imagination || julie and the phantoms

twenty

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RAY LOVED EDITING PHOTOS.

It acted peaceful for him, sitting at the dining room table with a cup of hot coffee. He stayed silent. His eyes focused on the laptop in front of him. Every once in a while, he clicked between the original version to the new and wondered if it would be good enough. Then, he would keep working.

"Oh, I like that one!"

Now, Reggie loved watching Ray edit photos. Even though he physically couldn't be seen by the photographer, Reggie was fine. He liked sitting beside him. The silence just provided an opportunity for his own commentary. Plus, he learned a lot about photography and cooking by watching Ray work. Even though they never spoke, Reggie counted him as a friend. Or at least, someone who provided peace amidst devastating situations, like the current one he, Charlotte, and the boys were caught up in.

"It's got a good composition, buddy," Reggie commented when he noticed a beautiful photo of a rustic living room. "Personally, I would adjust the lighting so the windows wouldn't be as hidden, but I really like the direction you're taking."

Ray didn't react, but Reggie didn't mind.

Alex flashed in. "What's up?" he asked, occupying the seat beside his bandmate.

Reggie shrugged. "Eh, I needed a pick-me-up," he replied. "Hanging with Ray always does the trick."

Ray squinted at his computer screen. Then, within a few clicks, he adjusted the lighting on the living room photo. Reggie grinned.

Alex furrowed his brows. "Does it?"

Reggie nodded.

"Alright," Alex accepted the answer even though he didn't understand. He glanced around the house and then frowned at Reggie. "Where are Charlotte and Luke? I thought they'd be here."

"I thought they were in the studio," Reggie said with a tilt of his head.

Alex replied, "No, I was just in there after I got back from being with Willie. It's completely empty."

"Then my guess is they are either on the roof or somewhere in L.A. talking," Reggie assumed. "You know how they are, Lex."

Alex stared at him in disbelief. "Are you kidding me?" he questioned. "After what we heard last night, you think they're just talking?"

"Hey, that's my sister you're talking about," Reggie warned but Alex knew he wasn't truly bothered due to the twinkle in his eye. "And yes, I do think they're just talking. Confession rating? I give it a five and a half."

"Five and a half?" Alex echoed, his nose scrunching.

Reggie shrugged again. "Would've been higher but the lover boy only told Char about 1994. He completely forgot to mention how much he is in love with her."

"Well, he did say he was scared," Alex reminded the bassist.

"Who cares?" Reggie waved his hand in dismissal. "I'm tired of watching him gain courage then chicken out. He's better than that."

Alex pursed his lips, hiding a small smile. "Wow," he said. "Who would've thought that you would be the one wanting them together the most?"