The Ripple (Rough story)

Chapter 2: The Party

                                                                                 7/11/17

"ora- Norah." Virgil called out to Norah- snapping her out of her thoughts. She glanced at Virgil who looked worried, in contrast to Kylie who stared at her with an indifferent expression. "You okay? You're zoning out again."

"Yeah—sorry." Norah apologized as she adjusted herself in her chair, she couldn't even recall what they were doing and she felt like it'd be rude if she suddenly asked when she knew she should already know. As she looked around— taking in her surroundings, it slowly began to come back to her.. she remembered that they were in the library going over the assignment Professor Owens assigned. Norah watched Virgil and Kylie as they went back to discussing what parts each person will paint. Norah glanced down at her pocket watch and it read '12:15'

"It would be better if I just painted the whole picture." Kylie stated as she began sketching a rough draft on paper. Virgil sighed then glanced at Norah as if he wanted her to say something before he started. Norah decided to speak up in protest. "Y'know...we're supposed to be working together...as a team." Norah slowly said, Kylie continued sketching in her notebook, not bothering to look up at Norah. "You both did help. You gave me the idea, and I'm going to finish the final product. I don't trust your artistic abilities." Kylie bluntly said, which Norah and Virgil took obvious offense to, but when Norah didn't comment, Virgil decided to speak up. "The Fuck?" He slammed his hands on the table. "What's your problem?!" Virgil yelled as he glared at Kylie who remained unfazed. He knew he and Norah are great artists— that's for sure, he couldn't stand the fact that Norah was just going to sit in silence and take shit from her. Norah's shoulders fell and she fidgeted with her pocket watch. "I... don't mind if she draws it." Norah said — she was never good at confrontations. Virgil cut Norah off before she could continue. "Who are you to be so cocky?" He questioned as Kylie glanced up at him. "Let's not forget you literally came in third place in the art competition last year, and Norah was first place." Virgil boldly reminded Kylie, who suddenly glared at Virgil while biting her lip. He himself didn't enter the competition because of, well, — family matters.

"ShHhH!" The librarian hissed at them. "Be quiet or get out." The librarian said as she walked back to her area.

Kylie began to put her books in her bag. "I'm not working with you two." Kylie began to walk away and Virgil laughed. "Good, we don't need your spoiled-talentless ass anyway." Virgil yelled as he stuck up the middle finger at Kylie who returned the gesture. "Virgil..." Norah mumbled.

"We can do this on our own." Virgil reassured Norah. "Let's see if we can ask Professor Owens about her being out of the group."

                                                                           —00—00—

"No." Professor Owens simply said. He ran his hair through his brown High Volume Fringe then sat the graded papers to the side. Virgil rolled his eyes. "You didn't even think about it." Virgil grumbled "You don't like her? So what, I don't like a lot of shit too — get over it, you're stuck with her now- you should've chosen your partner wisely." He said, his turquoise eyes traced over Virgil's features, seeing the boy was visibly unsatisfied with his response. — Professor Owens didn't really give a shit though. Norah sighed and sat in a nearby chair, watching Virgil trying to plead his case but Professor Owens didn't want to hear it. "I know how each one of my students paints." Professor Owens started. "If you submit your assignment and I don't see each of your styles in the painting, it's an automatic F." Professor Owen stated, "No matter how good it looks - and there won't be a make up for it."