The world is already hard enough on artists.

He skimmed the text one last time before eventually pressing the 'send' button and closing his laptop. He could feel the anger boiling in his chest, and he had to count to five before it somewhat cooled down. This wasn't the time, nor the place.

The classroom was empty, still. It was a Monday afternoon and he had just finished his lunch. His next lecture was supposed to start in fifteen minutes, but knowing his students it would probably be twenty-five. Except for Victoria of course. The girl always arrived earlier than everyone else.

Which is why that's who he expected to be walking over to his desk at that time. He didn't even have to look up to smell the scent of her expensive perfume or hear the sound of her modest heels touch the floor. The only difference was… he didn't. No perfume, no heels.

"Mr. Jefferson?"

Oh.

Maxine was the one standing there, her backpack slouched over her shoulder, sporting a bleached pair of jeans and a pink long-sleeved shirt.
She did not look bad.

"Hello, Max. How was your weekend?" he asked while leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs, giving a calm impression.
"It was fine, thanks."
He nodded at her and remained silent.
"I actually got some work done."
"I see. Have you thought about our conversation on Friday?"
"Yeah, I…" She hesitated, as if thinking about what she was going to say next. Then she reached into her bag and pulled out a piece of paper, which she handed to him.
"You told me to always take the shot. I know it's probably stupid, but…"

Stupid wasn't exactly how he'd put it. The photograph showed Maxine, with her hair sparkling and her gaze drifting past the camera's point of view into the distance. The photo was a bit too dark to fully expose her attributes, but it would have to do. The slight parting of her lips was still visible, as was the darker colour in her eyes.
Jefferson felt the weight that had been burdening his shoulders slowly being lifted.

"Don't talk like that about your own work, Maxine. The world is already hard enough on artists."
"… Max, never Maxine."
He sighed. "Well, I shall keep calling you 'Maxine' as long as you continue to talk like that about your photography. Is that clear, Maxine?"
She looked displeased, but didn't give any comment.

"Are you feeling alright, though? Being out in the rain like that could affect your immune system. If you feel like you need it, I could give you an aspirin. I'm pretty sure I've got one on me."
"Uh, no, thank you. I feel alright."
He gave her a gentle smile. "It's a relief to hear that."
The shadows of a frown completely disappeared from her forehead and her face lit up. Like a flower in bloom, he mused.

"Oh, and may I keep the picture? If you don't mind."