Was he testing her?
Jefferson had just finished talking about neutral density filters when the school bell announced the end of class. Victoria bid him farewell (not doing it would surely result in a tragedy) and left in a hurry. It must be hard being popular, Maxine thought.
"Max, come here."
She was nearly having a flashback to three weeks earlier, only this time she felt less insecure. Her teacher was putting away papers into a small suitcase with his back turned at her. He was wearing a maroon checked shirt and dark trousers. Maxine almost had the exact same outfit at home (in women's sizes, of course).
Jefferson turned to face her, his features soft. "Did you enjoy today's lesson, Max?"
She was thankful he had stopped calling her by her full name.
"Yeah, it was very interesting. I've never worked with a neutral density filter before. I'll have to look into it."
"That's good. It can make for some excellent photographs, though I don't usually use it. I tend to take portraits, as you know."
"I know. I'm a big fan of your work."
"… And what do you like about my work precisely?" Now he was looking at her sharply. Was he testing her?
"Uhm, just the way you're able to frame people." It was difficult to think on the spot like that. She added: "By using a grayscale filter, the pictures become more… raw, more real."
"I see." He seemed to contemplate her words for a minute, then shrugged. "But I'm not the only one here with a gift, Max." He had a serious tone in his voice, and she knew who he meant.
Maxine had to admit that his compliments gave her a great deal of confidence, which had an effect not only in her art, but also in her speech, the way she presented herself, the way she thought. It was easier to talk to people and reach out.
Jefferson cleared his throat. "I wanted to ask you if you'd like to visit the Portland Art Museum with me this Saturday. You once mentioned you've been there before a few years ago, and I'm sure they've brought in many new pieces. I can drive us and pay the entrance fee."
His eyes searched her face for a reaction. Maxine, on her part, wasn't sure she had even heard him correctly.
"… This Saturday?"
He nodded, still watching her intensely.
"Wowser. That, that sounds like fun. Yeah." She wasn't sure how to react. Jefferson always seemed to surprise her.
He continued in a smooth voice: "I've got a few good friends there, so I'll be able to give you a… personal tour of the museum. It would be an educational experience."
Maxine couldn't help but smile at the thought. He was willing to do that?
Jefferson chuckled lowly. "I can tell you're excited. So that's a 'yes', then. I'll come pick you up at 10 in the morning. The museum is open until 5."
"But Mr. Jefferson… You don't have to pay. I'll do it."
The teacher shook his head. "I have invited you, so I will pay. Don't worry about it."
"Are you sure?" Maxine asked reluctantly. "I genuinely wouldn't mind."
"I know that, Max. I know you wouldn't. But I said I will do it and that's final."
He appeared to be getting irritated, so Maxine quickly dropped the subject.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Jefferson. I'll be really looking forward to the weekend now."
The wrinkles in his forehead dissolved like snow before the sun and the corners of his mouth curled up. "So will I."