in the room where you sleep

one

It's funny how you end up in places and situations you least expect. It feels like yesterday I had graduated high school and forward to today where I'm a professional photographer for a well known magazine. And because of this job, I had the opportunity to be face-to-face with my own personal hero and have him turn into my other half. This is my world. 

1998

"You have a new assignment, Hails. I saved this one for you." My Editor-In-Chief had walked over and tossed a booklet onto my desk. I looked up at him with a confused look on my face. I grabbed the booklet and opened it, instantly having a rush of shock and nerves run through my body. It was Johnny Depp. THE Johnny Depp. 

"Are you joking?" I chuckled. He shook his head and gave me a smile. "This is your moment, kiddo. I suggest you enjoy it and do your thing." He gave me a small pat on the back and walked back into his office. I look through the booklet and find a slip of paper in the back that has the date and time and location written on it. "shit" I thought to myself. It's tomorrow at 6am. Thankfully it's local. Just 2 blocks from the office. I closed the booklet, holding it close to me, giggling like a child. I wasted no time in getting my equiptment together and charged, grabbing whatever was neccessary for the shoot. 

It was reaching 11PM and I was already triple checking myself for everything I needed. I was starting to become extremely nervous and scared. I don't know exactly what to say to him or even do. Maybe I'm overthinking this too much. I mean, it's not like I idolized him and grew up watching his work. Tomorrow is going to go not as good as I hope it does. I just know it. 

5:10AM

I got no sleep. I got to the shoot location right at 5 that way I could prepare. I finally got everything out of my car. I noticed another vehicle was in the lot, but hopefully nobody will be in the way. I locked my car and went inside the building to one of the rooms. I put my stuff down and started setting everything up. Once I got done, I looked around for the kitchen to make my coffee. After a couple minutes of searching, I finally found it and started making it. Suddenly, the sound of a guitar being played transpired throughout the building. I decided to go on a little adventure and see where it was coming from. I turned off the coffee pot and walked out of the kitchen and into the open space of the building, peaking my head in each room and no luck. The further I walk down, the louder the guitar became. I reached what looked like a big recording studio. The minute I walked in, I could smell cigarettes and cologne. It was fairly dim and difficult to see. I look to my left and see him. Sitting with his back to the doorway playing his guitar. It sounded so beautiful. Like I was almost in a trance. I leaned against the door frame just listening and watching. After a few minutes, he had stopped and turned around to look at me. I froze. I just stared. He gave me a gentle but genuine smile.

"Hello there." He said calmly. I smiled back and pushed myself off of the doorframe. 

"H-hi. H-hello." I could feel my nerves on edge. He set his guitar down on the stand and stood up, walking close to me. 

"I'm uh. I'm Hayley. Or you can call me Hails. It's my nickname. I'm a really big fan of yours and I'm looking forward to photographing you this morning." 

"Well, it's very good to meet you, Hayley." He opened his arms and I obliged, reaching out and collapsing into his hug. His hugs were the most comforting and most genuine. It's a shame it couldn't be forever. 

"Feel free to sit" he motioned over to the chair in front of his, I walked over and took a seat as he also sat down, picking up his guitar again and playing it. I leaned my arm against a shelf, placing my head in my hand, watching him as he played. We'd make eye contact every few seconds. My heart was still absolutely racing. He was right in front of me. I could've sworn I was dreaming.