A Spark of Hope

Chapter 8- Arrogant Cameron

Again Layla found herself in her room, working on her art. She could only hope that had been the last interruption. But it wasn't. After all, she had one more brother.

An hour into her peace her last brother barged into her room, making her groan in frustration. She immediately looked up from her work, figuring she should just get this over with.

"Hey Layla, can you help me study?"

Layla rolled her eyes. "You want help from someone who isn't as smart as you?"

"Are you refusing to help your big brother?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I didn't say that." she chuckled, putting her sketch down. "Of course I'll help, once you admit that I'm just as smart as you are."

"I will admit no such thing!" he gasped, acting like it was the worst thing she could ask.

"Then I guess I won't be helping." Layla shrugged, grabbing her sketch again, content continuing with her art.

"Layla!" Cameron groaned, frustrated by her stubbornness.

"Say it!"

"Fine." he admitted defeat. "I'll admit that you're almost as smart as me."

"Cam!"

"That's the best you're going to get." he nudged her playfully, making her smile fondly.

Layla sighed, putting down her sketchpad once more. "What are you studying for anyway?"

"Anatomy." he replied, taking out his notes and spreading them out on the floor.

Layla thought for a moment. "You're taking Anatomy and Chemistry?"

Cameron sighed dramatically. "AP Chemistry, but yes."

"So what do you want me to do?" she questioned, moving to sit beside him.

"Say the term and I'll give you the definition." he responded, handing her a pile of cards that he had created beforehand.

"Okay." she shuffled through the cards before picking out what she thought would be the easiest to pronounce. "How about plannnntor?" She stumbled over the word, saying it incorrectly.

"It's plantar." he corrected, giggling at her mistake.

"How was I supposed to know?" she exclaimed, "I'm not in Anatomy!"

"This just proves the fact that I'm smarter than you." Cameron smirked, causing Layla to huff and mutter under her breath. "It means the bottom of the foot."

"You're lucky I can handle your arrogance or I would be long gone by now."

"You just can't stand my greatness." He teased, urging her to continue. "Keep going."

"Phaalanjens?" 

"It's phalanges!" he rolled his eyes as she mispronounced yet another word.

"I tried!" she said, growing defensive.

"It means fingers." Cameron continued.

Layla hesitated for the next word, trying her best to say it right. "Itis."

"Oh my gosh you said it right!" Cameron exclaimed, clapping. "You deserve a prize!"

"Shut up!" she giggled, shoving him playfully.

"It means inflammation." he smirked. "I'm serious you should be awarded for saying it right!"

"I hate you." she muttered, trying to hide the smile that formed on her face.

"We both know that's a lie." 

Layla sighed, looking him in the eyes. "Sadly it is."

Cameron wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. "I love you too, little sister."

They studied for hours. In the end all it really became was Cameron correcting every word she said. Layla made a mental note to never take Anatomy.

Finally she turned to her own work. She imagined every possible idea she could have... and finally she began to create. She worked day and night, pouring all she was into this art piece. Not even the voices could catch her... no one could. 

Or at least, that's what she thought.

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Thank you for 64 reads!! :)

Hope you have an amazing day!

-Snowy