Cracked Up

Ace

I'm not jealous, just annoyed. Annoyed with the connection between Seth and Connor. He doesn't even deserve him.

"Ace Williams. How are you today?" Mrs. Crew smiles when I walk in the room.

"Horrible. Yesterday, I found out that an acquaintance of mine dated a bastard who didn't respect their pronouns."

Mrs. Crew frowns. "Is that person transgender?"

"Yes."

"Then why would the partner do such a thing? That's horrible." Mrs. Crew says, shaking her head.

"I agree."

Mrs. Crew sighs. "Well, did you get any friends?"

"Nope."

"Editors?"

"I have one potential victim. I just have to test their mental ability."

---

He has a mark. On the nape of his neck. Its red, and it looks like it's coming from his scalp. It looks like a Salmon Patch. I heard of those, but I never thought someone could have it on their neck.

I'm afraid that I'm breathing heavily on Connor's neck as I reach from behind him. There are water colors on the table today. I already know what colors I want. I know exactly what I'm going to draw.

I reach for a red. I successfully grab it and then try to take a tan color. Connor notices and takes it from the pile. He presses it up into my palm, so I take it and then back away.

I stroll back to my seat. I flip open my sketchbook and thank Mrs. Kelly when she hands me a small, paper cup filled half way with water.

"No problem, kiddo."

I immediately start on my idea.

I lightly sketch the beginnings of the neck and then fill in the Salmon Patch. I then shade the rest with the light brown. I only use the water for the Patch, and the rest normally. I then darkly color the hair, which is messily pulled up in a small ponytail.

When I'm finished, I place the watercolor pencils aside and then examine my work. Using water for only the Patch was a good idea, and it made it stand out more.

I then put the pencils back and watch Connor's hunched figure, his hands flying over his paper. I look closer and realize what he's drawing.

It's eyes. They look familiar, but i can't quite remember where I've seen them before. They're grey, and the gray is the only thing that's all watery and drippy. It makes the eyes look murky.

It's beautiful.