Abstract Art (175 views)

Todd’s Outfit

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Todd didn’t usually walk through the park so late. He was kept late at a meeting with a classmate about a project they had to do together. She lived at an apartment in Salem, not too far away from the school, but not terribly close either. He’d been over there for the past 4 and a half hours, working on putting together and presenting a power point. He was so nervous for Monday, when he’d have to present it. Todd was horrible with presentations. He could feel that it was his height that took peoples’ attention, not his words. He clearly heard the last time they were presenting. A lot of the girls in the class thought that his height was attractive. He flushed at the thought and, being reminded of that during presentations, made it worse.

He shoved his hands into the back pockets of his jeans as he cut through the park, a few high school students giving him an odd look. Todd kept his head down and tried to go unnoticed. The wind rustled through his hair and he felt it caress his ears. He could smell paint, which was odd, because there were no construction crews around. He assumed someone must be painting their house not too far away. He hoped that his suitemate wasn’t banging anyone tonight… he really didn’t want to deal with the noise. Or the argument that would unfold in the morning.

His steps slowed as the scent of paint grew stronger. He looked to the left and saw the gorgeous fountain he’d posed for Amy in front of a few weeks ago – getting defaced. The perpetrator was a tall guy (though not as tall as himself, Todd knew) who had a hood up and a can in his hand. He… shouldn’t be here!

”Uhm…” Todd said softly, maintaining his distance. ”I don’t think… I mean, you shouldn’t be doing that. Probably…”

Oh, God. What if he had permission and Todd just made a fool of himself? He felt a knot twisting in his chest. But would it have been worse to just turn the other cheek and assume, only to find out the fountain had been vandalized the next day?

”Uhm… Todd felt what little resolve he’d been feeling begin to fade. This guy seemed to be on the offensive now, and it made Todd uncomfortable. He should have just kept walking, he should have just let it go. Because what could he do? Call the police? But Todd wasn’t a snitch… there was a reason he hadn’t requested a room change, he was just too nice, too scared of what would happen if he struck up any sort of conflict.

His blood ran cold at the threats as Todd hugged himself. Though Lando was shorter than him that didn’t make the guy any less intimidating. He watched as Lando returned to his spray-painting without a qualm, and knew he should bolt for the hills at that reaction. He didn’t underestimate Lando’s ability to snap his arm – Todd didn’t work out at all – and if his arm was snapped that would be detrimental to not only his physical health but also his modeling career.

”P—please don’t hurt me, I just, I, won’t they just uhm, paint over your… work?” Todd said, taking a few steps backwards as he trembled. He didn’t know why he was still talking and he hated how weak he looked to the other guy right now, shaking like a leaf caught in a storm.

Lando’s last words didn’t give Todd any comfort at all.