Checkmate - Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Please check out my other upcoming story "The Witch's Doll".
The next few days or so are simultaneously some of the slowest and fastest of their lives. The days blended and Althea and Hana moved through them, sustained entirely by discipline and routine with a dash of spontaneity and curiosity. Under the strict guide of Professor Oakley, they forced themselves to perfect their craft and build Hana's repertoire the whole week they were excused from school.
As a result of the non-speaking terms with Professor Andrea—or now Andromeda, Hana had to work harder to catch up with the missed classes and lessons when Monday rolled. Hana particularly had to focus on the assignments for school, pay attention in class, and on reviewing for exams. Every time Hana almost succumb to the sweet call of sleeping while studying, she considered pinching herself on the arms, as Althea took it upon herself to forbid any excess caffeine and energy drink for her. Hana took a few deep breaths and resumed at an even faster pace than before.
After exam week, Hana and Althea are allowed to dwell their attention on the second priority and they were faced with their greatest challenge yet.
The ideas didn't come. All their energy in the past few weeks has been used up completely on exams. They had three more weeks left before the art competition and two days hence was Christmas.
Despite how it's basically Christmas break, Hana only allowed herself to have fun once she exhausted herself with spending countless hours sitting at her desk, scribbling down ideas and sketches that never manage to coalesce into one.
"Aargh!" Hana yelled diving to the sheets of Althea's bed. "I'm tired. I literally have no idea how to be unique in combining painting and photography within the same piece. How about you, Althea, you must have some idea."
"Well," Althea was browsing books for inspiration while wearing an ugly Christmas sweater. "Since there are various collections of paintings merged with photographs, we must explore our own style ourselves."
Hana pushed her upper body to sit and search for her lover's eyes. A slight blush appearing in her cheeks at the sight of the silly sweater she forced Althea to wear. "You didn't answer my question though."
Althea chuckled. "Take it as revenge for this sweater."
"Why are you so offended by it?" Hana gushed. "It looks good on you! And besides, we're matching!"
"It is not even Christmas yet!"
"So? You're still doomed to wear it every day until then!"
The blonde merely rolled her eyes, flipping the pages in the book.
Hana puffed her cheeks. It was weird to see Althea being stubborn so she reverted the topic. "What did the other photography and painting artists do before?"
"In the past, the many ways modern and contemporary artists have mastered this form of mixed media through involving photographing camouflaged paintings, which is widely practiced in social media. Others feature photographs that have been directly painted on, some were altering a photograph image with painting, some make it a college, and some were arranging a scene to include painting as an integral part. Most, however, are digitally-altered composites."
"Let me guess," Hana raised her chin, imitating her. "The selected works predominantly span surreal portraiture and whimsical landscapes. No matter the method, each artist proves that painting and photography is a perfect match."
Althea averted her gaze from the book to her. "You have memorized the book. You overworked yourself looking for inspiration, and yet nothing is coming to you."
"Now you see my agony!" Hana scratched her head, purposely messing with her hair. "We need to win. And for that, I need to be a little bit of you, and you need to be a little bit of me, you know?"
Althea nodded, getting the gist. "You need to plan; I need to learn to improvise."
"Exactly," she affirmed.
"I must admit," Althea disclosed. "The idea of improvisation is foreign to me. Pretty much against my nature, my methods, everything I am, but the reality overrode it. We have three weeks, and there is no time for meticulous planning. Then again, we don't have the luxury of mistakes for messing up and having to start all over again due to lack of structure and direction. But at the same time, we must never let perfection ruin progress. We have to help each other."
"But I do feel you're right though. Why do we have to change our methods? Planning is so not me at all. The thoughts racing in my head say that I can never be able to do it."
"Oh Hana," Althea confided. "There was no need to dread over it. You never needed to plan it. You were always better at improvisation. You did not need to do that for me, but you did."
"Well, yeah, but I—"
"I believe it is time we address a certain issue." Althea gazed at her lover one more time before slapping her book shut with one hand. "Your mind is distracted, hindering your creative juices. It is best to face the music, would you agree with me, Hana?"
"I... guess so." Hana hesitated. "But how come you wouldn't contribute to giving ideas, Althea?"
"Is it not obvious, Miss Yoshida?" Althea slowly tiptoed towards her with a sultry smile, tugging her top upwards seductively. "Your ideas are much better than mine and I want you to take the spotlight."
Hana stared at her for a few seconds longer than she needed to. "Okay. Is it gay to admit I want you to be the subject in our artwork this time around?"
Althea chuckled. "Truthfully, I prefer to have you like our model."
"I see," Hana contemplated, nodding with an awkward smile. "We are in a dilemma."
