Charlie's pov
Painting, drawing, sculpting and so much more are things we do in arts and man do I love it.
It's a shame we only have two classes per week but it's better than nothing. Most students are delighted with that but I'm not, I love art classes, not just because we get to do what we want or because of Ms. Lessings, no it's because I love creating art and I'm good at it too.
I'm really good at drawing and I know it but painting too. I'm the best in my class and I can't do the best art projects. Oh, and Ms. Lessings love me. I really love Ms. Lessings, she's so nice to me.
Most people hide their talent but I don't, ok I used to but when I was a freshman last year, Ms Lesssing realized my talent and now she praises me etc.
I'm the best in the entire school as she likes to say all proudly, well, she says that but I don't really care really.
I'm just a nobody, a guy in his sophomore year with stupid braces who just so happens to be good in arts.
People think otherwise and seem to know me even if I don't want to be known. I don't want to be in the spotlight but how can I when Ms Lessing always praises me in front of everyone and showcases my work? Yeah...there's that but people don't really care about me, they are just jealous that I always get the best grades, A+ while they suck and earn an F.
Wait...I can't say all that and not say who I am. Well...I don't think my name holds prestige but I'm Charlie Mysak who just so happens to be good in arts. Yeah, I say that but I dream big and I know it.
There's one thing I dream about the most or should I say someone? Yes...someone...Call me cliché but I have the biggest crush on our school's basketball captain Maverick Campbell.
Yeah...I look at him and dream of him but from afar. I've never dared to approach him. What good would it do? I'm just a guy and he's the best player and...he has a girlfriend, Maykala.
I don't like her a lot but of course, he had to go for her...she's the top cheerleader at our school, the perfect girl. Obviously, a jock like him would settle for her.
Even if I know I have no hopes, I always daydream about him anyways.
He has beautiful chestnut brown hair always with his favourite orange bandana, heartwarming brown eyes and no he's not black unlike most basketball players, it's rare.
Regardless, it's his physique that's the best.
He's so...charming and hot...He has broad shoulders, muscled arms and legs too but it's his chest...I'm sure he has a six-pack but for some reason, he never shows his torso or six-pack. All guys after the game do but he doesn't.
Lastly, he's tall even if he turned 15 only last December. He's probably not at his full height.
He's standing at a solid 5.11 and he's still growing taller, perfect for a basketball player.
Yesterday, I took a big step. I want to
our school's basketball game for the first time.
He's even better at playing! Through, something happened yesterday that I was not expecting, we made eye contact twice! Twice! I even bumped into him.
Regardless, even if I seem really gay, I'm not, I like guys but not just guys. I can fall in love with everyone, regardless of gender. So, this makes me pansexual.
How do I know? I always knew I could have crushes on girls but last year I actually had a crush on my friend, Kilian. They are non-binary. That's when I knew I wasn't just bisexual. Through, my crush on Kilian is long over. Besides, they are unavailable in love. It's a lost cause.
Kilian has dark brown hair wavy hair, brown eyes and some glasses.
"Earth to Charlie?" Huh? It's Kilian.
"Oh? Huh oh..." Oh...we are sitting outside, I almost forgot. I guess I was starting into space...
"What happened yesterday that's making you smile like a lovesick puppy?"
"Oh, come on don't exaggerate Kilian."
"No, I know you. I'm 100% sure something happened."
"Fine, you got me. I went to see the basketball game yesterday."
"You went there?" Kilian says confused and in disbelief.
"Yeah, I did. You would never believe what happened."
"What?"
"I made eye contact with Maverick twice!" I say excitedly.
"Why am I finding that hard to believe?"
"Oh, come on! Kilian believe me! I even bumped into him next to the washrooms!"
"You did? Geez, is fate getting to you?"
"Maybe but I must be lucky."
"Well, if you say that maybe you still stand a chance."
"How do you know that?"
"Who knows, it's not completely impossible to get him to like you. Maybe he had a secret."
"Kilian! Don't give me false hopes like that!"
"What can I do? I have a friend, who's crushing hard on the straight basketball captain and that has a girlfriend. Do you get what I mean?"
"Stop talking about me in 3rd person! But yeah...maybe I was just lucky yesterday. I don't stand a chance with him."
"Are you really giving up now? You didn't even try to talk to him or even be friends with him. You never know."
"Kilian..."
"I know, I know. The chances you get to be won't him are 1 in a million."
"Thanks"
"Why are you telling me thanks?"
"Because at least you're bringing me back to reality."
