A New Style of Brush Stroke

Rowan saved another promising ad, she blew her faded green bangs out of her eyes. She was in a really tough pick two situation. She could either be somewhere cheap but it being too far from campus. She did not like to ride the bus with some of her projects for classes. It did not matter that she was going to art focused college, you step on with a 16 by 19 inch canvas you suddenly get looks at the music students who bring their instruments everywhere. She could find somewhere close to campus… but either its price gouged to hell or she’d be paying for a room and not have enough space for projects at all. Or she could find space and a good price but would need to walk three blocks to catch a bus if she needed to ride it. 

She wanted to avoid being on the bus as much as possible, it was her senior year which meant the most late nights she had ever experienced. She took a long swig of her energy drink, enjoying that strange bubbly bitterness she held on to like a life line. Two more places to look.. Her green eyes lit up for a moment seeing a new ad just pop up.

It was a house with three others, close to campus, only 450 a month, and less than a block from a bus stop. No way she was getting better than 15 minutes from campus. She took another sip and opened a text document, she wrote a lovely email and checked it for errors. She sent it out not expecting to hear back quickly. She knew dozens of students would be clamoring for that sort of rent.

She was shocked by a response offering to let her see the place in her inbox the next day. She may have bounced excitedly around her room for a few minutes before picking off the offered time slots for the very next day.

“Well this unicorn of a living situation is heading to the next step. I’m going to be super sad when it doesn’t work out.” She told Deb her roommate.

“Yeah, getting less grand for a bedroom that close. Either it’s a scam or the start of a true crime podcast. Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”

“At the end of July I’m going to have to do a lot of things without you.” Rowan teased.

Getting ready Rowan made sure to look like the “adult” she should. Nice pants, a shirt without paint on it…. A small bit of makeup just around her eyes. Stepping off the bus 20 minutes later she started to feel nervous. Her roommate knew where she was going and demanded a check in at arrival and ten minutes after that. Deb was always a worrier, Rowan did appreciate it.

Rowan took a deep breath as she knocked on the door. She felt her face warm slightly as she studied the tall woman in front of her. Her dark brown hair was in sleek long braids. Rowan went to open her mouth, but the playful look in her hazel eyes stuck her dumb for some reason.

“You’re Rowan Meadows correct?” She asked, Rowan nodded dumbly. “I’m Dominique Rodgers, come on in.” She pulled the door open farther.

“Yes,” Rowan’s buzzed in her pocket. “Sorry, my current roommate wants me to check in.”

“That is a good friend.” Dominique said.

“She is, but she’s moving at the end of our lease. Got a big girl job at a museum and everything.”

“That does explain why you are here.” Dominique chuckled. “I’m guessing you are a student?”

“Yes, I’m a fine arts major so I can make a bit of a mess,” She was up front about it. Several apartments had turned her down for this reason.

“I see, well, we do have a garage, well it’s more like a shed built on to the house. No car is fitting in it. If you don’t mind sharing studio space with some old boxes and a lawn mower we might be able to work something out. Let me show you the room first.” The room was small and plain. Rowan only needed a place to sleep so it would be perfect, it likely would only be before a year anyway.

“It’s perfect,” Rowan nodded. “Though as I mentioned I’m an art student my hours are not very regular. I will likely be coming and going at all hours.”

“This room is on the opposite side of the house from the rest of us, and there is a door in the side of the garage, so it would be easy for you to come and go. We were hoping to help a student out since we are so close to campus. “We all went to college, we know how it is, what year are you in?”

“Senior. So my capstone project is going to be my main focus.”

Dominique showed Rowan around the rest of the house. The kitchen was slightly outdated with faded wall paper as a backdrop for the hanging pots and utensils. She noted the good size fridge and freezer. The living room was lovely with a large L shaped sectional, and she counted seven throw blankets? It had a big window to let in natural light, and a slightly bigger TV. She noted a gaming console.

“Do you have guests often?”

“Oh no, we all have crazy schedules, so we always plan a day to spend together.” Dominique explained. “It’s good for healthy communication.”

“Speaking of which we need to plan, we haven’t done that this month.” A playful voice entered the room, they held up a hand for Rowan to take.

“Mavis.” They offered. Gosh they were dang cute with fluffy light brown hair, and round tawny eyes. The bridge of their nose was speckled with frickles, it made Rowan think of it as a perfect version of splatter paint. Mavis seemed to be looking her over too. She tried to stand up a little straighter hoping to make a good impression.

“Rowan.” She offered while shaking their hand. She hoped her face was not showing how warm it felt.

“I like her!” Mavis reported and left the room.

“ Well, I’ll see if Enid has time for a break.” Dominique let out a long laugh. “Have a seat, Can I get you something to drink? Coffee, tea, juice?”

“Coffee sounds good. Cream and sugar if possible.”

“I’ll be right back. Fresh coffee is a good way to draw Enid out.” She winked as she left the room.

About five minutes later another entered the room with a soft smile that made her chestnut eyes glow slightly golden. Rowan was worried she would never stop blushing. The woman sat down and just gave Rowan a look over.

“You are a student?”

“Yes, a senior in fine arts.” Was all she could really offer, thankfully Dominique returned at the moment. Enid held out a hand for one of the mugs. Rowan took a moment just to sip her coffee waiting for any other questions.

“Do you have any plans after school?” Enid said over the rim of her mug.

“Well, I’m hoping to get accepted into a gallery. I have a few I’ve applied for but haven’t heard anything back yet. I do online commissions too.”

Rowan rode the bus home. She really hoped to hear from them soon something about all of them just felt right.