"Althea," she said apprehensively. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
The girls might have noticed it, but Andromeda can hear them by the doorway. Her red eyes skipped nervously about the room, to stop eavesdropping on their conversation. It's been a month since Hana had talked to her and it saddened her to the pits of her core but she didn't hold Hana responsible if she ever wanted to keep her distance.
Althea clutched Hana's hand tighter at the corner of Andromeda's eye.
"Forgive me for being abrasive; I thought you wanted us to attempt my proposal," Althea said.
"But I meant an idea for our submission!"
"I know you miss her so Hana or was I mistaken?"
"Well, you're not. I do miss her! I really do! Trust me. It's just that—"
Andromeda couldn't take the suspense and braved herself to initiate the conversation. "Hana?"
"Ahh!" Hana jerked back, moving her hands around with her silly theatrics, totally caught off guard. "Professor Andrea—Andromeda."
She took a shot with this when she asked. "Do you need anything?"
Hana bowed her head, staring at the ground for a few seconds.
Mirroring her, Andromeda then sighed, for it was only them standing in the gloom, silently staring at each other's feet. All random doubts were cleared when Hana said in a voice gritty and low.
"Thank you," she began, "for helping me and guiding me all this time."
Andromeda looked at the younger girl, and just from her face, the way her eyes shone; she can tell Hana was telling the truth.
It hit her harder than a blow to the chest.
Andromeda wished she could tell Hana the truth without it tearing her apart. She wished she had the right words, but she didn't think she ever will. Andromeda wanted to tell her how Hana was the main reason for everything, for Andromeda becoming as good as she is today, for not giving up, for learning that someone out there cared for her and idolized her, making her realize that she did leave a mark to the world.
Hana moved to a foreign country just to follow her steps, learned the same lessons she did and met her, but Hana was already aware of that, and Andromeda prayed she would make it clear and let the words flow out of her lips because she doesn't think she will be able to say it again.
A really weird sense of deja-vu took over her then. Andromeda had felt this way before. She had all of it. Looking at Hana, from her hair to her childlike eyes staring up at her like she was more than who she is right now, looking at Hana's photographs and being so amazed at how someone could be that talented. Seeing her and becoming overwhelmed with nerves and panic, unable to be around someone who idolized her, someone so smart and talented, someone that looked more like an angel than a girl—someone who, in a dozen more ways than one, actually changed Andromeda's life post-depression.
It made her chest feel like its collapsing and exploding at the same time, like a supernova before gravity won over and turned the star into a black hole. But this time, Andromeda won't let it turn into a black hole. Black holes destroy everything it can, everything around her, and nothing will ever be enough. She didn't want to go through that ever again.
"You don't have to say anything," Hana said, staring right at her face, and Andromeda changed her facial expression. "Thank you for everything, Andromeda."
Andromeda gasped when Hana swooped in and wrapped her in an embrace. She had to double-check if it was really happening. It was. She cautiously returned the favor.
"It's really weird to know I've had an actual positive impact on you, Hana." Andromeda mumbled, but her voice gets louder and firmer as she went on, "Both as a photographer and as your teacher."
On the other side of the area, two manic energies were clashing then coalesced.
"You too, Professor Tosca, I forgive you," Althea said to her old mentor.
"You don't mean that," Tosca said. For all its intents and purposes, Andromeda was surprised herself that the Italian was suddenly there.
"I mean it," Althea said, crossing her arms. "It does no good to dwell on past quarrels started by misunderstandings. Albeit, don't be mistaken. My kindness is not weakness and I would be so pleased if you demonstrate proper behavior as days to come."
Something in Tosca contorted. "You have grown remarkably, Althea. I can presume my days at ease to know you didn't end up like me, because frankly? Waking up as a gremlin every day isn't the way to live our remaining days."
"You are ever the optimist, aren't you, Professor?"
"Alright, I have a plan," Hana shouted with a grin, surprising everyone.
"You do?" Althea asked, encouragingly all the while resisting the urge to pinch her lover's cheek. "Do tell."
The thought of Hana actually planning weeks was so unfathomable even to herself. Hana spent a few seconds in silence trying to figure out what to say.
And so she did while everyone within the vicinity listened.
"Surreal portraiture and painting overprinted photographs and I want our friends and our Professors to be our subjects!"
Professor Tosca leaned forward while placing her hands on her hips. "Say what?"
"Us too?" Professor Andromeda queried, baffled.
Hana took about thirty minutes in elaborating her idea further, pulling out folded sheets of paper from her pocket covering it in pencil marks and diagrams, using their previous lessons as a reference for the types of things she wanted to include. It's hard to say what surprised her more, the idea itself or the fact that she has actually taken the time to plan it. Hana was quite proud.
"Is it possible, Althea?" she pondered, "To print my photographs on canvas and for you to paint over it to add effects?"
