Raven

The greatest weapon you can yield is your voice and yet she prefers to pour her words and heart out onto a blank canvas.

Raven stood in her small apartment surrounded by five blank canvases set on easels surrounding her. She wore a long white men's shirt covered in old paint and a pair of black leggings. Her long black hair was tied on top of her head in a messy bun, with a few strands sticking out around her small face.

She had just finished her last art pieces over a month ago and they were currently on sale at her friend's gallery. But now she stood staring at the blank canvas waiting for inspiration to hit her for her next big project. Not finding what she needed she checked the time and cursed at herself.

She had to be at the gallery every evening as requested by her friend Milo. She rushed into the bathroom to take a quick body shower.

Milo owned a very prestigious art gallery and had said he would not take a commission from the sale of her paintings as long as she was there every evening.

This had been the case for the past few years. Of course, she gave him a cut, but he always gave it back they were friends first after all. But she knew he wanted her there, therefore she had to make an effort.

Milo was a friend she met when she was fresh out of art college, he saw her potential and gave her, her first big sale, keeping it for himself. Milo proudly hung the piece over his art galleries reception desk.

Ever since then she had lived comfortably due to his help. Her paintings sold for over four figures each and although she didn't need much and did not do it for the money, she enjoyed her work. It was an escape from everything.

She had no family left now and she wondered if Milo had made that agreement with her just so as she would leave her house, he called her a hermit. She only ventured out when she absolutely had to and thankfully everything else, she needed she could buy online.

She is not like the rest, her smile has been tested by storms, and she has been through hell. But she had two supportive friends she could rely on if she needed them.

She has seen herself fall, she has seen herself wither and when everything was going wrong, she never gave up. Women like her are rare.

When she loves she loves with all of her existence and that's why she couldn't chance giving her all to anyone. Not again, she couldn't have the life she once dreamed of. Dreams where for children.

She got out of the shower and quickly picked the first outfit that was at hand. She let her long black hair loose and it cascaded down her back in waves, using her fingers as a brush she smoothed out the ends. She had no time, she was already going to be late, and she could already hear Milo's annoyed voice in her head, telling her to hurry up.

Going to the mirror she added some light makeup to hide the shadows under her eyes from lack of sleep. After checking herself in the mirror she nodded and with a light sigh and left her apartment. She hadn't left yet and already she looked forward to coming back home, well she could not call it home, but it was hers.

Soon she reached the outskirts of the city, and she weaved quickly through the bustling streets. Reaching the gallery, she saw Milo standing just outside greeting guests with a smile on his face, he had the gift of the gab and found it easy to converse with anyone unlike herself.

As he spotted her, he frowned and tapped on his watch, he was like a mother hen scolding her and she couldn't help but laugh. Milo was tall, slim with blonde hair, he was wearing a pale blue suit and a white shirt. He always dressed well and always scolded her for her casual attire.

She rushed to his side apologising, "I know... I know... I am late but I was...." Just as she was explaining Milo interrupted her.

"Unless you are going to say you were busy on a date, don't bother with an excuse. I know you were working at home… alone as usual." Milo retorted. she knew that he wasn't really mad, he just wanted her to get out there and have a bit of fun while she was young.

Raven rolled her eyes and nudged him, "I'm here now aren't I, and who needs a man anyway."

"I know you don't want a boyfriend after… well after everything but it's time to get out there. At least get a free meal out of it." Milo joked with her.

She made a face showing her distaste, "No thanks, I will pass. Instant noodles are enough for me." Raven smiled and took his offered arm as they entered the gallery together.

Milo took two glasses of champagne off a passing waiter and handed her a glass.

"You know I am a lightweight and don't drink." She huffed but took the glass from him anyway.

"Humour me." He replied with a smile.

They stood together and people watched.

"Look... there is your new friend Elena with two very handsome men in tow," Milo whispered. "She came with the bulkier one last time, you didn't meet him. Nice fella her husband. But who is that?" Milo wondered.

Raven scanned the room and saw Elena; Elena was her opposite. She was very outgoing and girly with sun kissed skin and straight blonde hair. Raven was an introvert at heart and the only colour she liked to wear was the ones she used when she painted.

Raven smiled and nodded at Elena; she didn't bother a glance at the two men. When Milo said she wasn't interested in men that was an understatement.

"One of Elena's friends has his eyes on you, very handsome but… oh he looks like he's coming our way?" Milo whispered next to Raven.

Raven wasn't interested but because Elena seemed friendly, so she took a glance.

She glanced over the two men over and her heart seized, and her whole body tensed.

"I have to go," Raven announced and turned to flee for the nearest exit.