Memory Documentation

chapter five | documenting the moments of a memory

"How many photographers are there at the agency?" I asked, scrolling through the vast pictures they had in their portfolio. They were captivating. These photos proved just how weddings could be one of the best days of your life. Moments of genuine joy, love, and happiness captured forever.

"We have around six photographers on board, with a few editors for clients who have specific requests," said Jessica. "I never really thought about doing wedding photography as an occupation, but now that I'm doing it, I couldn't think of anything more perfect for me."

"So you wouldn't consider any other photography, like, animal and nature photography?"

Jessica shook her head fervently, eyes wide with a look that said hell no. "Absolutely not. I have a friend who's an animal photographer. It takes him so long to get good shots because you, basically, have to wait and be there until animals decide to be cute or do anything interesting. I like my clients as compliant as they can be, though even bridezillas are hard to work with," she added the last part in a hushed tone. I laughed. "Nature photographers do some pretty crazy stuff for good shots, too. Besides, I'm a city girl through and through. I want to settle down here."

I was really glad Jessica found a profession in photography. It's always been a passion of hers ever since we were in the orphanage, even before I was there. The camera around her neck was practically a necklace to her, and it was a rare day to see her without it. I wondered...

"Hey, do you still have any photos from when we were in the orphanage?" I asked curiously. She took so many photographs and had a lot of them displayed on her own bedroom walls as if they were wallpaper. It would be a real trip down memory lane to see those throwback beauties again.

"Of course I do!" Jessica cried, as if it was foolish of me to think otherwise. 

I laughed and held my hands up. "Calm down, I was just wondering."

"Honestly, you have no idea. I haven't thrown any away; they're all kept in photo albums at my apartment. Pretty expensive to keep up with throughout the years, but the memories are absolutely priceless."

We had an unsaid, mutual understanding of where we were headed off to next after lunch. Jessica wasn't kidding when she said she hadn't thrown any photos away. Photo albums on photo albums, boxes upon boxes, all filled with old polaroids and printed pictures. The two of us soon found ourselves sitting on the floor with captured memories scattered all around us.

"These are so crazy to look at," I whispered, scanning all the pictures of me and the girls. The nostalgia I felt last night came rushing back seeing these familiar faces frozen in time. To think that all these girls who've come and gone were out there now with their new families, living new lives. A lot of the time, I'll have those reminiscent days where I wonder what's happened to some of my old friends. Were they better off now than they were before they found themselves in the orphanage? I sure hoped that was the case.

"Aw, look!" Jessica laughed and slid a small gray photo album towards me. A younger version of myself stared back at me with the flattest of expressions as I sat in the corner of a room.

I picked up the book and leaned closer. "Damn, my hair really hasn't changed. It's as long as ever. I think I remember this, though."

I'd just gotten to the orphanage when she took this photo. I wasn't comfortable with any of the girls at all and always kept to myself. It sounded a lot like how I am now. My lips thinned at that thought. No wonder Papa keeps pushing me to push myself. I haven't changed at all.

I flipped through the pages, slowing as, one by one, I began to remember seemingly forgotten memories. Emery, Cassie, Reyna . . . Playing out in the lot behind the building, laying around the living room with our textbooks, messing around in our shared bedrooms.