Arousing Love, a teen novel (23 page)

I caught the whiff of condescension in his
voice.

“I understand what you’re saying, Zach,” the
woman professor now spoke, “and I thank you for speaking with such
honesty about your artistic philosophy. I think what you need to
understand, though, is that art is naturally instinctive. When you
paint, you instinctively choose the color and where you place it on
the canvas. You know how to make that paint look the way you want
it to. When someone paints abstract art it is not mere randomness,
they paint instinctively, placing each color and each drop of paint
where they instinctively want it to go. In your art you paint
instinctively as well as rationally, because you wish to portray
meaning in your art, and I think this is what you are trying to say
about your philosophy, that you paint with meaning and not just
instinct.”

“Yeah, I see what you mean. I do paint with
an artistic instinct, you’re right.”

She smiled at me. “I think you’ll really
enjoy the intellectual discussions we have in our art history and
philosophy classes.”

“Does anyone else have any further questions
for Zach?” The dean looked at the other professors. “No? Is there
anything you’d like to add, Zach? Do you have any questions for
us?”

“No.” I shook my head.

“If you could step outside for a moment, I
think we’ll be able to give you our decision right away, as we’ve
already interviewed all the other candidates. You’re our lucky last
one.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Yes, just step into the other room. We’ll
call you when we’ve finished deliberating.”

I went back out to the other room and closed
the door behind me. I wasn’t expecting this, I didn’t think they’d
give me the verdict instantly. I was shaky with nerves.
Man I
was stupid saying all that stuff about my philosophy. What was I
thinking? They already liked my paintings, I just had to keep it
simple and say the right things and I was in.
I swallowed.
Please God, make them favorable towards me.

“Zach, you can come back in now.” The dean
called from the doorway.

That was quick. Is that a good thing or a
bad thing?
I came back into the room and took my seat.

“We’ve decided to offer you the scholarship,
Zach. Your artwork is outstanding, and, quite frankly, you’re our
first choice for the scholarship. The second place is going to be a
lot harder to decide.” The dean said, and the others murmured in
agreement. I sat there completely stunned.

The woman professor smiled kindly. “The
discussion about your philosophy helped us see the passion you have
for your art. You obviously think deeply about things. We also
could see you were able to listen to other viewpoints, and learn
from them, and add that to your own perspective. That’s what we
like to see in our students. And, of course, your portraiture work
shows great promise. We’re looking forward to seeing where we can
take you with that.”

I was still stunned. I couldn’t think of
anything to say.

“I think he’s been struck dumb.” One of the
men joked and the others laughed, which helped snap me out of my
daze.

“I can’t believe it, I really didn’t expect
this, thank you so much.”

“Congratulations, Zach, I’m sure you’re going
to make a fine addition to our school. We look forward to seeing
you in the fall.” The woman professor was so nice.

Each of the professors congratulated me and
shook my hand.

“Thank you.” I collected up all my
canvases.

“We’ll send you an official letter and some
information about the scholarship, including all the requirements.”
The dean said as he walked me to the door.

“Requirements?”

“Yes, you’ll have to keep up certain grades
and class attendance. You’ll have a choice between living on campus
or finding your own accommodation with a stipend to defray the
costs. There’s a lot more information, and we’ll be sending it out
to you in the mail.”

“Okay.”

“Well, congratulations again, and we’ll see
you in the fall.” He smiled, and shook my hand.

I was still stunned as I went back to the
receptionist to get my bags. I showed her Joanna’s birthday
invitation to get directions to her house, and she said her street
was only five blocks away, pointing in the direction I should
go.

I walked out of there feeling so relieved and
happy.
Just imagine what Joanna’s going to say. I can’t wait to
see her.

