Page 34 of Cinematic Destinies
Ryan whispered, “You’re amazing.” He refocused on the group. “He’s crazy talented. He can do portraits, caricatures, superheroes, anything.”
“Oh my God, I have the best idea. Al, will you do caricatures of us? But like, turn us into superheroes?” Lucy asked.
“Uh, yeah, sure. I don’t have anything with me. Do you have paper and something to draw with?”
“I’ll find stuff,” Lucy said, springing up.
Albert turned to Ryan with nervous eyes.
“You’ve got this,’ Ryan whispered, discreetly touching his arm. They smiled softly at each other, and Albert instantly felt more at ease.
Lucy returned with a large notebook of white paper and a handful of broken colored pencils. “Will this work?”
Albert nodded and took the supplies.
“Do me first,” Lucy said, plopping down.
Albert smiled and began sketching, glancing up as Lucy smiled and posed, turning from side to side and making dramatic expressions. When he finished the caricature, he carefully ripped the paper out of the notebook and handed it to her.
“Wow!” she exclaimed. “Everyone, look at this. It’s fucking brilliant.”
There were oohs and aahs as the group marveled at the drawing. Albert had captured Lucy perfectly and transformed her into a modern version of Wonder Woman.
“Al, you’re like super fucking talented. I don’t say that to a lot of people,” Lucy professed.
“Thanks,” he replied, his cheeks rosy.
The others started clamoring for him to do their caricature next. Ryan sat beside him grinning from ear to ear as Albert handed out drawing after drawing. When each person had one, Ryan said, “Al, make one of yourself, as a superhero.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I . . .”
“Oh, you have to. Do it, Al,” Lucy encouraged.
“Yeah, you need one too,” Greg agreed.
Albert smiled bashfully and started drawing. When he finished, Ryan looked at the drawing and said, “That’s awesome, Superboy.”
They were gazing at each other when Lucy said, “These are so dope. I’m hanging mine up. Thanks, Al. Best party trick ever.”
“Yeah, thanks,” others chimed in.
“Any time,” Albert replied, looking around at his new friends.
“LET MY BOYFRIEND GO,” RYAN TEASEDas they stood in the open doorway, Lucy hugging Albert again.
“Okay, party pooper,” she whined, releasing Albert and saying to him, “Now I have your number in my cell to make sure we all hang this summer.”
“Got it,” Albert said.
“Catch you later, Luce. Thanks for the fun,” Ryan said as he and Albert finally made their way out of the apartment. He turned to Albert. “They’re the best, but that placecan turn into a kind of vortex, especially when Lucy needs a distraction from her latest dating disaster.”
“She’s super nice. I like your friends a lot.”
“They like you a lot too. Come on. There’s someplace I want to take you,” Ryan said as they bounded onto the street, inhaling the night air.
“Now?” Albert asked.
“Do you trust me?”
