𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋

004

part 004
the goldfinch

I sat in my next class, history of art, which was always the highlight of my day. I loved learning about the history of painting and anything art-related. It's a shame I can't paint, unlike Parker who I envy for her talent. Our class was small, just six of us, and our teacher was the nicest person. He was tall, with blonde hair and brown eyes, and had a few tattoos hidden under his white shirt. Last week, when it was raining, I saw him running into the building with his shirt soaked, sticking to him tightly. Every girls dream.

"Athalia!" He snapped me out of my daydream. "Tell me the symbolism about this." He pointed at the board displaying the goldfinch.

"The goldfinch, created in 1654 by Carel Fabritius," I said reading the board. He smiled back and leaned against his desk, nodding for me to continue. "A goldfinch has bright colours and sings lovely songs. People used to think of it as a bringer of good health, but in the painting, the bird is chained, which contradicts that idea of 'bringing good health,'" I explained, trailing off. His smile widened.

"Well done," he said, nodding lightly. "Right, homework. Write down three of Vermeer's artworks and analyse them. Extra credit for those who want to do more." Then the bell rang, signalling the end of the school day.

"Athalia, a word," he said as students began to leave. I hummed in response and approached him.

"What are you doing later today?" he asked, motioning for me to come closer.

"You forget you have a wife and child at home," I said,  as I grabbed my satchel and slung it over my shoulder. 

"You didn't hesitate last week." He says. He take a step closer to me, his expression unreadable. Before either of us could speak further, a voice interrupted us.

"Sir," came the voice from behind. I turned my head to see Kai. Mr. Reed also taught French to the few kids in the school, and Kai was one of them. Locked in our gaze, I noticed the bruise on his cheek, a stark contrast to his normal complexion, and a small cut, evidence of recent conflict. His usually vibrant eyes now held weariness, betraying hidden pain.

"Sorry for interrupting, my work," Kai said, his tone apologetic as he handed in some papers. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I knew I would've aced French if I had focused more.

"I'm leaving, see you tomorrow, Mr. Reed," I said abruptly, spinning around and walking out. As I left, I couldn't shake the feeling that Kai had heard what was said between me and Mr. Reed. After whatever Kai and I had, I found myself seeking solace in Mr. Reed and that one guard. They treated me better; they risked their jobs for me. And in that moment, I couldn't help but reflect on the significance of having someone willing to go to such lengths for me. Every girl needs a man to risk their life for them.

"Hey," Kai's voice interrupted my thoughts as he caught up with me, panting slightly. "Why did he keep you back?"

"Nothing," I replied curtly, continuing to walk.

"Was he going to mess with you?" Kai whispered in my ear, mocking me. "Like last week." My steps faltered as his words hit a nerve. He noticed. "Don't worry, I won't tell."

"You won't tell?" I scoffed. "Look at what happened last time you 'didn't tell' you forgot your own damn rule of 'what we do stays between us.'"

"What I said that night, damn it, Athalia, that was ages ago! We're 18 now, it was two years ago." Kai stated

"No. Kyran took a picture of me. You hurt me and said things I never thought you would say. You both should be behind bars," I shouted, feeling a surge of anger. It felt good. Kai just stood there.