Picture Perfect

Chapter 9

After I've simmered down a bit I find myself enjoying being at the beach. I don't come here too often because it's one of the media's top spots to scout for famous celebrities. I look over at Drew again and at his big camera.

"So, you're a photographer?"

"Nah... I mean I love to take pictures but football is my thing." I notice the way he slightly tensed up when talking about football but don't question it.

"How long have you played football?"

"Since I could walk, basically. My dad put me in as soon as he could. I remember throwing the ball back and forth with him, my small hands barely able to grip the ball. I hope to get a scholarship so I can continue to play in college and possibly even go pro."

"Cool." I honestly don't care about his lifetime goals but whatever. "Do your football jocks know you like photography?"

"My football jocks?" He laughs.

"You didn't answer the question."

"Right, um, no they don't. But it really doesn't matter."

"Well if you love doing something you shouldn't care what others think." He smirks at me.

"Like your singing?"

"That's different. Let's just not talk about this anymore." Singing is for me, not for the media or anyone else so they can have anything more to judge me on.

Drew must sense my unease because he doesn't ask anything more.

"Oh, um, we could do maybe the ocean and like the sand with the palm trees? Those are opposites, right?" He asks.

"Yeah, right." I forgot why we were for a second.

We walk across the sand and come up close to the shore. Drew crouches down and brings the camera to his eye.

I watch as he moves left and right trying to watch the perfect angle. It's fascinating, actually, seeing how much precision he puts into taking one picture.

Finally a wave comes crashing towards us and Drew takes a picture. He stands up and pulls my arm back dragging me away from the wave. I tug my arm away not wanting him to feel the squish of arm.

"Can I see it?" I ask stepping closer.

"There's no screen to see it. We have to plug it into a computer. Come on Barbie, I thought you knew technology." He teases. I roll my eyes and walk back towards the main sidewalk.

I hear a whistle and turn to look back at Drew.

"You got a fine ass." Why would he think that would make me happy to hear? I scowl at him and turn back away. He runs and catches up with me. "Most girls would love to hear that."

"Well I'm not most girls."

"Pfff," he scoffs. "Obviously."

"Why-"

"Wait-"

"Don't interrupt-"

"Wait look." I point and Drew follows my gaze. Down by an ice cream cart is a little girl crying. Probably because her mom won't let her have any ice cream. "Look sadness. All we have to get is a happy emotion and then we have two opposites."

"Nice job, Barbie. One second." Drew quickly walks closer to the girl and takes a picture without anyone noticing.

"Nice job." I say, when he comes back over.

"Yeah, you know what taking pictures makes me want to do?" I offer a slight shrug. "Eat."

□

"What can I get you today?" The guy behind the counter asks.

"I'll have two cheeseburgers and-" I tug on Drew's shirt.

"I'm not hungry," I say to him.

"I'm not listening to you. Yes, I'll have two cheeseburgers, fries and two sprites."

"That will be fifteen sixty-five," the guy says. Drew hands him some cash and I go sit down at a table.

I pull out my phone and start looking at pointless posts until I stop at a picture in particular. I suck in my tears as Drew comes and sits down.

"Drew, you wasted your money. I'm not hungry."

"How can you not be hungry? You didn't even have breakfast."

"I know but I just really am not hungry. And why do you care if I eat anyways?" I ask defensively.

"Well I wasn't kidding when I said you look like a Barbie. You're, like, super skinny. I bet your one of those girls that never eats and still thinks you look fat." I feel my heart start to speed up.

"I am not one of those girls." I lie with as much venom as I can muster. "And even if that was so, that is none of your business." I stand up and leave the table without a backwards glance.

"Ashley, wait!" I start running with tears blinding my eyes.

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I know this chapter is short but the next couple will be longer. Thanks for reading and remeber to vote as always