"Certainly," Althea paid more attention to her than the explanation. She smiled and her eyes are slight with a dizzying enthusiasm for her idea, a complete conviction that it will work. "It has been done before."
"Yes," Hana said. "I forgot the most crucial part of the art. To believe and have fun!"
"That's entirely cliché," Professor Tosca commented, earning a pointed look and a cutting glare from the other two. "Good for you, Miss Yoshida."
"Professor, just call me Hana, please." Hana then gazed at her girlfriend. "So about the printing, what kind of print surface is suited for painting over it?"
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Hana!" Professor Andromeda clasped her hands together proudly. "You girls should give it a go."
Hana said pumped fists in the air. "Yes. Let's get to it, then.
Althea sat in the coffee shop with her two best friends in the world, Madeline and Heather, at the end most table of the bar where the curious glances of the many people who had stopped by the shop that day would not interrupt their little chit-chat. They had been walking by foot all day long, with the preparations of their huge Christmas party for tonight.
Their loud giggles could be heard even by the shop proprietor, who still hid his face beneath the newspaper sitting behind the counter on his bar, but no one in the room felt bothered by the noises. Instead, they would smile contentiously at them.
"We've missed you Althea!" the girls cheered.
"Me too," she replied happily.
Althea glanced outside on the wide-open window, giving a nice view towards Blytonbury, thinking of Hana and if indeed she was missing her like she had said she would.
"But all things aside, never have I seen you so worked upon a project, Althea." Madeline deliberated, playing with the straw on her milkshake.
Althea took the liberty to invite her friends to help make her artistic vision with Hana a reality.
"I secondhand the motion," Heather said, taking her sweet time biting the cherry that came along with her drink. She then faced the redhead. "I don't think I have ever seen Althea in high spirits such as this."
Madeline nodded, sighing. "The thought pleases me and makes me sad at the same time, because in all of our years together, you never showed us this side of yours. Don't get us wrong! Heather and I would love to help!"
"Yeah, this is so cool! We get to be models!"
Althea's attention shifted between the girls respectively. One thought concerned her over the other. "What do you mean?"
"Well..." Madeline shared a look with Heather. "Your complete concentration towards explaining the mixed media your girlfriend has envisioned is pierced by brief moments of grinning and disbelief."
"What?" Althea asked, in sheer incredulity.
"But you're one to talk!" Heather swatted Madeline's shoulder reprimanding. "How are things with O'Neill? Has it gone spicy yet?"
"Heather!" Madeline chastised, though her features colored like her hair. "No! We are still in the intimate process of knowing each other!"
Althea had been so soaked up with schoolwork and training that she hadn't apprehended these kinds of things have developed enough between the two redheads. With a smirk, she lifted her milkshake and took a cautious sip. "Well, Madeline, let's hear about that progress."
"No!" Madeline moaned, covering her face with her palms.
As soon as Hana had told everyone about the plan she made with Althea regarding their submission, her friends rudely stared at her as if she just asked them the most ridiculous dare in their entire lives.
Natalya had cooked them a Christmas breakfast fit for royals and was currently huddled together inside the kitchen area of Samantha's retro van.
"You want us to model for you?" Fallon was the only one who had the guts to echo what's on everyone's mind.
"Yes! I want everyone included! It's amazing, I know!" Hana said, all smiles and sharp edges, and then she took everyone by surprise when she grabbed Fallon's shoulders and looked right into her eyes. "We're going to win."
Liezel gagged but not on the account of the mushroom present in her Christmas pudding. "Here's another stupid idea from yours truly."
Samantha placed cautious fingers on her chin. "That actually sounds fun, to be honest! And you say Thea will invite her friends?"
"That's the plan!" she said, letting go of Fallon's shoulders.
"It's just so weird, Hana," Fallon said, clashing her pointy fingers apprehensively. "Usually you ask us help for manpower in your shoots, never the ones for your subject!"
"I still know that Hana would need my help printing her photos on canvases," Mikebot said the words Hildegardtyped on her phone with startlingly good diction.
"Well whatever that needs to be done, we're all here to help you, Hana!" Natalya put in another plate full of mince pies next to her. "You'll need the energy!"
"Thank you," Hana said. Her insides melt with relief because she doesn't know what else to express.
This feeling of elation wasn't alien for her at all, but it was strange and intoxicating. Like her muscles have been strained all her life and have finally relaxed; she can finally relax. Her confidence situated a blanket over her constantly racing thoughts, and Hana savored the moment before things go back to panicking.
"Thank you," Hana repeated as if saying it will cement the moment; prevent this reality from slipping through her fingers. "This is the greatest thing anyone has ever done for—"
"Don't get sappy every time we do you a favor, Hana." Samantha laughed. "We're not doing it just for you or your girlfriend. Neos Athens needs to win too, you know."
