Nikita, blushing from embarrassment, stoops down, and begins to pick the items up, placing them back into the bags. Michael, crouching down as well, begins to chase several bottles of paint, that have started rolling down the sidewalk. As Michael reaches for a bag, at the same time Nikita reaches for the same bag. As they look at each other, and their eyes meet, they both pause and remain completely still. As they continue to gaze at each other, they are shaken out of there trance by a man asking if he could possibly get by. As Michael stands up, and moves back, Nikita picks up the last of the paint brushes that are lying on the sidewalk.

"I am so sorry...I don't know what is wrong with me." Nikita said.

Michael just continues to stare at Nikita. Usually, being stared at made her nervous and uncomfortable, but this time it was different. When he looked at her...it was as if he was really looking "at" her...inside her soul. This thought made her smile suddenly. Michael noticing that he was staring so diligently at Nikita, breaks his gaze, and looks down at the ground. When he looks back up, she is smiling, and the smile is one that warms his heart.

"Ummm...what did you say? I was...well...my mind was somewhere else."

"I said I am sorry for bumping into you...that was very clumsy of me."

Michael, looks up and into Nikitas eyes. He thinks that maybe they are the most beautiful eyes he has ever seen. After a while, he notices that his staring is starting to make Nikita very nervous. Diverting his attention to his bags, he begins to speak. "That makes two of us. Don't worry about it...no harm...no foul."

Nikita smiles, and looks at Michael. She sees a very handsome man, with the most beautiful face she has ever seen. She feels as if...somehow...she should know this man...but that is impossible...she had not met him till just now. Shrugging off the feeling of familiarity, she turns as if to leave.

"Well...goodbye...it was nice bumping into you."

Michael smiles brightly, and when he looks up, he sees Nikita beginning to walk away. Quickly, he stands up and tries to think of a way to stop her leaving...from walking out of his life...from disappearing. Thinking of the first thing that comes to his mind, he calls out. "Uh........"

Nikita turns around and looks at him, curiously.

:"Would you consider posing for me? I mean...I am a painter...and lately I have been struggling with a creative block. But, I have a feeling that you can help me with that.

Nikita smiles, and chuckles while at the same time she throws her head back. Then, once she is done laughing, she looks back at Michael. But, when she looks at him, and sees the look of hurt on his face, she inwardly berates herself for her previous actions. "You are serious?"

Michael just nods, with that sad look still on his face.

"Oh...I though it was some kind of pick up line...sorry.

Michael, looking at the packages in his hands, starts to turn to go. "That is okay...I understand...thanks anyways...and it was nice meeting you."

As Michael turns to go, this time, it is Nikitas turn to call out to him. "Hey..wait a minute!"

Michael turns, but does not look at Nikita. Instead, he looks at the various people passing them on the street...the cars parked on the street...anything and everything to keep from making eye contact with her.

"How much would something like modeling for you pay?"

Michael smiles for a moment, then makes eye contact with Nikita. "Well...right now...all I can do it offer free room and board...and maybe a little money... but that is the best I can do."

Nikita looks at Michael and smiles. When she does, he thinks that his heart is going to burst. After a few moments of mulling it over, she begins to walk towards him. "Okay...but the first sign of funny business...and I am out of there. By the way, I am Nikita."

Michael smiles and shakes Nikitas hand."Pleased to meet you Nikita...my name is Michael." As they walk back to Michael's loft they laugh and exchange tales about each other.

Three months later...at the opening of one of the most anticipated art exhibitions to hit Toronto in quite a while, Nikita is milling around the room. Every now and then, members of the crowd would glance in her direction, talking in hushed tones, and smiling suggestively. Nikita didn't like it...not one bit...and she wanted to leave. She as she makes up her mind to head for the door, she feels someone place their hand on her elbow. As she turns, she smiles because she knows that it is Michael. She had come to know his touch anywhere...and she new it now.

"Where were you heading?"

Nikita smiles, and looks around the room. "I was leaving.

Michael, with a confused look on his face, just looks at her. "Why?"

Nikita looks down at the small purse in her hand, and fidgets with the strap on it. "These people keep looking at me...saying things...and I am really uncomfortable here."

Michael smiles, and takes Nikitas hands in his. "They are just wondering who this beautiful woman is...and how a poor artist like myself was able to snag her."

Nikita can't help but smile at Michael's comments. Seeing that he is cheering her up, he lets go of her hands, and taking his left hand, grasps her by the chin. As he forces her to look at him, he comments.

"We will leave right after the unveiling if you wish. But,once you see the portrait...I think all your qualms will be put at ease.

Nikita just looks at Michael, her brows drawn together, in a questioning look. As she is about to ask what he means by that...the announcer clears his throat and speaks.

Announcer: If I could have everyone's attention please...thank you. As you are all aware, we are here to celebrate the newest masterpiece created by none other than our very own Michael Samuelle. As you may also know, Michael's piece that will be unveiled in a moment, is his first in a new series. After a long sabbatical, he has once again been commissioned to paint the series for us here at the museum. So, without further adieu...I give you INNOCENCE.

As the announcer pulls the veil from the portrait...the crowd gasps...and all eyes turn to Nikita. The portrait is of Nikita, in her battered and torn street clothes, standing at an open window...looking out onto a setting sun. As Nikita looks at the portrait, tears well up in her eyes. She looks at Michael next to her, and in a choked voice speaks. "It is beautiful."

Michael only smiles. "I had a very inspirational subject." he says. Then, wiping the tears from Nikitas eyes with his thumbs, he takes her face in his...and gently kisses her. She knows now...that she is where she belongs...where she was predestined to be.