Stop making that face!" Miranda laughingly chided.
Sitting across from each other, with only canvas between them, Miranda was able to openly study every one of Benjamin's features. In fact, she was trying to in earnest, so his portrait would have some accuracy. This was proving to be rather difficult, however, because he was studying her with equal intensity as he worked on her portrait. Attention always made her feel uncomfortable and Benjamin's steady gaze was more than a little unnerving. Worse still, his silliness, while fun, was causing her to despair of capturing any respectable likeness.
Striking a wounded expression, he teased, "But this is how I look. I can't change that!" After a pause, he continued, "It's starting to get late, shall we see each other's progress and begin home?"
"Certainly not! Since you were so bent on making me laugh, my painting is deplorable."
Tauntingly, he replied, "Well then you won't be able to view my handiwork."
"Fine, but as I said, it's quite badly done," she sighed.
"That's just it, though, it's not done. And artwork should never be judged before completion." Coming around to view his likeness, he exclaimed, "There now, it's a solid start and well on its way to a masterpiece."
Giggling, Miranda countered, "Spoken like a true politician. Now, let's see what you've done." As she approached, her eyes traveled towards his canvas and then froze. Not only was her portrait impeccable, he had somehow managed to capture so much emotion. It was truly stunning and she looked truly stunning in it. Speechlessness passed and she managed to croak out, "How…did you do this in such a short amount of time?"
Looking a little bashful, he answered, "I've had a lot of practice. Actually, there's still more I had planned to do with it, so like yours, don't judge it yet."
"This is a draft?" she asked, incredulously. "I had no idea of your talent, because you've been so mysterious about your studio. What you must have thought of mine. Had I known you were this good, I don't think I could have bared to share my amateurish attempts."
"Please don't feel like that. I loved seeing what you created and I'm so happy you felt safe enough to share it with me. You should never feel ashamed or compare something you've made, because it's unique and special, just like its creator. Perhaps that sounds flowery, but it's the truth."
She sent him a wide smile. "You're right, it does sound flowery. But I suppose you're also right about art. Still, I'll need to warm up to the idea of being in the presence of greatness," she teased. "There was one glaring inaccuracy in the portrait, though. I'm not nearly as beautiful in life."
"No, you aren't. You're far more beautiful in person, I just couldn't capture it in paint," Benjamin admitted.
Miranda couldn't agree. After a fleeting thought contemplating Benjamin's opinion on her looks, she quickly dismissed the whole matter.
"I want to tell you a secret." Miranda said whispering as if anyone could hear her.
"Tell me."
" I've always wanted to be a Doctor." Miranda said looking into his eyes.
"That is not a thing for woman." Benjamin said surprised.
"Not just any kind of Doctor. The kind who can fix your body and sew you back together again." Miranda replied and Ben.
"A surgeon." He knew she had passion but this woman was wild.
"I read about it in books, dating back to 6,500 BCE. A Recent book, I discovered published 10 years ago in 1818. The first Blood transfusion was done. There are some powerful scientific things coming and I believe that Women will get the chance to do things just as Men." Miranda stated.
"Do you think you will ever see that day." Benjamin asked slightly sadden that he knew the answer.
"No I will not. So now I will live on. People will know I was here not through saving lives, I suppose as I would have hoped, but as a painter, which is why I have to put my all into my portraits.
"You Miss Miranda Bailey, reading books will find you in the most exhilarating predicaments.
"We kissed, so true in deed Sir Benjamin."
