One Wish

2

I know what you are trying to do, Vincent. Elijah hissed. Go away, please... Elijah saw her boyfriend in the corner of her eyes earlier but she just ignored him. She is busy feeding the animals in their small barn. Her cheeks are only inches away from her boyfriend's lip. She doesn't want to be disturbed, she's been waiting for how many minutes to take good shots of the ducks. She was closer to the picture she had spent three days trying to capture. And if she distracts herself because of her boyfriend, the camera focus might get disrupted.

She zoomed on her lens. And that moment when the ducks fly inches away from the soil is the same as her boyfriend landing his lips on her cheeks. The camera moved and she didn't capture the essence of the picture she was trying to get.

Oh, I could kill you for that! She said in an irritated tone. I've been waiting for that moment.

However, Vincent just grins at her. You are taking a picture of a duck, a fucking duck! What the hell, Eli?

Why are you even here? She asked impatiently. I thought you went to the Capitol with your dad? Vincent was an active member of the youths in their town while his father is the Mayor.

Don't you want that? We're seeing each other. Vincent said trying to kiss her again.

Elijah was aware that Vincent was trying to kiss her again but she remained passive and just waited for Vincent to land his lips on hers.

Eli! Someone shouted from afar.

My father! Elijah started.

Son of-- but Vincent didn't continue what he is trying to say. Your father had always perfect timing to ruin the moment.

I didn't notice you are here, Vincent. Her father commented.

Good afternoon, sir. Vincent greeted him.

Elijah's father nodded at him. His eyes were looking between Vincent and Elijah.

We are about to go back home, Papa. Elijah said.

Is that right? Then help me to prepare the dinner. You and your father can have dinner with us, Vincent. After that, her father left them but made sure that they are following him.

We almost got caught! Elijah hissed.

It's better if we got caught. Vincent replied. I asked you to marry me. You are the only one who wants to prolong it.

Why are you in a hurry? We haven't been in a relationship for a year. And we are still young.

When do you want us to get married? When are we old and holding a cane?

Elijah rolled her eyes. Stop being exaggerated. Oh, by the way, I'll be traveling to the city at the end of the month. I wanted to attend the one-week seminar regarding photography.

Elijah likes to take pictures. When she graduated from college, she took a crash course in photography.

What? One-week seminar? Vincent yelled at her.

My former professor sent me an invitation. Besides, Marley, my best friend received an invitation too. You know her, right? They live in the city.

Vincent nodded disapprovingly. Marley's family belongs to the elite level in society.

I'll be gone for at least two weeks. And my father already said yes. Elijah continued.

Your father agreed, how about me? What am I to you? Vincent said angrily.

That's why I am telling you now.

Vincent looked at her longer than expected before speaking. How about your work in the Capitol?

I'll file a vacation leave for one month. If they reject my request, I'll just resign. I can probably find another job when I get back from the seminar.

Three months after her graduation, Elijah took the job in the Capitol as a tour guide in the local travel agency in their town. And she enjoyed her work. She can use local and foreign tourists for her hobby of photography. She wanted to take pictures of almost any subject.

Vincent hissed. He knew very well that no one can stop Elijah once she decide on something.

I don't understand why you need to attend those kinds of seminars. You're just wasting your time. Besides, you already have a good job. I saw all your pictures hanging in your darkroom... Very ordinary. Nothing spectacular.

Elijah was hurt by what her boyfriend said but she just hid it. She knows that Vincent is not appreciative of her work. And it is one of the reasons why she can't tell him she dreams of having an exhibition in the city.

I don't have a good camera, Vincent. She said defensively which is partly true. It is very expensive to buy a good camera. She thought to herself.

Then why do you have to attend that seminar just to take pictures? Just like my mom, when we were married you'll be just a plain housewife.

Elijah's forehead furrowed at that statement. I can be a working housewife while we don't have children. I can have my stud--

Children? You are thinking about children? You don't even want to be alone with me or watch a movie together in the theater. Vincent said in disbelief.

I remember one time when we watched a movie, your hands suddenly multiplied and touched every part of my body. I didn't understand the show just to stop you.

That I don't understand until now why you are stopping me. The couple is in the cinema not because they wanted to watch but because it is time for them to have privacy. Vincent said while he shook his head.

Elijah arched her eyebrow. Privacy? There are a lot of people in the cinema.

Eli, it's dark inside the cinema!

Elijah smiles awkwardly. Yeah, it is dark but you can still see people around you. And for all you know, my neighbor who gossips a lot might be at our backs then spread a rumor about us.

Is that what you afraid of? Your gossiping neighbor? Maybe she is not watching in the premium seat. That woman was stingy, she wanted everything to be free. How many times has she asked Daddy for free passes to the cinema? Many times.

Elijah laughed at her boyfriend's statement. She forgets the resentment toward her boyfriend.