Your Presence Makes A Big Difference

[PAST]Canvas is a space that would be filled with meaningful colors very soon by this artist, sitting on the stool and giving more thought. The bottom of a pencil was scratched on the edge of his lip while his gaze focused on the iPad.Dean is trying his very best to get an idea or inspiration for the work. He wants to make a remarkable impression through his image. He wants to draw something that will make people pause and give all their attention to his painting. He wants people to whisper among themselves to know the artist behind the painting.His teacher has asked them to create a portrait, which can be anything as long as it's presentable, even to kindergarten kids. It needs to be easily understood by anyone who sees it. The student's art will be presented in the art exhibition at the university. Of course, only the best are chosen by the teachers after the final submission.He sighs, keeping the pen aside and flipping through a book in the yearning to find some inspiration. His focused attention got distorted by a knock on the door."It's already evening, and you're still here?" Dean looks at the source with a frown. "You should sometimes give rest to that tiny imaginary space." Nathan further added while stepping inside the room after making sure to look around the corridor once."What are you working on?" He asked again, looking at Dean, who hadn't said anything till now. Nathan frowned with a lack of reply as he paused his steps."Hopefully," Nathan points to himself. "You remember me.""Yeah," Dean whispered while the gears of his brain worked fast to remember the face. Honestly, it's not easy to remember someone, and with their names too, at least for Dean.The hesitant answer brought sorrow to the incomer, who quickly turned his heels. "Never mind; continue with your work.""Wait! I remember you." Dean slams his fist on his palm in realization. "That deprived boy." He quickly bit his tongue because of the adjective he used."I mean, I saw you near the pond, and you were asking me, and yadda, yadda. I remember you. My brain might be slow, but it functions properly." Dean tried to justify his previous statement.Nathan chuckled, "Yeah, the same one.""Oh, yeah. You were asking me what I'm doing right?" Nathan nodded his head."I'm trying to find inspiration." Dean sits back on the chair and looks at the empty, white, intimating canvas."Inspiration is always around us," Nathan replied, stepping towards the sulking man.Dean just heaved a heavy sigh, not understanding anything now. "Yeah. But I can't see anything now."Nathan peeks over Dean's shoulder, hoping to see at least a line or scratch on it. "How about you look around the campus?" Nathan suggested, holding the strap of his guitar case."Guitar classes?" Dean asked while pointing at the bag. Nathan gave a quick nod and noticed Dean's gleaming eyes focused on the guitar. He raised his eyebrows."I'm not playing it," Nathan informs Dean in case he requests it. However, Dean shook his head, looking back at Nathan. "Can I just look at it?"Nathan smiles and says, "Oh, that can be done." He keeps the case on the floor and carefully unzips it like it's his precious possession. The smile gracing Nathan's face when he picked it up didn't go unnoticed by Dean. He understands that, just as he loves sketching, Nathan loves his guitar."Can you, like, just sit with the guitar? I think I got some ideas." Nathan quickly complies while sitting on an available chair."What is the idea?" Nathan asked, tuning his guitar again.Dean quickly changed the white canvas to black and glanced at Nathan with a request. "Would you mind if I clicked your picture for the portrait?" Nathan paused his movement and looked at Dean, who noticed the denial, so he quickly added, "I will not use your face. However, you'll be the inspiration." Nathan nodded without muttering anything. Perhaps he got a hunch on what might have inspired Dean.In the following days, Nathan would drop by to check on Dean. However, the said male would always push Nathan away from looking at his work, saying it was a surprise. Sometimes, he would get snacks for Dean. Sometimes, looking at Dean sleeping peacefully with his head resting on the table brings a smile to his face. He often got the urge to see how far the work was going. But Nathan never looked at Dean's sketch, as the man had said.After a week, Dean submitted his work and heaved a sigh of relief. It surely took a lot of effort and time. But if it's showcased in the exhibition, then it's worth it. If not, it's okay; maybe something better awaits him."Submitted?" Nathan asked as he was waiting