I carried my bags, one was small and heavy
with clothes in it, the other was big and light with just my
canvases and some padding in it. I walked in the direction I’d been
told, breathing in the fresh mountain air. It was all starting to
sink in—I was going to art school. I was gonna move to Colorado. I
was going to marry Joanna!
Wow.
It was so immense. Life had
just changed completely in a moment. “Thank you God!” I said out
loud. Life was so good. I was about to see my beautiful Joanna and
give her the biggest surprise and best news ever.
She even lives
close to the school, how good is that? We’ll be able to see each
other all the time.
I was feeling so good I wanted to leap in
the air.

Twelve

Imagining the look on Joanna’s face when she
opened the door and saw me standing there, I strode the five blocks
full of anticipation.

It was strange being in the mountains instead
of surrounded by ocean. It felt enclosed, like being in a room
without a window.

I found Joanna’s street and started down it,
looking for her house. It was a beautiful, tree lined street with
elegant, old houses. A few blocks down, and I was standing in front
of their house. It was a stately, two-story house painted blue,
with a pretty flower garden in the front yard. I walked up the path
and up the steps of their porch, feeling so many emotions at once.
I put my bags down, took a deep breath, and pressed the doorbell.
Wouldn’t it be an anticlimax if she wasn’t even home.

I heard someone coming, and the door opened.
Joanna’s mother stood there blinking at me.

“Zach! We weren’t expecting you.”

Before I could say anything, I heard a
scream, and Joanna came running. “Zach!” She leaped into my arms.
“You’re here! I knew you’d come.”

I was stunned, but as I looked again upon the
beautiful girl I was so in love with, her eyes dancing, her
beautiful young face radiant with joy. All the love I’d ever felt
for her flooded over me, filling me to overflowing. I couldn’t hold
back my emotions, tears filled my eyes as I tried to wipe them
away. Joanna was suddenly kissing me, and I pulled her to me. We
just stood there kissing in the doorway. Her mother cleared her
throat in an obvious attempt to remind us she was still there, but
we didn’t notice, we were too busy wrapped up in each other to care
about anything else.

“Hey, you two, if you’re gonna do that you
should at least come inside. Our neighbors can see you.” There was
an amused, happy tone to her voice.

We walked into the house arm in arm. Joanna’s
mother brought my bags inside for me, since I’d completely
forgotten about them, I was floating, my emotions were beyond
anything I could comprehend. Joanna was so happy and excited, she
was just bubbling with joy.

“I was praying you’d come. I can’t believe
you’re here! You’re the best present ever. I’m so happy you came.
You didn’t even tell me! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
She was talking so fast I had to laugh. I felt so happy my laughter
brought me close to tears again.

We sat down on the sofa in the living room,
still clinging to each other. It was like we had to keep touching
each other to make sure it was real, and our long separation was
finally over.

“Joanna, guess what? I’ve got something
amazing to tell you.”

“What?” She looked like she was about to
burst.

“One of the colleges I got a rejection from
had a scholarship program, and all applicants were eligible—”

“Did you get in?”

“Let me tell you!” I laughed. “They chose me
for an interview. I didn’t wanna tell you about it and raise your
hopes up, but I went to the interview today—”

“And you got in?”

I laughed. “Yes! I’m moving to Colorado! I’m
going to art school here, and the scholarship will pay for
everything!”

Joanna squealed. “Zach! Oh my goodness, I
can’t believe it. Mom!” She shouted, “Zach is moving to Colorado!
He got a scholarship!”

Joanna’s mother came into the room. “You’re
moving here, Zach?” Her mother’s face was expressionless, I
couldn’t tell how she felt about it.

“Yeah, I got a scholarship to the school just
down the road.”

“Oh, that’s a very good school. Where will
you live?”

“I don’t know yet. I can live on campus or
find my own apartment.”

“I’ll help you find a place. I’ll ask my
friends to help, too.” Joanna was almost jumping with
excitement.

“Where are you staying tonight, Zach?” Her
mom spoke with motherly concern.

“I’ll find a hotel around here, I guess.”

“You’re welcome to stay here tonight. We can
pull out the sofa bed for you.”

“Thanks, that’d be great.” I was surprised
she trusted me that much. Joanna squeezed my arm in excitement.

