Contemplative Sensitivity

The Nude Portrait

It had been two weeks since Martha had given him the letter from his biological mother. It had been two weeks since he thrown it into the bottom of his drawer, underneath his folded shirts. Martha never mentioned it again. He couldn't bring himself to tell anyone that he had spoken to Mavis either, because he felt that it would break the damn in his heart. Levi didn't let on that he knew that the two conversed.  

Instead, Erwin recovered from his illness, and was attempting to enjoy his last week of school. It was also his last week of work. On Monday, Shadis let Erwin have it--Erwin was filing until his fingers were covered in papercuts. He had to bring some of the paperwork home, too (not the most confidential stuff). It was also on this day that Levi, Mike and Cecily burst into his room with the weirdest request he had ever heard.

"Erwin, do you wanna get naked for us?" Cecily asked with biggest grin on her face.

"Wha?" Erwin said. Another paper sliced into his pinky. He winced and put his pinky in his mouth.  "Naked?"

"It's an art assignment that's due on Friday," Mike explained diligently. "Mrs. Braun told us that we had to paint a person of our choice. It's our second to last project in the class. This is our last chance to show our skills. The reason why we are here is because--,"

"I suggested we compete against each other!" Cecily's eyes sparkled. "We are all going to paint you and see who does it better. You are going to be painted as a semi nude portrait. So, we need you to get naked."

"It's a good thing I'm not competing. I'd win and it wouldn't be fair," Levi said to himself.

Erwin narrowed his eyes. "Isn't this sort of thing illegal...wouldn't it be child porn?"

"Uhh, earth to Erwin," Cecily put on her hips. "Are you suddenly hard of hearing? I said semi nude portrait. It isn't illegal and Mrs. Braun is up for it. Besides, you have taken all your finals. The only reason you are at school is because it is an excuse not to dedicate your entire day to Shadis. I mean, look at this load he's given you tonight! This'll be fun. It's new, exciting, and your body is perfect."

Erwin asked, "Why couldn't you get Mike to do it? I thought you enjoyed screwing with his life."

"I'm too scruffy," Mike answered thoughtfully, "and I find your comment highly offensive, Erwin. I thought we were in this together?"

"Cecily, Erwin isn't going to do it," Levi said seriously. "He's too shy. And he's busy. Money matters more than an exciting painting experience." 

Cecily scowled at him, but turned to Erwin and said, "We're only give you an alternative to boredom and paper cuts."

Perhaps a distraction would make him feel better. 

"Besides, why are trying to discourage him, Levi? He has his own mind." Mike said crassly. "Are you jealous about people getting a look at him? No fair. You live with him, so give other people a chance." 

Levi, blushed. "I just thought you were wasting your time on him. Why don't you ask Nile. He's tall, dark and handsome isn't he? He's vain enough to do it."

Mike and Erwin erupted with laughing and it was Cecily turn to be flustered. She gave Levi a look and then turned to Erwin. "Erwin are you up for it or not?"

He glanced at all three of them. Mike was clearly having fun and so was Cecily, but Levi was harder to read. His face was a mask. Erwin decided to throw caution--and filing papers-- to the wind.

"Sure. I'll do it," Erwin agreed. "It's due on Friday, right? I think it's a great way to end my high school career."

Cecily raised her eyebrows. Mike nodded his head in approval. Levi shrugged. Erwin arose from his post, stretched and yawned, while the others sat down on Levi's bed in anticipation.