I worked at my job at the art supply store everyday until Friday for the next week. On Friday, I finally worked up the courage to go to art class again and face Joshua. I packed all the brushes and canvas and got in my car.
I go down the route heading south and drive the few blocks to the art studio. It's pretty convenient as it's so close to my house.
I made my way across the asphalt parking lot and to the door of the studio. I heard the little bell on the door jingle as I walked in and made it down the same hallway I had tripped in Saturday.
I really hoped he would let me in. I wanted to help him get past whatever insecurities he had.
I walked in through the doorway and only found two souls in the studio. Joshua and Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis was painting a picture of a man draped over a rock dramatically posing next to the ocean with only a leaf covering his junk. Oh well. At least he has good brush technique.
I looked over at Joshua and he glanced up and acknowledged me with a tiny 'hello'. I was so ecstatic that he said hello to me without any prodding or encouragement. I said a hello back to him and walked to my seat behind him.
I noticed him painting on those colorful drops again except this time he had added various objects to the pool in the bottom. A tire, a few skyscrapers, trees, and a heart with a bandage over it. I didn't know what he was trying to paint, but it leaks creativity.
Seeming satisfied with his work, Josh picked up his canvas from the easel and walked over to Mr. Davis. He tapped on Mr Davis' arm and held it up to show it to the man. Mr. Davis turned around and pulled down his glasses to see the work.
"Very nice Josh." Oh, he likes to go by Josh. I can work with that. "So like, what would you rank it at?" Josh said. "You want me to rank it?" Mr. Davis stuttered out.
"Well I mean, you're the judge."
"Okay. I rank it at a 9. Good job Josh, love your painting style."
Josh made his way back to me. By now I had painted a ceiling fan over my lightbulb. The ceiling fan was bent and missing one fin. I got the ceiling fan idea from Josh's song that I didn't get to hear the rest of it. I hummed the part of the song I knew happily and started packing my art bag. Josh took his painting supplies and left, leaving me with Mr. Davis.
I decided to interrogate him about Josh. "So Mr. Davis, how old is Josh?" I asked warily. Mr. Davis looked at me over his glasses and said, "20, why?"
"Oh just wondering. It's just, he has a great painting style." I heard the door to the studio open and slow footsteps done the hall to the studio. Josh finally emerged through the doorway looking at us sheepishly.
"Uh, I locked my keys in my car, could one of you maybe give me a ride?" Oh shit this is my chance. I quickly stood up with my bag and said, "I'll give you a ride." Mr. Davis looked at me with one eyebrow raised." Josh nods his head and we head out the door together.
"Tyler Joseph, come here for a second." What does Mr Davis want now? I left Josh at the door and walked back to the studio. "Yes?" Mr Davis makes the come here motion with his finger and i advance to his desk. He pulls me in to whisper in my ear.
"Josh is a sensitive boy, so don't do anything with him that you'll regret." I nod quickly "Okay I'll just take him to pick up his keys and then we'll be right back. I promise." He nods and I go back to Josh, still waiting for me at the door.
