Missed Chances

2. A Familiar Face in a Crowded Room

Bloody hell, Natasha! I grumbled as I try to weave into the crowd. You know how I hate this place!

Hey, Natasha laughed, this is a good experience for you to get over your hate of crowded places.

I avoided malls like the plague, or any crowded places for that matter. It was never a fun experience rubbing shoulders with strangers.

Nuh-uh, shaking my head, what if we lost each other and ended up in opposite directions? Not fun.

You're easy to spot, Natasha winks.

I made faces at Natasha while she just laughed in return.

—

It was the day after Valentine's Day during junior year and Mr. Kristoph invited me to an open for all whole day photography event. I wasn't so sure about attending since I didn't think I'd know anyone there.

The event was held in the local town hall. I was happy because it was near campus and I needed to get back for a meeting anyways. And it's a quick escape in case I did not enjoy it.

I walked in the auditorium at 3pm like planned. It wasn't crowded but there were enough people to make me cringe. I had to give Mr. Kristoph a call first. I needed a familiar face.

Sorry, dear, he said on the other line, I won't be making it.

But, sir, I whined, I'm here because I knew you'd be coaching me.

Ah, he chuckled. There are people there who could also coach you.

But! I felt like a child.

You'll be fine, little one. He reassured me. Make friends, okay? I really have to go, meeting starts in 2.

Okay. And I heard a click.

Great. An afternoon with strangers. I shoved my phone back in my backpack, shaking my head. I took my camera bag and prepped up my camera. Might as well take a few shots since the meeting with the arts department won't start till 6.

What do I do now? I've never done fashion photography before. Maybe I should take photos of photographers taking photos. Yeah, that's a good idea. I nodded to myself with self-assured satisfaction.

Hey, nerd. Someone called from behind me.

I stopped in my tracks. I turned around and I had to blink a couple of times – trying to make that I wasn't seeing things or apparitions.

My heart skipped a beat. A familiar face, yes. But all too familiar.

What are you doing here?

I'm here for the event, you smiled. And you?

Mr. Kristoph invited me and I couldn't say no. I pouted. And now, I'm alone.

No, you're not. You grinned. You got me.

Your smile has always been contagious. I felt a grin creeping in on the corners of my mouth.

Ken is here too, you looked over your shoulder. You should say hi.

Really? Relived that there are people I know. Great!

I didn't really care if Ken was around. Knowing that you were present made everything better.

Ken! I waved.

Hey kid, Ken smiled. Haven't seen you around.

You know me, I winked, busy as a bee.