Behind The Lens

TWENTY TWO

  As I stared at the screen of my phone, a small smile crept across my face. Joost had just texted me again, asking how my day was going. It had been two weeks since our last date, and ever since then, he had made sure to text me every day and even FaceTime me whenever he had a spare moment during his concerts out of town. I could feel myself slowly starting to develop feelings for him, despite my best efforts to keep my emotions in check.

  But as much as I wanted to let myself fall for Joost, my past still haunted me. I had been hurt before, and I was terrified of opening my heart to someone new only to have it broken again, or even worse, break someone else's. I tried to push those thoughts aside, reminding myself that Joost seemed different. He was kind, attentive, and genuinely cared about me.

  Despite my reservations, I found myself looking forward to Joost's messages each day. His sweet words and thoughtful gestures made me feel special in a way I hadn't experienced in a long time. I couldn't deny the warm feeling that blossomed in my chest whenever his name popped up on my phone.

  And so, when Joost returned from his tour and asked me out on another date, I said yes without hesitation. As we walked hand in hand through the city streets, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. In that moment, I knew that I had made the right choice in letting myself be vulnerable with Joost.

  ----

  I stepped off the train in Calais, the place where I had grown up and once called home. I had been hired to shoot a series of concerts in the city, bringing me back to the place that held so many memories, both good and bad.

  As I wandered through the familiar streets, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness wash over me. Memories of my father flooded back to me in a rush of emotions. I remembered the way he used to take me to concerts in the city, introducing me to the music that would shape my future career.

  But as quickly as the happy memories came, they were overshadowed by the pain of my mother's indifference. The wounds of her abandonment ran deep, and returning to Calais only served to reopen them. She still lived in our old house but I haven't even spoken to her in years, so why would I now?

  I focused my lens on the stage, capturing the energy and passion of the musicians as they performed, feeling a sudden sense of peace settle over me. Despite the pain and heartache that Calais held for me, I knew that I had found my calling in photography. And as I snapped picture after picture, I felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, I could find healing and closure in the place that still held so much of my past.

  I boarded the train and watched Calais fade into the distance, I knew that I was leaving behind more than just memories. I was leaving behind the pain and heartache of my past, ready to embrace a future filled with new beginnings. After all, I had everything I needed. Friends, happiness and love. The three things that mean 'success' to me.

Author's note:

Hello again!!! Stay updated for the next part of the story, as I considered that 23 will the the last chapter. It will come out tomorrow, most probably. I really hope you guys are enjoying it!