Hey guys! Sorry I haven't updated in such a long time! I had writer's block for the longest; then I got busy with life. But I'd like to thank everyone that reviewed, followed, and favorited my story while I was away. Now here is chapter three. Sorry it's so short, but I really wanted to get something up. Now, here it is!

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Maya had never been a big fan of school, but she did enjoy art more than anything in the world. Mr. Matthews certainly made history interesting, but it would always come second to Ms. Kossal's art class. She strolled in happily, humming to herself. Sitting down at her station, Maya got set up and started working, without being given an assignment. She needed any kind of distraction from reality, since her day had already gotten off to a bit of a rocky start. The paintbrush ran in smooth strokes up and down the easel as Maya released her feelings into yet another masterpiece.

"This is beautiful, Maya." Ms. Kossal's black heels clicked on the tile floor as she made her way next to Maya.

A grin spread across her face. "Thanks, Ms. K."

"By the way, I was wondering if you could do me a favor." She tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"Of course," Maya replied without a second thought. Perhaps she would be painting something for the school or taking photos of nature; any art related projects were sure to get Maya excited.

"Great! We're getting a new student today; his name is Isaiah Babineaux. I would love it if you could show him the ropes around here and get him caught up on this week's assignment. Hope I'm not asking too much of you?" Ms. Kossal straightened out her black cardigan as she waited for a response.

"Um, I'd be happy to help." Maya agreed hesitantly.

"Thanks a bunch, Maya. I owe you one." Ms. Kossal strode away to go help another student.

Maya sat patiently waiting for Zay to arrive. She glanced up from her painting and peered out the window. She spotted Zay looking in like a lost little puppy. Shaking his head at no one in particular, he backed away from the window and walked off.

Don't do it, Maya. Don't follow him.

But before Maya could think, her feet were up from her stool and slipping out of the back door. She rushed down the halls and found him sitting on the staircase near Mr. Matthews' class. Without uttering a word, she sat down next to him. They sat together in a long silence before Zay finally muttered something.

"My father was an artist."

Maya nodded her head nonchalantly. "That's cool."

"When he drew, it was always something beautiful and meaningful. He told a story with every stroke of the brush, every curve of the pencil. He's the whole reason that I even took this class, but when I see everyone's artwork in there, I realize that I could never do his legacy justice. He was a much better man than I." Zay hung his head in shame.

Maya was surprised with how open he was being, judging by how hostile he was towards her not too long ago. "Do you mind if I ask what happened to him?"

This time, Zay stayed quiet. Of course he had heard the question, but he couldn't bring himself to say the words.

Maya sighed. "My dad walked out on us. My mom and I. He left us for another family," She laughed humorlessly. "You'd think after all these years I'd get over it, but I just can't. I can't forgive him."

Zay lifted his head and gave her a warm smile. "Thanks for sharing that with me. Now," he leapt up from the step he was sitting on. "Are we painting or what?" His usual charismatic front was back, which confused Maya.

"What? I kind of thought we were doing a thing, sharing personal stuff; you just want to leave it at that?" Maya stood up and discovered that he wasn't much taller than she was.

"Yup." He replied while popping the 'p', which let her know that he was faking. The happiness oozing out of his tone and the cheesy grin plastered on his face made one thing painfully obvious to Maya.

He was a runner. Just like her.

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And there is the new chapter! What do you think happened to Zay's dad? I want to hear your feedback so far. Again, sorry that it's super short. I'm hoping to update again sometime this week. Be sure to review and share your thoughts!