outside the staff room. He heard the teacher praising Dean for his work. He concluded that he could not wait for the exhibition to happen and searched through the whole campus to see Dean's name."Yeah," Dean whispered, "wishing for it to get accepted." He showed his crossed fingers."Even my fingers are crossed." Nathan crossed his fingers too. "But, I know your work will surely be highlighted.""If that happens, then it surely calls for celebration. I'll treat you to lunch. However," Dean looks around the hallway. "Where are your friends?""They're somewhere." Nathan shrugged. "What about you? Didn't you make friends?" Dean shakes his head.Dean started walking, and Nathan was quick to follow. "When I entered the class, people had already made friends. There were seven to eight groups." He shrugged his shoulders. "I couldn't find myself fitting in any group. Like each group is different." He started counting with his fingers. "One is the Mr. Popular group; two are studious people; three are the good-looking group; and etcetera types."Nathan laughs, hiding his mouth with his hand, and says "This always happens in every class.""You don't know, I felt as though they took an audition before joining the group. So, I felt I was fine by myself." Dean looks ahead with a smile. "My school was different though. Everyone was good friends with each other. Of course, the rivalry was there. But, only for marks and ranking the remaining times, regardless of their score, we always stayed together.""Well, we can be friends, right?" Nathan asked, stopping Dean too."Well, I did say...""That was them asking you to be friends. So, you said no. I understand. But this time I'm requesting for you to accept me as your friend."Dean smiles and says, "For the past week, I've tolerated your presence. So, there might be a reason to do so, right?"⋇⋆✦⋆⋇Freya decided to make Ayan love her so much that even Roman would fall for her. It's just like showing the world something and having a motive for something. She quickly curls her hair, thinking maybe Roman liked Amelia for her long curls. Adding mascara to her eyelashes would give them a thick and long effect, something to deflect as Amelia did."Where are you going?" She heard her roommate's voice. "Another photoshoot?" The new face asked with happiness. "You sure have a tough, packed schedule." She continued speaking, disregarding that Freya hadn't given her any reply."Just investing time to get something," Freya replied, fixing her floral dress, which was reaching her knees."May I join too? I will get bored because today's shoot is in the evening, right?""Well, it's a personal meeting."⋇⋆✦⋆⋇"Mom! Mom, calm down." Dean was sitting on the bed while holding his phone.[What calm down? Are you serious? My boy got injured, and I'm so far from him now. And this kid is expecting me to calm down?]"It's not so serious."[You got two stitches.]"I shouldn't have told you that."[Did you take medicine? Show me your leg now.]"Mom, how--I'm not a two-year kid now."[For me, you'll always be my little boy.]Roman bites a piece of apple and shouts. "I agree, ma'am. I understand your view. He was trying to be all heroic and save the world."[Oh my, so that's what happened. It wasn't because of the shoot? Did you just lie to me?]"Be quiet," Dean said to Roman with a glare. Roman raised his arms in surrender while sitting on his bed. Ayan, who saw his father's gesture, replicated the same while looking at his teacher with wide, innocent eyes."Why did you raise your hands, dear?" Dean asked, gaining the attention of his mother, who was widening her eyes.Ayan points at his dad. "Because papa did.""Papa was being mean. So he did. But you're the one who's not." Dean explained that he got a chuckle from his mom too.[I believe you're having fun there.]"Papa mean? I'll tell Granny." Dean looks back at Ayan, who pressed his hand on his ear."Hello, Granny Papa is being mean. Yes, yes. Come fast." The boy throws his imaginary phone to the side.Roman stopped chewing his apple and looked at his son with raised eyebrows. He remembers doing something similar, like calling his teacher to make the boy do his homework."Papa, just wait. Grandma will punish you." Ayan said and goes back to trace the alphabet in the practice book. Roman couldn't even gulp down whatever he chewed and looked at Dean, who was trying to stiffen his laugh."This is not my son." He points at Ayan and looks at Dean. "He has become your student now. Remarkable changes.""Of course, he is my good student."[Dean. When you're talking with your parents, you shouldn't be distracted.]Dean froze upon hearing his dad's voice. He saw his father looking straight at him with a void face."Yes, dad. I mean, I'm sorry. How are you, dad? Did you eat breakfast?"