Amara
I unlock my camera and adjust my lens. I love taking pictures. Someone once said that pictures steal a person’s soul. But the reality is that pictures capture a person’s soul. You can capture moments that reflect a person’s passion, sadness, or anger forever.
My mother thinks that photographs are for capturing designer clothing and beautiful women with fake tans and tight bodies, but there’s so much more. I find beauty through a lens everywhere. Beauty is an older woman with the wisdom of her years gleaming in her eyes. Or an innocent child who has never seen the horrific side of the world. It’s the only time that I’ve ever felt alive, and I can’t let anyone take that away from me. Especially my greedy and shallow family.
The day is chilly, but it no way compares to the chill permeating my bones. I tighten my jacket around my chest to ward off the rising coldness in my body as I make my way to the school’s greenhouse. Sometimes taking pictures of people, and doing everyday things, distracts me from the rising chill.
Mr. Avila, our photography teacher, leads us through the school’s greenhouse and points out various flowers. “Alright, everyone. Our project today is to walk around the greenhouse and capture beauty. So have at it.” He says as he makes sweeping gestures with his hands. At his orders, everyone spreads out around the greenhouse. A few girls take pictures of roses or are modeling in front of them. I roll my eyes at their antics. Some people just don’t understand real photography.
As I walk through the garden, I look around, but I don’t take pictures. I like to observe and find something that captures my attention before I break out my camera. There are some very beautiful Asiatic Lilies, Dahlias, and Daisies, but my eyes focus on a lonely, Dying Lily lying in the center of the others. The leaves are wilted, and the petals fall forward in a forlorn pose.
Seeing the flower’s sad state makes something inside me feel a little melancholy. Moving closer, I lift the camera and take pictures of its drooping leaves and faded stems.
Once I’m done taking pictures of the flower, I pull back and give it one last pitying smile before I move on. I’m really getting into finding a few subjects when Mr. Avila calls out my name. I look up as he makes his way towards me. “Ms. Vega, Mr. Moody, wants to see you right away.” My forehead scrunches up in question. “Why?”
He shrugs his shoulders. “I’m sure it’s nothing bad. You better go before he sends someone to get you.” He says before he hands me a pass and walks away.
As quickly as I can, I pack up my camera and make my way to Mr. Moody’s office. The principal’s secretary, Mrs. Chase, gives me a stern look as she ushers me in. Mrs. Chase has been the school secretary forever. Hell, she was probably here before it was built. She has a large gray beehive hairstyle that is teased tightly to the top of her head. I seriously think she sleeps standing up just to keep her teased up hair intact. Her eyes are a watery blue color, but don’t be fooled; the woman sees everything. She has large breasts that strain against her severe buttoned-up pink lace top, and her pencil skirt and falls past her knees. She’s wearing nude compression tights and shiny, black orthopedic shoes. The woman is completely pristine and pressed.
Her eyes narrow in speculation before she opens the door to the office and waves me in. It’s a little nerve-wracking. But then again, Mrs. Chase can intimidate Hannibal Lecter. That’s how scary she is. Not wanting to stand there longer than I need to, I step around her and make my way inside Mr. Moody’s office.
As soon as I step in, Mr. Moody looks up with a phone in his ear and waves me in. Swallowing hard, I step into the room and take a seat as Mr. Moody continues to hem and haw into the phone. After a moment, he disconnects the call and gives me a welcoming smile. “Thank you for coming, Ms. Vega.”
I nod my head and look around the room. “Of course, Mr. Moody. What can I do for you?” He takes a deep breath and places a sheet in front of me. “I have a special assignment for you, Ms. Vega.” I nod my head and look down at the sheet in consternation.
Mr. Moody places his index finger on it with a firm frown. “This student has been doing poorly in class, and I need a really good tutor to help him succeed. Mr. Shelton said that you’re the best. You have excellent grades and an impressive resume of activities. Mrs. Chase showed me your file, and it looks like you have aspirations of becoming a photographer. Cal State is giving out scholarships to aspiring artists. In fact, one of our students, Mikhail Cross, received one last year. I’d be more than happy to write you a letter of recommendation and throw in a good word to one of my contacts for you. All I ask is that you help this student. He’s actually very good at math but needs help with every other subject. What do you think?” He says as he crosses his arms over his desk with a pleasing smile.
