50 Shades Of Claire Bear (Andrew's POV)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"No....no....definitely not....it's okay...."

My mom rolls her eyes and looks at my dad. "Andrew," he says. "You've got to pick one."

My parents are trying to get me to reconsider Denver University's college offer. So, to try and persuade me, they submitted a couple of my older drawings to an art convention with other local artists. Looking back at the older sketches now, I'm really not that good.

"I don't want to," I remark, stuffing my hands into my pockets. "Why am I even here? I could be watching The Walking Dead or doing something that isn't this."

My dad sighs. "Just pick one, Andrew. The longer you complain, the longer we're here."

I trudge around the table, looking for the best picture I drew years ago. The thing is, I can't find one that is good enough. None of them are good enough.

I'm not good enough.

I'm surrounded by other artists who actually know what they want to do with their lives and I'm over here, starving and thinking about things that aren't even possible in this world. Hell, I'm thinking about things that are impossible in this lifetime. What the hell is wrong with me? I'm so pathetic.

"Can we leave now?" asks Austin, sighing and leaning on my dad's arm for support.

Finally, the hopeless kid takes my side on something. "That's a great idea, Austin. Let's leave."

"Andrew, you should really rethink your decision about college," my dad informs me once again. "Most people cannot draw like y0u can, let alone get a college scholarship as a fifteen-year-old."

Have I ever considered taking Denver University on that offer again? Sure, I have. But what does it matter? I have made my final decison and that is not going to Denver University.

Without arguing any further, all four of us leave the art convention in silence. My parents are annoyed and disappointed at me. But it's nothing new. They seem like they're always disappointed in me about something; whether it be grades, basketball, my awful obsession with eating peanut butter by the spoonful for any meal. No matter, they can stay annoyed or disappointed at me. There is nothing motivating me to go to college just to draw. Nothing. And if there was, maybe I would reconsider.

My phone buzzes between my knees and I can't help but anxiously look at it right away. I'm obsessed.

From Kyle, the text reads:

Dude, if you want to see "the love of your life" tonight, you need to come over for a guys slumber party. Claire has nothing to do....as usual.

It catches my attention. I will take any chance I have to spend free time with Claire. So I text back:

I'll totally be there. Make sure she doesn't leave.

I can't help myself, I just love her. I thought she liked me too back in seventh grade, but maybe I was wrong about that too. Most likely.

Kyle texts back:

Okay dude you're obsessed. Brb....I'm gonna go sit on her!!!!

This time I laugh. "Mom, I'm staying the night at Kyle's tonight. Just a heads up."

She looks back at me. "Make sure you're home in time to attempt your homework. I want to see you improving your school work if you're going to continue to refuse Denver."

God, she can't let anything go. Ever.

I immediately pack an overnight knapsack when we get home. The longer I'm here the longer I'm away from having an amazing night.