1. In the eyes of the beholder

1. In the eyes of the beholder.

She still felt disoriented from the medication. She slowly opened her eyes. He was there again. That grey fox... He stared directly into her eyes. She suddenly felt uncomfortable and looked away.

“Wh-why did you save me?” She finally asked, her voice a whisper.

He gave her a funny look. “It's part of the job miss. Protecting the innocent and all...”

She sighed, it was then that she noticed the security badge on his chest. He was a cop. She'd probably spend some more time in prison. “Listen sir, if you knew anything about me... You'd know that I'm anything but innocent.” She closed her eyes and dropped her head. “You should've done the world a favor and left me the wreckage.”

He tilted his head and continued staring at her. “My name's Calvin. I've never liked formal titles like 'sir'.” He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small datapad. “-and I know more about you then you think.”

He handed her the pad. She took one look at it then gave it back. It was her criminal record. “I'm not proud of what I've done.” She tenderly rubbed her forehead. “I don't know why everything I've ever done in life has been a dismal failure. I always end up disappointing or hurting someone...” She finally returned the fox's gaze. “If you know who I am, what I've done... Why are you still here?”

He looked down at the floor and stroked his chin a few times. “When I looked through your records, I didn't just see another criminal selling banned substances on the street...” He raised his head and looked back into her eyes. “Someone turned my life around because they gave me a second chance. Ever since that day I've wanted to help someone the way I was helped.” He paused for a moment. “Everyone deserves a second chance... I'm offering that to you now.”

She was speechless. They sat there in silence for what felt like an eternity. Finally she managed to whisper a response. “I- don't know what to say...”

He continued staring at her face. She was feeling very self-conscious. She must've looked horrible. Bandages were covering her face and she could feel the painful gash on her forehead. Maybe it was like a train-wreck, she looked so horrible that he couldn't look away. Was disfigurement yet another punishment she'd have to endure?

It was as if Calvin had read her mind. “Don't worry your face is still beautiful.”

She looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “Beautiful? You must have pretty low standards.”

Calvin gave a warm smile. “Beauty in the eye of the beholder.” He replied. “-And this eye, sees someone who is anything but low or standard.”

For the first time since she could remember, she glanced back at him and managed a weak smile...

***


This is part of that "Jaded" project I mentioned I was working on in my journal. It's a look back at a certain set of events that shaped Jade into who she becomes in the main comic.

This is the first part of a set of drawings that focuses on Calvin and Jade's relationship. So far I've got about five others I've already drawn up, I just need to ink and CG them.

Expect more soon!

I'll gladly answer any questions or comments you guys have.