1 Would it be selfish to show off?

Sketch, sketch, sketch.

That's all he can do.

He accidentally flattens the tip of his lucky hard-wood purple pencil while attempting to draw some sort of person. This random person began to look very blotchy because of the pencil shortening to such a dramatic extent. Great, now it isn't even able to write anymore-

"Eli", a tall woman with light hair and glasses interrupts. "Would you like to answer this problem?"

Eli lost focus of his drawing and looked up at the teacher, face turning red from embarrassment. Eli, yes Eli. The name of this 'future artist' who can't even stand other's voices. The non-familiar sounds make him anxious and he feels like he's going to get judged with every move he makes. Still, just stay still. He over-thinks every social situation. Why can't he just be normal..? Besides his small case of anxiety, he wants to become an artist but he's practicing at the wrong time. He's in history class, his least favorite subject, not even paying attention. What a great way to get people to like you. Now he's being asked to answer a question, just great. All he needs is more voices and embarrassment.

He moves his light brown bangs in front of his eyes, hoping the teacher would move on. Eli really needs to get a haircut.

Some other kids in the classroom laugh quietly as the teacher sighs.

"Would you like to answer this question..?", the female repeats, waiting patiently for an answer.

Again, Eli stayed silent, the laughs got louder. He pulled up his purple hood, pulling it down over his eyes, and again, waited for the teacher to move on. Not saying anything isn't going to give you anything but embarrassment, but it's worth a shot.

"Eli-", the teacher had begun before getting interrupted.

"North Korea, China, and Cuba", a boy sitting to Eli's left had stated with a smile. Looking to Eli, the boy put a thumbs up, the teacher didn't seem to mind it, she just continued.

The one who saved Eli was named Maxwell, although most people just call him Max.

Max is one of Eli's closest and only friends. Short dark hair, and a cute smile that could make anyone's day better. Just looking at him made Eli laugh nervously. He looked so cute.

"Saved ya", Max had whispered as he pulled up his black hoodie sleeve. Something different about max is that he likes to fidget with his hoodie, the strings had been chewed and the zipper was almost broken. Rumors say it was a gift from his girlfriend.

With Max's comment, Eli just smiled nervously, although the teacher could hear it.

"Maxwell, please pay attention", the teacher sighed as she looked back at her book, projecting onto the screen.

Max just rolled his eyes then scooted closer to Eli, pointing at the picture. "Wish I could draw like that", he whisper-laughed. "You should show that to other people.

Eli just stayed silent, though on the edge of the paper he wrote "Thanks".

Secretly, Eli loved the attention, he just didn't want to take it in the wrong way. He didn't want to end up narcissistic like the kid that had moved to another school a few months back. Everyone was relieved when that kid moved.

Max scooted back, beginning to pay attention and take notes once more, leaving Eli alone. Eli admired Max for so many reasons. Maybe he could take his friend's advice. What if he did show off his artwork? Would it be selfish to show off his talent..?