[Yeah, I'm doing fine. How are things going there?]"Everything is fine."[I heard you got injured. You got immediate treatment, right? You can't risk your health after the-]"Yeah, dad. I'm completely fine, don't worry. My colleagues-"[Do not cut my words. When I'm speaking, you should just listen.]"Yes, dad."[Hmm, take care and return before Christmas.]"Yes, as soon as the shoot is finished. I'll be back."Mr. Rayden looks keenly at Dean once and gives the phone back to his wife.Dean looks at his mother with almost vulnerable eyes; his eyes will shed sorrow as he whispers, "Mom."[I know. It'll take time. Don't lose hope. I'll talk with you later.]Dean hums, ending the call, and sits with his back facing the audience. The father-son duo glanced at each other. One understood Dean's reaction very well, and the tiny one didn't like his teacher's sad face.Roman pats his son's head, gesturing for him to go to his teacher. Ayan was quick to get the point as he picked up his books and slid off the bed."Teacher," Ayan gives the books to Dean. He fists the bedsheet and tries climbing on the bed. Dean smiled and pushed the boy up, holding his arms."I don't know..." This was said to his father. Because, as his father gestured, he sat here. Now, what? He knows his homework. When Dean heard, he looked at the book."To pronounce?" Dean asked, looking at the boy for an answer. The tiny angel looks at his dad and then back at his teacher."Teacher, don't be sad." The boy thought it was best to give a warm hug to his teacher than to ask for study help.Dean laughs, embracing the energy fluff in his arms. "I'm not sad." He looks down at the boy and smiles. "Not at least in your presence."Ayan smiles brightly with a nod. "I'll make the teacher happy."Roman shakes his head, keeping the apple aside, and stretches his arms."I have a few things to discuss with Liam. Since the shoot is in the evening if you don't-""Of course, I'll take good care of Ayan." Dean was quick to understand and interrupt Roman. However, he widens his eyes when he realizes his mistake."Thank you, and I don't mind your cutting my words to state yours. I'm sorry, but next time, use earphones. Because I heard your conversation.""I kept it somewhere, and I can't find it. I think I lost it." Dean heaves a sigh. "I need to buy a new one." He mumbles to himself. "Next time, I'll go to the balcony to talk," Dean said as Roman nodded. "But, it's chilly outside, and I don't want to-""Ok, I got it. You love contradicting your own words. You can talk in the room itself. Ayan and I will close our ears, ok?" Dean just meekly nods his head."I've never seen you talk on the phone. Don't you talk with your parents?" Dean asked, looking straight at Roman, who was picking up his shirt.Roman glanced at Dean and went back to his search for a clean shirt. "Not needed." Saying that he walked inside the bathroom."Is something wrong with your papa?" Dean asked, and Ayan looked at his teacher and shook his head."I will not say. It's bad manners." When Ayan said this, Dean realized how wrong his question was. It was like he was fishing for gossip. It's good that Ayan knows what needs to be said and what not."You will be a great man." He pats Ayan's head. "Just like your papa. Also, I'm sorry for asking such a personal question."Ayan just shook his head, showing a crescent smile. "I know my teacher is worried about me and papa."⋇⋆✦⋆⋇Freya looks at the bag of stuff: toys, chocolates, and limited-edition kids' clothes. She smirks, knowing the kid will at least like one of these. She knocks on the door wearing a beautiful smile on her face.The door opened as she parted her lips in greeting. However, she paused, noticing it was Dean.Dean smiled and said, "Hello, ma'am. How can I help you?""Is Ayan present?""Yeah, he's playing games.""I hope it's alright to spend time with my son."Dean raised eyebrows. "Pardon?"Freya laughs nervously at the slip of the tongue. "Since Amelia was my friend, her son is like my son, right?"Dean nods. "Yeah, it's very difficult to find such a good friend like you." He opens the door wide for the lady to step in."Ayan, my beautiful baby, look what I got for you," Freya says with a wide grin.Ayan, who was trying to speed up his bike, drops the phone in shock. His eyes looked at his aunt.He quickly picks it up. But his bike crashed into the opposite vehicle. He keeps the phone aside and stuffs a piece of chocolate in his mouth, given by his teacher."These toys," She keeps a bear, a shark, and a fox stuffed toys next to Ayan. "Even