My heart speeds up with excitement as he waves the proverbial carrot in front of me. It’s a great opportunity for me. I know it, and Mr. Moody knows it. Since my dream is to be a photographer and my parents have no aspirations for me, I’ve been thinking of ways to pay for school without their help. Hell, I don’t even think my mom wants me to go to college. She always tells me to marry well, and my dad doesn’t seem to care as long as I don’t make him look bad. But even he would draw the line at me being a photographer. This will probably be the last chance for me to get what I want.
Smiling, I gaze into expectant Mr. Moody's face and nod my head. “Sure, Mr. Moody. I’d be happy to help.”
Mr. Moody slams his hands down excitedly and rises from the desk with an enthusiastic grin. “Fantastic, Ms. Vega! I will set up an introduction with your tutor in the library this afternoon. He’ll be waiting for you there.”
Feeling just as ecstatic by my choice, I rise from the chair. Mr. Moody is the most exuberant person I’ve ever met. He’s a portly guy with a balding head, rosy cheeks, and large dark eyes. He’s always wearing dark suits with funny ties that make us kids roll our eyes. The tie he’s wearing today is of Snoopy flying in the sky with Woodstock behind him.
Mr. Moody rises from his leather chair and gestures for me to follow him out of the door. “Okay, then. I won’t hold you up. Let me know if there are any problems. Okay?”
I nod my head. “No problem, Mr. Moody. I’m sure we’ll be fine.” I say as I step out of the room.
I had never been so excited. Mr. Moody has made me a great offer. It shouldn’t be that hard to tutor one student. I’ll work with him and get him through the year, and in the end, get the opportunity of my dreams. Not only will I get a full ride, but I’ll also get out from under my parent’s thumb.
KellI sigh in relief when the last bell rings. I’ve never been the type to stay still, and it drives me nuts to have to sit for so damn long. I look around as everyone rises up from their chairs and eagerly rush out the door. At that moment, Carrick meets me near the door and walks beside me until we reach our lockers. Carrick’s locker is next to mine. As he pulls the locker door open, he mutters gleefully. “Alex texted me earlier. Mikhail, Rowan, and Neveah are coming home for dinner.”I grimace at the news then turn the dial of my lock. It’s not that I don’t want to see my brothers; it’s just that I have tutoring today.“I’ll probably be late,” I answer with a blank look. “Mr. Moody wants me to take after-school tutoring.”Carrick frowns as he places his books inside the locker. “You should have told me you needed help. I would have tuto
AmaraI watch through the rearview mirror as Kell slips into his car with hope and trepidation. My heart is still running a mile a minute. I had never felt so shaken by a guy. I don’t know what it is about Kell Cross, but he drives me crazy, and for someone like me, that’s a dangerous situation.Kell Cross does not seem like the type of guy to stick around, which is why it’s better if I forget about him and focus on something else. After all, Kell just wants to rattle me. He doesn’t really have any romantic intentions toward me, other than the obvious, of course. Taking a deep breath, I turn on the radio in hopes of distracting myself from the sweet honey desire engulfing me. Regrettably, the news comes on, and my desire turns to dread.In other news, the mutilated body of Leslie Johnson was found this morning by a jogger in Solis National Park. Police believe that Ms. Johnson’s body is one of three rit
KellMikhail jumps on me as soon as I walk through the door. “Hey little bro, it’s about time you show up.”I push him away with a lighthearted smile as he tried to continue his assault. “Hey man, it’s good to see you.”Mikhail chuckles in amusement and ushers me into the living room. “Come on, bro, everyone is here.”Alex, Carrick, and Azazel lift their heads up in unison as soon as we step into the room. Azazel smirks. “About time, mate. We’ve been waiting for you. Where the bloody hell have you been?”I shake my head and lay my bag down on a nearby chair. “Didn’t Carrick tell you?”They all gaze at Carrick, who shrugs his shoulders. “I just told them you had something to do.”Slumping down on the couch, I slide next to Carrick and rest my feet on the table. Alex is sitting in a nearby leather recliner and Azazel in another.
