We're Just Friends

CHAPTER 1

"What do you think? Does it look okay?"
As I forcefully shove my drawing towards him, Noah studies it playfully.
"Alright, Sherlock! Out with it!" I tease.
"I dunno. I mean, the hair's great. But the eyes are so unrealistic!" He critiques.
"It's a cartoon, Noah! It's not supposed to be realistic!" I exclaim, a bit too loudly. I feel my face flush red as the teacher scowls at me from the front of the room.
"I'm handing it in anyways!" I huff.
"Whatever, Amber. I'm sure you'll do fine," He nods, as I hand in my art with an attached rubric.
Noah can be a complete idiot. He's lucky I'm his best friend, or else I'd probably have slugged him by now. He always says the wrong thing at the wrong time.
I slump back in my desk.
Noah sticks out his tongue at me as I give him my best grimace.
"Don't go all Grinch on me, Am. Your drawing's fine!"
I growl. He calls me Grinch whenever I get angry. My mother calls it my 'fiery temper'. I've always thought of it as having a strong backbone.
"Here, I'll show you mine. Don't laugh though," Noah says, obviously trying to change the subject. As he shuffles through his scrambled binder, I consider telling him to clean it up. But, the minute he pulls his art from piles of loose paper, I'm speechless. I struggle to hold in a laugh as I cover my mouth.
"Is that-" I snort, "is that a cow?!"
I snicker again.
"No! It's me! A cartoon version, at least, as the assignment states." He sticks his nose in the air.
I sigh, "Why did you sign up for visual arts anyways? You could've chosen a different Arts class to get your credit!"
"Well, yeah. But, then there's no chance of being in the same class as you!"
My cheeks burn red.
"Well, you're just lucky I don't judge! You're art skills are nonexistent!"
"Gosh, Amber. I can always count on you for being blunt with me!"
Noah punches me in the arm as he walks to hand his artwork into the teacher.
I watch him walk away, and I can't help but smile.
Noah's an imbecile, but he sure can be sweet.