Because there’s nobody here.
I give Owen a questioning look and he surveys the space quickly.
‘This is great,’ he agrees. ‘So, before we start…’
I feel myself shrink, wondering if he’s going to ask about fixing my hair or make-up before we start.
‘Are you feeling okay? Elliot mentioned this would be a good idea but that you might not be into it. You nervous?’
‘Um…’ I bite my lip, toying with the idea of reassuring him that I’m absolutelyfineand terribly excited to do this, but why would I mislead him? He can probably tell these things anyway. ‘Yeah, I don’t really do stuff like this.’
‘Be on camera, you mean?’
‘Yeah.’ I swallow. ‘I mean, ever.’
‘That’s alright.’ His voice is low and warm, there’s something about it that is extremely calming. ‘We can take it easy. Maybe we just take one picture, you know? Who cares? The most important thing is that you’re comfortable.’
‘Thanks.’ My voice is a little breathless.
‘Why don’t you sit down? Or stand up? Literally whatever you’re most comfortable doing.’
‘The fetal position okay?’
Owen wheezes out a laugh and steps around me as I lower myself onto the grass. ‘It’s a little artsy but sure, we can do whatever you want.’
I sit on the grass with my legs crossed instead and Owen follows suit a few metres away. My backpack is placed carefully by my feet with the drumstick safely stored inside, as was agreed with Elliot on departure.
‘How long have you been doing this?’ I ask him, fiddling with the blades of grass in front me.
‘A few years now. I mean, I’ve been taking pictures forever but I’ve been making money from it for like… yeah, two years.’
‘Doing portraits?’
‘Oh, not really. I’d love to do more but it’s kind of hard to get portrait work. I do stills for film, mostly. It’s interesting work. Kind of chaotic. But I love what I do, I get to be on film sets andlearn about how making a movie works, so I count myself lucky.’ He’s holding his camera but doesn’t remove the lens cap just yet.
‘You always wanted to work in film?’ I ask.
‘Yeah, I think so. Anything to do with cameras has always been my thing. Since I got a crappy little Kodak when I was nine anyway. I just always wanted to capture thatmoment. Those little moments you would never see, but a camera does. It’s crazy how much you miss when you’re not looking.’
His passion for his craft practically shines from the inside out, and the sight makes me grin.
He turns a little more serious. ‘Are you feeling alright? Since you mentioned that you struggle with anxiety in crowds and stuff.’
‘Oh, it’s okay. It’s probably pretty obvious to everybody within a five mile radius–’
‘No, no, it’s not at all. I never would’ve known if you hadn’t mentioned it. You’re good at hiding it,’ he notes.
‘Well… it’s good to know that my years of trying to cover it up have been fruitful.’
‘You don’t have to hide anything,’ he says gently, imploring me to meet his eyes. ‘We’re all on the same team. If one of us isn’t having a good time, what’s the point, you know?’
I can’t help but feel stupefied by his unfailing kindness. It’s at this moment that it really strikes me how much it makes sense that Owen and Elliot are close.
‘Thank you,’ I mumble, sheepish. ‘Elliot’s been great too. I didn’t think I’d say that when we first met but… having him around has made this weekend much more do-able.’ I resist the urge to cover my face, wondering if my newfound crush is written all over it, clear for his best friend to see.
‘Oh, he’s happy to do it.’ Owen looks distracted, fiddling with his camera strap. ‘It’s in his nature to help out.’
I nod, knowing all too well now that this is true.
