(Spin-off of Imaginary, more so specifically it's second book, Severity)
Cleo Vexer, a problematic teenage girl, is the sensation of your average pessimist and mediocre criminal. Still having to survive the rest of her senior year bitter and lonely...
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Caslon and I sit alongside my dinning table, fans of papers resting on its surface.
"Do your parents know you're here?" I ask as I start writing parts of my essay outline.
"Yeah, actually." Caslon surprises me. "They weren't too happy, but that doesn't really matter. It took tons of convincing for Riley not to tag with me though."
I chuckle. "You finally defied your parents, Allway. Nicely done."
He shots me a lopsided smile, unaffected. "A compliment from you, Vex, how rare."
I rolled my eyes, glancing past his shoulder to see his project sketch. My eyebrows furrowed as I put my pencil down and took a closer look at his work. "How does this relate to the symbolism in Fahrenheit 451?"
"Well, this is the Phoenix," He pointed to the bird drawing with the end of his sketch pencil. "And the distorted water reflection represents the distortion in the society."
I tilt my head as the gears turn in my mind. "Simplistic but effective, I approve."
"Oh, so I need your approval for my own portion of the project now?" Caslon raised an eyebrow teasingly.
I hummed, erasing ideas on my outline and replacing them. "My essay depends on how you perceive the book within your art. It may seem like we're working on this individually, but it's a cooperative effort."
"Didn't know you believed in teamwork, Vex." I dramatically roll my eyes at his comment. "I'm quite stunned."
"No one likes a snarky insulter, Allway." I mutter irritatedly.
He arches an eyebrow. "So I guess no one likes you either then."
"That'd be correct." I cheekily agree. "Except for Winsley, but she's a gift from heaven so she doesn't count." I add quickly.
"Finished," Caslon chirps a silent minute later. He shoves his sketch pad in my face. "What do you think?"
I observe the details in the simple drawing. My eyes run over the bird flying above the water, the bird disintegrating in what I assume are the flames of a Phoenix.
"Not bad," I say with a slight shrug. "In detail, it would probably capture the essence better, but for now, it'll do."
"Can't you just admit I'm a pretty good artist?" Caslon smirks with triumph, so proud that I question his true ego.
"You're good." I emphasize. "But you don't focus enough on furthering your skill. From my opinionated standpoint, I can only assume you only do art at school."
He doesn't deny it.
A sigh escapes my lips as drop my pencil aside. "If you want to start improving your art skills, you should join me for an art tutorial class. Lucky enough, I plan it ahead for once every month and I can fit you in early November. How's that sound?"
"That'd be great, actually." Caslon smiles softly.
A grin spreads across my lips in victory. "Then let's hope we're still friends by then, Cassie," I tease.
He groans before brushing the nickname off. "Hey, do you want to go somewhere to eat? Take a break from all the studying?"
My eyes widen a fracture before quickly shaking my head. I look down at my hands laying lifelessly on the table. "Oh, no thanks. I'm not really hungry."
Caslon's smile starts to falter.
"You sure?" He asks slowly, his eyes watching me like a hawk.
I nod stiffly. "I'm sure."
Caslon shifts in his seat, trying to find my gaze which I avoid his. "Not trying to push you to answer anything, but are you alright? You look pale."
I purse my chap lips before finally forcing myself to meet his eyes. "I'm alright, Caslon. You don't need to worry about me."
He sighs softly, biting his cheek to ponder on my response. Genuine concern laces into his stare.
