Claims

One: Not all that normal

It was the middle of October, the sweet scent of autumn almost coming to an end. There were lesser leaves on the trees, a slight change in the air, making it even cooler. The sense of calm surrounded me, and blue skies, hinting of a cloudy day.

Using one hand, I cuddled closer to my scarf, wrapping it around my nose and mouth, which warmed my face. In the other hand held a bright red camera, already being used straight out of the package.

I had gone hunting for the perfect spot. It was in the middle of Edward Park in the small town of Blaine. A worn down wooded bench held me while Mother Nature prepared herself for another change. The bench faced the woods, where trees ran father and farther until they disappeared into the sky. An old rusty slide creaked at the moving wind, and swings that needed repainted swayed in rhythm.

This is what I came for.

It was beautiful. So many colors, so many smells. There was the sight of pumpkins on the way here. One on every porch, some smiling like a devil, others looking like they were crying out in despair. Some yards had a ghost hanging from the trees, others had spiderweb and skeleton bones climbing out of the ground. It was a smell of Halloween.

I pulled my beanie down over my ears, protecting them from the chilly morning air. I had gotten up earlier than Reggie, wanting some alone time.

Pulling my legs closer under me, I trained my eyes on two squirrels ahead, almost like they were fighting each other. I picked up my camera, focusing on the two. They paused, big eyes wide, brown furry coat of hair, ready to pounce on one another. Tails flicking in the air as their noses twitched. I snapped a shot, ready for another before they scattered at the sound of a breaking twig.

My head raised cautiously, finding two figures walking down the sidewalk. The old couple held hands, smiling in warm coats and knitted scarves. I smiled, lifting my camera at them.

I giggled to myself, then stopped, glancing around to see if anyone was watching. I still smiled to myself, but held the giggle inside. I felt like a child, taking pictures of an older couple. I felt good out here, in my zone, my peace. Photography was simply my drug.

I lifted the camera up, letting it see the things I couldn't. I scanned the trees, finding floating leaves and grey birds. The sound of a click was heard every now and then, capturing nature in its most vulnerable moment.

I was scanning the trees in front of me, suddenly catching the silhouette of a man. He was near the tree bank, just standing.

I looked up from the lens, blinking a couple times, shaking my head. Looking back out, he seemed closer, I could see every detail of his body, the curve of every muscle. He wore a long sleeve shirt, maybe a sweater. But whatever it was, it was tight. His hands were stuffed in the pockets of his jeans, and he was casually walking, as if I wasn't stalking him with my camera.

I took a picture.

A breeze came, caressing the small area where skin showed on my back, below my shirt, sending shivers throughout me. My face heated up as I thought of him seeing me. I curled my toes, blushing, even though he couldn't possibly have noticed.

My scarf blew away from my face, and I caught it before it decided to leave with the wind. Butterflies floated in my stomach at the thought of the picture I had taken of the man. I curled my toes tighter, wondering if I should look back in the lens.

I did.

He was stopped, head tipped back, as if he was smelling the air. Breathing deep, eyes closed. I felt as if I was intruding, my staring. But I couldn't help it. It was awful, but I wanted to stare, and stare. To invade this mans privacy.