Matilda was working away on portrait theory when she caught sight of Miss Cook. She raised her hand enthusiastically, stabbing the air with her long artificial fingernails.
"What is it?" asked Miss Cook.
"I just wanted to ask," Matilda started, "why do we need to paint portraits anymore when there are cameras that can take accurate pictures instantly..."
"It's not just about accuracy," was her teacher's answer, "art is about feelings and emotions and how you express them through your art."
"That's all well and good in theory," replied Matilda, "but how do you implement that? How do I use my brushstrokes and shading, etc, to make that happen?"
"If you really feel that admiration, adoration and appreciation," answered her teacher, "it will come to you."
Matilda rolled her eyes just as Alice unlatched the door and entered shyly.
"Am I interrupting something?" she asked.
"No," said Miss Cook, "Matilda and I were just finishing up a conversation."
"We haven't finished yet," said Matilda, "why don't you show me in practice how that admiration, appreciation and... what was that other thing? Oh yes! Adoration work."
"Well, I am not that great an artist, and besides, who would I make the portrait of?" replied Miss Cook, fumbling with her fingers.
"Why, Alice, she's right here!" said Matilda, "The perfect model for anything. That's why your students use her so much, don't they? Also, she spends more time with you than anyone else in the school, and she doesn't even do art! There must be some emotions and feelings between you two, feelings you can depict in her portrait?"
Miss Cook knew she was being challenged. And if she refused this challenge, she would risk losing the respect of her students... But if she made the portrait, she was unsure what might come out of it. The feelings she had for Alice were inexplicable to her.
"I'll do it." she found herself saying with a boldness she didn't really feel. "If Alice is comfortable with it, of course..."
"Sure," answered Alice, "why not."
"OK then!" said Miss Cook with an excited smile before stumbling on her way to the canvas and fumbling with the box that contained her brushes. "Just act natural." she directed her model, "try to talk to someone or focus on the view outside the window? That way, you won't get bored by the time I am finished."
"I'll keep her company!" exclaimed Matilda, jumping enthusiastically at the opportunity.
"Great!" said Miss Cook with a forced smile.