Drawing a Blank Prologue - The Model Student “AAAAARGH!  I am soooo confused, Minako!” moaned Usagi.  She was sitting in a beanbag chair in her bedroom, twirling a strand of hair in one hand and holding a Okinawa University course catalogue in the other. “Why do I wanna go to college anyways?” whined Usagi. Minako sighed.  “Do I have to tell you again?” she said. “Yeah.  Remind me.” “We’re 19 now.  We’re young, beautiful and out of high school.  We’ve been out for a year.  And I know you don’t want to work at the Arcade for the rest of your life,” Minako said. She was referring to the Crown Arcade, where Usagi was a burger flipper. “But I liiiiiiiike it there!” “Okay, well, let’s try this.  Do you want to live here with Shingo for the rest of your life?” “No way!” “Then let’s face it.  It’s time to be in the real world.  We had better sign up soon.  Classes start in less than a month.  Besides, how else are we going to get to be roomies?” “Oh yeah.  Well, I think I’ll go for a liberal arts degree, because I’m not sure what I want to do, I mean, a career, yet.” “Sounds good.  You’ll need a course from the Science, Languages, Arts, Math...” “Art?  As in drawing?” “Well, there’s also painting, sculpture and computer graphics...” Usagi made a face.  “No thanks!” A devious grin appeared on Minako’s face.  “I know what we could take. Figure drawing!  I took that class last semester and I flunked on purpose so I could take it again.” “Wow!  It must be a fun class then!” “It is!  Let’s sign up, Usagi!” “Right!” Minako grinned again.  ‘She has no idea what I’m getting us into.’ she thought. ***** Mamoru looked at his tuition bill for the semester and scratched his head.  ‘How am I going to come up with the tuition?  I don’t make nearly enough as a busboy to cover it.   Damn it, why does graduate school have to be so expensive!’ he lamented.  He knew that he didn’t qualify for financial aid - the fact that he lived in a fancy apartment sealed that.  He had to work his butt off at the Coffee Mug just so he could afford the apartment, his fancy red sportscar and his expensive furniture.  Mamoru sighed.  ‘I guess I’ll go down to Okinawa U and cancel my classes.  I can go back...in another 15 years!’  He got into his car and went to Okinawa. As he made his way to the advisement office, a strange lady with long, curly black hair, hoop earrings the size of doorknobs, pancake makeup and an obnoxiously patterned dress grabbed his arm.  “You’re perfect!” she squealed.  “Absolutely perfect!” “Wait a minute, wait a minute.  Who on earth are you, and why am I perfect?” Mamoru said, extricating himself from her grasp. “Oh, I am so sorry.  How forward of me.  My name is Ms. Tuttle.  I need you to model for my class..” “What class?” “Why, figure drawing, of course.” Mamoru’s eyes opened wide.  ‘She can’t be serious,’ he thought. “You see, my usual model,” began Ms. Tuttle, holding up a picture of a dashing blonde man, “is being operated on.   He got in a terrible motorcycle accident.  Awful deathtraps, those things.” Mamoru struggled not to roll his eyes, proudly imagining his Harley. “Anyways, I need a male nude, and you would fit the bill quite nicely.” she said, ogling Mamoru. “WHAT?  You want me to pose naked?  No way!  You’re nuts, lady!” “Well, I am aware of your tuition situation, Mr. Chiba.  Can I call you Mamoru?” “I guess.” “I have a way of making sure that all of my nudes don’t have any problems paying for their classes.” “Meaning...” “Gee, you’re kind of dense, aren’t you?  I mean, you’ll get free tuition!  You won’t have to pay a single yen!  Think of it as an academic scholarship.” Mamoru furrowed his eyebrows, deep in thought.  ‘Well, I do need the help,” he thought. “OK.  I’ll be your model,” said Mamoru. “Excellent!” said Ms. Tuttle, linking her arm with his.  “I’ll show you to your locker.” Mamoru rolled his eyes.  ‘Why do I think I’m going to regret this?’ ***** Minako and Usagi walked in together, Minako grinning from ear to ear. “Well, here we are,” she said. “Yep.  Let’s find our seats,” said Usagi. A circle of chairs surrounded a strange cube like shape covered in cloth.  ‘Oookay...’ thought Usagi.  ‘We are now entering the Twilight Zone.”  Minako selected two seats and motioned for Usagi to follow. A few minutes later, an overly perky voice said, “Hell-oooo, class! My name is Iris Tuttle.  I’ll be your teacher for this semester.” Ms. Tuttle continued, “There’s nothing more beautiful than the nude human body.  It is the ultimate work of art.  Here, you will learn how to draw it.” “WHAAAAAT!” screeched Usagi.  “We’re going to draw NAKED people? That’s it, I’m outta here!”  She tried to get up to leave, but Minako held her down, a devious expression on her face.  Usagi quit struggling and glared at Minako.  ‘I’m going to get you for this,” she mouthed.  Minako just kept smiling. “Well,” said Ms. Tuttle, an amused note in her voice, “If there are no more objections, let’s proceed with the introductions, shall we?” Usagi just sat in her seat and fumed silently. Ms. Tuttle went on to list all of the art supplies that the students would need, the office hours and class meeting times. “I look forward to guiding you in your quest to enlightenment.  And by the way,” she said, looking at Usagi, “you may not drop out after the first day of class.” ‘DAMN!’ thought Usagi.  This was going to be a looooong semester.