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“I sure did.” My eyes drift to my parents, who are still talking to Aprilette. “Ms. Choi, when you have the chance, can I talk to you about photography programs?”
A grin shines on her face. “You’re going to major in photography?”
“Hopefully.” I glance back at my parents.
Ms. Choi follows the direction of my glance. Turning back to me, she says, “As a child of parents who immigrated from Korea, I think I know what you mean. They weren’t all that thrilled I wanted to pursue photography, even if I did become a scientific photographer.”
“They weren’t?”
“Nope. I can tell you more about that another time if you’d like.”
“I’d love to.”
“Great!” Ms. Choi waves goodbye. “See you in class!”
I head back to my parents just as Say It Proudly starts their show. Marcos and Gavin sit beside Nora, the happy couple holding hands as they watch in awe. Say It Proudly performs with their signature passion and charisma. I saunter back and forth, angling my camera in various directions, and capture it all.
To give themselves more exposure, the band decided to create a website and update their social media platforms daily. Jase asked if I wanted to help take photos for the band to post, and I was delighted to accept.
“Can’t wait for all our fans to see my talented girlfriend’s photographs!” Jase said, and I thanked him with a kiss.
Say It Proudly finishes to a much-deserved standing ovation. Jase joins me and my family, waving to virtual Aprilette and Piolo.
“You were amazing!” Aprilette says.
“Thanks!” Jase replies.
“The band’s even more amazing if you watch them in-person,” my mom says.
“Hay naku, Mom!” Aprilette rolls her eyes, a grin tugging at her face.
“Has anyone told you that you perform like Angus Young?” my dad asks, clapping Jase on the shoulder.
“Mr. Padilla, that might be the best compliment anyone besides Emilyn has ever given me,” Jase says. “I’m honored.” He casts a glance out the door and nods to me. Outside, everything is immersed in golden light.
“We’ll be back,” I tell my parents as I grab my camera bag, and they nod in reply.
Jase laces his fingers through mine, and the golden hour sunlight greets us when we step outside.
“You have the sweetest family,” he says. “No wonder you’re so sweet yourself.”
Any boy who adores my family deserves my heart. “I also have the sweetest boyfriend,” I say, and he strokes his thumb along the back of my hand.
We pass by a row of planters, goldenrods popcorned along the trees’ leaves and shrouded around the bottom of the trunks. I fish out my camera and shoot photos of the planters, sauntering around to capture everything else around me, and once I’m done, I study them on my LCD screen. Perfect. I’d be happy to post these on my Instagram.
I’m posting my photos weekly on Instagram. In case I can’t pursue photography, I want to showcase my photos somewhere. One thing’s for sure—I will always make photography a part of my life.
“These look great!” Jase says, hugging me against him.
“Might need to sharpen some details, but I like where they’re going,” I say, snuggling my cheek against his chest. “Let’s take some together!”
We snap some selfies in front of the trees, aiming my camera and focusing my lens on us.
Click!
Click!
Click!
