MY LITTLE ARTIST

THIRTY TWO

Lauren

Part of me was hurt that Camila hadn't texted or even tried to to contact me since leaving class yesterday morning. The other part of me knew she was going through a hard time, messaging me that she was ok was probably the last thing on her mind

I understood pain, I related to it and knew that when in the throes of a crisis, socialising was not something appealing at all. I just wanted to know that she was fine, throwing a tantrum in her dorm or yelling at someone at least. Just so long as I knew that she was safe

I waited at my desk, flinching every time the door opened to let another student in. When Nova arrived she began walking directly towards me, I felt like throwing up "Hey" she whispered quietly "I just wanted to let you know that Camila may not be in today"

I kind of expected her not to turn up, but the look on Nova's face had me rather concerned by the reason "Why?" I asked back "What happened?" She lowered her head and watched out for the door "I went to her dorm last night and she was getting ready to go out, I decided to go with her and well" she trailed off

I took a deep breath and rolled my eyes towards my phone "She got drunk" I confirmed "Did she come back?" Nova shrugged "I went back to my dorm so I'm not sure, she made me leave after finding Summer and her stupid friends"

My body shivered at the mention of the girl's name, knowing slightly more about her life made me realise that Summer wasn't exactly someone Camila should be around "They were hanging out?" I asked, defeated by Nova's nod in response "Shit" I mumbled under my breath

"She was angry, yelling and totally wasted!" I sank back into my chair with a sigh, the sinking sensation in my stomach immediately replaced with anxiety when Camila came strolling into class. Nova too looked up in shock, rushing back to her seat to avoid Camila seeing us talking

She really did look rough, her makeup was perfect and her hair was glittering but the stare in her eyes was vacant and dull. I watched her take her seat with a slump, her forehead falling into her palms while her eyes fell shut

"Good morning guys" I began, deciding that this was a conversation to have later "Everyone get your sketch books out and continue your frameworks please" The class did as told, all apart from Camila who clearly couldn't be bothered to move

I walked slowly towards her desk, tapping my finger in front of her chest "Want some help with your stuff?" She only nodded back weakly, lifting a single hand away from her forehead while I bent to grab for her bag "Just try your best" I smiled despite her avoiding gaze

Admittedly she tried, for around half an hour she sketched and smudged at her work with a half present expression. Nova didn't talk even once, the night previous clearly still not resolved. Across the room however, another group of girls were more than happy to fill the silence

Olivia and Melody cackled back and forth, their eyes darting over not just Camila but other members of the class too "Weirdo" I heard Olivia gasp, laughing into her hand before staring across at the hungover student "Look at her!"

"Girls!" I yelled across the room "Focus less on other people and more on your work!" Of course I was protective of Camila, I knew more than they did and couldn't help but look out for her well-being. She was hurting, clearly

As soon as I had opened my mouth to speak, Camila's eyes darted to look at the girls and their conversation. Unfortunately for me, Olivia was already staring back "What!" The bully laughed loudly "On a come down?" Melody cackled in response, my gaze turning to observe Camila's reaction

A come down?

"Get fucked!" Camila snarled, offering a sarcastic smile "I'm concentrating"

Olivia raised a sharp brow and laughed, her devious mind clearly working to figure out her next move "Concentrating" she grunted with a smirk "You were pretty concentrated on that girl last night huh Camila!"