AmaraI love it when he wraps his arms around me. I look into his gorgeous brown eyes and bald head as he leans close to whisper. “I love you, baby.” As I lay a kiss on his luscious lips, he gives me a wicked smile and deepens the kiss. “I love you too, Sophie.” He whispers back. I feel confused, but I continue to kiss him. It’s as if I’m me, but not me. It’s happening again; another girl and I are occupying the same space. It’s obvious, considering that I know my name is not Sophie, but I continue to kiss him because I’m just a part of her conscience. As the boy kisses me harder and pulls me tight into his arms, I think about how I don’t feel anything. It’s an odd experience. After a moment, I pull back and gaze lovingly into his eyes. A strand of hair falls across my eyes, obscuring my view. Giving me a gentle smile, he gives me an expectant look and pulls back a strand from my face. My─her, hair is
KellI can’t keep my eyes off, Amara. She is so incredibly beautiful. I knew today was picture day, but I never expected to be greeted by the sight of her perfection. My breath hitches as my eyes roam down her body. The dress she’s wearing looks soft as it drapes across her tall, slim figure. It’s the color of her gorgeous green eyes. Her skin looks even more golden in contrast with the emerald dress. I can’t help but wonder if her whole body is as golden all over. Her legs are an endless temptation, and her luscious lips look completely kissable. I gaze into her doe-like eyes and feel the world fade away.Wanting close contact, I move nearer and inhale her sweet scent of lavender. My eyes glaze, and my body instantly hardens with need. Amara turns around, surprised to find me so close, and gazes into my eyes. Trying not to let her see how she affects me, I gather my defenses, lick my lips, and whisper. “You look beautiful, beau
AmaraI had never run so fast from another person before. But there’s no way that I can explain what just happened to anyone, especially Kell. I imagine that he’d drag me loony been if I did.Unfortunately, I can’t really avoid talking about what happened because Juliet and Haley are waiting for me by my locker, looking extremely worried, which makes me feel guilty. Haley throws her arms around me and utters. “Amara, what happened?” I shake my head and continue to walk. “It was nothing. Nurse Donovan said that I must have fainted because I hadn’t eaten, and my sugar was low.” Both girls frown in consternation but don’t question me further. Adding credibility to my lie, I head to a vending machine, buy a granola bar and eat it quickly. “I have to go take pictures. I’ll meet you guys in class.” They both
KellI lay my books down on the table and wait for Amara. Earlier, Coach Blake asked me to be his starting quarterback. He was impressed with my speed and strength. If he only knew.I won’t pretend that I wasn’t surprised to see Amara at tryouts. She looked so hot in that cute blue dress. I wanted to rip it off her body and kiss every inch of her skin.The mere thought of tasting her soft skin makes goosebumps break out all over my body. Taking a fortifying breath, I rub my hands against my mouth. I know I should stay away from her, but every time I see her or touch her, my good intentions go out the window. And after seeing those pictures she took of me, I don’t know if I can stay away. I know she feels it. She has to feel that spark that we ignite when we’re around each other. It’s just not possible that she doesn’t feel the same way.Just then, the library doors open, and Amara walks in. She’s wearing
AmaraI watch Kell’s retreating back as he makes a hasty exit. Shame and anger burn through me at the thought that he ran from me. Images of Jason avoiding me after we had sex course through my mind.What is wrong with me?I can’t believe I let him kiss me. Leaning my back on the table, I sift my fingers through my hair and take a couple of deep breaths. I feel like such a fool right now. I don’t understand why this is happening again. I might not have had sex with Kell, but I can’t help but feel the same humiliation that I felt with Jason two years ago.Pushing away from the table, I swallow down my tears and pick up my things. The sky is dark and gloomy, which is a good reflection of my current mood. Gazing in the direction where Kell usually parks his car, I have to bite back a curse. It’s gone.Feeling foolish, I search the lot until I find my mini. It’s si