Twilight Java

Chapter 5

Clicking through my camera roll with Ellis at my side wasn't how I thought the afternoon would end, but I didn't have a problem with it. He had this sort of ease to him that made it feel like we were already friends despite just meeting. It was a comfortable feeling. Ellis liked most of the pictures and said which ones he wanted me to submit. I told him it's my decision which ones I choose, but he said its his decision to be photographed or not. Defeated, I ended up getting told which pictures to use. We parted ways after setting up an interview on Saturday, with the possibility of some more pictures. It almost felt like we were some sort of publicity duo, each helping each other out in our own way.

I couldn't forget about Veronica so I bought her some carrot cake and a chocolate cake slice, since I don't know exactly what she likes. Leaving the cafe, I made sure to be smarter on my way home and use my maps first, therefore getting home safe and sound. Unlocking my dorm room, I was met with darkness but I didn't think the ending would be the same as last time. A light snore, a sound more like a puff was heard in the air and I didn't want to wake her up. Snatching a post-it from my desk, I wrote down "For Veronica :)" and stuck it on the front of the brown paper bag hoping that she'd at least enjoy some breakfast on me. I stuck it in our mini fridge in the corner of the room, assuming she checked it in the morning.

Morning came and Veronica was already gone, in class I assumed. After I threw on some jeans and a grey sweater, I opened the mini fridge and noticed that the note I left had a response on it.

Thank you so much, it was super good btw. You need to show me where this place is xx

I smiled, happy that my attempt at cheering her up might've helped her a bit. After all, I'm sure we all need a little help sometimes.

Even after three days, I had begun to get into the rhythm of college. I knew that once finals and major research papers came that I'd be crying every night, but I didn't want to think about now. For now, I wanted to enjoy my new freedoms as a college student with endless opportunities.

The day was once again uneventful; I went through class, chatted with Charlie, then went back to my dorm. Veronica wasn't there, and I felt like she had a large weight on her shoulders that she needed to get off. If she didn't want to tell me, rightfully so, then I wouldn't push her to. It was difficult to know what your boundaries were as a roommate, considering that you live with a person you've never met before. Is It your right to know what goes on in their life? Only time would tell.

While waiting for Veronica to come, I uploaded my pictures to my computer and did some research on places that like to host events. I figured since school just started that there wouldn't be many events and the few that there would be will have photographers flocking. I needed to expand my horizons and find new places to go. After all, that's what I would need to do if I wanted to become a real journalist.

Speaking of journalism, I needed to speak with my advisor to talk about internship programs. This would be my opportunity to learn the ropes of the press, how this industry worked and what I needed in order to be a part of it. My biggest fear would be to become an intern and realize that it would be nothing like what I expected, but I was determined to not let that happen. Careers are earned from years of experience, so I would have to persevere until I got to where I really wanted to be.

After saving the pictures of Ellis onto my computer, which sounded really creepy, I texted Madeline and mom. A minute after sending my text mom called, telling me how much she missed me. She said it's different without me around, and it made her realize how much my presence had an impact in the house. Those words weren't something I expected considering our little contact on weekdays, or really all week. After mom had gone through some of her... Problems, she needed to pick up her damage with a lot of work hours. It touched me, but I knew her words were also coming from a place of regret.