Perfectly Imperfect

18

Since Michael's exposition was coming closer, he let us have the day free to go wherever and photograph grandness. His words. He did make us split up with our last partner and we were to send the pics by the afternoon. I wasn't complaining, though.

Chris, being Chris, took my Mom's car keys from me and made me sit on the passenger side before driving us to Boston's public library. Even if I was excited to go, I still didn't know what to think about the way he acted yesterday back in my house. I had no idea what he was thinking or what was going on, and it was frustrating not trying to pry more.

Despite everything, I was excited to go to the public library. It was one of those buildings that held so much history behind, that gave you the chills every time you walked in and I was not disappointed when we arrived. The place was huge. No matter how many times I came, I was in awe.

When I was younger, I felt like we were entering an elegant castle like the Versailles Palace. It gave off a lush feeling as you stepped through the grand stairwell, admiring the Renaissance paintings on the wall and the large crystal chandelier hanging over your head.

However, it was the first time I came with Chris. He hadn't been really into books a year ago. I gazed at him. So many things had changed.

His green eyes turned to me, before his lips tugged up. Slowly, he grabbed my hand right about as we were crossing through the doors that lead to the main library.

Silence encased us as we softly padded through the room. My hand was tingly and my heart was thumping so hard that I was sure everyone could hear it too. The smell of old leather and crisp paper made me feel warm and giddy.

Series of tables were placed right in the middle of the room. All with those posh-looking green lamps. People were walking around; more were reading on the tables. We went straight to the librarian desk, where the computers were set and three people were stacking books on carts.

On our way here, Chris had mentioned that I could shot pictures of actual books to sort of introduce people to the whole theme. I thought it was brilliant, but I wanted to ask for clearance before we set everything up.

I figured the oldest woman was in charge, so I approached her. With the nicest smile I could muster, I explained to her about my photography project. She let me take the pictures as long as I didn't disturb other people and had to get their permission if I chose to snap photos of people reading and such. She also wrote me some sort of permission slip in case any of the guards approached us.

Before we set to work, we strolled through the place. Chris mentioned something about the back light and how we needed to ensure we were taking the pictures with the right lightning. I let him do all his tech-stuff, while I observed the place where I'd want to take them.

I also wanted to go upstairs to the kid's library. It was filled with colors and cool tables for the children.

Excited, I took out my camera from my backpack. Chris did the same. Amused, I stared at him as he started to snap a few pictures, testing the lenses and all. "Are you taking pictures too?"

"Aren't we partners?" he glanced at me before checking something in his camera.

I frowned. "How are we going to shoot something for you?"

"We'll manage," he shrugged it off, not really looking at me.

Sighing, my heart tightened. Why can't you talk to me, Chris?

I stared at him for a long moment. Cassie said he had his hands full. How so? Swallowing hard, I bit my lip. Give him time. Reluctantly, still having this bad feeling in my gut, I set to work, trying to repeat the basic steps Michael taught us.