An Eye for Art

Chapter Six

Mr. Newman had arranged our first meeting hours to be in the evening, before dinner. It worked with both of our schedules, and we were set to work an hour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

I walked into the classroom, which was eerie without students to rattle the silence.

"Good evening, Adilene," Mr. Newman abruptly greeted.

"Good evening, Mr. Newman." Grabbing a chair, I placed it near his desk and sat down. Mr. Newman was a callous man. He didn't say much for a few minutes as he sorted out papers. I sat patiently, but his aura was nerve-wracking. When his desk was cleared, he looked at me.

"You can call me Zach."

"Alright then, Zach." I smiled shyly at his name on my lips. In all my four years of college, I never got used to calling professors by their first name.

"Let's get down to business," Mr. Newman continued, "I own an art gallery downtown where I host an art exhibition every season." I listened intently, fascinated by the facts I never knew about him. "I want to offer you the position as my assistant art curator. We'd be working together every season, researching different artists, movements, and themes to display. Essentially, I'm giving you a chance to apply your knowledge of art in society." I stared at him, stoic at the opportunity extended to me.

"I would love to work as your art curator. When would I start?"

"Now."

"Uh," I gasped, blinking rapidly, "now?"

"Yes," Mr. Newman stated, "I do need your ideas for the winter season." I nodded, biting my cheek as I grip my chin in thought.

"Well, winter is coming up in two months" I dragged, "Everyone loves the holiday season! We display pieces that depict the love and warmth associated with it." Mr. Newman nodded his head.

"I do like that. Let's start by looking into modern works. Research the artists. Analyze their purpose, and soon I'll show you around the gallery so I can show you how it wor-"

An abrupt thud boomed from behind us.

"Adilene!" Ashlan barked. What the fuck? I turned around in my seat. "I don't know what the fuck is going on with you, but this 'ignoring me' shit is going to stop." Gabriel waved awkwardly from the door and mouthed sorry to me. Oh dear, Gabriel.

"Excuse me?" Mr. Newman jumped in. "I don't know who you are, but you're not going to barge into my internship and distract my student because of your personal dilemmas." Ashlan sighed and looked at Mr. Newman.

"My apologies," she snarked, "My name is Ashlan, and I am here to resolve a very important issue with my dear friend, Adilene." Mr. Newman placed his elbows on the desk and laced his fingers together, staring at Ashlan with a smug face.

"I don't care why you're here, but take it out of my classroom," He ordered. Thanks, Mr. Newman. Ashlan sucked on her teeth and glanced back and forth at both of us. I sighed.

"I apologize, Mr. Newm- uh, I mean Zach. I have to cut the rest of this session short." I stood up and began to pack my things. Mr. Newman shook his head at my words.

"This is our first day. If interruptions like this happen again, someone else will replace you." Gulping, I nodded.

"I understand."

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I snapped at Ashlan, "You handled that really maturely."

"I wasn't mature? Look who's talking! You've been ignoring me for the past couple of days. What the fuck was that for?!" She snapped back. I shut my mouth and stared at the ground. Scratching my forehead, I shook my head.