Devin
I stare at the drawing; I hear someone clear their throat and look up to see some of the guy’s tense; I realise they are watching Ember, not me, who is shrinking in on herself; I pass the book to River, as he is the one depicted
“I was just messing around. It’s not good, I know,” she mumbles; River snatches up the book, then starts singing Rewrite the Stars, Bram joining in doing the Female part, and Miles perks up, peeking at the pad,
“If this is what you class as not good and just messing around, I can’t wait to see what you call amazing”, he’s bouncing in his seat between Bram and Bray.
“Can I look at the others?” he asks; the barely-there nod makes him go to the start of the book and carefully flick through.
“Can I put this in a frame?” he spins the book to show Bram, Bray and Miles surrounded by different types of crystals, minimal color; Ember just nods, still not looking at anyone.
“I got an idea; most sports stars use photos that are then adapted; why don’t we break the trend and use Ember’s sketches and then throw in candid shots every now and then?” I say, turning to Ember.
“That’s if you’re okay with it; if we get you to do a batch of images each year, then we keep it fresh with candid’s; the only time we might need extras would be when he gets new sponsorship or belt,” She sits, looking at me for a moment with her mouth open.
“Little sister, that will work with your future plans, even if you were only paid a percentage of merchandise sales” I turn, not being able to keep up with the rapid Russian dialect; Lily has appeared and looks thoughtful at Ember, stepping into the role of guidance counsellor, and Liam has followed her out
“And I know your crappy work, and even that is worthy of a gallery. Keep putting yourself down, and I will have you in my class doing basics and drills,” I see Ember cringe at this.
“I hate your version of basics and drills”, Nate comes out and sits next to Liam.
“If you’re planning to publish only under a pen name, it’s a good idea to do bread and butter things in your real name so you don't fall off the face of the planet; it stops people looking deeper into you”, she nods at all of them, sits for a moment watching Miles carefully going through the sketchpad but only answers me.
“I’ll get up and watch Ren train in the morning and get some preliminary sketches done so I have a reference to muscle movement, stance, things like that, if that’s okay?” she fields the last question to Ren.
“Fine with me! Bray?” Ren turns to her Twin.
“As long as she doesn't kick my ass like she did, Decs, if you break a nail,” Bray says with a chuckle; when Ember just rolls her eyes, we spend the rest of the night sharing stories. Nate’s stories of past adventures with Liam have us in stitches.
I pay close attention to Ember throughout and realise she doesn't hold anyone here above the others, she mated to Ren and Creed and has done stuff with River, but she’s happy curled up between Me and Jace, and she isn't bothered that Darby’s arm is around me, playing with her hair.
We have started being more open with the others about our relationship, even holding hands while we are at school.
Maybe things with her are a good thing, not something of dread like I thought.