A Rift Between Us

Chapter 20 - A Shared Passion

Keiko bent her knees, resting her hands above them as she approached her face closer to Alfie's.

"Yeah?" she said, her fingers curling into exaggerated air quotes. "And what exactly is your 'little problem'?"

Alfie's fingers dug into the moist mulch, circling the flowers as he tried to avoid Keiko's penetrating stare. The fleeting bravery he had mustered dissolved within him as he pondered what to say.

"Well, it's...I..."

He paused, shutting his eyes briefly before reopening them.

"I enjoy taking photos of natural phenomena. It's my hobby."

A flash of intrigue washed over Keiko's eyes.

So he likes taking photos of nature?

She kicked the underside of his shoe, forcing him to look at her. He flinched from the sudden impact, glancing quickly in her direction. She lifted her foot, pivoting it left and right while keeping her heel firmly on the ground.

"What other type of natural phenomena, nerd? You obviously like flowers."

Her harsh, condescending tone sent a chill down his spine. He rose from the ground, dusting his hands and brushing off his blazer. Her head lifted to follow his ascent.

"Well, it can range from anything like plants, the sky, animals, landscapes etcetera. I usually use a proper camera, though..."

Keiko extended her right hand. Her left arm cradled close to her body, preventing her handbag from slipping.

"Give me your phone."

She flicked her fingers up and down in unison. Alfie glanced down at his phone, which spun like a pinwheel in his hands. The screen displayed a blur of vibrant colours as he vacillated.

Just say no. Say no! She can't force you. Say no.

M-my phone? I...okay."

A smirk appeared at the corner of her mouth as she snatched it from his hands. She opened the gallery app, scrolling until she found the right album. She tapped it open and slowly dragged her thumb across the display, checking each snapshot. She stopped at an image of a mallard, enlarging it. The duck was happily swimming in what appeared to be a lake. She spread her fingers wider to reveal more details, her eyes scanning the image, capturing every nuance.

This is amazing. He's very talented at photography...and we have similar interests. I'd love to draw this, but...no. No, I won't ask him for the photo. He can't find out I'm into drawing wildlife.

She shoved the phone against Alfie's chest, causing him to stumble back in surprise. He quickly secured it with both hands, keeping it from falling.

"Your photos aren't that great. They could be better."

She flicked her hair to the side with a graceful shake of her head. The strands cascaded down, settling naturally into place on her back, like a silken waterfall. Alfie adjusted his glasses and looked at the duck Keiko had been scrutinising.

Is it that bad?

He closed the photo, bringing the screen back to the nature album.

"I'm trying my best...but I'm also aiming to improve."

Keiko chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand. Alfie raised an eyebrow and looked back down at his phone.

"Someone like you isn't cut out for photography. You should get yourself involved in something like, I don't know, video games or even collecting seashells or something. That matches your persona much better."

Her lips curled into a smirk, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she looked at him.

"Guess I'll see you in period five, nerd."

She flounced past him deliberately barging her shoulder into his, sashaying into the distance. Alfie stood in place, his fist tense around his phone.

For flip sake! Why am I struggling to stand up for myself?

Several slaps cracked against his forehead, the cool breeze refreshing the temporary sting caused by the sudden strikes from his hand. He turned around and watched as she disappeared behind a corner of the school.

One last period before the end of the day. I can do this. She won't stand in my way.