Author's Note: Thanks again for the reviews, I really appreciate it! Here's part 3, I hope you enjoy it!
"We need another painting, Johannes," barked Maria Thins. "It's been far too long since you've had your last commission. With another baby on the way we need the money."
My face turned into a grimace and I sighed hopelessly. I hated doing paintings for money, it ruined the point. Art was supposed to be spontaneous and truthful, but when money is involved a subject is forced upon me and I'm rushed to finish it. There are the exceptions, of course. There are those brief occasions where my greatest masterpieces have come from a commission, but they turn out masterpieces because I had the freedom to see it my way. The painting of Griet, for instance, is perhaps my greatest work to date.
"Johannes? Johannes, are you listening to me? We need that money. Meet with Van Ruijven this afternoon," Maria Thins said, looking into my eyes sternly to get her point across. I nodded my head and looked away as she left the room.
Van Ruijven. Hmph! My hate for that wretched man has grown even more since the day that Griet left. It was his fault that I lost her! Yet, without him, my greatest painting may never have been made. I grimaced again at the thought that I might actually be indebted to that monster. I tapped my fingers on the desk, desperately trying to think of a way of avoiding Van Ruijven's help, but there was nothing else to be done. He was my only patron.
I got up, walked to the front door, put on my cloak and hat, and set off towards Van Ruijven's. When I entered Market Town, however, my pace became much slower. I looked all around me, searching the stalls for a sight of Griet. Deep down I didn't really think that she would be there, and even if she was I wouldn't know where to look. I had heard nothing of her after she left. I didn't know where she went or if she got another job, but it was still possible that she could be there. As I passed one of the butcher stalls I heard her voice. I immediately turned her way, but luckily she hadn't spotted me. I ducked down beside another stall so that she wouldn't be able to see me. I watched her wait on the customers, cutting the meat very precisely and then handing it over with a smile. Finally the line of customers disappeared and she had some time to herself. I had the sudden urge to jump up and walk over to her, but just as I was about to satisfy that urge, I saw him. The butcher's son. He brushed against Griet as he walked by her, said something to her with a menacing look, and then she…she grabbed his head and pulled him down into a passionate kiss. Then they shared a look that I have only known newly weds to share.
My breath caught in my throat and I felt as if my heart was about to burst. I had to get out of there, quick. When I was sure she wasn't looking I jumped up from my hiding place and bolted as far away from Griet and her new husband as my feet could carry me.
