Elevator 143

ELEVEN

As much as Cassie wanted to sleep in the next day, she didn't because it was the day of the week she looked forward to the most. Every Sunday, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel held special activities for its guests and out of the three Sundays Cassie had lived at the Ritz, she was most excited about the current one. For the hotel was taking its guests out for a photo walk in Central Park. 

"I can finally take you out, my love," Cassie muttered excitedly as she opened a compartment in her suitcase and pulled out a camera bag, from which she took out her Canon EOS R3. The moment she saw it, a wide smile spread on her face as a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She had so many memories recorded in the little black box, more than she could remember. The Canon EOS R3 was one of her most prized possessions. 

Since it was only 7:30 in the morning, the weather was a bit chilly and Cassie pulled on a lavender coloured summer hoodie over her white t-shirt and jogging trousers. Lacing up her white sneakers, she grabbed her crossbody and camera bag and left the room. Heading up to the elevator, she wondered if she would meet anyone on it but didn't keep her hopes high because it was a Sunday. And as the doors opened, her hunch was correct as she was greeted by an empty elevator. Despite knowing, Cassie's heart sunk slightly and she chuckled at how used to she had gotten to seeing Mrs. Fredrickson and Lawrence there. 

Lawrence...  

Cassie jumped as the elevator stopped on the ground floor and found herself blushing as she realised she had thought of one certain person the entire elevator ride down. She cleared her throat as she made her way to the lobby. To her surprise, it was filled with guests wearing casual clothing and carrying cameras of all shapes and sizes. 

"Cassie dear!" the young woman heard Mrs. Fredrickson call out and she perked up immediately. 

"Mrs. Fredrickson!" she cried out as she ran over to the elderly lady and hugged her tightly. Cassie glanced at her clothes and gasped in delight. 

"Mrs. Fredrickson, we're matching!" she exclaimed excitedly, making Mrs. Fredrickson laugh. She was dressed in a loose lavender two piece set with matching slip-on trainers. Like everyone else in the lobby, she was also carrying a camera bag. Cassie noticed hers donned the Canon logo as well. 

"You're right, my dear! Now I understand the satisfaction you kids feel when you're matching with one another," she replied, grinning widely. Cassie nodded vigorously. 

"Yes! And I had no idea you were also interested in photography!" she remarked, visibly impressed. Mrs. Fredrickson placed her hands on her waist and posed, making Cassie laugh. 

"Honey, I was known as the Queen of photography back in my day," she replied proudly, holding her head high in the air. 

"I'm pretty sure you still are, Mrs. Fredrickson," a male voice said from behind the two women, causing Cassie to freeze. 

"Lawrence, my boy!" Mrs. Fredrickson called out in delight as Cassie slowly turned around. Behind her stood Lawrence wearing a light grey sweatshirt and a pair of matching sweatpants. He, too, carried a camera bag over his shoulder. The pair immediately made eye contact and Cassie prayed her face was not turning red, though Lawrence's smile, however soft, suggested otherwise. Cassie immediately looked away, turning back to face Mrs. Fredrickson. 

"See how the tables have turned, Lawrence boy," Mrs. Fredrickson remarked with a grin, waving between herself and Cassie as Lawrence came to stand next to the two women. Lawrence smiled as he glanced at their clothing. 

"They have indeed," he muttered, his eyes lingering on Cassie, whose was having trouble breathing. 

"Oh look! We're moving now," Cassie stuttered, joining the guests who had begun to walk out the entrance. She heard Lawrence chuckle behind her as he and Mrs. Fredrickson followed her.