Matilda

twelve

"The song you started yesterday before the show was really good by the way." I turn to Harry as we're walking through some quieter streets of the historic district of Chicago. We pass beautiful-looking brick row houses, with dozens of antique shops on both sides of the street.

"Thanks." He sends me a smile, letting his dimples show. "You did half the writing though." Harry laughs and nudges me on my arm. 

"Well, I honour my work, what would you do without me huh." I joke as I turn around and walk backwards in front of Harry now, smiling brightly. Suddenly my back crashes into another person, shock evidently on my face, Harry just laughs more. 

"Watch your damn step!" A man with a briefcase and suit shouts over his shoulder as he rushes in his direction.

"I'm so sorry!" I shout back, but I doubt he even hears me. When I turn back to Harry, he's still laughing. 

"Whaaaaat? Stop laughing!" I groan and hit him in his side, making him snicker as he covers his mouth with his hand.

"You should've seen your face sun, priceless." Harry lays an arm around my shoulder, tapping my arm three times. I roll my eyes but can't ignore the tingling in my stomach caused by the nickname, I don't think he realises what he called me. 

"I couldn't even apologise." I pout, making Harry's smile grow.

"I'm sure he'll live." He winks at me as we go deeper into the historic centre of the city.

All of a sudden we walk past a small shop, an inconspicuous sign dangling outside saying 'Anne's Vintage Camera' and I physically stop in my tracks and turn around, looking through the store window. Harry comes up next to me.

"It's a vintage camera shop." I say under my breath, admiring the few cameras being laid out behind the window. 

"You wanna go in?" Harry asks and I look up at him, he pushes his black sunglasses up on his head, his messy curls now being held back by them. Now staring at me are sparkling green eyes, switching between mine as if he can't decide on which to stay. I nod in answer to his question and he nudges his head in the direction of the old door leading to the shop before he starts walking. 

As we walk through the door, a small bell above us rings, causing an elderly woman behind the counter to look up. She greets us with a smile and we return the gesture. The shop looks very old, with wood panelling all over the ceiling and walls, there's even a plank floor. All over the small room are shelves and counters with all kinds of cameras, old ones, newer models, and all kinds of accessories and equipment. 

I start looking around, Harry being close behind me. I pick up a camera here and there but nothing's worthy enough to spend so much money on it. 

Then in the very back, there's a small counter with a few more vintage cameras and when I lay eyes on one of them, I gasp. "No way." I say in disbelief and awe, picking up the device.

"What?" Harry's curious face peeks over my shoulder.

"It's a Leica M11, it's like the camera I've always dreamt of. But it's so rare and expensive that I've never found one for a good price, or one at all really." I explain, turning my head to find Harry's face very close next to mine. I turn my head quickly. 

"How much is that one?" 

I turn the camera and when I see the price tag I feel a pit in my stomach. "Six thousand. And that's not even expensive. I'll just keep looking, I'll find one someday." I smile, trying to hide my slight disappointment. 

"Wait, what's with your salary? I know it's weird to ask when I'm the one paying you but it should be enough for the camera." Harry suggests, making the pit in my stomach grow. Here we go then.