Love & Other Ephemeral Arts

Chapter 4

When I reached my home that afternoon I almost couldn't believe it. I hadn't seen Dianne since the incident and, knowing her, I probably wouldn't until she realized she was being a total drama queen. Which would be never again in my life if she heard from someone else that I was working on a crazy project with her ex boyfriend. Of course, I had told Alex to keep her mouth shut. But considering that my ginger friend was friends with practically every soul in College, it wouldn't be that hard.

Working on a project so intimate with Jared wasn't really what I had pictured for this term. But what could I do? Mr. Perkins had practically made me.
And besides, it wasn't as if having to draw that guy was the worst. I mean, there was a certain something about him. His body was basically screaming to be portrayed, and my hands were more than willing to satisfy that call, and their own longings, let's face it.

However, two things were clear for me: firstly, that jerk wouldn't know how I actually was looking forward to this work. And secondly, I would not fall for him. He'd be just a piece of very well constructed flesh. If I had come this far without having a real crush for anyone, I could finish College the same way. Just two years to go.

"Hey! How was your day?" I heard my mother ask from the library. Her voice sounded distracted, like she was busy with something, not that it surprised me.

As always, I answered it had been fine. Because no matter how horrible my day had been, I always had those words ready in my lips to avoid further questioning. I dragged myself to where my mother was and gave her a quick kiss. She sweetly asked me what I was up to, her eyes still fixed on the computer screen, to which I answered "homework", as usual. It was comforting to see how no matter what happened at College, things home never changed.

I headed to my room and laid my shoulder bag on the chair. Right now what I needed the most was to get my pajamas on. The weather was starting to show the first signs of Autumn, so I went for a long set and furry socks, and smiled at their touch. I just loved fall.

Letting myself fall onto the bed, I closed my eyes for a second. In normal circumstances I'd start planning out the Anatomy assignment as soon as possible. I might sound a bit rushed, but I was one to work ahead if I had the chance, especially knowing that after a few more weeks work would start pilling up into skyscrapers. And that was why I hated group work. If Alex had been my partner, I would just call her later on that day. She would complain at first, but in the end we would start brainstorming some ideas.

But how was I supposed to work with a guy who's contact I didn't even have? The answer was simple. I wasn't. I'd talk to him in class and we'd figure things out, meet after classes when necessary, and hopefully, we'd be able to hand in the piece of work just in time.

I sighed, trying to leave my mind blank,  preparing my brain for all the work ahead of me.

***

It was just when I had finished sketching 20 hands in different positions and light sources for my Drawing homework, that I got a message from an unknown number.

Normally I wouldn't have noticed, as I always had my phone muted with no vibration and upside down. But I had been waiting for Dianne to message me, glancing at the phone whenever the screen lighted up only to display all types of notifications I had no interest in whatsoever.

So I just kept looking. Whether it was an "I still hate you." or a "Sorry about today." I didn't really care. I just wanted to know that my friend wanted to talk things out. I grabbed the phone and sat on my bed.
Hey. I read.
Suddenly three other messages popped up all of a sudden, so I unblocked the phone and the phone automatically opened the Messages screen.
But as I read on, I realized the message I got was definitely not Dianne's.

Figured you'd rather work on this alone. So I'll try not to be a hindrance. How would you like to approach the project?

It's Jared by the way.

Ps: I asked Alex for your number, in case you were wondering.

I quietly held my breath for a second. Should I answer him straight away? I had already gone into the chat. And he was online so there wasn't really an alternative here.

But what would I answer anyway?

I was painfully aware that the longer I took to answer, it'd be more obvious that he had taken me by surprise.

Hi, I sent him, followed by two more texts.

Any ideas to start with?

Ps: Thanks, Alex, I guess.

I went out from Messages, turned off the screen and laid on my back. Even though I absolutely hated conventional phone conversations, there was something about messaging that was also quite stressful, especially when feelings were involved, whatever the type. Maybe the other person wouldn't interpret the tone just right, or they'd make you over think about what they really meant. Let's just say it was one of the worst socializing experiences out there.

The benefits? It made communication fast and straight to the point. Or at least it could make it that way, if that was what you were looking for.

Then Jared answered. But the screen wasn't able to display the whole message.
I appreciated that he wouldn't purposely take forever to answer back. So I just decided to go in.

Jared: About the first part. But I'd prefer to talk about it in person. I think it'll make better sense if I just show you what I mean.

Just then he sent another text. We could meet somewhere.

I was unexplainably shocked about that last message.

Me: You mean now?

I waited for him to answer, even though it was really a stupid question.

Jared: Only if you want to.

I figured this was like a minefield, we were both trying to exit unharmed. And he'd just laid a mine right before me. Lucky thing I could use some sense of humor to dodge it.

Me: I'm in my pajamas.

Okay. Maybe I had taken it too far. but it was too late now; another great asset of texting: once it's sent, it's sent.

His reply was quick. So?

Another bomb at my feet. How did he dare soing me? I started writing.

Me: One doesn't simply take off their pajamas.

It was only after pressing SEND that I realized how sexual that had sounded. Did that mean the mine had blown up in my face?

Jared: Fine. I get it.

And that was where the confusion factor came in. Did that mean he thought it was just an excuse? Which made me think, so was it an excuse?
No. I was truly tired. I would've stayed home even if Alex had called me to hang out. But he obviously couldn't know about that; he couldn't see the dark circles around my eyes.

He had taken the initiative, I'd give him that. So it was only fair that I did my part.

Me: Coffee tomorrow after class?

It was funny how slowly time went by when you were waiting for someone to text back. Especially, when you could see they were online and not typing. Which could only mean two things: either they didn't know what to answer because it was a horrible idea, or they didn't know what to answer so it wouldn't sound like it was a hell of a plan.

He finally answered. Remember not to put your pyjamas on tomorrow.