"I'm still uncomfortable at the thought of modeling in front of a camera." Fallon echoed at the crowded space.
"It's the job of the photographer to make the model relax!" Hana beat her chest twice before sending a peace sign salute Fallon's way. "You can count on me."
Liezel pointed a fork dangerously near Hana's eyeball. "For your sake, I hope you do."
"Is everyone ready for tonight's Christmas party though?" Samantha asked. "Madeline said we all just need to bring our presents for the Secret Santa and some extra food."
"Oh man, two of our girls are already dating," Natalya said, holding her cheek. "As your sole asexual, my only wish is for you guys to still hang out with me from time to time. You are all my platonic soulmates."
Fallon blushed at the thought she would date shortly and Liezel hissed at the idea. Hildegard merely shrugged.
"We promise!" Samantha and Hana yelled simultaneously.
"Speaking of dating," Fallon said, getting out of her trance and addressing Samantha. "Are you and Madeline finally official?"
Samantha grinned proudly. "She's such a cute girlfriend. I can literally sweep her off her feet if I slick my hair back and wear a suit. She's such a sucker for the handsome me. She makes me feel like a knight in shining armor even though it's no big of a deal!"
"How?"
"There was this one time when she was changing clothes then saw a spider. I heard her scream so naturally, I ran inside and she kept shouting 'Samantha, kill it! Kill it right now!" Samantha spoke barely controlling her raging laughter.
"Tell me you didn't crush it! Tell me you left her anguished all night long!"Hana shouted while erasing the tears that had rushed on her face from too much laughter.
Oh," Fallon cried out. "You couldn't have done that, Samantha!"
"No, of course not," she replied while taking another sip from her apple juice. "I'm not that mean, but the look on Madeline's face was priceless."
The girls giggled soundly.
"Oh, I haven't laughed like that in... ages," Hana spoke, while finally managing to cease her raging giggles.
On Boxing Day, Hana helped Althea with the initial sketch and choosing colors and arrays of symbolism. They wasted no time. Hana was tasked with creative freedom with the photograph attributes and the composition while Althea was to name and label them on the canvas.
They started on the base itself after about an hour of planning and sketching and throwing out details and deciding to include new ones. It was hard to explain the energy that took over them. It made them keep working late into the night, synced up their souls, knowing exactly what the other is trying to do without saying much at all.
Althea looked up from her sketch to see Hana's lovely face had changed with a flitting state of mind. She possessed both beauty and simplicity—a rare feature that no one she had ever met bore.
She put her brush down and moved over to the distressed girl and gathered her in her arms. Hana welcomed her affection by diving into her passionately.
"There is nothing to worry about, Hana," Althea said as she smoothened her brown silky hair.
"Please say it again. Your soft voice is very soothing."
Althea giggled as she wiped off the indigo paint from her fingertips to Hana's cheek. "Come, I need to show you something." She beckoned Hana to see the canvas at the end of the art studio.
"The painting you don't want me to see unless it's complete?"
"I finished the portrait last night." She said, pulling the blanket she placed upon it to reveal what she poured her whole heart and soul it.
Hana let out an adorable gasp with her eyes widened. "Althea, it's so beautiful!" she said.
"You are beautiful," Althea said, her cheeks flushing. "My apologies that your Christmas present is a day late... Do you like my gift to you?"
"I do!" Hana jumped as if she was in a toddler on a trampoline. "How could you be able to draw me riding a broom in the skies when you haven't even seen me pose for it?" she said, looking impressed.
"Your image has burnt into every fiber of my brain. I am all too familiar with your form that I can draw you wearing anything and doing anything," Althea whispered and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her body to sit on her lap.
"That's naughty, Althea."
Her blue eyes lowered from Hana's flushed face down to her breasts, then lower, and lower, before they traveled upward ever so slowly.
"Can I get a kiss?"
Hana smiled at her brightly as she wrapped her arms around Althea's neck and kissed her lips, causing the same tingling sensation throughout their bodies.
By the time they untangled themselves from each other, they went back to work.
With a plan set, they went through it, making everyone their model, along with themselves.
Photography enraptured everything within Hana. She had long sunk into work mode, and they have three days top to finish all of them. Althea, on the other hand, had been so enraptured with Hana that she hadn't known she called her lover's name, because Hana turned around the camera mid-air. "What?"
Not even Althea's smile seemed real. Nothing does. It's almost as if this whole photo set is still in that dream. "We are going to win."
Hana laughed. Dream-like and addictive, and Althea let her eyes swim at the sight, seeing the imaginary halo, the shapes that swirled over the dark of Hana's crown.
"I know," Hana said.