Portraits [On Hold]

Chapter 24- Gotta Love Mom

(Not Edited)

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Mr. Falkov never had any trouble picking on Aiden and I, so it didn't surprise me the slightest bit when he called us both to his desk as everyone walked out of the classroom to work on their projects.

"Mr. Blackwood, would you care to explain why I walked inside my classroom to find paint splattered all over my windows?"

Aiden narrowed his eyes at the teacher, evidently confused at Falkov's immediate assumption.

"That wasn't me."

"Oh, and I bet you're also not guilty of the big abstract painting that was hung up to the wall earlier either," he spat back bitterly.

"That wasn't me," Aiden repeated.

Mr. Falkov stared at him, trying his best not to become livid so quickly.

"Look, I've had to put up with both of you long enough. You're lucky I haven't kicked you out. But if you don't confess, I can guarantee both of you will be kicked out."

"What? How does this have anything to do with me?!" I said angrily.

"Your act during class the yesterday wasn't funny in the slightest bit. I can think of several other reasons as to why you both deserve to be banned. So," he turned to look at Aiden, "if your friend doesn't confess, you can thank him for getting both of you kicked out."

I clenched my jaw and gave Aiden a deadly look. "You better confess," I said in between gritted teeth.

"It wasn't me!" He replied furiously. "I can't believe you think I'm stupid enough to do that."

I let out a short laugh. "Well..."

He narrowed his eyes at me, which resulted in me shrugging innocently.

"Look, it wasn't me. You can't just accuse me of doing it without having any evidence," he stated confidently. "So, if you'll excuse me," he took a step back, "I have a final project to get back to."
"Not so fast, Mr. Blackwood." The teacher motioned him to come back. "We've got surveillance cameras. Confess before we have to take a step further," Mr. Falkov tried again.

Aiden rolled his eyes before letting out an incredulous laugh. "So what you're telling me is that you're accusing me of committing the crime before even checking the cameras?" He let out another laugh. "This is a joke. Do as you please; it wasn't me." And then he walked out of the room.

"In all fairness, he's right," I said, taking the risk of getting yelled at by the man.

He shot me a look.

"You may leave, Ms. Love," he said sternly, looking as bitter as always.

I walked out of the class and followed after Aiden, who was walking towards the exit door rather than the garages.

"Hey, why are you leaving?" I furrowed my eyebrows, confused.

"I honestly don't feel like putting up with this. Don't worry about me, it's not like you actually care. Go do your work," he said, his features clouded with a mixture of annoyance and something that almost looked like sadness. My eyebrows stayed furrowed.

"I'm sorry," I said softly. Although we were talking about the whole painting situation, I think we both knew that wasn't what I was apologizing for.

"Yeah," he sighed, "I'll see you later." And then he walked out, leaving me back at the gallery without a partner, and a possible banishment for himself.