clothes," Spiderman printed shirts and pants. "Some chocolates for the cute boy." She forwarded a box of luxurious chocolate truffles.Dean looks at everything, especially the chocolate. The one he bought from the mall is on the table, with Ayan taking a few bites. If he knew, something like this. He would have probably given Ayan some other time."I have a chocolate aunt," Ayan said, taking the box and showing it to Freya."It's...uhm," Freya hesitates to ask the boy to leave it and eat the one she bought. She can't do anything that will make the boy have negative feelings about her."Ok, you can try these later, ok?" Freya asked as Ayan nodded, Continue to eat Dean's chocolate."Do you like staying here all the time?""I went with Papa, and someone was clicking pictures of the teacher. And everyone is so nice to me." Ayan replied and counts with his fingers. "They give me juice, chips, and cake. They play with me too. Papa feeds me to lunch. The teacher helps with homework and always gives me big hugs." Ayan hugs himself, trying to mimic how his teacher makes him feel warm and happy."Someone who clicks pictures is called a photographer," Dean informs the boy as he sits next to Ayan.The boy nodded his head with pouty lips. "Photoaver.""No, it's Pho-to-gra-pher.""photographer.""Good-""Amazing. Ayan is a fast learner." Freya interrupts, pulling the boy into her arms. She felt Ayan was too heavy for her to hold. The boy has the right weight for his age. Probably, she's not used to holding children in her life."Yeah, even at school, he grasps information very well, and...""I know. He got his genes from his father after all."Dean frowns. "But, Roman said, it's Amelia who was smart."Freya freezes, remembering that Amelia truly had a photogenic memory. She was always a rank holder. Although she wasn't good at sports, she would attend tournaments for Roman, and their bond would get stronger with each passing day."Amelia was smart. But Roman was an all-rounder. He would try something and ace it. He's naturally talented. In college, he sure was popular. Since he was the shooting guard in basketball,""Wow, that's new info. I never thought-" Then Dean paused, remembering Roman exercising early in the morning and going for a quick run, while leaving Ayan in his care. And his lazy limbs would try to sleep more while hugging Ayan. "He does give off the vibe of a sports player.""Papa played sports?" Ayan asked with curious eyes. His dad never told him about it. Maybe Roman wanted to tell him later."Yeah," Freya caressed his hair. Finally, the boy gives full attention to her. "He was so cool. The whole stadium will be cheering for him and the team."Ayan smiled brightly. "I know papa is cool. And, mama, how was mama in school?" Ayan's question made Freya grit her teeth. However, she fakes a laugh and cups the boy's cheek."Your mom was nice too. She was good at studying. I don't know why she chose to be a social worker when she could become a doctor or something." Freya tried to make the boy think how pointless his mom's life was. What she forgot was that Dean was also listening keenly."Being a social worker is awesome. You help people in need. Sometimes they need someone to listen to their sorrow or worry. Letting them pour out their emotions helps them in a good way, such as preventing them from getting depressed easily or feeling lonely, etc. I don't understand why social service is underrated.""So, is it good teacher?" The boy surely didn't understand what his teacher was saying. But he wants to confirm that his mom was good."Yup. The beautiful soul. She chose the right path for her life. Your mom might have left a soft spot in many people's hearts. Many would have smiled seeing her."Freya looks away. Of course, Roman is one of them."Yeah, mama is the best." Ayan grins, hugging a pillow, and looks at his teacher with happiness. His teacher's answer surely made his day.Freya continued to talk with the boy holding onto this tiny bridge that would bring Roman and her together forever. However, she was surely starting to seed sour thoughts about Dean. When he would interrupt and divert the boy's attention entirely to himself.Shortly after, Roman returns with snacks. Ayan was swift to jump into his father's arms, earning a chuckle from the man that fluttered Freya's heart."Welcome back," Dean said first, even though Freya stood up foremost.She parted her lips to speak. However, Dean continued to utter. "How was the meeting?" He gave him a glass of water, whereas Freya clenched her fist.Roman sighs, "You guys will be informed soon about it." He receives the water and finds Ayan sitting on his lap."Is