Page 10 of Abel

Thank God for this break away from school. While Cam and I are going for two totally different things, he’s studying Education and is working towards becoming a teacher, we still lean on each other to get us through it all.

Most people think that being an art major doesn’t entail work. As if it’s all just fun and games. Well I’m here to tell them, I work my ass off trying to earn my Bachelor’s degree in studio art.

Luckily my general ed credits will transfer. There are a number of art credits plus studio time I’d need in order to achieve it, but I’m determined and know I’ll succeed.

It’s my dream to one day own my own gallery featuring my art as well as the works of art from others. Paintings and drawings won’t be the only thing I’ll showcase in my gallery. It’s not often you see paintings mixed with fashion, sculpting, digital, and so much more.

I’m thinking outside the box and want to put all the creative minds of others to work. How often do you see fashion in a gallery for the world to see?

I can’t recall.

That’s why I’m going to bring something for everyone to the table.

Cam’s voice invades my thoughts. “You can stay here as long as you like, our little firestarter. The guest room is yours.” Cam says, throwing his arms around me.

“Yeah, you know we love you like our little sister.” Travis says, hugging me close.

“Thank you. It’ll only be temporary though, because I have a plan.” Turning me loose, they share a look. “What?”

“Nothing.” Cam says, rolling his eyes, clearly lying through his pearly white teeth. “Get up and get dressed, we’re going out no matter what you say.”

“I don’t want to go out.” I say, tossing my legs over the side of the bed, playing with some imaginary lint on my shirt before I stand. “I’m perfectly fine right where I am, thank you very much.” I sashay over to the bathroom that connects to the guest room and do my business, hoping they left. Once I open the door and see them in the same spot, I groan. “I don’t have anything to wear.”

I swear Travis’s eyes light up like it’s Christmas all over again. “That’s where I come in.”

Over the course of an hour, they play dress up where I’m their doll and they do what they want.

“Okay, turn around and open your eyes.” They say in unison and it makes me a little nervous to do so.

It’s time to toss Jake and all things Jake out of the window. I’m not sad we broke up because it was time. There were things about him that I swept under the rug and it was only a matter of time before I broke it off. Thankfully it was before we took our relationship any further.

Fuck him.

I feel Cam and Travis’s hands helping me slowly turn around. Giving me a nudge, I open my eyes.

Chapter Five

Abel

December 31st, 2022

Monday’s are usually the busiest day of the week. Today, on this beautiful Wednesday, the boringest day of the week, it felt more like a Monday. Normally, we’d be closed since it’s New Year’s Eve and all, but I’m open for half a day, just to ensure my patients are well taken care of because we are closed tomorrow. I’m glad the day is finally coming to an end.

Wrapping up my current appointment has me thinking about the way I run things. I’m certain I do a great job, but I love hearing from my patients. That’s why I encourage them to leave feedback on how their visits went. It’s something I look forward to reviewing and hearing their point of view.

Pulling up the patient feedback on my iPad, I review what suggestions they’ve made that I need to work on.

Mrs. Byhman said - ‘You know, you’re cute and all, but your hands are really cold. The plus side is that they’re super soft, but sometimes that doesn’t work for me. But hey, at least you’re cute, right?’

“At least I’m cute.” I laugh, repeating what she said out loud.

That’s the only take away fromherfeedback I focus on.

I read a few more before I turn it off and clear off my desk.

It seems that for the most part, my patients love coming here and all think I’m a great doctor, but I need to work on my cold hands, smiling more, and making small talk.

Swallowing my laughter, I think to myself how there has never been a dull moment with any of my patients.

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