“I…uh…”
Well, I counted down the moments until I could wake up and help Kyle out with patching up players. Occasionally, got lost in a horror movie marathon. Then, of course, there was spending the nights patrolling the campus with Dakota. None of that sounded interesting.
“Actually, I’m working on a film now,” I admitted with a slight wince. I rarely talked about my work to people I just met, but this seemed like a perfect time. If I wanted to get out there and make friends then, I’d have to offer something. And filmmaking felt like the most interesting part of me.
“Wow, really?” Ari’s eyes lit up a bit. “What’s it about?”
“It’s a doc. An assignment really, so maybe I shouldn’t call it a film yet.” I shrugged and reconsidered the phrasing.
God, I hadn’t overthought this much in… ever. Losing everyone last year might have messed me up more than I thought.
“Sounds like a film to me,” Ari insisted. “Art’s art. No matter how it’s created.”
I nodded, feeling more comfortable at hearing her support. “Yeah, you’re right. And, it’s about the things that happened on college campuses. In the shadows, like assault or loneliness. I promise the thesis is far clearer in my proposal essay.”
Ari laughed. “No, that was great. It sounds good. So, you’re like doing interviews? Or is it more of a memoir?”
“Interviews. I’m still sourcing for subjects. I actually just got an amazing place to film so finding people to film is next on my agenda.”
“Really? Would you want to take my card? I might have a story.”
I blinked. “Really? I mean, that’d be great if you’re comfortable sharing, I’d appreciate it.”
“I know how hard it is to source for a story,” she explained as she dug into her back pocket. “Kind of do it for a living.”
“Wow.” I marveled at her professional card. Full name, Ari Daniels. A freelance cyber journalist and certified pilates instructor.
“Two cards seemed silly.” She waved her hand in reference to the double profession. “I’m passionate about both.”
“Makes perfect sense,” I assured, still smiling at how many hats she wore.
“Call or e-mail me, and I’d be happy to share,” she promised. “I know I’m not a student now, but my story took place on a campus so it’ll work.”
“That’s… Thank you.”
My cheeks hurt from smiling. I knew I’d find some people to talk, but now that one was in front of me and I had a place to film, this documentary was starting to feel real.
“No problem,” Ari said. “Oh, and should I give you a heads up before we film about my story? In case there are any triggers for you.”
I nodded, grateful for her forethought. “Yes, definitely. I’ll email you tonight with more details and you could give them to me then?”
Ari made an ‘okay’ sign with her hands. “Works for me.”
“Thank you, again.” I slipped her card into my bag. “This is going to be great.”
“I think so too. You have a nice aura.” She gestured to my body. “It’s soothing. A little chaotic like Yara. But overall, I think you and I are going to work well together.”
“We will,” I promised. I would do everything in my power to get a girl like Ari to like me. She was cool in an easy sort of way. Interacting with her felt like watching waves go in and out. Ari moved back and forth like the ocean too. Swaying as we talked like she couldn’t stay still.
As soon as I left the meeting, I started typing notes to myself on my phone. Though the friend-making felt like a bust, I’d manage to secure one person to film for the upcoming week. With that victory on my list, my mind seemed to be bursting with ideas.
Chapter 15
Dadimplementedonerulein the house when we moved to Westbrooke: movie nights once a week. There were no ifs, ands, or buts according to him. He cited something about his own family growing apart under the same roof when he was a kid. His anecdotal story went in one ear and out the other as we all hurried around the kitchen, rushing past each other to get ready like we usually did. Our hurrying around without even saying ‘good morning’ to each other was cannon fire for Dad’s argument.
Tonight, we spun a wheel on an app Kai downloaded. He’d filled the sections with takeout restaurants in the nearby area. Once the food was chosen, we fought about what movie to watch while waiting for our delivery person. I didn’t have the stomach for burritos or arguing for my favorite slasher flick. I watched Kai and Silas go back and forth while I hugged a stuffed Babodook to my chest.
“Jump in whenever you’re good and ready, Emmy. Your brother’s about to have us watching Lord of the Snoozefest for the umpteenth time,” Silas urged.