"Yeah, Maverick might never like you but you have me."
"This is so rare of you to say that."
"I'm aware, now we better get ready for the next class."
"Yeah, we better."
———————
Chemistry, it certainly isn't my favourite subject but I don't hate it either. Especially not when Maevrick is in the same class as me! Unfortunately, Kilian isn't in that class but I have to say it but I'd rather look at Maverick even if he doesn't know I exist really.
I get in class and sit down all alone. Not long after Maverick comes in with his friend and...his girlfriend. That's what hurts me the most...
They sit down next to each other but I notice that Maverick is looking all around the class. Then, his gaze settles on me. Omg! We made eye contact again! I turn around a bit and he stops looking at me.
Through, what bothers me is that his girlfriend probably noticed because she's telling him something and they are laughing. I guess I really don't stand a chance, do I?
———————
It's the end of the school day and I head home. I go to school with my bike every day. I always have to transport my art supplies in my school bag that are heavy but I'm used to it.
I get out of the school and find my bike. I put on my helmet unlike other students and hop in. The moment I leave the school, I notice Maverick getting out of the school with his friends and his girlfriend, Maykayla. I don't even notice they are not holding hands. Instead, he looks at me and we make eye contact again!
Omg! This is the fourth time already! Why are we making eye contact like that?! What does it mean?
His stare on mine stays longer but he stops when his girlfriend talks to him. Wait...is she pointing at me? Are they talking about me...? Oh no...please don't be a misunderstanding.
Even if it's that I decide to leave. I start biking out of school. Omg...I can't believe this is happening to me. Were they talking about me? Does he know who I am? Why can't I just master the courage to say something? Ugh...no...it's pointless. Why would he want to talk to me?
I continue thinking about earlier while biking into the cloudy cold weather and in no time, I get back home.
I hop off my bike and unlock the front door. As soon as I get in, I smell something good and I know right away my mom is there.
I get off my shoes and head to the kitchen.
"Hey, mom." I get greeted back by a smike of my young mother.
"Charlie, how was school today?"
"It was nice, you will never believe what happened."
"What happened?"
"I made eye contact with Maverick twice today!"
"Is he the basketball guy?"
"Yes, that's him. I can't believe it."
"Oh, you hopeless romantic."
"Mom!"
"Ok, yes. I know how much you like that boy but does he know who you are?"
"No...but..."
"I'm surprised he doesn't! You're the best in arts!"
"I know that...but I'm still a nobody..."
"Charlie, don't ever tell yourself that. You are a nice brilliant boy. Your artwork just can't help but catch you by surprise. You're really good, I'm sure others would love your artwork."
"They don't care, Mom."
"Then, it's their loss."
"Easy for you to say but really, how can he like me? I'm just a guy with braces."
"Oh, no, no! Don't underestimate yourself because of your braces!"
"Mom! You know it's true!"
"And I say it makes you unique."
"But does Maverick see that?"
"He doesn't because you don't let him in."
"I know that...he's too popular..."
"I'm sure you can talk to him. You're just being
shy. If you say you made eye contact multiple times, it means he knows who you are. He's looking at you, Charlie."
"Mom! Don't say that! He has a girlfriend!"
"Who said he was? He might be gay like you."
"I'm pansexual."
"Oops, I forgot. I always forget sometimes. I guess terms changed since I went to high school."
"Yes, anyway, what are you cooking anyways?"
"Tacos?"
"Tacos! I love them!"
"It's Taco Tuesday after all."
"Thank you Mom you're the best!"
"Sure I am."
"I'll go draw in the meantime!"
"I'll tell you when it's ready!"
I go to my room filled with art stuff.
You might be wondering where is my father. Well...I don't have one or rather he abandoned us.
My mom fell pregnant with me at 16, during her sophomore year, the same year I'm at right now. She was dating a guy and once my mom told him, he broke up with her. So, in a way, he abandoned her while she was pregnant with me. My mom didn't want to get an abortion, so here I am.
I've never met my dad. I barely know anything about him. I just know he was a jerk.
So, I live with my single mom in a small cozy home. Having a single mom and no father is not well seen here but she was still raised all alone.
She loves me a lot and we have always been close. We have a good dynamic together. I think it's because she's really young but yeah it's that.
I always tell her everything and she knows I'm pansexual. She supports me greatly, she's like my best friend.
Do I wish that I have a father? When I was younger it happened that sometimes I would wish that I had one but my mom is all I want. I don't need more than my mom, I'm grateful for everything she has done for me. I don't need a father who wouldn't be supportive or there for me.
