Looking Behind the Lense

Chapter 1

I, Kallie Williams, sat boredly on one of the scare chairs of my local photography studio. I'm eighteen years old and a high school graduate. I've decided to take a break from school and get my life together before I go off to college. I'm scared of big crowds, being judged by others, and I can't really talk to people I don't know. I am as antisocial as they get, but its never bothered me. I like the way I am and extroverts just don't seem to comprehend that part. They all believe I can never be happy or get anywhere in life, but I believe I'm doing just fine the way I am.

Anyways, I was waiting for my sixteen year old sister, Kayla, preferably known as Kay. She is the exact opposite of me. While I'd prefer to stay in the background, she puts herself all out there. Kayla was the popular, pretty extrovert. Her long, thick, chesnut locks fell to the middle of her back, complimenting her seagreen eyes. Her figure was tall and thin, looking good in pretty much all clothing. My wild black hair was long overdue for a haircut, reaching my bellybutton and my eyes were some shade of blue. My figure was similar to Kayla's, but shorter and my skin was fair, compared to her fresh summer tan. I've been told I'm beautiful, but most likley out of pity.

Kayla was getting her 'before school starts' pictures done all expenses paid for by her friend, Ashley's parents. Ashley was Kayla's bratty, cruel, back-stabing excuse of a best friend. Although they were best friends, Ashley had stolen Kayla's boyfriend countless times, and spread rumors about her. Honestly, Kayla was more beautiful compared to Ashley's thin, sleek hair and narrow brown eyes. Despite her cruel personality, she was most likely popular for her money and 'putting herself out there'.

I began to feel out of place for this studio was very expensive and professional. I looked around at some of the example pictures and framed works. They were of famous celebrities, especially Parker Martinez. He was all the rage right now, especially for teenage girls. Including Kayla and Ashley. I could hear girls fangirling miles away. He was kind of annoying to me. I mean he was talented, I'll admit, but he seemed bratty and spoiled from the looks of it.

I admired the beautiful cameras being used to photograph the lovely best friends. I admired photography. It was my absolute passion. My very best friend was my camera, with Mia as an excuse.

Mia was just like everyone else. She wanted me to change, yet was the only one who managed to stay friends with me. I'll admit, she gets annoying at times and I have no idea why she even befriended me. Mia had short blonde hair cut into a pixie and wore fashionable clothes. She liked partying and socializing and she often got mad at me for not joining her. At times she can be nice to be around, but that's occasionally.

Once the photos were done, Kayla came running to me.

"Eeee!" My sibling shrieked at the top of her lungs. I playfully rolled my eyes. "Kallie! Their hiring here! And I recommend you just for the job." She smiled, proud of herself. My eyes widened. Yeah, it would me totally fantastic to work with the camera all day, but I was nowhere near qualified.

"Kayla. They need professionals and someone who can actually talk to strangers. Please, be more realistic." I replied my voice decreasing in volume by each word. Kayla let out a small giggle, when I obviously was trying to be serious.

"Oh sis... Don't be silly, we all know that the camera literally possesses you. Plus, this place pays well and you seem pretty professional to me." She said too casually. I shook my head, mentally facepalming myself.

It was true. From behind the camera, I felt like I could do anything. I had taken photos for the school yearbook, school newspaper, school dances, family events, and more. My insecurities and antisocialness all went away when I was behind the lense. I felt free and confident, like I could do anything. It was like I was a whole different person. I liked that feeling, but there was nothing wrong with me without my camera.

"I..." I tried to object, but my sister interupted me, holding a single finger to my lips.

"Your interview is tomorrow at ten A.M." My eyes went wide as Kayla gave a small grin. I know she was trying to help out, but I didn't know how to take it. It could be a dream, but I don't think I'm ready to take on a job with so many people watching me.

Ashley and her perfect cookie-cutter family stared at me like I was some social outcast, which I won't deny. They're probably like everyone else. My reaction to such an amazing opportunity was probably unexpected. But then again, what do I care what a bratty girl's parents thinks. Who am I kidding? I began to play out the different worst case scenarios in my head repeatedly. My cheeks heated up until I turned a tomato red and became flustered.

"Be grateful Kallie, it was all my idea." Ashley smiled a somewhat sinister smile. I was speechless, for now even bystanders had been watching her. It felt like your average highschool bully all over again.

"Gee...Thh... Thh... Than... Kk... S..." I managed to stutter out, more eyes looking towards me. I decided to keep quiet, not trying to increase my humiliation.

After a tiresome last day of summer vacation spent with Kayla and Ashley, I just wanted to relax. But of course, life doesn't resolve around me. Instead of browsing the internet like I had originally planned, I had to prepare myself for the next day. I pulled up all the most recent pictures I had taken and chose the best out of those. I had to pull together a portfolio to show at my interview.

I was finishing up any last touches on my portfolio until Kayla barged in unannounced. I sprawled up and checked the time. It was nearly eleven o'clock.

"Kayla. You should be in bed. You have school to attend to in the morning." I said parently. She rolled her eyes, looking annoyed.

"Oh Kallie, you sound like Mom." I sighed, realizing it was true.

"Just... What do you want?" I replied, annoyed. Kayla cracked a grin.

"I just want to pick out your outfit! Duh."

"Thank you little sister, but no thank you. I can do it myself."

"Fine. Show me your choice of outfit and I'll be on my way." My sibling cracked a smile at the end.

Honestly, I had no idea what to wear, but I wasn't ready to give up my pride yet. I gently stepped near the sliding door of my closet and opened it. I stared into the few variety of clothes inside. My wardrobe consisted of netural colored leggings, a few pairs of jeans, plain t-shirts, a nice blouse, and a scare amount of dresses. I bit my lip trying to decide, not knowing what seemed professional, but not over-dressed. "Exactly." My sister smirked, eventually taking over.

Kayla waved a final goodbye and shut the door behind her. Tomorrow's outfit consisted of a black blazer, black leggings, black ballet flats, and a black collared shirt. I told my sibling that all the black was too much, but Kayla insisted, considering that was the dress code for employees there. I don't fully understand how it would benefit me, but I just went with it.

I snuggled up in my blankets as I celebrated the fact I didn't have to return to tormenting prison they called school the next day. I spent the rest of the night online until I felt the need to recharge from such a tiresome day and recharge for the next.