The Time Weaver

Part 5 - The Art Festival

The next day at uni, the campus buzzed with excitement. The annual art festival had arrived, and everyone was in high spirits. Vibrant banners adorned the halls, and students bustled about, preparing for various events. I was eager to lose myself in the festivities and temporarily forget the turmoil Eric had stirred within me.Fate had other plans. When the team assignments were announced, I discovered that Eric and I were placed in the same group for the drama skit. My heart sank, but I forced a smile and joined the group, trying to focus on the task at hand.

As we gathered for our first rehearsal, Eric tried to make small talk.

"Hey, Hazel. Looks like we're in the same team. Should be fun, right?"

I gave him a polite nod, avoiding eye contact. "Yeah, sure."

The director of our skit, a senior named Laura, handed out the scripts. As luck would have it, Eric and I were cast as the romantic leads. The scene involved a poignant, emotional exchange that required deep vulnerability. I couldn't believe my misfortune. Why did it have to be him?

Rehearsals began, and as we practiced our lines, I found it increasingly difficult to maintain my composure. The romantic dialogue hit too close to home, stirring up emotions I had buried. By the time we reached the climactic scene, I was barely holding back tears.

"Hazel, are you okay?" Eric asked after we finished the scene. His concern felt genuine, but it only fueled my frustration.

"I'm fine," I snapped, pushing past him. "Just leave me alone."

He looked taken aback but didn't press further. I fled the rehearsal room, overwhelmed by the memories and emotions swirling inside me.

The next day, I did my best to avoid Eric. I skipped breakfast in the cafeteria, took different routes to my classes, and kept my head down whenever he was near. My friends noticed my odd behavior, but I brushed off their concerns with excuses about exam stress.

After my last class, I hurried to leave the building when I felt a hand grab my arm. I turned to see Eric, his face a mix of confusion and determination.

"Hazel, what's going on? Why are you so angry with me?" he asked, his grip firm but not painful.I pulled my arm away, avoiding his gaze.

"I'm not angry, Eric. I just don't want to talk."

"Don't lie to me," he said, stepping closer. "I can see something's bothering you. Please, just tell me."

"I have nothing to say to you," I replied, trying to sound indifferent. "Just leave it alone."

Just as I quickened my pace to escape Eric's probing questions, I inadvertently collided with someone carrying a stack of art supplies. Paintbrushes and sketchpads flew in all directions, creating a chaotic mess on the ground. Mortified, I bent down to help gather the scattered items, apologizing profusely.

"I am so sorry! Are you okay?" I exclaimed, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

The guy I bumped into was tall with messy dark hair and a sheepish grin. "No worries, it was my fault too. I should have watched where I was going."

As we both scrambled to pick up the last few items, a small sketchbook caught my eye. I reached for it and froze when I saw what was on the page-it was a detailed caricature of me, complete with exaggerated features and a caption that read "The Drama Queen."

My eyes widened in surprise, and before I could say anything, the guy blurted out, "I swear, it's not what it looks like! I'm in the art club, and we were doing caricatures for the festival. It's all in good fun, I promise!"

Despite my initial shock, I couldn't help but laugh at the cartoonish depiction of myself. "Well, I guess I should be flattered then?"

He grinned sheepishly, his cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. "Yeah, um, I'm Chris, by the way."

"I'm Hazel," I replied, finally feeling a bit lighter after days of tension.

"Nice to meet you, Hazel. So, drama skit, huh? I hear you and Eric are the stars," Chris said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

I sighed, unable to hide my exasperation. "Yeah, it's been... interesting."

"Well, if you ever need a distraction from all the drama, I'll be around sketching something less controversial," Chris joked, handing me the sketchbook with a grin.

I chuckled, feeling a surge of gratitude for his lightheartedness. "Thanks, Chris. I might just take you up on that offer."

As I walked away, I glanced back at Eric, I saw him watching me with a look of deep curiosity and concern. It was clear he wasn't going to let this go easily.