it something bad?" Dean sat next to Roman, whereas Freya was seated opposite them. "Something related to shooting? Is it not going well? People are not showing any-""Hush," Roman pressed the empty glass on Dean's lips, catching the man by surprise as he felt the cold surface on his warm lips."Your teacher worries too much," Roman muttered to Ayan, unaware that Dean was looking at him with wide eyes as he kept the glass back on the table."Oh, Freya." Roman finally noticed the lady waiting patiently for him."How long are you here?" Roman asked, glancing at his son and Dean."Well, for quite a long time. I couldn't spend time with Ayan so...""Oh, that's sweet of you. I hope Ayan didn't bother you much." Roman said, looking down at his son, who shook his head.Freya bites her lips, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Oh, he-""But, I also know. He'll be a good boy for his teacher." Roman injects and looks to his right at Dean, who looks back at him."As if he is bad. My Ayan is always a good boy." Dean said and patted the boy's head, glaring at Roman, who chuckled."Where do you think he inherited those good manners from?""From his mother. I can bet you must have been full of ego during your college years. So, unlike you, Ayan holds qualities from his mother.""I didn't have any ego, ok! I was just a known player," says Roman, who doesn't want to say that he was favored.Dean crossed his arms and smirked. "See a player?"Roman rolled his eyes. "Sports player. Specifically, basketball." He deadpanned."Papa, teach me basketball." Ayan says this in between, earning their attention."Sure, after we return, we'll buy a basketball and a jersey.""Ayan will surely look cute in that," Dean said, smiling at the duo.Roman looks back at him and says, "I agree with you.""Make sure to click some pictures as memorials. Older Ayan will surely love it." Dean suggested, resting his chin on his palm.Roman smiled sadly, caressing Ayan's hair, who looked at his dad with big eyes. "Yeah, something similar even his mom used to say." He whispered, "His first step, word, school, graduation, career, and sport. She wanted to capture everything and create an album."Dean understood the sadness and wanted Roman to smile again. He held Roman's other hand and said, "You can fulfill her wish.""She wanted to be part of it," Roman says, looking at Dean and tightening their hands together.Dean placed his other hand over Roman's. "Isn't she in the fairy star?" Noticing the raised eyebrow, he gestured for Roman to see Ayan through his eyes. He further added, "She is watching everything from there.""Yes, papa. Mama is protecting us from the stars. You said this." Roman widens his eyes, realizing he was turning soft and almost showing his hidden emotions to his son."Yeah, you guys are right. I should store these memories and later show them to Ayan's mom."Freya, who was feeling avoided was not upset with Roman because she understood that he was still not over Amelia. But this new guy is talking as though he knows everything about Roman.Her gaze focused on Dean. Previously, it was Amelia when all of Roman's conversations started and ended with her. Now, it looks like this guy is doing hee job. She is not even getting a chance to speak at all.The environment looks like they have created a safe bubble for only them. She stares keenly at Ayan, playing with Dean's fingers while he is being hugged by his father. And his father's entire attention is on the man. They looked like a happy family.Freya stood up in realization, getting a flinch from Dean, who was having a deep conversation. Roman quickly pulls Dean's legs towards himself as the man was seating next to the nightstand. He didn't forget Dean's injury and was afraid he might harm himself.Freya's eyes turned red, noticing the hand holding Dean's knee."Are you ok?" Roman asked, looking at Dean with worry."Teacher hurt again?" Dean quickly shook his head. "I was just caught off guard. I'm completely fine." He looks at Freya, who is staring at him with hateful eyes. He knows those types of eyes very well."What happened? You suddenly stood up like that?" Roman asked calmly. Although he didn't like the interruption,"I just remembered, I've got an appointment. So, excuse me." Freya hastily spoke and stepped away."Take care then. Thanks for dropping by." Roman uttered with a formal tone, making her angrier. She looks back at Dean talking with Roman asking about his health.Somewhere, she's even jealous of him. He has something that Freya desperately wants: a family that should feel warm and happy in her presence, not this young man who has done nothing better in life.