I glanced at her mug, which read,“Photography is about capturing souls, not smiles.”What a beautiful quote.I realized that my mom’s job was much more than just clicking a button; it required a unique vision to capture the essence of a moment.
“So, how was school today?”she suddenly asked, making me jump.
“It was good!I thought I'd stop by since you said you wouldn't be home for dinner,” I said, smiling.
“I'm glad you did.I'll be here quite late, though.I need to finish retouching; I'm behind on a delivery for tomorrow,” she said, glancing at her screen.
“Oh, I don't mean to interrupt.I'll just hang out for a bit and then head home,” I offered.“I was also curious to see your Christmas decorations.We'll have to put up a tree at our place soon,” I added, excitedly thinking about the holiday season.
“Not at all!Feel free to look around,” she replied, pursing her lips.I nodded and went to explore the studio.Andrea was busy setting up lights against a winter wonderland backdrop, complete with fake snow, four pine trees of varying heights, and a wooden bench in the center.The floor was also covered in a blanket of artificial snow.
“Do you like it?”Andrea asked as he approached me.
“Yes, it's beautiful,” I said, taking in the scene.He was dressed quite formally in a dark green shirt, black pants, and light-brown shoes.
“What?”he asked, noticing my gaze.
“Nothing, just that you always look so sharp,” I replied.
“In case a pretty woman walks in,” he teased, making me look down, slightly embarrassed, before shifting my gaze back to the decorations.“Here, let me take your photo.Go sit on that bench,” he instructed, gesturing while placing a gentle hand on my back.
“Oh no, I'm not photogenic.I don't like having my picture taken,” I protested, staying put.
“Nonsense!”he exclaimed.“Go sit over there; I'll show you how wrong you are.”He nudged me gently toward the bench, and I reluctantly complied.Once seated, I wasn't sure how to position my legs or arms and squinted against the bright light.Andrea knelt in front of me, arranging my feet and hands, then helped me sit up straight, tilting my head slightly.“Don't move; you look beautiful,” he said, an awkward smile creeping onto my face.I froze, following his directions with my eyes.“Now look at the lens and smile,” he called out.After the first click, he checked the photo and continued snapping pictures, adjusting my position as needed.He then showed me the photos on his camera, leaning close so our shoulders touched.I shifted slightly, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
“These are actually fantastic,” I said, surprised at how they turned out.He promised to print them for me.
Ready to leave, I approached my mom to say goodbye.
“I'm heading out now,” I announced, glancing toward the door.
“Let me give you a ride; it's cold out,” she offered, standing up.
“Oh no, it's fine; you've got work to do,” I insisted.
“I can give you a ride,” Andrea chimed in, stepping closer.
“No really, it's okay,” I replied again.
“Please, Andrea, if you wouldn't mind.It is chilly outside,” my mom said, looking at him.I realized there was no point in arguing against their combined insistence.He grabbed his coat, and we headed outside to his car, which still smelled of new leather.
The ride was quiet; neither of us said much, and I tried to avoid saying anything awkward.Once we arrived, I thanked him.
“Oh, no problem at all.Anytime!And remember, you're beautiful—don't hide it.You should definitely come in for a session; I have some creative ideas I'd love your help with,” Andrea said, smiling hopefully.
“Thank you!Maybe someday,” I responded, hurrying out of the car as he waved goodbye.I stepped inside my house, closing the door behind me.
I made my way upstairs and switched on the shower, quickly shedding my clothes before stepping under the cascading water.I adjusted the temperature, letting the heat envelop me as I tried to shake off Zane’s words that echoed relentlessly in my mind:'Once I decide to pursue you, you will be mine.'The water felt soothing, but my heart raced with tension.
After rinsing off, I flopped onto my bed, plugged in my earphones, and attempted to lose myself in music to ease the storm of emotions within me.Yet, it was no use.Homework lay untouched, and my stomach growled in protest, but I was too consumed by my thoughts.
Instead, I poured my heart out into my diary, capturing every intricate detail so I wouldn't forget a thing.I needed to release my feelings and set them free.
I had some pizza for dinner and watched a movie, quickly getting tired.As I dimmed the lights and nestled into my blankets, surrendering to the hope of dreaming about the one I longed for, my phone lit up with a notification.It was a message from an unknown number:
“Goodnight, dummy!See you in my dreams.”
Chapter 16