Her mom went back to what she’d been doing,
and Joanna and I cuddled on the couch. It felt so good to be with
her again. I breathed her in, I’d forgotten how good she smelled. I
felt so warm and contented, like everything was the way it was
supposed to be. I closed my eyes and just enjoyed this feeling of
being with her.
This is what they mean by bliss.
I just
wanted to stay like this forever.

Joanna spoke quietly, “Zach, you know what
this means? We’re going to be married. God’s shown you it’s his
will for us.”

I smiled at her. She was so pretty, and so
joyful. I loved her so much. “You’re my gift from God, Joanna. I
never even imagined he would bless me like this. I’m so happy.”

“Me too.” She beamed. “God is so good. It’s
like that verse, ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.’ You put
God first in your life and didn’t try to gain everything for
yourself, and now God has given you your heart’s desire.”

I was suddenly filled with so much joy and
gratitude to God. My God who loves me.

We stayed cuddled up on the couch for hours,
just talking quietly, murmuring little things in each other’s ear.
Joanna’s mother gave us our privacy, leaving us alone the whole
time.

“I have to get ready for my party soon.
They’re coming at five.”

I’d forgotten about the party. I didn’t feel
like meeting all those people, I just wanted to keep cuddling like
this forever.

“Is there anything I can get you? We have
lots of food.”

“Yeah, actually I am a little hungry.” I’d
hardly eaten all day.

“Okay,” Joanna smiled, as if pleased to be
able to do something for me. “I’ll get you something.” She
untangled herself from me and stood up, then bent down to give me a
kiss on the lips. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

I watched her go, admiring her slim, athletic
grace. I’d forgotten how good she looked.

She brought back a plate of assorted party
food and a soda. “I’m gonna go get ready now. If you need anything
else—”

“Can I help you get ready?” I didn’t wanna be
left here by myself.

She smiled. “I wish you could, but I’m gonna
take a shower and get changed.” She giggled.

“Oh, okay.” I smiled.

“Don’t worry, I won’t be long.” She flashed
me a smile as she left the room again.

After I’d eaten, I leaned back on the sofa
and relaxed for the first time since the rush to the airport early
this morning. It felt good to rest in the goodness of life. I felt
so contented. The excitement was over and a blissful feeling
remained.

“How do I look?” Joanna came into the room
and spun around in front of me. She was wearing a sleek, long dress
that looked so elegant on her. It reminded me of our first
date.

“You look amazing. I forgot to say happy
birthday to you before. You’re sixteen today!”

“Am I old enough for you now?” She tilted her
head and smiled at me.

“Yes.” I grinned. “I have a present for you.
You wanna open it now or later?”

“What is it?”

I laughed. “I’ll get it for you.” I went
fishing through my bag, and offered her the neatly wrapped package.
She ripped into it, finding the small jewelry case first.

She opened it and smiled with open mouthed
delight. It was a gold necklace with a heart shaped locket. She
opened the locket and saw the photo of us inside.

“Ohh, I love it. Thank you!” She kissed
me.

She turned around, holding her hair away from
her neck so I could put the necklace on for her, and I kissed her
bare neck and shoulder while the opportunity presented itself,
making her giggle.

“There’s more too. Did you see
. . .
?”

“Yeah, what is it?” She grabbed the package
again and pulled out a photo album. Flipping it open her face lit
up. I’d got copies made of all the photos we’d taken of each other,
and I’d also taken some photos of places that were special to
us—the cove, and the shack, and even the restaurant we’d gone to on
our first date. I had photos of some of my paintings in there as
well. She turned the pages looking at each one, some made her
laugh, and some made her smile whimsically. She looked at the photo
of our carved initials in the rock at the cove. “These are such
good memories, it was a special time for us, but now you’re here
and we can make new memories.” She smiled up at me. “I can add some
of our photos to the album, too. We’ve got some from the talent
contest, and before we went on our first date. You wanna see
them?”