Ecstatic||Harry Styles AU

Chapter Two.

H A R R Y

I unlocked the door to my studio.

I turned on the light to reveal the ancient place several generations practised photography at.

This place first belonged to my grandfather who died in war.He had a deep interest in photography.He once said that he shares a serious bond with his camera,and it was kind of true.They were never separable.

He captured a ton of gorgeous shots that would make your jaw drop in awe.He didn't learn photography because it was fashionable and rare at the time,but because he loved saving and capturing every moment.

I remember when my grandmother died,he kept taking pictures of her hands,her feet,the curve of her collarbone,the wrinkles around her eyes,each and every feature.He said that way she would always be with him.

And then he died,and I did the same with him.

His death was a tragic loss in my family,I buried his camera right next to him.I didn't want him to feel alone,it kept him company for a lifetime.

Then my father followed his career,but he wasn't talented.He worked as a photographer because he should not because he admired it.

It provided enough money for him to make us luxury live in a comfortable house.

When he didn't need money anymore,he stopped working in the studio.I felt as if he's making everything die there.And if my grandfather was alive,it would have depressed him.

So I took his place.

The studio was in ruins when I first worked there,buried under tons of dust.It took me months to renovate this place,but it was worth it.

Since then,more clients were welcomed and I became more and more professional with photography until it became my passion.

I learnt new techniques, bought new cameras for a wider lens and a deeper zoom range.I would print my expert photographs and participate in art conferences.

And I remember thinking to myself;this is my destiny.

If I would keep doing one thing until my death,this would be it.

"I would like four photos for my profile please,needed for my passport."

I looked up from my desk,shaking off my thoughts,to see a blonde young women in her twenties staring at me.She had naturally curly strands of hair cascading on her thin shoulders.Her ocean blue eyes stared at mine for seconds.

"Sure,follow me."

I lead her in the baseroom and turned on the light then gestured for her to sit on the wooden chair,in the middle of the room.

"You just have to smile.What's your name?"

"Jessica." She shyly replied,looking at the ground.I took my place behind the camera stand and focused the light on her face.I zoomed in to emphasize her features.

I slowly leaned down and squinted to get an accurate look.

"Okay.So look up at me,please?"I polietly asked.She was very photogenic yet anxious.

She did,forcing a smile.It seemed annoyingly fake.

"Jessica,can I follow you home?"I questioned.

"What?" She raised an eyebrow.

"My parents told me to follow my dreams."

She laughed.

I snapped a picture.

***
My phone rang half an hour later.I lazily picked it up,not bothering to look at the caller's name.

"Hello?" I greeted.

"Get your ass here,we're at Starbucks.It's urgent." Ruby's voice hurried from the other line.

Ruby is the queen bee.She is the one making plans and canceling them.She rules everything secretly in a professional sneaky way.

So when Ruby says something is urgent,you better hurry the hell up.

"I'm coming," I replied,quickly packing ,shutting off the camera and locking the baseroom.

I jumped into my car to be welcomed by the sound of the engine coming to life.

***
I arrived there fifteen minutes later.The traffic was horrible and it seemed like the whole city decided to go out at once.

I have an utter hatred for crowded places.

I parked my car a few meters from Starbucks and jogged my way to it.I pushed open the door and ran my eyes over the guests there.

She casually raised her arm and I walked towards her with determined footsteps.I sat on the comfy chair in front of her and ran my fingers through my curls.

"What is it?" I searched her face for any sign of concern but she seemed relaxed.

Her brown eyes had a hint of curiosity in them.She brushed her short hair and ran her fingers along the tattoos on her arm.

She lit a cigarette and handed me one,I took it and nodded thankfully.

I inhaled a long drag then puffed the smoke aside.

"A celebration." She simply said,embracing the cigarette between her two fingers.

The sight of smoke slowly flowing through her puckered lips was designed to be stared at.

I resisted the urge to take a picture.

"Sounds impressive." I looked straight into her eyes.Smoke seemed to carry our words between us,going back and forth.

"With our squad.We're going to throw a huge party celebrating college graduation." She paused,deeply inhaling the smoke and biting onto her lip piercing.

"All kind of drugs,drinks,women provided." Ruby added,approchig her face to mine.

"I'm in.Where?"

"That's the point.Can we do it at your villa? The one near the beach?" I took a long drag of smoke and ran my fingers through my hair.

"I'm going to sneak in my father's room and get the keys.Come over at midnight." I told her,standing up and gathering my stuff.

She put on her sunglasses and hung her purse over her shoulder.

"You're my lifesaver." Ruby kissed my cheek.

I watched her delicately walk towards the exit,leaving only a trail of smoke and an echoing sound of her heels.