Chap 27 What the hell am I searching for her? What would I tell her?  

Chapter 28 I used to believe that the destruction of my first solo art exhibition was the greatest challenge of my life. I never thought it wasn't even close to what I was going through now, not even comparable with that fire.  

From Ruth's funeral, I went directly to Mike's house. Only family members and a few of our old friends were there. His old mother hugged me once she saw me approaching. The warmth of her embrace melted my heart again and all the hate that I felt for Mike just vanished at once. Now I just missed my best friend. After what he'd done, he didn't deserve to die. Why the hell did he take his own life? Yes, according to his mom, Mike took his own life by hanging himself.It was disturbing. Both Ruth and Mike committed suicide.I was driving my way home, or my way to death rather. Since my mind was blank and the motorcycle grips seemed too heavy to handle.I lost my control more than ten times. My last encounter with almost an accident was ten minutes ago. It was with a truck. Good thing the traffic light signaled it to stop.I guess it wasn't my time just yet.I was about to U-turn when all of a

chap 30 The cold adrenalin flew over my veins. However, I couldn’t move a single muscle. I couldn't even scream. The absolute horror completely paralyzed me, and the more I thought about running away, or simply moving a bit, the mo