Lulu set the Starlight and Prince Blue, the old sawmill and Malachi Nickle on either side of Immanuel, and somehow with her art, showed the town growing around them. The Sands Motor Motel, the Beachwalk, and the food trucks, with a hint of a carnival Ferris wheel anchored the left side of the wall. On the right, a large, glowing West End hotel, shopping centers, the Skylight, the Sunset Bowling Parlor, and the Tidewater Inn.
Lulu included milestones like the 1952 Nickle High state football champions and the 2006 West End girls’ volleyball champs.
“I don’t know how she did it, but I feel like I’m part of the mural,” Emery said. “Wanting to preserve the past while embracing the present.” She looked at Caleb. “We can do both, right? We don’t have to give up history for progress. Or progress for history.”
“I think that’s what Main Street is about.” The light in his eyes seemed to tie up all her feelings about the mural, Caleb, and returning to Sea Blue Beach. As if she was supposed to be here by some divine ordinance. Not because it was her only option.
CalebRansom,what are you doing to me?One thing she knew for sure. She didn’t come here to fall in love.
“Kids, I think we’re ready.” Lulu had finished setting up painting stations. She was tall and thin, with a mane of dark hair gathered underneath a scarf. In her mid-fifties, she had an air ofgetout of my way,I’m not done yet.“I’ve divided the wall into sections ... and what an amazing space. I feel rather blessed.”
About a dozen folks stood around the scaffolding—kids from Nickle and West End High art classes, several local artists, and a couple of commercial painters. Caleb’s parents joined the party with Bentley. Bobby, Alfred, and Mac from the town council stood around, watching. Simon was dressed to paint, along with the Main Street crew.
The February day was perfect for the rejuvenation of a town. The sun blazed through a blue sky. The air had the right amount of chill. Paige from the Blue Plate set out breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and tea. Misty from Sweet Conversations donated donuts, scones, and sweet breads.
Someone sounded an air horn, and Caleb introduced Lulu Chan. “She’s painted murals all over the world, and we’re very lucky to have her. So, listen up. She’s going to tell us what to do.”
Lulu explained how the day would go, assigning groups to coverthe wall with various colors. The kids were assigned sections on the ground, while experienced painters and adults were on the scaffolding.
“Above all, have fun,” Lulu said. “Don’t worry about being too exact. I can fix what I don’t like. Consider this a giant paint-by-color. Next week, I’ll start painting the details.”
“When do you have to file your story?” Caleb asked.
“I told Rex I’d have it to him by four. He’ll break my heart by slicing it to pieces with his red pen, then I’ll rewrite. The photographer promised to send pictures by five. We’ve set aside a two-page spread for this. I even managed a few premier advertisers for it.” She nodded to the aloof town council members. “Are they supporting or plotting?”
“Who knows. If possible, both. Elections are coming up next year.”
Emery was about to pick a section of wall to paint when Lulu tapped her on the shoulder. “You and Caleb ... up on the scaffold with me.”
“Me?” Caleb stepped back, and Emery reached for his hand.
“It’s the best place.” Lulu angled toward them, grinning. “No one drops paint on your head.”
Emery nudged Caleb as he inspected the structure, giving it a good shake, muttering, “It is high. Very high.”
“You don’t have to go up there,” she whispered. “Paint with Bentley.”
He glanced around, then at her. “Don’t make it easy for me to wimp out.”
After another shake and quick inspection of the nuts and bolts, he climbed up, muttering to himself. Emery followed, not laughing. No. Not laughing at all.
“The prince would be proud, Ransom. And Immanuel. Tell yourself you’re doing it for the town.”
Lulu positioned Emery in the middle with the gold paint and Caleb next to her with the rich dark blue.
Moment by moment, the wall began to tell the story of Sea Blue Beach in vivid color, inspiring those who came to reminisce, recalling tales from their parents and grandparents. Simon and others talked about Tuesday Knight, who used to run the Starlight. And eighty-five-year-old Dr. Marvin Crane’s grandfather smoked cigars with Prince Blue before he went to the Great War.
Emery continued piecing together her story, thoughts on how sharing this moment brought people together, reminding them of their place in the town history. “History feels like it began the day one was born. But it began long before,” she said into her phone.
Caleb stoutly and bravely did his part, working alongside her, looking like a natural, talking to Simon most of the time, occasionally glancing over at her with a childlike grin.“Look at me,no hands.”
Emery had just finished painting the top middle section an amazing, brilliant gold when someone called her name.
“Emery Quinn, hey, someone’s here to see you.”
“Who? Me?” Everyone she knew was painting the wall. But when she looked down, Ava stood next to Bobby Brockton. “Ava? W-what are you doing ... Oh no, what’s wrong?” She shoved her brush at Caleb, missing his hand and smearing his shirt with gold. “I knew it. I knew coming here would lead to disaster.”
Caleb glanced at his painted chest, then Emery. “What’s going on? What are you talking about?”
