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I beam in return. “I’m glad you’re okay, too.” I dip my head and peer up at him.
Without saying the words, he understands. “I am all right. Now.”
He does appear somewhat at peace.
“Kayla,” Ms. Jung calls out. She motions for me to come over when I glance in the direction.
“I’ll see you guys in class,” I tell my friends.
Brandon kisses my cheek but remains in the spot.
Strolling up to Ms. Jung, I ask, “Is something wrong? Is it about missing classes—”
“Kayla, no. You have a very understandable reason for that.” She offers an empathetic smile. “I can’t believe you still turned in paintings.”
“Art is therapy,” I say with a shrug. “Thank you for accepting through my friend.” Sam was kind enough to drop off my work so I could keep up with the class. Despite my protests, Dad used some of the insurance money for the bakery to purchase a new easel since I refused Brandon.
Ms. Jung leans her head, studying my features. “How are you doing?”
I draw a breath before answering. “Getting better by the day.”
“That’s good. I’m sure not being in the exhibition probably added to your stress.”
I shake my head. “It’s okay. There were much better paintings.”
“Yours was just as impeccable. That’s not why I didn’t select you as one of the top five.”
Confused, I crumple my forehead.
She goes on. “Kayla, you’re one of the best in your class. If not the entire academy.”
My brows fly up in surprise. “Seriously?”
Ms. Jung nods while smiling. “Your heart’s set on Pratt. None of their representatives were listed to attend the exhibition. So, I sent your painting to a friend in the art department instead. Kayla, you’re one of the artists being considered for the course in Rome next summer.”
“What?” I blurt. “Oh my gosh! That’s incredible. Thank you so much!”
“You’re welcome,” she beams at my enthusiasm. “It’s an opportunity to learn from renowned artists. I had the chance to do it in my time at Pratt as well.”
Of course, she did.
Doubts start to sink in. “But, I thought that was only for accepted students?”
Ms. Jung turns her head. “The course can be used as a certificate or for credits toward any program.” She pauses. “But, I have high hopes you’ll get into Pratt.” She pats my arm kindly, adding before walking away, “See you in class later.”
I’ve come across the Summer in Rome art course during my research and have dreamed about going. But it is quite expensive. Only a scholarship will cover the trip. Hopefully, when I send my portfolio in January, my talent will win them over.
Brandon inches closer and places his arm around me. “Congrats, baby. I heard.”
“Thank you. Let’s see if Pratt selects me.”
“I know they will.” He smiles while lightly tracing my jaw with his thumb. “I fucking missed you.”
“Me too,” I whisper.
Brandon lowers his head to press a tender kiss to my lips. It deepens in seconds. As he squeezes me in his arms, I trail my fingers up his neck to his silky hair and lean into his body some more.
The sound of the bell brings our passionate makeout session to a painful end.
“I love you, my little artist,” he murmurs while staring into my eyes.
Naturally, a smile coils my lips. “I love you, too.”
Brandon threads his fingers through mine, and we walk down the hallway together.
After what happened, it feels as if our relationship is, above all else, unbreakable.
