The campus of Emerson Community College was clearing as Liam Donovan made his way through the hallways. He was on his way to his final class of the day. As one of the last morning classes, the campus would be rather quiet until the evening classes started. His headphones were blaring out Marilyn Manson loud enough to heard by anyone in s 2-foot radius of him. He avoided eye contact and hugged the wall as he walked. He's spent the last two years making it known that he was not one for idle conversation or casual friends. So, he was generally ignored by most everyone but his professors now.<br/><br/>Rounding the final corner, Room 251 was in view now at the end of the hall. Several students entered the room ahead of him. He adjusted the covered painting under his arm. This week's project was one he was actually proud of. Entering the room, the he noticed that only a small portion of the class was here. He glanced at the clock. There was still 15 minutes left until class. Huh, he'd made it here much quicker than he thought he would. It was actually a little better this was. He headed for his assigned easel to set up his painting for appraisal by Prof. Lopez. He hoped the man would like it. More than likely he'd get the usual admonishment of lack of color. Lopez just didn't seem to get that color was not Liam's things. He liked his dark, broody works. This was Art 2: Expression after all.<br/><br/>Liam set the painting onto the easel and pulled off the protective cloth. He admired it again. The painting was of a silver-gray wolf howling at the moon, set against a black night sky with a pale moon and traces of a deep purple and blue Aurora Borealis. The wolf's face was set close in the foreground, dominating the picture. It was actually startling and haunting to notice that the wolf did not have lupine eyes but sparkling, human ones. No wolf would have these eyes: green with copper hues with glaring areas of white around it. Liam really like the way it turned out. Prof. Lopez wandered over to Liam and gave him a tired smile.<br/><br/>"Good morning, Mr. Donovan." He turned his gaze to the painting, "Wolves again? Mr. Donavan need I remid you that last week's theme was 'lonely'."<br/><br/>Liam nodded and turned his eyes back to his painting longingly. "This is 'lonely', Professor. A wolf separated from his pack. Calling and calling, hoping to be found again."<br/><br/>Lopez sighed and shook his head. "I'll give you a B+. Your lack of originality and insistent use of the same animal is affecting your grade. Other than that, the detail is phenomenal."<br/><br/>Gesturing at the eyes, he frown. "But what with the eyes? It seems to be an unnecessary addition. They are not wolfish at all."<br/><br/>Liam nodded. He'd already come up with an answer to this question. "It makes it easier to relate to. It humanizes the situation," he lied.<br/><br/>The professor nodded and continued on to the next student. Liam frowned he couldn't tell him that the wolf was supposed to be him. A representation of his own animalistic struggle. Brian was his only family and pack. At least until Brian found and fought his way into one. Their old one had been dispersed when their Alpha family died in fire. What remained of the small pack was scattered to the winds, again searching for a place to belong. His godfather claimed that it was for Liam's benefit. Something about a young man needed order and protection. He shook his head, dispersing any heavy thought. His mind needed to be clear for his work. A young woman was making her way to the model's stage at the center of the room. She was naked and heavily painted with flowing, intricate designs. The art work on her body was beautiful and put the rainbow to shame. Liam scowled at Lopez. He did that on purpose.<br/><br/>"This weeks theme is 'beauty'. Our lovely model, Angela, is to be the focus. It is not required to include her entire body. Simply pick a part that inspires you and begin."