Page 29 of Catch Me
Objectively, the texts weren’t a big deal, but it was another layer to add to everything else. It was unnecessary to update him every day, and I didn’t want to.
I exited the text and left my phone on the island. When Tessa saw me grab a ball, she spun in a circle, then darted outside. If all else failed, she could help with my sour mood. At the very least, she gave me distractions.
Chapter 10
Roman
Covering my mouth, I yawned for the third time since class started. It felt rude, but I couldn’t help it. Sleep had declared me its enemy, and I didn’t know how to get on its good side again.
It’d been a couple weeks since I sent in my illustration. They were still doing whatever business people did. Travis didn’t respond to my last text, so I hadn’t tried again, even though I looked at it almost every day. I didn’t know why. He was going to update me when he knew something, so there was no point reaching out.
I was so spaced out that I didn’t realize class was over until most of the students had left the room.
“Roman,” Mrs. Marshall said.
Heading over to her desk, I pushed my hands into my pockets. “What’s up?”
“I just want to check in. You’ve been distracted this quarter.”
“It’s probably stress. It’s my last year, so I’m putting pressure on myself.”
“That’s understandable. Your last project was really well done, but it’s not your usual style. What changed?”
Shifting on my feet, I thought about the drawing I’d made of Tessa. I’d added her to the sunset I drew on Travis’ deck. She was jumping in the air to catch a baseball, which I imagined he’d thrown from somewhere off page.
“Just a stroke of inspiration,” I replied. “Trying new things.”
“I’m all for creative exploration. It’s always good to have a signature style, though, so your portfolio sets expectations. If you show too much versatility, it’s hard for someone to conceptualize their vision within that.”
“Right, of course. My portfolio showcases my normal style. Like I said, I was just trying something.”
“It’s beautiful. Really. Your range always impresses me.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, if you need extra help or to talk to someone about your stress levels, the school has resources. You should look into them.”
“I’ll think about it.”
After offering her a smile, I left the room. Even though she said that she loved the piece, I had a hard time with criticism. She wasn’t speaking down on it, but now I was concerned about veering away from what I usually did. For official projects, at least.
I didn’t know why I added Tessa to the picture. It was her yard, so it felt fitting. After I did it, the whole thing felt right, as if it needed that piece in order to come together. I’d even thought about drawing Travis there, but I decided that was weird. I’d already made one drawing of him, plus I’d be doing another of him and Tessa for them to keep.
As I walked through the quad, I itched to take out my phone. It had been a week since I texted him. He said that he often forgot to respond, so maybe that was what happened.
Should I message him again?
Why was I thinking about this so much?
“Hey, Roman.”
“Jesus,” I exclaimed, putting a hand over my chest.
Ezra was standing beside a magnolia tree with a tablet in his hand. He was an architecture student and was always sketching ideas to mull over later. I’d seen a lot of them, and he loved to describe what he imagined they could become. He was really good, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was working on now.
He came a little closer and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. You must’ve been in your head.”
“Yeah, I was.”
