Hopelessly Devoted

Chapter 2

Super rewind 《 16/03/2004

Camera. The only device that I literally cannot live without when I am out and about. Walking in the streets of London, I have realized the unique structure of buildings, the way the sun shines brightly, the beautiful sky and the many beautiful faces. Mother says that it is more of a hobby than a career. "But mum, most photographers succeed. They start small," I remind her.

Photography has always been my passion since I was fourteen. I was am, the art nerd in the family. I absolutely love music, paintings, sketching, writing; but my number one love will always be photography.

I remember having my first camera on my sixteenth birthday. My posh Aunt Lisa, had gifted me with my very first camera. Sure, it was small, but I admired the way it captures the moments. It was like I could see clearer through the camera. Since then, cameras and I were inseparable.

"Come on, Belle," mother whined as I continued snapping pictures with my camera. "Your head is literally glued to it and your eye is going to look really weird after a while. Stop it. Oh my God, just give it to me, Jesus."

I continued ignoring her. Mother and I are out to do some shopping today but knowing me, I would do anything to capture the moments. The adjustment of the sharpness, the blurriness of the background, the perfect lighting and—

I stumble across someone's foot as I was walking backwards to get a larger view. "What the— oi! Watch where you're going next time."

"Belle! Darling, come on! What are you— Samuel?!"

Click!

Shit. Did I just...

"Did you just take my picture?"

I turn around, trying to act busy. "No," I mumble. For Christ's sake, it is Samuel fucking Davis. What is he doing here at this time of the day? I reckon him sleeping like a pig the whole day and partying all night like all the other boys in school do.

"Mrs. Green! How are you?" He greets her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Kill me. "Wait a minute..." I was starting to walk away until he stood right in front of me with his arms crossed. "And you are?"

"Busy," I say.

He sniggers. "Funny."

"Very." Oh God, this is so going onto my blog.

"Wait. Maybelle Green? The Maybelle Green?"

Nah, mate. It is Maybelle Brown.

No shit.

"Come on, love. Mind giving me a proper greeting?"

I tap my chin, pretending to give it some thought and hummed. "Hmm... No."

All my years of high school, I have accomplished my mission in avoiding this golden, boy toy of the school. Charming, tall, muscular, obviously popular with the ladies. (And by that, I mean all the ladies). It does sound cliché but he someone who just screams trouble. From everything that I have heard, I have managed to stay away from him for as long as I was able to, which is, until graduation.

Mum loves him, though. He has always been her favourite student in English literature. He loves at least eighty-five percent of what she loves. Do not get me wrong, it is not surprising that he is a teacher's pet, but it still is very disturbing in so many levels.

"You're not still avoiding me, are you?"

Keep busy, keep busy. The amazing favour the camera does for me. Especially in London. The streets and the people are what makes the pictures worth a lifetime. "Maybelle?"