A Comission!

March 12, 2017

I’m sitting in 3rd period chemistry, watching a video in a dimmed room with the rest of the class. Mr. Perry, the chemistry teacher is at the front of the room, making sure all our faces are focused on the screen and the door to the room opens and a senior named Antonio Mayden tries to quietly enter the room.  The idea Antonio Mayden entering any room quietly and unnoticed is a strange concept.  He is very tall, athletic, huge beautiful hands and a gorgeous smile.  As soon as he closes the door behind him, all the girls in the class sit up, tucking in their tummies and puffing out their chests.  Antonio received a Stanford scholarship for track and a music scholarship to the Juilliard School.  He was on to much bigger things than Silver Lake High.  He was also hugely popular because he mixed some of the most popular beats on the local music scene and some of his music had gotten college radio play.  

He after quietly asking Mr. Perry about something, he walks to the empty lab area at the back of the classroom and settled himself at one of the counters.  After shuffling a few papers on his desk, Mr. Perry walks to my seat and motions me to go back to the lab area to talk to Antonio.

Everyone looks at me as I leave my seat and go to the lab area at the back of the darkened class room.  

“Sorry to interrupt your chemistry period.”  Antonio explains, his eyes every bit as delicious as everyone claims.  “I’m here to ask you a favor on behalf of the yearbook staff.  Val, we all know what an amazing artist you are.  You know how the Silver Lake Brave is the school mascot; our concept for the theme of the yearbook is the training of a young brave warrior.  Here, look...”.  

Antonio takes out some index cards with labels on them like; Young Native American boy being trained to ride, Young Native American being shown how to track, Young Native American boy learning how to hunt.

“Each of these will be divider pages that you illustrate that introduce the different sections of the year book.  We also want you to illustrate the cover, whatever inspires you, as long as it works with the theme.  What do you say Val?  I know there isn’t a ton of time left before the end of the year, but will you do it?”

“Sure”. I tell Antonio, and he is all smiles.  “It looks like fun.”

After Antonio leaves I settle back in my seat and continue watching the video about the periodic table.  Susan, who sits behind me whispers.  “Pssst - Val, did he let you climax before he finished?”  All the girls around me giggle.

Beth chimes in “Did you rake your nails down is back Val?”  More giggling.

“Settle down!”  Cautions Mr. Perry, scanning the darkened room thru his thick glasses.