Camera Boy (lennstarr)

an opportunity

(r.s)

"so, ritchie," mo smirked and i groan. "this guy, what's with him?"

"mystery boy?" i answer off the bat and her eyes widen.

"you have a name for him already?" she scoffs and i blush red.

"maybe," i bite my lip. "but at least i didn't stalk the guy like a special someone."

"come on that was one time!" mo yelled out and everyone looked at us strangely. "anyways this was meant to be. this is different."

"yeah," i roll my eyes and take a long sip of my coffee. "because meeting someone for the first time and taking a picture of them is true fate."

"good to know you get it ritchie." maureen smiled and nonetheless, i nod along with her.

___

the office was, as always, spotless. never once had i seen it filthy, unless you count the photoshoot were we required paint filled balloons to be thrown across the room.

nonetheless, the office was as supposed to be, bright white with the smell of lense spray, rose water, and plastic material. it was somewhat what you'd expect from a posh place like this, yet the people here didn't fit the scenery or criterion needed for a chance to work here.

everyone was, in many ways, different. they all came from different countries, or states as the americans have, had different beliefs, were all different kinds of interesting. but we had all managed to band together.

everyone has an interest in my thick accent, "it sounds so british!" and they think i'm incredibly adorable. apparently i was the poster child for the company. and, well, i could see why.

"hey ritchie," someone called to me and i turn over to meet their eyes. it was just george. "the boss needs you."

"good that." i nod and run off to the man's office, careful with the valuable plastic in my hands.

it made my stomach twist, but i knew i wouldn't throw it out. no matter what mo says, this canvas was too perfect to give up.

the door to the boss' office was wide open and he seemed to be busy. around him were multiple portfolios and right on top was mine.

i knock on the metal door gently and he looks up, startled. but once his eyes meet mine, his lips curl into a smile.

"ritchie glad to see you're here," he smiled and slammed my portfolio shut. "listen, we have to talk."

"talk?" i stammer and take a seat in front of his desk.

"yes, these photographs, they're remarkable." he said and i couldn't help but blush.

"thank you sir," i smile and twiddle around with my fingers nervously. "i try my best."

"that i can see my boy," he says and hands me the portfolio back with excitement. "which is why i'm giving you an opportunity of a lifetime."

"sir?" i squirm in my seat and fix my photos.

"i want you to go to the new york times office. they are going to release an article about the photographers in the city and they've been looking through much of our work. they adore your work son, they have named you the best photographer in the city! they want to interview you!" he exclaims and my eyes widen.

"me? they want me?" i gulp and he nods once again.

"yes my boy!" he laughs and i smile weakly.

my heart was racing. i couldn't feel anything, i was numb. of course i was excited, ecstatic. but how is it that me, a rookie who's just been in the very job for two years, is getting this honorable chance?

"when do i have to go?" i ask and he smiles.

"as soon as possible." he responds and my heart practically stops.

"really?" my eyes widen and my fingers are tightening its grip on the arms of the chair.

"yes my boy! i'll bring in this portfolio and they'll tell you what to expect." he says and i nod.

as i walk out the room i feel light, as if i'm walking on air. it was odd, it was unrecognizable, it was fantastic.

in just a few moments, a few weeks at the most, i would be featured as the most important photographer in the city in the most important magazine of all time.

what is life?