PASSION |ON HOLD|

Chapter 2

Edited
Alexis
"Give me my phone Chase!"

"No, can't do. You're meant to be reading that book kiddo."

I scowl. "First of all, you are only 3 years older than me. That means I'm not a kid to you."

"Fair enough. At least I tried." He is still holding my phone without a care in the world.

"Chase, give me my phone."

"No can't do."

"You are unbelievable!" I scream. What kind of human being is this?

Meet Chase Connor, my course mate who can be a total bitch sometimes.

We were paired to do some research work, but since Chase can't sit down to read due to his nature of being a party animal, we split the work. I read the book - which is like about ten chapters - while he writes the summary from what I tell him. I just wonder how he's so intelligent and easily aces his papers while I have to go through the eye of a needle and back just to memorise something.

"Look, I just need a break from all this info. It's driving me crazy. Besides, I'm already in chapter nine," I say, "at least I'm not a party animal and I am actually putting in some effort."

He narrows his eyes. "First of all, I am not a party animal so I refuse to a addressed as one, I just like having fun and smiling unlike you. Two, I thought you love reading."

"I do love reading, you idiot. I just take breaks when necessary," I retort.

"But really, I've never seen you smile, let alone have some fun. I doesn't hurt you know."

So someone noticed...again.
"I'm fine," I say simply, and to change topic, I say, "Let's get back to work."

He shrugs and hands me my phone, which I am grateful for.

Five days later Chase turned the damn assignment in late. We got a penalty of minus two points which I chopped his ears off for. We worked hard on that research. Why did he have to screw it up for us?

Finals for the semester ended. I got my belongings off campus and flew to Quebec to be with Keith, my brother as I normally do. We're currently in late March.

Before I flew to Quebec, Macy called me to meet with the ambassador of Grand Arts. The lady seemed quite nice.

"Hi. I'm Avelyn," she said.

"I'm Alexis. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, Alexis. You must be the little bubble of art whose work I saw the other day. You're quite talented. Thar painting was exotic," she said with a small smile. That was the first time someone apart from Macy was praising my work.

"Thank you," I said gratefully.

"We want to offer you a deal."

That seemed rather absurd. Why would she just buy my work then suddenly want to offer me a deal? I didn't think that's how the world works. Nevertheless, I was curious, so I said, "Go on."

"We give training sessions every holiday. We were wondering if you could come to New York in April."

"Okay? Why?"

"Well, your work fascinated me. It felt like you were speaking directly to me, just through a picture. The program we have will sharpen your art some more. It's the same thing Macy is doing with you, just that you'll be working with international artists."

I was speechless. "Wow. But I'll have to talk to Macy first, to make sure she's fine with it since I'm currently under her."

"Actually, we have already talked about it," Macy cut in smiling. "I can't stop you from going higher Lexi. I could never hold you back. You have my permission."

I almost broke into tears. All this was happening too fast.

I took a deep breath, "Thanks Macy, that means a lot. Avelyn, can I get an email or something from you? I have to think properly about this."

"Yes dear. Actually, I would like you to have my number instead." I took her number and saved it on my phone. She then told me to get back to her before the twenty seventh of March.

As soon as I got to Quebec I told Keith. He agreed with the plan, and I then called Mira since she's the one in America. I knew my brother would be easier to convince due to our closeness. Mia, on the other hand, did not quite agree with us. My mind was made up though, whether she liked it or not, I was going to New York. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. After a lot of arguing, she finally agreed. Better for her. The sooner she realizes she can't control me, the better for all of us.

Now I'm in Flint, Michigan on the twenty sixth of March, eight days to my first day at Grand Arts.

"I still don't know why you're doing this," Mira whines for the thousandth time on our way from the airport to her house.

"Mira, we have talked about this. Besides if I become a star artist tomorrow it will be to your own advantage. Allow me to be myself, please. You can't hide me in your wings forever," I tell her.

That shuts her stubborn mouth.

"So where will you be staying when you get to New York?" she asks after some time.

"They've arranged for an apartment for me."

"Don't get me wrong, I want you to have fun but I also want you to be safe. We don't know who these people are," she says, concern laced in her voice.

One word caught my fancy in her statement: fun. When last did something 'fun' happen to me? Still, what my sister said sounded so sweet and hearing something sweet from her is a once in a blue moon thing.

"I know. I'll be safe," I reassure her.

What my sister doesn't know is that I have a friend in New York, Amara Ubani. I plan to spend time with her when I get there.

Three days later, we're on our way to the airport.

"Be safe kiddo," my sister says.

"I will."

"And let them know I'll behead them if you come back sad."

It feels good to know she's got my back. Still, I respond, "I'm not a child anymore, you know."

"My dear, you will forever be a child to us."

I smirk. "Yes, my lady. Bye Mira. I'll see you when I get back."

"See you, child," she says.

A/N
Hey guys. New upload.
Now, WTF? PS 5 IS OUT!!! That got me worked up when I found out. I just wish I could go to a game house and help myself. Next, why can't this damn pandemic go away? I'm tired of this seeing these walls everday. I miss school. When I say that, I mean my friends and Not the actual school. Thanks for taking my rant.

So as much as this is the sequel to miserable, I'm thinking of starting another book because my impatient ass won't stick to one book. Basically, I'm going to put a lot of energy into this one, but I'll have that one in the side lines. I'm thinking of titling it high school is a bitch.
I also wanna thank you guys for sticking with me from the first chapter. It means a lot.
Till the next chapter.
Bye my lovelies,
Diane