Go to the Art class
From Create Your Own Story
You decide to go with Penny.
Samuel peels off toward the main office, offering a quick wave before disappearing down the hall. You and Penny head in the opposite direction, walking side by side toward the art department. The corridor feels even quieter now, your footsteps echoing faintly off the tiled floors.
For a moment, neither of you says anything. Penny keeps her gaze forward, posture straight and purposeful, while you struggle to think of something—anything—to fill the silence. It stretches between you, awkward and heavy, until the familiar double doors of the art wing come into view.
At Mr. Hodges’ classroom, you step ahead and open the door, gesturing for Penny to enter first.
“Thanks,” she says, sounding genuinely appreciative as she slips past you.
You follow her inside.
The room opens up into a large, airy space flooded with natural light. Easels and standing drawing boards are arranged in a wide circle, each paired with a stool, all facing a small raised platform in the center of the room. Only a handful of people are already there—mostly strangers, a mix of students and a few older faces from the community.
“Glad you two could make it.”
You turn at the sound of the voice. Mr. Hodges steps in through a side entrance, tall and effortlessly put together. His dark hair is neatly styled, his skin warmly tanned, and he carries himself with the easy confidence of someone completely at home in the space. As always, there’s that faint, pleasant hint of fruity cologne in the air.
He smiles when he spots you. Mr. Hodges has always had a way of doing that—making you feel seen, encouraged. He’s the teacher who helped you realize you actually had talent, not just a hobby.
“Help yourselves to any supplies you need from the back cupboard,” he says, clapping his hands lightly to gather everyone’s attention. “Today is all about freedom—draw or paint however you feel works best for you.”
He pauses, eyes flicking toward two boys near the far side of the room who are whispering and trying not to laugh.
“The subject today will be a live nude model,” he continues calmly. “So let’s all be mature about it, please.”
The snickering stops immediately.
Penny moves with confidence, selecting an easel and setting it up with practiced ease. You take the spot beside her, adjusting your own board and laying out your supplies. She barely looks at you, already focused, already in her element.
“Once our model is ready,” Mr. Hodges says, “they’ll hold a pose for forty minutes. You’ll have that time to capture them in your own personal style.”
He pauses again, glancing briefly around the room.
“Today’s model will be a female nude.”
A ripple of quiet interest moves through the class. The two boys from earlier straighten up, suddenly very attentive.
You, on the other hand, feel a small flicker of disappointment. Your mind had wandered elsewhere—toward the idea of a tall, muscular male model, confident and unapologetic under the lights. That would’ve been far more your speed.
Still, you pick up your pencil and glance at Penny beside you, already poised and ready, jaw set with determination.
Do you
stay and take part in the class
Or
