19/05/2024
Chapter 3
BEAUTY IN THE SHADOWS
The school's artroom was a vibrant haven of creativity, bursting with color and inspiration. Large windows flooded the room with natural light, illuminating the myriad of art supplies neatly organized on shelves and in cabinets. Easels stood ready with blank canvases, inviting students to unleash their imagination. The walls were adorned with an eclectic mix of student artwork, showcasing a diverse range of styles and techniques. A central workspace featured long tables where students gathered to collaborate on projects, surrounded by bins of paintbrushes, palettes, and sculpting tools. The faint scent of acrylic paint mingled with the earthy aroma of clay, creating an atmosphere where artistic expression flourished and every corner brimmed with the potential for new creations.
"Do you like it?" Ethan asked me as he strolled over to where he sat.
"Yeah, this is huge" I replied my eyes on the shelves.
"Burlington Danes takes pride in its arts but didn't you come here during your tour?" He asked.
"No, it was locked." I replied.
"So, who do we have here?" I heard and turned.
With her paint-splattered apron and a colorful scarf draped casually around her neck, she exuded an effortless artistic flair. Her hair, streaked with vibrant hues that mirrored the colors on her palette, framed her expressive face, always quick to break into an encouraging smile. Her hands, deft and skilled, moved with practiced ease, whether guiding a brushstroke or molding a piece of clay.
"Scarlett Miller" I said.
"Yep, being expecting you. Seen some of your work from your previous school, you are good." She told me.
"Thanks" I replied.
"Are you and Ethan friends?" She questioned.
"No" I said.
"Yes" He said.
"Awwwwn, look at them" She said
"You can sit next to him actually." She said before going into the inner room.
"What was that about?" I questioned.
"Nothing, so now, you are stuck with me." He said grabbing my bag and putting it next to him.
"Don't you have a girlfriend?" I inquired.
"Umm, I do but it doesn't stop me from socializing. C'mon, I am not kissing you or anything. Now sit" He said to me.
I was embarrassed as my face flushed and I sat down.
"Maisie is not doing arts, is she?" I questioned.
"Uh, she is actually, A top student for that matter. I am proud of her" He said smiling.
The word "her" kept ringing in my head.
The bell rang and students trooped in. Only Maisie amongst her friends was doing arts so She wanted to sit next to Ethan..
"Uh, Ugly-Wugly, I want to sit next to my man" She said smiling.
I was packing up my bag when Ethan looked my way.
"Uh, what now?" He questioned.
"I can't sit next to you" I told him.
"You seemed fine with it two minutes ago" He said.
"Well, I changed my mind." I told him strapping to my back.
'Can't he read the signs? Call me back, Ethan' Thoughts ran through my head as I stood up. He watched me stand up and leave but said nothing.
Maisie slid in and they were cooing, tickling each other and laughing. With a playful twinkle in her eye, Mrs Thompson approached them cooing. "Alright, lovebirds," she said with a mischievous grin, "save the romance for after class. Let's focus on the masterpiece at hand, shall we?" Her tone was lighthearted, yet the message was clear, gently guiding them back to their work without dampening their spirits.
I immediately loved her, A girl named Samantha or "Sam" as she said she liked to be called allowed me to sit next to her.
Mrs Thompson asked us to draw something relating to nature, I drew someone sitting in a dark forest all alone and that someone was "ME".
"Wow" was the comment that jolted me from my reverie. I turned to face the whole class, well except Maisie, behind me affectionately gazing at my drawing.
"This is a true definition of art" Mrs Thompson commented. Almost everyone gave me a pat on the shoulder but Ethan squeezed my hands.
"Good to have you here", He winked before going back to meet an angry Maisie.
After all the classes I had, Mom hadn't come to pick me. I called her loads of times but she didn't pick up. I turned down Abigail and Mia's offer to drop me and walked home. I saw a church graveyard and decided to sit there for a minute or two. Graveyards always reminded me of my aunt who died from breast cancer last 3 years. I was so sure that I would be alone before I noticed a tall figure dressed in hoodie and pants sitting on a chair .
Being polite, I walked up to him.
"Uh, hi"
I said sitting beside him.
"Who are you?"He questioned, his head still on his lap.
"Um, a student of Burlington Da----" I was saying before he cut me off.
"That is obvious, i meant you personally cause no one disturbs my quiet hour" He said bluntly.
"Oh, I am sorry. I disturbed anything" I said grabbing my bag ready to leave.
"It's okay, you can stay" He said not still raising his head.
"But um are you okay?" I asked him.
"I hate it when people poke nose, I only asked you to stay not get all cozy around me." He said his head still down.
"Um I certainly didn't uh um. Never mind" I replied feeling hurt.
I dropped my bag to the ground and stared at the graves before me.
"What is your name?" I heard and turned to face him. He was now sitting up, facing me.
His face, partially obscured by the shadows cast by the hood, bore the marks of a life lived with a heavy heart. The lines etched around his eyes hinted at sleepless nights spent wrestling with inner demons, while the downturn of his lips conveyed a sense of profound sadness. Yet, despite the weight of sorrow that seemed to linger in his expression, there was a certain rugged charm to his features. His eyes, a captivating shade of deep brown, held a world of emotion within their depths—glimmers of hope amidst the darkness, and a hint of vulnerability masked by a stoic facade. As he awaited my response, a flicker of anticipation danced across his face, betraying the longing for connection that lay hidden beneath his somber exterior.
"Scarlett" I replied.
"Oh, my sister's name" He commented.
"Wow" I said smiling.
"There is no need to smile, She died" He said, carried his bag, and walked away.
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I hope y'all enjoyed it, Chapter 4 loading........ 🥰💜