Basquiat.

chapter three.

•••

August

I packed up my leather briefcase and began to clean up the left over materials and paint students left behind.

I watched Masika continue to work, unphased by the bell that had just rung a few minutes ago. She reminded me of myself sometimes.

"Deep in the work, huh?"

She shyly smiled and stood to face me, "Sorry to keep you waiting, sir."

"You're fine."

"So, what was it you wanted to show me?"

"Follow me."

I proceeded in front of her outside of the classroom, I wanted to show her something that I knew would spark her interest.

"So what are you trying to pursue for a career?" I questioned.

"Well, I'm currently taking courses in the medical field, so I'm focusing toward becoming a nurse."

"Oh really, na?"

"Mhm."

"But is that what you really want? I mean, you have amazing art skills, why not artistry?"

She looked down at her feet and began to fidgit with her nails.

"My father... He doesn't believe in there being success outside of becoming doctor or lawyer." She giggled faintly.

I debated on continuing to interrogate her more on her dreams, but I didn't want to be too pushy.

Though I didn't believe that what she wanted to do, it wasn't mine or anyone else's business.

But I desperately wanted to know this girl, student or not.

We continued walking through the school until we arrived in the old auditorium.

"Why'd you bring me here?" She asked.

"Like I said, I wanted to show you something."

I turned on the lights of the dim room and lead her further inside.

"Look over thea'."

She turned to be faced with nothing but a blank white wall.

"I'm confused, what am I supposed to be looking at, sir?"

"Endless possibilities, love."

She looked at me oblivious to what I was getting at.

"The board of this university asked me ta' paint a mural in hea'."
"Some inspirational shit."

"Wow, congratulations." She smiled.

"Thanks."

"What do you plan on doing?"

"Not sure, I haven't found a muse or something impactful on the soul. It just ain't hit me yet."

She nodded her head.

"So, is that all? I should really be getting home." She said while pushing her bookbag further ontop of her shoulder.

"Uh, naw. I actually wanted to ask you for a favor Masika."

"Mhm?"

"Be my assistant."
"Help the other students tap deep into their inner artìst." I said with emphasis.

I noticed the amount of discomfort in her eyes about the entire idea itself.

"What's the matta?"

"The other students aren't quite fond of me. They are always making rude comments and assumptions about my country."
"They make a mockery of the way I dress, talk and, look every single day." She sighed.

"Well, fuck em."
"Do what you gotta do and leave that negativity for the birds. People hate on what they know nothing about."

I was comfortable using profanity around my students because I knew they did it too. But I felt even more comfortable around Masika. I knew she wouldn't tell a soul.

"You sure have a way with words, Mr. Alsina." She said referring to my bluntness and cursing.

"It gets the point across." I grinned.
"So you up for it or not?"

She looked around the room as if she was looking for assurance from someone.

"I'll give it a chance."

"Thank you, Masika."

She grinned again with her gorgeous smile and visable right dimple, "Don't mention it."

Note: I apologize for not updating as frequently to those who support and enjoy this story. School is obviously time consuming and finals are ugh! So please bare with me. I promise to be more devoted from this point on. Thanks! ❤❤

-Trvps0ul_