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Jase looks at me for a long while, then nods and smiles, his dimples looking even cuter than before. “No problem. Thanks for showing them to me.”

“Worth the wait?”

“Definitely.”

I hug my photography final to my chest, right where my heart is, every beat fluttering, and stroll out the doors.

Chapter Eighteen

Maybe it’s because I’ve seen the audience seated in Blossoms before, or maybe it’s because I’ve practiced presenting to Jase and the unfamiliar faces in Aprilette’s yearbooks, but whatever it is, I speak up. I can’t say I project, but I don’t stop or repeat myself. Instead, I enunciate each word, locking everyone’s eyes in focus as I break down my vision of trust.

“Trust means to believe, not only in another person, but also yourself,” I begin. With my finger on Marcos and Gavin’s hands, I continue, “My two main subjects trust each other, which is why they lock eyes and hands. At the same time, they trust themselves, which is why I’ve brightened their clothes, so they pop out and show they have their own dreams. They believe in each other, believe in themselves, and support each other’s goals. They hold hands to show they’ll stay together no matter how much distance sets them apart.”

I shift my finger to the background, explaining I adjusted my settings to focus more on the main subjects, and the shallow depth of field shows that while the unknown lays ahead, they still have each other.

Throughout the presentation, I use hand gestures and step forward whenever I feel it’s right. I raise my voice so everyone can hear me. They’re already listening, so I may as well let them know every word I want to say.

“And that is what trust means to me.”

Everyone claps as I stride off the stage. It feels louder than last time. Either they’re more impressed by my presentation today, or I’m listening close enough to hear every boom from their claps. Whatever it is, I know, this time, that I deserve it.

After Jaya announces this week’s theme is bravery, drawing it out on the chalkboard by the front counter, I text Nora how it went, then DM the same story to Jase on Instagram.

Jase replies, Knew u could do it!

Me: Thanks!

Me: And thanks for helping me too!

Nora replies as soon as I step into my car.

Nora: Yessssss girl!!!!

Nora: Let’s celebrate!

Nora: Castle Play like old times?

My mind flashes back to elementary school and junior high, when Nora and I would play air hockey and arcade games at Castle Play after school. I always lost, but that didn’t stop everything from being fun. When I started high school, though, I spent each day finishing homework and studying for tests, too determined to earn the best grades. I haven’t been to Castle Play since then.

Me: Can’t, too busy

Nora: But you’ve gotta take breaks

Me: The competition is my break

Nora: Em c’mon. Thats work too. Knowing you you’re busting your ass working on your pics.

Nora: This is summer vacation. You should be diving into pools or binge-watching the newest Netflix series or eating unhealthy amounts of ice cream.

Me: I hate pools and I limit my ice cream intake to twice a month.

Nora: What I’m saying is that summer vacay should be about trying new things, having FUN.

I may not do any of the things Nora’s listed as examples for summer vacation, but it all sounds relaxing. Over and over I read her last text.

If only I could.

Me: Maybe another time