500 words written and one hour spent. Now back to writing Fluffy (and, you know, maybe homework…)
What if Rodney Partook in a Creative Activity?
Perspective, that's what she had said. But I had plenty of that. I perceived things as they were all the time. Constants really were constant, such as pi and Sheppard's poor golf game.
But Jennifer insisted so here we were, spending the practically city-wide day off doing this nonsense. What could this military man possibly teach me?
"I deal mostly with landscapes but you have to learn the basics first. Do you both see that contrast? The light here and the shadow all along there?" he asked, pointing along the object we were supposedly using as a model to show what he meant.
Everything he asked seemed like the same question to me. But every time he said something, Jennifer would nod in response, eager to understand. That was Jennifer for you. To me it was simply an apple. Something to eat, not paint.
"Just about done, Doctor McKay?" Lorne questioned from behind Jennifer, not bothering to come check for himself.
"Just about," I repeat, exasperated.
To check out Jennifer's progress, I walk around the double-sided easel and neatly drop my jaw. The blend of colors and distinction in light is astounding. "Almost looks edible, Jen," I laugh and watch her features brighten. Right there, perfect.
After returning to my side, I notice the distinction in my painting looks paltry after seeing hers. I chalk it up to different subjects and less light on mine but take it back. I knew Jennifer would excel at this.
I took a moment to watch her paint, her eyes shifting every few seconds to the apple as her brush stroked evenly along the paper. I looked back at her in small glances, casually continuing my piece as I did. I couldn't help but notice the way her eyes squint and lips twist in thought when she focused on one particular spot on her painting she hasn't declared perfect yet.
"Doctor McKay," Lorne exclaimed from his new spot behind me. "This is the best representation I've ever seen firsthand. Why didn't you say you could paint?"
I shrug in reply. "It didn't fit on the resume."
"Didn't fit on the…" he reiterates for me, still looking over my piece in amazement.
Jennifer hopped off her stool to come see but froze when she saw the subject of my painting. "Rodney…" she managed to get out as her hands came to cover her mouth and some of the surprise. "I didn't know you were… Do you really… This is how you see me?" she finally asked.
I look back up to her watery eyes and add a bit more color to her high cheek bones on the canvas. Color always seemed to creep up there throughout the day and I wanted it to be accurate. "Depends if that's a good thing."
Her arms wrap around my shoulders and a kiss lands on my cheek. I guess it was a good thing.
Lorne allows us our moment, then, "Any chance you'd help me with my portraits?"
I don't often write Lorne so sorry for any wrong characterization. Thanks for taking the time to read, everyone.