The Earth Painter by Melissa Turner Lee Read Free Book Online Page B

they’re rare and went on about natural blondes being just as rare but too unattainable and if you can’t afford gold, there’s always copper. I think this is his way of impressing you. I suggested he just invite you to a track meet or something, but Wayne will be Wayne.”
    I spun around, pulled Anthony aside and whispered. “He likes me? I’ve hardly spoken to him.”
    Anthony shrugged his shoulders. “Hey, the heart wants what the heart wants. I’m not telling you what you should do, but I did want to warn you.”
    I looked off into the darkness of the auditorium. “Thanks.”
    “Don’t mention it.” He walked over to the group he usually sat with while I went to my seat next to Theo.
    “What were you two whispering about so intently?” Theo said with a smirk.
    “Oh, his friend Wayne wants to impress me by having me watch him go down the well and get a water sample.”
    Theo’s gray-blue eyes sparkled under his wrinkled forehead. “Why?”
    “He likes me, apparently.” I turned my head away, not wanting to see his reaction to that statement.
    “But why does he want a water sample?”
    “Oh, he sent some to Clemson, and they found something unusual. Now they want a direct sample from the well.
    “Interesting.” He tapped his index finger on his chin then looked at me again. “Can I be there when he gets the sample?” His eyes grew larger, making their brilliant color more visible.
    “I guess. You can ask him, but I’m not planning on being there.”
    “Why not.”
    “I told you…he likes me. I don’t want to encourage him.”
    “Don’t girls normally want boys to like them?”
    I shook my head. “Let’s just say he is not my type.”
    Theo leaned in closer to whisper. “Being the prettiest girl in the school doesn’t make it okay to look down on people. I know that’s the norm, but it’s not right.”
    I thought he’d stopped being like this. I leaned closer to his ear. “I don’t look down on people and stop making fun of me.” Why did he have to go back to being the jerk he was on that first day?
    His mouth fell open, bewilderment hung on his face. “How was I making fun of you?”
    Did I have to say it aloud? “I know I’m not beautiful, so cut it out. And I’m not looking down on Wayne. I don’t want to hurt his feelings by telling him I only like him as a friend.”
    Theo stared into my eyes. His expression serious, no hint of mocking, “I think you’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.” His left hand reached up and gently brushed along my cheek. “Your eyes, the slant of your cheek bones.” He dropped his hand. “If I were going to paint a beautiful face, it would be yours.”
    All I could do was stare back. There was absolutely no air moving in or out of my lungs. I turned back and glanced at the stage so I could catch my breath. Placing my right elbow on the armrest, I cupped my face in my hand.  It was hot to the touch and probably the color of blood.
    Ms. Jones started the class by calling roll. Then she asked who wanted to go first with the monologues.
    “Oh crap!” shouted the big guy next to Anthony. “I forgot all about that.”
    “Me too,” Anthony answered back. “I’m not used to having homework in this class.”
    I had planned to try to go first, but now I was out of sorts from what Theo had said. Except for a couple of students, everybody took their script with them and read from it. Then, it was my turn.
    I walked out on stage and looked out over the class sitting in the first couple of rows. Theo was watched me the way he always did. His eyes were full of wonder, leaning forward with interest, like was enthralled with me and what I did.
    I lifted my freckled hand and stared at it as I delivered my line about my hand being from part of a beautiful exploding star from long ago. The thoughts of the lines swept through me and out of my mouth—that I was made by some ancient source of beauty and power and power that slung planets into