<span style="font-weight: bold">Record store lounge </span><br/><br/>Dale knew that this ‘James’ character wasn’t going to take the news too well. That there would possibly be a follow-up visit. Actually, there was no doubt about it. There certainly<span style="font-weight: bold">would</span>be a follow-up visit.<br/><br/>Dale gritted his teeth somewhat. Especially since James had to turn around and provoke Kip. Those two really needed to be kept apart. With something larger than a bargepole!<br/><br/>“Hey man… you got something… say it to my face!” Kip walked up to James. Standing as tall as him with his fists thrust down by his sides.<br/>______________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">School Bus </span><br/><br/>“Very well,” Maya raised an index finger “basically, the book is centralised around a young man. One who is elegant, handsome- quite hot, long story short.  Anyway, an artist who paints portraits is fascinated by his looks so offers to do him a self-portrait.”<br/>Aaron listened on. At least Maya wasn’t acting all suspicious now. For the time being anyway.<br/><br/>“Anyway, a friend of the artist, Lord Henry, sees this portrait as well. He remarks that the only two things worth pursuing in life are<br/>‘beauty and fulfilment of the senses’.”<br/><br/>“…this irks Dorian somewhat and he expresses one wish. Namely, he wishes that his portrait would age, as opposed to himself. ”<br/><br/>“…and his wish comes true… but there were consequences.”<br/>Aaron smiled and shook his head a little bit. Giving Maya a quizzical look.<br/><br/>“How can<span style="font-weight: bold">that</span>wish have an ironic twist?” he asked.<br/><br/>“Well… he indulged in a life of gluttony, greed and debauchery. And with each sin he committed, the ugly traits would appear on his portrait every time he went home to look at it…” the dog bit her lower lip.<br/><br/>“…if you ask me… I think these ‘novels’ we’re studying are booooogus!” the student in front of them turned around. He had overhead their conversation.<br/><br/>It was a rat. Someone by the name of Smuts. Everyone knew his father was a dodgy dealer who sold anything obscure and shady he could get his paws on to sell on the black market.<br/><br/>“Smuts…” Maya narrowed her eyes unimpressed.<br/><br/>“Hey Aaron…!” the rat twitched his whiskers as he turned to face the anthromorphic cat “my dad just got his hands on the greatest thing. Ever. Wanna hear more about it?”