Regardless, I look at all my art supplies and device that I'm in the mood to draw. I like drawing, it soothes me. I can try basically anything but I don't know why but I feel in the mood to draw someone.
I take all my drawing things and sit down. I start drawing slowly what comes to mind and it doesn't take long that I'm drawing the portrait of Maverick. Should I really draw him? It's not like he'll ever see it...If he knew I was drawing him in my past time, he would be grossed out. Oh well...he's my muse today.
I start drawing and focus so much on it that I entirely forget that it's a call on my phone from my mom that disrupts me.
Oh...I was so immersed in this I forgot dinner is ready.
I look at my sketch still in its beginning. Wow...it sounds so realistic so far...I already can't wait to finish it.
———————
Just yesterday alone, I worked so hard on Maverick's portrait and completed it in a single night. It's so perfect and realistic! My mom loves it and is truly impressed by my outstanding skills. It's maybe one of my best works so far. His portrait is as beautiful as he is. It's unfortunate, he'll never get to see it but if he did he'd be disgusted anyways...
Regardless, it's my favourite class, arts so I am bound to get in. As soon as I do, I notice my favourite teacher Ms. Lessings. As soon as she notices me, she smiles.
I go sit down in front of my favourite assle next to the window. All the others come in and yet again Maverick is in that class but luckily his girlfriend isn't. He sits down with his friends and looks at me briefly. Not only do we make eye contact again, he smiled at me. He smiled at me!
"Ok, class, today we will be doing a new project. I will like you to paint one of your classmates. Not just the basics but in a detailed way. I want you all to find yourself a muse. Trust me, it'll help you. It'll count as 40% of your grade so don't take it lightly and you will get 4 classes to do the project."
No way...I can choose who I want to paint? I already know who I want to paint but would it be ok for school?
I turn my head and look at Maverick. He's really handsome...It's even better I get to see him in real life to know how to paint him. I just don't want him to know that I'll be painting him. I turn my head at my assle and start drawing the sketch. The portrait I do of him yesterday will surely help me.
———————-
The bell rings and everyone leaves but Ms Lessings wants to talk to me.
"Charlie, I have an important request out of you."
"An important request?"
"I want you to represent the school for the art exhibition."
"Mam! You can't be serious."
"Oh, yes I am. I know talent when I see it. We've only started the project today and yours is already perfect. I believe you are the best in the entire school."
"Mam...I'm not that good."
"Charlie, I can't force you to say yes but I think your artwork would be really liked."
"Are you sure mam?"
"Yes"
"I'll think about it and if I want to I'll ask for the details."
"Ok"
"Is the painting supposed to be me?" We suddenly hear and we both freak out when we notice Maverick is still there in front of my assle.
"Maverick? What are you doing here? This is a private matter."
"Oh...sorry mam I was just admiring Charlie's painting." He was what?!
"It's fine but ask permission next time."
"Yeah...sorry."
"Is this painting supposed to be me?" I don't want to answer but Ms Lessings does anyways.
"Yes, it's a painting of you. It's beautiful isn't it?"
"Yeah..."
"I don't want to sound harsh but I have to leave the class."
"Oh...ok."
We get out together and I can't help but avoid staring at him.
"Charlie Mysak right?" Omg! My crush is talking to me!
"Um...yes."
"You're really talented. You should totally submit your artwork to the art exhibition."
"You think?"
"Yes! Gosh, I didn't know you possessed such talent! Why did you choose me in particular?" I blush immediately.
"Oh...uh...I don't know."
"If it makes you feel better, I choose you too."
"You chose me?" I can't believe it...he choose me over his friends.
"Yeah, you're the guy that bumped on me at the game right?"
"Yeah..."
"How come I never saw you before?"
"Oh, it was my first game."
"Really? You should totally come for the game tonight too!" Why's he acting all excited?
"You think I should?"
"Yeah, I know it's not your thing but I promise we'll be good tonight." How does he know that?
"Well...if you say I could come..." I smile softly.
"Yes!" I look at him surprised but as he notices that, he calms down. Strange...
"I mean, I'm glad you're coming." He smiles.
"Yes" I smile too.
"Hey! You have braces!"
"Does it bother you?"
"Of course not! They're cute!" He said my braces our cute!
"You think so?"
"Totally, it's cool. Anyways, I'm afraid I have to go but see you at the game tonight!" He leaves all smiley.
Omg! He talked to me and I'll see him tonight! Omg! Even if it's that, the art exhibition, should I really do it?
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