The Art prodigy (Gerita)

8

Once I got out of the restroom, I looked around to see if Gilbert was around. I closed the door quietly and started to tiptoe toward the room where everyone was at. When I opened the door, I saw that everyone was still joking around. "Took you long enough," Alfred laughed. Everyone was sitting in a circle, so I decided to join them. "Feli, how come we have never seen you around the school before? I thought I'd at least pass by you?" Francis asked. "Oh, I'm in the college prep classes, and those have only a few students."

Arthur and Francis both nodded, which meant they understood. "That's still weird, though; I mean, I know a few people in the college prep classes," Arthur said, thinking about it. "Well, I didn't join clubs or have many friends because of art," I explained. "Oh, I see; why not join the art club?" Asked Arthur.

"Well, my grandfather is really strict, and he wants me to focus on art by myself. Actually, he doesn't even know I am here... I snuck out." I laughed nervously. All of their faces were surprised as I told them I was here without anyone knowing. "Really? Why is he so strict? Is that why you are always serious?" Francis asked.

"Well..... I never told any of you yet, but I'm actually considered a prodigy artist in the country. My grandfather is strict because he really wants me to succeed in art. Actually, I have an art competition coming up next Wednesday. My work will be on display for judges to look at, and they will select a winner. The winning prize is a scholarship to a very prestigious art school."

Their mouths dropped and stared at me in awe. "What? Really? Tell us more!!!" Alfred said in an almost begging way. "Oh.... well, I have been painting since I was five and I just never stopped. I've won many trophies and competitions here and in other countries. I've traveled a lot, and I make a small income from my art," I explained.

"Whoa!!! Really?" They all said in unison. I laughed nervously and nodded. They all seemed to think that's cool, so that's good, baby steps. "Wait, so is that what you were working on when we first met?" Ludwig asked. I nodded at him and smiled "yeah, and I stayed up late the other night, so I could finish enough to have fun."

"Oh yeah! When we saw you, too, you had that canvas out. That's cool!" Alfred cheered. I felt my face turn red from all the attention I was suddenly getting. "wow! I love art. Could you show us some of your pieces sometime?" Francis asked. "Oh, sure! Maybe next weekend after my competition. I have a few pieces that I've kept... usually, I sell them at the competitions, but sometimes I keep them." I smiled.

"That sounds so cool!!! I want to go!" Alfred whined. "To my house or the competition?" I asked. "Both!! I wanna see all the cool artwork! And, of course, cheer you on," he laughed. "Oh, that would be nice, but I make the painting beforehand in this type of competition. However, I know I have another competition next month where I have to paint on the spot. That one is open to the public." I suggested.

"I am there!!!!"
"Yeah, me too!"
"That sounds like fun!" They all started to discuss going, and it made me happy. I had never had any friends come watch me compete. It made my heart beat faster of the thought and made me feel loved. "So the artwork you are working on right now, is it done?" Ludwig asked. "Almost..." I said.

"Can I see it?" He asked. My face turned red as I started to sweat. "Umm... I don't know, maybe after the competition." I said, laughing nervously. I have no idea why the thought of him seeing my artwork made me feel embarrassed. Maybe it is because I want him to be the proudest of me. "Alright then, sounds good," he spoke.

"Having all of you come to my competition next month would mean a lot to me. Also, I'd like all of you to visit my home next Saturday," I smiled. "Yes, of course!" Arthur smiled. I took out a piece of paper from my pocket and quickly grabbed a pen to write my phone number on a piece of paper. "This is my number; if all of you text me before next Saturday... I can put us in a group chat so that we can text."

Francis and Arthur took the paper and started to put my number on their phone. The last one to do it was Ludwig, who looked at the piece of paper for a split second before doing anything.

"I can't wait then!" I added. I looked over to Ludwig who looked as if he was avoiding my eyes. His behaviors were odd; it was starting to make me think that he didn't like me. I turned my head away from him as I began to think about his behaviors. They were awkward and nervous and made me feel he didn't speak his mind most of the time.

I looked around his house and finally noticed the baby pictures on the wall. There was a lot that I did not know about him, but I wanted to know more. I want to be closer to him than anyone else, he was the first person to talk to me and I am grateful. I wanted to jump into his strong arms and have him hold me as I just thanked him for everything.

Everyone here had become dear to me, and I did not want to lose any of them. However, they seem like very accepting people, and I think I could eventually act like myself around them one day. Until then, I will make sure that I am calm and collected.

~~~~~~~~~~
Like
Comment 💖💖💖💖💖
Thanks for reading so far ❤️❤️❤️❤️