Seth shrugged. "There's no reason to guess. Your art is incredible, and it's something you enjoy, so that's good."

Meinke shrugged.

"That's what we've been telling him for the last two years. If you think his pencil sketches are good, you should see his paintings." Mateo said.

"You paint, too? Where is one of your paintings?"

Meinke started to shake his head, but then glanced at Mateo and then slowly got up. Walking to the door, he gesetured for the boys to follow.

Seth followed and wondered what Mateo was talking about when he said Meinke stayed in his room 24/7

(you'll see why XD)

Mateo himself was surprised Meinke was actually going out voluntarily. But didn't quesiton it. He didn't want to jinx it.

Meinke led them through the halls until they reached a small parlor. He pointed at a mountain range painting over the fireplace.

Mateo's jaw dropped. "Ok, how did I not know you did that and somehow got it over here?"

"You were at camp." Meinke said simply, stuttering a little.

"...That explains a lot...." Mateo gaped.


(Lookee what I found)

Seth gaped at the painting, stuttering, not entirely sure what to say

"And this is exactly why everyone wonders why Mom and Dad don't send him to art school." Mateo sighed.

Meinke turned up his hands, as if saying, 'I didn't do naything'

Seth continued to gape. "Well, why don't they?! You're obviously skilled enough for it!"

"This took me a week." Meinke almost mumbled.

"Still." Mateo rolled his eyes, as he heard a crash sound from down the hall. "Here we go again..." he sighed, as a group of 4 or 5 boys came whooping down the hallway and past the parlour, shouting about "pizza" and "the shining!"

Meinke gulped, staying away fro from the door and almost hiding between a chair and the wall.