"Now students," the teacher said, "You have a brand new assignment. I noticed that many of you have been painting nice pictures, but there is no meaning behind them. For this assignment I want you to create a painting of something that inspires you. Something, or someone, you care about. Put some emotion into this piece. Does everyone understand?" The boys nodded. Most started sketching quickly, but a few, including me, were stuck. I had no clue what to paint. What inspired me? Music? Scarves? Beyoncé? No, I have to think of something better. Soon my thoughts started to get off track. I was thinking about Sebastian and how amazing he was. Then I had an idea. All day I had been thinking of how confident he was. He definitely inspires me. So I got to work drawing him, starting with his sharp jawline. By the end of class I had a sketch I was really proud of. Suddenly I realized Jeff was standing over me. He had a knowing smile.
"Looks good Kurt. His hair is perfect." He said with a wink.
I cringed a little. Maybe my idea wasn't so great. I guess I should have realized drawing another guy my age was a little abnormal.
I quickly slide the sketch into my bag before anyone else sees it. Taking out a new sheet of paper, I try to think of something else to draw. Anything else. But I just can't seem to get my mind off Sebastian. Jeff sits down next to me.
"Alright Kurt, somebody needs to tell you this. I know what's going on inside your head. How you can't get Sebastian out of your thoughts-"
I feel my cheeks flush. "Wha- I mean, no, no I'm not, I... I don't like Sebastian. I, I barely even know him!" I stammer quickly, trying to hide how incredibly embarrassed I was.
Jeff laughed. "We both know that's not true. Everyone here has been crushing on him at some point. Even the straight ones. Anyways, I just wanted to warn you. Sebastian is not a nice guy. What may look like charm right now is actually just him being manipulative. He will use you. Just watch your back."
I'm stunned. I don't want to believe Jeff, but why would he lie about something like this?
The bell rings. Jeff gets up. "I'm not saying never speak to him again, just that you shouldn't get too attached. Bye Kurt."
And with that, he walks away.
My head is spinning. I don't know what to make of what Jeff just said. I don't even know where my next class is.
A dark haired guy taps me on the shoulder.
"Hey buddy, you ok? You look a little lost." He chuckles.
"Hi, yeah, I am. I just transferred. Today's my first day and I'm not sure where my next class is. Sebastian has been helping me but I guess he forgot this one, or-"
The guy cuts me off. "Sebastian, Sebastian Smythe has been helping you? Oh god, that's so typical of him." He laughs and shakes his head.
I'm not sure what to say. Why does everyone hate Sebastian? I don't understand. He seems so nice, and so helpful, and oh, I'm going on and on about him again.
"Anyway, I'm Nick. I can try to help you get to your next class. Can I see your schedule?"
I pull the paper out of my bag and hand it to him.
"Oh, it looks like you have lunch next. The cafe is right down the hall and on the left side. You can't miss it. Well, I have to get going, bye..."
I stare at him for an uncomfortable amount of time before I realize he's asking for my name.
"Oh, uh, sorry. I'm Kurt." I say quickly.
Nick laughs. "Ok, bye Kurt." And then he walks away.
My phone buzzes in my pocket.
627-519-8826: We're waiting Kurt. Come on.
I almost forgot about that. The mysterious number wanted me to meet him under the apple tree during lunch. As much as I was nervous to meet some random stranger who somehow has my phone number, I decided it was probably better then trying to find a seat at lunch on my first day. So I walked towards the apple tree I had seen in the courtyard when I walked in this morning.
