The Painter

Chapter 1
Part 1

Chapter Description: The Painter gets his first customer

In a year that no one knows, in a small town named after Stephen King called Derry, resided a simple man of simple desires. He’s the type of guy that you wouldn’t glance twice at if you passed him at the mall. Yet he has a gift, a gift for painting.

He wasn’t famous, no; he was an unknown artist who did portraits for next to nothing. He had no desire for money, all he wanted was satisfaction for his customers. His latest customers were a husband and wife.

The art studio smelled of turpentine and alcohol. The man who had just entered was called Mac, while the woman who followed was called Judy. They were young, and already in a state of depression.

“I still don’t know why we’re doing this Mac,” Judy stated, “Especially after what they said at the clinic.”

Mac sat on the couch across from the painter, who was a grizzled old man with dark features and graying hair. Judy sat next to him. He looked into her eyes.

“Look, if push comes to shove, we can always adopt. You know that,” Mac comforted. He had a concerned look in his eye that showed as his wife held back tears and nodded.

“It still won’t be the same though!” she replied. Mac knew that she was right. It wouldn’t be the same.

The painter just adjusted his canvas, carefully listening to the couple’s problems. He smiled.

Mac looked up. “Alright man you can start.”

“Of course,” the old man replied. He picked up his brush and began.

Stroke after stroke he created his masterpiece. His concentration was inhuman as he created the couch accurately and applied the details to the couple’s faces. There was only one thing that on the portrait that did not match the scene in front of him. Instead of the skinny middle that Judy had, was a slight baby bump. The man smiled at his completed work. He signed the bottom of it.

“It is finished.” The painter confirmed. Mac helped Judy up and walked to the portrait. They smiled simultaneously.

“It’s beautiful,” Judy said, “Every detail is perfect.”

“It’ll take only a couple of hours for it to dry completely,” The artist commented, “You can come back for it later.”

“That’ll be great, just call the number I gave you and we’ll come get it,” Mac said. They both turned to leave.

“Wait!” the artist interrupted. They both turned. “I forgot to ask, how far along are you Judy?”

Judy smiled at the question. “Just about four months!”

“Congratulations,” the old man complimented.