The Last Architects

Chapter Five.

"Professor Rand, sorry to disturb you," I rushed down the steps as the teacher was leaving to what I assumed was his office, "I had a question to run by you, if it isn't too much trouble?" He had asked me some questions during his presentation, so I assumed it to be fine, we seemed like minded, after all.

"I'd love to hear it." His warm smile made my nerves about annoying him go away, "walk with me?" He gestured to the door, and I nodded.

"You mentioned doing an art presentation, and I was curious if you'd be interested in seeing any of my works before that? I would really appreciate a professional's opinion, as none of my friends or family know much about it." I tilted my head, glancing over his ironed button up, surprised he didn't find it cold enough for a jacket.

"I'd love to! How long have you been painting? Or sketching." His curiosity had me feeling slightly excited. Out of the whole class... He was asking me. It was endearing.

"Oh, since forever, basically. My grandfather loved painting during his time in the army. I never met him, but my parents are convinced that it's genetics." I tried to remember any of the photos I had of him. "What about you? Do you just teach it, or do you like to paint as well?"

"What a touching story, I'm even more excited to see these works." Professor Rand bowed his head to a passing teacher, and I waved a hand, "and yes, I do paint as well, I've loved art ever since I was a child."

"Aw, that's so sweet! I would love to see them sometime. It seems like art is getting less and less appreciated in architecture throughout the years, so I aspire to bring it back! Which is why your opinion would greatly matter to me, Professor."

"Oh, tell me about it! Walking down certain streets causes me depression with the lack of personality in them." I couldn't help but stare as he talked, a breath of fresh air in comparison to Skyler, "do you have them with you now?" At his smile, I grew a bit distracted, but reached to make sure in my bag.

"Yeah, I do! At least some. You don't have to look at them now, I'm sure you're busy. But I could give you my sketchbook? I have some paintings in it as well, and I can always just get it back some other time?" I lifted the red leather book.

"Oh please, come." He gestured to the library, and I took a moment to consider if I should really waste his time, "if you aren't in any hurry, I'd love to sit down with you and look this over." Aw...

"Are you sure..? If they aren't any good, I'll be most embarrassed," I laughed, stepping into the library with him beside me, "they're mostly just doodles from when I was bored in class- Not yours, though! I don't even touch that thing, I promise."

"Well, that's an honor!" His happiness towards my embarrassment was enlightening, and as he walked to the tables, he pulled out a chair for me before sitting down, "now, let's see." I waited as he set down all his papers, taking out his glasses that I thought were sweet he needed.

"I really appreciate it, Professor Rand. None of my other teachers so far have been so kind, so I was nervous to ask you..." I slid the sketchbook to him.

"Tsk, the other teachers are such bores. Sometimes." He shook his head. "Now, don't be saying I said that, I implore you." His coy smile was subtle, but it had me doing the same. Though as he took up the book and proceeded to look through the paintings, I felt my expression grow tense.

I was regretting this immensely. I was never good at getting feedback... I knew this. If it was bad, I'd cry, or get defensive, and if it was good- well, I'd yet to hear any reassuring words from anyone else other than Heidi. "..." I wanted to say something, only because the silence was starting to get to me, but I couldn't think of much. "You really don't have to go through them all..."

He gave me a smile but went back to studying more of the paintings. It felt like hours passed in just a few minutes, but when he leaned back and took off his glasses, I didn't know what to get from his expression, "well, blimey, Ema. They're lovely! They certainly have much life and vibrancy, if I lived in this world there would never be a gray day in my life." He smiled and all my stress melted as I laid my head against my arms, "I love them. Do you think I could keep this up till tomorrow so I may study them more efficiently and give you feedback?" He tapped the notebook and I bit my lip in concentration.

"Yes, but, not everything in there is architecture. So you can skip past all that extra stuff." I nodded, figuring there would be nothing wrong with him seeing some self portraits. "And thank you! Oh my god- sorry, I appreciate that so much!" I could've cried in all honesty.

"Always, Ema. I am very honored you trusted me with this, and if there's anything else, I'd be more than happy to look it over." He looked over the book and I felt my face getting slightly flustered, "speaking of art, would you consider modeling for me? Nothing out of your comfort zone of course, you have a very unique beauty I'd like to practice."

I froze... Not only was I not used to the unfamiliarity of a teacher calling me by first name, but modeling? I mean, I was sure Professor Rand was incredibly talented, he most likely had a decade advantage on me when it came to art. But for him to want me of all people as a model? I was too surprised to decline. "I don't see why not... would you want me during school hours or this weekend?" My teeth found the corner of my lip as I thought about the offer, looking up at him to make sure he wasn't just messing with me.

"Let's do it this Friday, here at school. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."Well...that was sweet, "thank you, I've lacked inspiration for a while so this is very helpful!"

"Oh, I completely understand. I'd be happy to help! But I have another class that starts at 1:00, so I really should be going. You should make your classes longer." I joked, dreading environmental studies. And as I stood, I rested my hand on the back of his chair for a moment with a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, Professor. Thank you again for looking over my art! And for the offer of helping you get out of your rut."

"Have an amazing time with Mrs. Hearth." His wink had me panicked, "she's in an absolutely beautiful mood, so I hope you've done your homework."

"Ughh, thank you, Professor Rand, for the heads up, I'll be sure to sit in the back." I laughed, letting my hand fall on his shoulder just for hardly even a second as I walked to the door, but even then, I began to overthink. Was that even okay here? Back home it wasn't uncommon at all for students to be physically annoying with their teachers, but as I looked over my shoulder, I didn't know if it was the same. "Have a good day, Professor."

"You as well, Ema." He looked back gently, and at his slight wave, I left.

. . .

"He said 'I lack technical ideology in my works' . What does that even mean?!" I groaned against Heidi's shoulder as we sat in the grass on campus. "Like, I swear, everyone just wants modern buildings! What am I doing wasting my time in a college that only wants to downgrade? Professor Rand agrees, too! I'm not crazy! Every architect you see here just wants to watch the human race crumble into accessibility and obesity!"

"Oh, wow. I mean- I could see how the so-called 'easier' housing could give you more excuses of laziness, but don't ya' think obesity is far?" She mumbled as her hand moved through my hair, clearly trying to calm me down. "Your building dilemmas are super boring. You should've stuck with music, you were always so talented."

"Oh, Please, that was a hobby. If I was anywhere as good as you, trust me, that's what I'd be doing. I want to bring art into the world, not on canvases, either. But even the teachers are against me! Granted- you should've seen the professor for architectural studies, sure he gave me an earful, but he went after Skyler, too. For the complete opposite reasoning! I hope he cries about it."

Maybe he made me a bad person. But I felt like it was the exception.