Chapter 64: Chapter Sixty-Four

Omniscient Narrative

"I completely understand!" Dylan echoed, forgetting all nervousness. "I find that my best pieces come when I'm emotionally invested in the subject. Each time  I paint or draw Von and Michael, it wasn't just about them as individuals; it was about our shared journey and love. That emotion came out in every brushstroke and the tip of the pencil. The colors just flowed from me!"

"That's the essence of art!" Angela responded fervently. "Capturing emotions is what makes the work resonate; it's what creates that bond. You may be a bit shy about showing it, but you have an innate ability, Dylan. The authenticity of your work speaks volumes."

Dylan beamed, the compliment lighting a spark within him. The connection he felt with Angela was exhilarating, an affirmation that their shared love of art forged a bond that transcended age and experience. "You're one of my idols, Angela! Your paintings hang in galleries all around the world. I often dream of showcasing my work one day, just like you. To evoke feelings, to touch people's hearts with my art..." His voice trailed off, filled with both longing and admiration.

Angela looked at Dylan, her smile widening with understanding. "Dreams are important, Dylan. The moment you stop aspiring, you limit yourself. I started small, too, painting in my studio, sharing with my friends. The risk is part of growth, and I can see you blossoming already." 

Dylan continued, feeling more liberated with every moment they shared. "I began teaching to connect with younger artists, to instill in them the same passion and joy that art has brought to my life. I long to inspire them and allow them to find their voices."

"And that's beautiful," Angela revered, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Teaching is a noble path, and it requires not only passion but also tenderness. You're offering a space for them to explore their own colors, their own stories and that, that's a gift."

Feeling a rush of emotion at her words, Dylan took a deep breath. "Your generosity in sharing such wisdom means a lot to me. There's this longing I have to be accepted not just as an artist but in my life, both for who I am and my love for Von and Michael. With every stroke on the canvas, I dream of acceptance."

Angela's expression softened, revealing her empathy. "Art can be a powerful form of expression for your journey, Dylan. When you share your truth through your work, you not only embrace yourself but might also touch those who feel the way you do. It's a profound connection that transcends personal experience. You're not alone in this."

Tears prickled the corners of Dylan's eyes as her words struck a deep chord within him. "Thank you so much Angela, thank you so much." 

"For what sweetie" she asked 

"I don't even know you well, I'm just meeting you for the first time and you've shown me more love than my family had ever done" he sadly spoke. 

"Don't thank me sweetie, you love my son and that makes me automatically have love for you too, and you've done nothing but shown how loveable you are, I'm bound to like you sweetie" she softly told him. 

"I feel so loved and I can't express how happy it makes me" 

"That love will always be your guiding light Dylan," Angela assured him gently. "Embrace it. Let it spill into your art, and let it shine through you."

Dylan felt a sense of clarity wash over him as he absorbed Angela's encouragement. "Thank you, Angela. I want to honor that love through everything I do. You've inspired me so much with your work, and now...I feel I have someone to turn to in my artistic journey."

"Art and growth require relationships, Dylan. They thrive on shared experiences and inspiration. Knowing you have people like Von and Michael, and now Hilary, Carlton, Ashely, Ty, Emma and me supporting you and it's truly transformative," Angela reminded him, her own passion for art radiating through her words.

As they returned to admire the paintings displayed on the wall together, they began discussing the nuances behind each piece. They shared stories of creativity and of trials, triumphs, and the pure joy that art could bring. 

"I would absolutely LOVE to see you create something inspired by this connection," Angela suggested, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "Imagine the magic of combining our perspectives into one work! We could collaborate, a melding of our stories, our art." 

Dylan felt the flutter of excitement gripping his heart, his mind racing with the possibilities. "That would be incredible! I've dreamt of collaborating with someone whose work I truly admire! The idea of blending our styles... I can only imagine the beauty that might emerge!"

Angela clapped her hands together with infectious enthusiasm. "Let's plan it! Bring your vision and energy; we'll create something that speaks from our hearts."

"You're so cute Dylan" Angela praised as she watched Dylan stare at work with heart eyes. 

.........

"I am truly happy for you son" Carlton said as he watched his son play with his grand kids

"Thank you dad" Von replied mirroring his father's smile. 

"They make you happy" he looked at his son with love in his eyes. 

"You have no idea" Von said, as images of Dylan and Micheal filled his mind. 

"I'm happy your mother and I have made our self a safe space for your siblings and you, because after what you told me about Dylan's family, I can't begin to imagine a life without either one of you" he sadly spoke. 

"I can't imagine removing you from my life just because of who you are, I agreed to have you and raise you knowing fully well you could end up as anything or with anyone, I didn't for once have a doubt in my heart because all I knew at the time we decided to have you kids was that you would be our pride and joy"

"And with each day you all keep proving that to me" he said pointing to his grand kids and the house.

"Thank you dad" Von said looking at his father also with love in his eyes. 

"Thank you for never making either one of us doubt our reason for living, I might not be the best son but I promise to keep trying, to make you and mom proud" 

"I also can't imagine a life without either one of you" he said as he put the child that was climbing his shoulder down, ready to give his father a hug .

"I love you son" Carlton said pulling his last born in for a hug. 

" I love you too dad" Von hugged him back and tighter. 

"I love you so much" Carlton repeated.

After a moment of hugging they pulled away. 

"Let's go join the family, I still have a lot to talk to your boyfriends about" he patted his sons back and picked up his grand kids and put them on each sides of his shoulders with the help of Von of course. 

"Yayyy" they cheered as he walked into the house. 

As if on clue, the family started gathering in the family room, all in the middle of their own conversation. 

"Where's Emma" Von asked as he didn't spot her.

"There" Ty pointed to the sleeping girl who was laid in the couch snoring away.

"Food always gets her like that" Ty laughed before taking his phone and taking a picture 

"That's how you know your food is good"  Micheal said rubbing his stomach.

"Thanks Mikey" Hilary grinned 

"You're welcome Hil, and I hope my takeaways are set to go" he raised a brow at her

"Already packed and refrigerated" she laughed 

"Remind me to take them when we leave tomorrow" Micheal said to Von.

"I won't princess" he assured him shaking his head 

"Don't call me that in front of them" yelled the light skin man in embarrassment making the others laugh 

"Princessss" Ty said making he and Ashely high five

"This is so embarrassing" he said glaring playfully at the two of them.

"What princess are you?" Ty said before moving back when he saw Micheal approaching him

"Do you sing" Ty said 

"Do you like animals" he heard Ashley say in a princess voice 

"Do you have magical powers" he heard from the couch to see a woken up Emma. 

"I'm gonna get you guys" he said before charging at them, Ashley and Ty immediately ran outside making Micheal and a woke up Emma run outside too. 

"What you gon do cuz, use your freeze powers to turn us to ice pops" was heard making Micheal run even faster to catch Ty.

"I like your cousins and sisters" Dylan said snuggling close to Von. "I love your family sir" he whispered the last word to Von.

"And they love you too" he gave him a kiss on the lips, 

"Awwww" they heard making them look over and see Hilary and Angela looking at them like fan girls

"O my" Dylan shied away, burying his face in Von's chest. 

Von just laughed instead, his heart was contented, he was happy. 

He really loved the two of them. The shy and reserved Dylan to the playful idiot chasing after his sister and cousins with what he could pin point as a hose, splashing them with water. 

He shook his head at their idiocy. 

'This is what a family looked like' Dylan thought.