Wooo!!! I’m excited to write the first chapter! Hopefully my writing style will mesh nicely with Mia’s… but I guess there is only one way to find out *Deep breath* Here goes nothing…
Worth A Thousand Words. Chapter 1.
Perched on top of a wooden picnic bench, I clutched my camera tightly as it rested on my lap. I have been at this park for almost an hour now, and have had zero luck in regards to finding the “perfect” shot. I sighed and got up on my feet.
It was a beautiful day at the park. The bright orange leaves that still clung to the tree branches were swaying in the crisp wind, one by one descending to the ground. Their color popped in contrast to the dull grey sky.
I love fall… The bright colors and cool temperatures are invigorating, yet soothing at the same time. The changing seasons are so beautiful and… familiar.
Okay so I guess taking a picture of the leaves and crap is out of the question. -not to mention, cliché to the max!
I walked across the small soccer field in the middle of the park. I can remember numerous little league soccer victories that took place on this very field… many losses too, but hey, I can’t help it if the team was more interested in the post game pizza party rather than the game itself.
I guess that makes this a familiar place too huh?...
I kept walking past a row of three elm trees. I stopped in front of the last one and grazed my finger tips across a hasty engraving into the trunk. “L.A. + R.T.” with a makeshift heart around it. Memories of my ex boyfriend came flooding into my mind. I remember he carved that into the tree on our 1 month anniversary… once again, familiar.
Ughh was Mr. Gales’ sole purpose in life to frustrate me with this project?
I took one final glance around the park. Maybe there was something I was missing… something new –other than the playground equipment.
I glanced from the street to the forest, there has to be something here, something different, something unfamiliar somewhere.
Just then I saw it… the perfect shot. How could I not see it before, they had been standing there the whole time. I raised the camera to my eye, and glanced through the small lens, and it all came together, like a revelation.
Standing at a street corner were 3 guys, they looked to be various ages, all in the 13-21 age bracket. The oldest looking one was holding a map and pointing at the street sign, while a curly haired boy was pointing the opposite direction. The guy in the middle was looking somewhere off into the distance, probably looking at the statue that stood in the middle of Alden Park. They looked lost, more so, they looked as if they were in an unfamiliar place.
I quickly snapped the picture and heaved a huge sigh of relief. I did it… I actually found the shot. I was about to go home and relish in the complete-ness of my assignment, until I remembered what Mr. Gales had told us. “If your photo has a person, or persons in it please make sure to get their written consent to be photographed”
That means confrontation doesn’t it? Don’t get me wrong, I mean… I’m not painfully shy or anything, but let’s just say that meeting new people is not one of my stronger points.
I quickly slipped the lens cap onto the camera, and started walking towards the guys. Ohh but just my luck, as soon as I get within 10 feet of these boys, they start to walk away. I sighed and picked up my pace.
“Excuse me…” I called out.
They all simultaneously stopped walking, and turned around. The guy with straight hair stepped forward. “Hey there, what’s your name?” he asked.
“Um… Lisa…” I answered. I was kind of confused; I mean does he address all strangers like this?”
“Hey there Lisa, nice to meet you! Want an autograph or something?” he asked in a very friendly manner.
He wasn’t even joking or anything, he was being dead serious, asking me if I wanted his autograph. “…Excuse me?” I asked.
“Ugh, Joe… I don’t think she’s a fan…” whispered the curly haired boy.
“…Ohh.” The guy –who I’m assuming is Joe- said. “Well then what does she want?”
“Why don’t you ask her?” The oldest one chimed in. They all turned their heads towards me at the exact same time. It was kind of creepy actually.
“Umm… I’m doing a photography project for school, and I just took an amazing shot of the three of you. I just need your consent to be able to turn in the photo, so do you mind?” I asked.
“No, not at all.” Replied the oldest. “It wouldn’t be the first photo we’ve ever been in…”
I didn’t get it, but I politely laughed anyways. I pulled out a photo release form from my photography folder and asked them to sign it. They quickly signed the form and handed it back to me.
“Thanks a lot!” I said “Hopefully you guys get me an A!”
“Fingers crossed” replied the oldest one. “It was nice meeting you Lisa”
“You too. Thanks again for the shot.” I said, and with that I turned on my heels and headed back home.
On the walk back home I got a text. I flipped open my phone. It was from Abbie.
Hey, I heard u need help 2 find the “perfect shot”? where shud i meet u?
The message read. I smiled and typed up a reply.
No need. I think I already found it…
Haha, so that was my feeble attempt at a chapter. Hope you guys liked it, comments make Mia & I smile! :)
