Fill with colors

In the morning, Eleanor woke up to the chirping sound of the morning birds. Warm, cozy sunbeams of the morning sun penetrated through her window, lighting up the room with a golden glow.

After washing up and getting dressed in a bright yellow sundress which had green, leafy patterns drawn randomly on it, giving it a cute and casual vibe- Eleanor rushed downstairs, eager for breakfast.

It was Sunday, which meant her aunt would be making special blueberry pancakes. Just thinking about the delicious morsel that would be entering her mouth soon added a hop to her steps.

Downstairs she was greeted by the back of her aunt, who was humming a tune while flipping a pancake. She was wearing an apron over her overalls, her shoulder-length blonde hair tied up in a messy bun. All-in-all it was her usual chic style, which complimented her bubbly personality well.

Seeing stacks of perfectly cooked pancakes set up on the table, Eleanor tip-toed towards it. As soon as she was about to pick one-

"Good-morning, Ells," her aunt had voiced her greeting and warning at the same time, with the same three words, in the same tone.

Eleanor gazed at the back of her aunt, which had not turned for even a fraction of a second, in complete disbelief.

"How do you do that? You have to tell me today I need to know." She couldn't hide her curiosity as she searched the behind of her aunt's head for a third pair of eyes.

Eleanor's aunt, Daphne Abbott, her mother's good friend, closer to her than a sister and her godmother, had been taking care of her since the absence of her mother in their lives. An artist at heart and by occupation, she was one of the most sought after professional painters in the country. Her paintings graced the walls of the finest art exhibitions, all of them attractors of a majority of the audience. A few were permanent residents in the 'Golden Time' Museum, a building dedicated to all forms of art with glimpses of rare artifacts penned down in history as well as modern creations, built in the memory of the late Queen Mother, Viola Bridgette Sigwald. Located in the capital, this famous museum attracts art connoisseurs from around the globe with it's inhabitant masterpieces.

Her aunt's paintings were backed by words of famed critiques who described her works as gems in the art world. Aunt Daphne's works were always an honest representation of her feelings and emotions. Ranging from her colorful paintings with warm, bright tones and cold, sad ones with deeper, more dull tones- all were highly acclaimed. Moreover, the anonymity of her aunt who never let the world know of her identity sure did provide everyone with the mystical edge that drew them to her works even more. Everyone wanted to know about the talented individual- 'Rosy Sparrow', who was behind the world-famous art pieces, and associate themselves with her.

No one, except a handful of trusted people, had the knowledge that the renowned artist was living a peaceful and carefree life with her goddaughter in the tiny Melvedore, far away from the spotlight. Daphne enjoyed her privacy and a drama free life, something which exposing her identity would never grant her.

She also didn't want to hinder Eleanor, who was entrusted in her care by her dear friend.

In the small kitchen, Daphne turned around in response to her goddaughter's question, one light eyebrow arched perfectly.

"I don't need a third pair of eyes to know your actions. My gut feeling is enough. I did, after all, change your diapers so many times that I could tell when you were going to do your business before your stomach could even produce that waste." With a sweet smile, her aunt sent a wink her way before turning to flip the last pancake and turn off the stove.

Daphne had known Eleanor since she was born for she had been there holding onto her friends sweaty hands, braving through the process while bearing the pain from the strong grip and offering soothing words. The moment she had heard the shrill cry, she knew her heart was already enslaved to the little girl.

Daphne never got to know her mother, who died due to heavy blood loss, a result of placenta previa, during childbirth. Her father brought her up. Growing up in her father's shadow, she knew no relatives and was not lucky enough to make staunch friends. Her parents had gotten disowned because of marrying against their parents will. After her father, the only family she had left, also laid to rest and closed his eyes forever, she lost herself in grief and dejection. When a pregnant Grace had held her and soothed her old self who cried like a child on her shoulder, only then had she been able to begin moving forward from the loss and loneliness.

With a plate filled with a few pancakes, she moved towards the table and gave Eleanor a look.

"You're not to forget your manners young lady."

Eleanor snorted taking a seat, and watched her godmother set the plate in her hands down on the table.

"I still have a picture of you gobbling down a doughnut as if your life depended on it. Do you want to see it? It could work as a muse, or even distraction were you ever to get stuck with a blank canvas."

Daphne took a seat before crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes," I am never out of ideas. The doughnut was simply too delicious to care about table manners and putting on pretentious airs." She served a piece of pancake on Eleanor's plate before helping herself.

Eleanor grinned as she poured her favorite syrup, chocolate, onto her fluffy pancake, "Is that so? I'll make sure to pass your compliments to Bo and even show him the picture. It's an accurate definition of enjoyment."

Poor Daphne, who was enjoying a bite of her favorite blackberry syrup-soaked pancake, choked on her the food in her mouth. She grabbed the glass beside her to unclog her throat with a sip of orange juice.

"You cheeky little elf! Don't you dare show that picture to him. I...I mean, no one, don't show it to anyone."

Trying to act nonchalant, Daphne proceeded with her breakfast.

Eleanor chuckled at her 'aunt.' A bit more solemnly, she added, "Aunt, you're not getting any younger. If you like someone, then what's wrong with acting on those feelings?"

Eleanor knew what a tragedy her aunt's love life was. Presently in her late thirties, Daphne did not look a day over 29- soft, silky strands of blond tufts encircled her face, her small face radiant with the smile lines she had from her positive attitude and refusal to give in to sadness and despair once again. With her rich, amber eyes that sparkled golden under the sunlight, Daphne was an astonishingly attractive woman with a fine figure. It's not that she had a shortage of suitors; it's just that she was too busy taking care of the girl sitting opposite her.

Daphne sighed. She knew Eleanor worried about her, but she didn't need to be, and that's exactly what she told her.

"But I don't want you to be lonely anymore, and Bo is a really good person. Every time he sees me, he never forgets to ask about you. You're always so be busy filling colors on a canvas, on the walls in this town, but, when will you let colors fill your life?"

Daphne felt her chest tighten at her words. She looked at her with undecipherable emotions pooling in her hazel orbs.

"What about you? Won't you feel left out, my pampered princess?" Daphne asked Eleanor, her gaze lovingly set upon the pretty girl occupying the seat in front of her.

She couldn't help reminiscing all their memories together- good and bad, happy and sad- all coequally cherished. She always admired Eleanor's trait of caring for caring for others before herself, but she couldn't help but get mad at her for thinking about others before putting her desires in front. Daphne took in the appearance of the girl who had matured from a cute baby with exquisite features into an elegant and breathtaking beauty, bearing a striking resemblance to her mother.

'So much like her mother,' and she was not only talking about the similarity in appearance.

"All these past years, you have taken care of me so well. I should do the same now. I want to secure a prestigious job and earn a lot of money for the both of us to live comfortably with."