how is the sky from where you are?

Chapter Four: Late Night Promises

I headed downstairs to get a quick snack before my Contemporary Art Zoom lecture. I grabbed a granola bar and opened the fridge to grab my water bottle when I heard my dad say, "Oh these stupid liberals and their fake virus. This is just another attempt to get rid of the president."

My blood ran cold as I shut the fridge. Then I heard my mom reply, "They're all so sensitive. This chinese virus will be over in no time."

I headed straight upstairs and closed my door. I tried to shake their dumb words as I sat down and got ready for my Zoom lecture.

It was pretty interesting actually. It was all about how the Civil Rights Movement and Stonewall influenced the future of art.

Tyler came into my room as I was shutting off my laptop, "Hey dumbass, what class were you just in?" He asked, picking up my notebook.

"Contemporary Art, it was a lecture on the impact the Stonewall Riots and the Civil Rights Movement had on modern art," I explained as he scanned my notes.

"You get to take these classes for your electives? Lucky. I had to take some dumb world history class." He browsed the notes, then he flipped a page, "Who's this?"

He turned the notebook towards me. It was a few drawings of EJ, "Oh, that's EJ. He's my roommate and usually the model for my drawings since I see him all the time," I explained.

Tyler nodded and sat down next to me, "These are really good....maybe you should be an art major."

"Huh?" I asked.

"Oh come on man, do you really wanna major in biology?" He asked, handing me the notebook back.

"Well....Mom and Dad want me to." I shrugged.

"Well yeah. But what do you want to do?" He asked.

I paused. I really hadn't thought about this. I mean I was still undecided but my parents were pushing for me to be a biology major and then go to med school, "I mean...I'd like to be an artist. But it seems more like a hobby than anything, not something I could make money off of."

He stood up, "Think about it, dude." Then he left.

And for the first time, Tyler actually made some sense. I mean I had never liked biology, I didn't actually want to be a doctor. My parents wanted me to, but I really didn't want to.

I pulled out my phone and called EJ, "Hey Dyl, what's up?" He asked.

"I think I wanna be an art major," I said.

"Do it," He immediately replied.

"What? No you were supposed to talk me out of it!" I groaned.

"Why would I talk you out of it? You love art and you're really good at it! You took AP Art and got a 5!" He exclaimed.

I groaned and fell backwards onto my bed, "But what would my parents think?"

"Who cares?" He asked, "It's your life isn't it? Besides both of us know you hate science."

I sighed, "I really do."

"So be an art major. Follow your passion and talent!" He exclaimed.

"Yeah. Yeah!" I grinned, "Fuck it, I'll be an art major."

I paused, "How are you doing?" I asked.

"Not too bad actually. I risked it and went grocery shopping. I didn't get sick and I actually managed to get some healthy food," He explained.

"That's good, that's really good." I felt a little relieved.

"KIDS! DINNER!" My mom shouted from downstairs.