Entry #293927, added on 06-24-06 @ 8:02 am EDT
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| Chapter 6 - Moment of Indecision | Entry #293927 |
“I need a moment to clear my head. Perhaps I'll take a walk and think about all of this.”
“Yes, thinking is always good.”
Elliot traced the shoreline with his footprints, as he’d done countless times before. Images of Victoria struggling with Paul at the top of tower flooded his mind. Was he prepared to stand by and do nothing? Was Jason really capable of painting him into the picture to save Victoria? Could he live with himself if he didn’t at least try? Elliot starred up at the tower and tried to come to terms with his options....and his feelings for Victoria. He turned back toward Jason, in need of more answers.
As Elliot approached, Jason was diligently working on the third rendition, again capturing the dark mystery of the ocean’s ebb as it ripped against the jagged shoreline rocks.
Elliot was instantly drawn into the image. “Your style is captivating. Those waves have such lucidity.”
“I have to make sure every detail is as authentic as it was on that day.”
“Jason, if I do this for Victoria, what becomes of her? She’s still dead. She’s still unable to live out her life.”
“Perhaps.”
“That’s rather vague. The answer should be either yes or no.”
“Victoria has relived her death thousands of times. She’s trapped in a world that very few see. You and I catch glimpses of it because we know it exists. Imagine she would never have to relive the horror of her death again…..never having to fall against those unforgiving rocks…..never have to drown in a pool of salt water and blood….never have to wash up on the shore like a rag doll torn to shreds.”
“So what becomes of me when this is done?”
“That is up to you.”
“I can return, right? I want to return. I need to come back!”
“Which of the three of us are you trying to convince? Hear tell over supper last night, you've got little in this life holding you back.”
“I really don’t have a choice here. I can’t imagine not doing this for her. How could I live with myself?”
“Everything has been leading up to this moment,” Jason said while focused on the evolving canvas.
“That’s a dramatic appraisal, don’t you think?”
“Elliot, let's forget about this moment. Let's forget about Victoria’s tragic end. Just forget about all of the years you’ve felt empty and alone. Now, just imagine today you are going to meet the love of your life. Imagine you could transcend space and time and come face to face with your true destiny. That, my son, is the drama of a life fully realized.”
Elliot knew Jason was on to something, yet was drawn even more into the details of the latest painting. “What is that you are adding?...there beyond the tower?”
“I’m not quite sure, perhaps it’s something that existed in that day. At this point, I’m not in complete control of the image, but it appears to be a cottage.”
“There was a seaside cottage when Victoria was alive. It was washed away by a storm about sixty years ago. She spent some happy days there writing before she married Paul.”
Elliot stood watching as Jason methodically painted his future and Victoria’s past with each precise brush stroke. Darkness above began to break apart, offering glimpses of approaching sunshine through feathered clouds.
“The weather is starting to cooperate a little. It will be time to finish soon...before the beach gets busy with activity.”
“Yes, I know. You’re waiting for my answer. And you’ve probably known all along what it would be.”
“I don’t presume to know you mind. But perhaps, I do sense what is in your heart. Only you can decide which one to follow.”
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© Copyright 2006 Celestial (UN: celestial at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Content Rating Notice: Recommended for Readers 18 Years and Older Only
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