I Love You No Matter What

Chapter 3: Miracle

"Beautiful, isn't it ?"

I quickly turn around. A tall man stands behind me. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. He is really handsome. A camera hangs from his neck. It's awhile before I can answer him.

"I love the scenery here. It makes for great photos," I agree.

He holds his hand out to me. "I'm Brandon Jones," he says.

I take his hand. "Miracle." I won't tell him my last name because he could be paparazzi. I don't need gossip starting about me being in the woods.

"Pretty name," Brandon comments.

"Thank you. Brandon is a nice name too," I say sweetly.

"Thanks. What brings you here, Miracle?"

"I'm working on a portfolio for the Orange Valley Gallery," I explain. Why am I telling this stranger? I just met him. But he seems trustworthy.

"That's a highly respected gallery in Florida. You must be really good," Brandon says impressed. It took months for me to be judged.

I blush. "Not really. I haven't been accepted yet," I say sheepishly.

"I'm sure you'll make it. What do you have so far?"

This guy just met me and he already think highly of me. I show him photos I took today. Brandon's smiles bigger and bigger as I show him. "I haven't found the perfect spot yet," I say.

"I know a place," he says. "Follow me."

I happily walk behind him through the trees. We stop on a dirt road. Brandon points to a beautiful spotlight in the trees. I pick up my camera to shoot it, but get distracted by a small, white flower below me. It's separated from the rest of the plants and flowers. Only sticks and dirt surround it. I take a picture of it.

Brandon looks at me curiously. "Why did you take a picture of the flower?" he asks.

"It represents me. Even though I have a bunch of dirt trying to stop me from growing, I do," I explain.

"I know you're going to be chosen," he says certainly.

"You wouldn't know unless you're my judge," I say jokingly.

He laughs. "Unfortunately," he states.

"Do you want to take photos with me?" I ask quietly.

"I would love to," Brandon says happily.

                               *

"Could you pick me up?" Hope asks me over the phone.

"Sure. I'll be there in ten minutes," I say.

"Thanks. Bye."

"Bye." I hang up the phone and star the car.

Brandon comes up to my window. "Can we do this again? I had a lot of fun," he says.

"I'd like that. Text me when you can," I say.

He backs away from the car so I can drive out of the parking lot of the park. I wave goodbye to Brandon as I drive on to the road. Spending time with him was amazing. He didn't even ask about my hearing aid. I appreciated that. I can see myself hitting it off with Brandon. I hope he texts me later.