Social Pariah

PROPHECY

Lucas didn't know what to expect when his mother called him after class. Lucas had already planned to go look for a job so that he could do something valuable in his life for once. He wanted to go to a college in the southern countryside and he wouldn't be able to do that without a little bit of money.

"Lucas, go home for now."

Lucas scowled. "Mom, I can't! I have plans!"

"Then, cancel your plans! This is important!"

Lucas yelled. "I CAN'T, ALRIGHT?!"

"But, Lucas – "

Lucas hung up the phone before sighing. Her mom's news would have to wait. Lucas felt a bit guilty for hanging up on his mother like that but he was tired of relying on her for everything. He wanted to do something for a change. He was tired of being bullied at school and the only way to forget that he was worthless was by doing something productive.

Lucas walked a few blocks away from school before he arrived on the art museum he saw a few days ago. Lucas loved art. Ever since he was a kid, he would always ask his father to buy him some crayons and he always drew a lot of pictures, mostly about nature.

"Lucas, art is life. It is the life of beauty itself in the eyes of humans."

Lucas could still hear his father's words about art. Lucas's father, unlike him, loved writing. He always said that every person was artistic in their own way. Lucas was artistic with colors and images; his father was with words and phrases.

The first picture Lucas drew was a picture of the garden in their old house. It was situated near the city. He drew every tiny little detail, even the small patch near the grass that was stomped on by one of his playmates.

"What brings you here?"

Lucas turned around and saw a middle-aged man about a few inches taller than him. The man was smiling at him.

"I'm here to apply for a job."

The man laughed. "We're currently not looking for any applicants."

Lucas frowned. "Please, mister, I really need this job," he pleaded, folding his two palms in a praying position. "I love art! It has been my passion since the dawn of time. This is the only way I can live my life worthily. Please let me work here."

The man hesitated. "What can you do?"

Lucas regained his composure and stood taller. "I can clean the pieces and I can be kind of like a tour guide for people who would visit this museum. I could also take extra piece of errands if you need me like buying something."

The man grinned. "You're in, kid! Don't let me down. Come with me and I'll tell you what you need to do and all the payment you would receive."

Lucas forced a smile. He finally did it. Lucas didn't believe in prophecies like his father. But maybe, just maybe, he wanted to. He got this job even if he knew and felt that he didn't deserve it. Maybe it was his prophecy. Maybe his prophecy was to live in the world of art. He may be alone, but he knew in his heart that he would be contented because art is, was and will always be his world.