Miss Shy

Chapter 4: Focus

FOCUS

Maybe "Noah Hatchett" for Leah and Sandy means something, but for me that's just another name. Sandy spent the whole time while we were driving to tell me the most important facts about Noah Hatchett aka The Jerk (not that he's known by this name).
So, he's got somehow rich parents who provide him all those expensive cars and weekly dentist checks for his hollywood smile. He's that type of guy every girl wants to spend at least five minutes with and he is totally taking advantage of it.
Even if you're spending 24 hours a day stalking him, you'll find keeping track of his girlfriends quite hard.
Long story short - he's everything I've been succesfully avoiding my entire life.
Well, I must admit that I am feeling really embarassed right now.

Anyways, after being treated like America's stupidest teenager I put on my pyjamas and literally jumped under my sheets (that wasn't really a good idea, I almost suffocated).
I managed out to avoid Sandy and her parties for the next few days, although she was still living in my room.
New friday arrived and Sandy started sweet talking with me. Okay, there must be a catch.

"So, I've heard you're really into photography." - she sat next to me while removing nail polish.

"Yes... I always wanted to study it."

"Oh, I know how stressful it can be when you're parents don't agree with you when it comes to college."- she rolled her eyes.

"Actually, they're quite supportive about it." - I said.

"But you don't have the right equipment, am I right?"

"What do you want to say?" - I started being suspicious.

"I have some old equipment I don't need, so maybe you want it." - she avoided eye contact.

"And what do I need to do for you?" - I somehow managed out to get enough confidence to cross my arms.

"Can I for once do something without any benefit for myself?" - she gave me a stare.

Umm...No?
Of course, I didn't say that out loud.

"Look I'm trying to create some kind of a bond between us. We're cousins after all." - she walked to the door.

Maybe there really isn't a catch.

"I'm sorry..." - I looked down at the floor - "I really could use a good camera..."

"Well, maybe there is something you could do..." - she walked back.

Of course there's a catch.

After ten minutes of Sandy explaining me what I have to do and how easy it's going to be, I start doubting my first decision. And that one was:
"No Sandy, I can't take photos of you for a beauty contest."

"Oh come on, you're going to have a great time, plus you're going to learn something new!" - she was persistent.

"But, I ... No offence, but I only take photos of nature."

"The contest is named Winter Nature Godess, for God's sake!" - Sandy snapped.

That sounded pretty ironical.

"That's not really the same... Aaah, okay, fine, I'll do it!" - I gave in.

Sandy happily jumped of the bed and opened the closet.

"Oh come on H! Help me pick out an outfit! Or maybe two, who knows when you're gonna need an extra."

"I'd really appreciate if you'd stop calling me H. I feel like Horatio Caine."

"Ok then, come here my dear cousin, help me find some outfits that would fit a godess, oh and don't forget, the theme is winter!" - Sandy pulls out a long white furry coat.