Their life was flipped upside down at the age of 8, after the disappearance of their older brother. 10 years later Ari is still feeling the effects as they watches their parents marriage crumble around them. All they have left is their friends, pote...
The clock's ticking seems to mock my impatience, and I find myself counting down the minutes until the bell finally rings. Finally, the bell rings, and with a swift gathering of my belongings, I join everyone at our designated spot.
The excitement in the air is palpable, but there's also an underlying hint of awkwardness. The news of the upcoming school dance has injected a new energy into our interactions, albeit mixed with a touch of uncertainty.
As we settle into our circle, conversations flow as they always have, yet there are moments of hesitation that catch us off, guard. It's like we're all aware of the unspoken question hovering in the background: Who will ask whom to the dance? It's a bit comical how such a simple thing can suddenly feel so complex.
Despite the undercurrent of uncertainty, a spark of excitement ignites as we discuss the dance. Us girls can't help but excitedly plan potential outfits and brainstorm ideas for the event. The promise of a night filled with music, dancing, and shared memories is enough to overshadow the nervousness that's settled among us.
Just as we're discussing potential song choices for the dance, a small commotion grabs our attention. We turn to see a group of students gathered around something. Curiosity piqued, we make our way over to the scene.
There, stuck on the wall, a colourful flyer announcing a photography contest. The theme is "Moments in Motion," and the grand prize is an instant camera. An excited murmur ripples through our group.
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As we huddle around the flyer, ideas begin to flow. Ollie suggests a candid shot of someone mid-laughter, while Blair proposes capturing the swirl of autumn leaves caught in a breeze. Even Mike chimes in with an idea involving a skateboard trick. The contest becomes an unexpected spark of inspiration, by the time the bell rings, we're all buzzing with anticipation. The decision is unanimous: We'll participate in the photography contest together. As we part ways for the day, there's an unspoken agreement to meet up at Blair's house on Friday after school, a tradition we've held onto since we were little. Blair's house has become the home of our after-school escapades, and it's not just because of her inviting personality. Her spacious abode boasts an indoor pool and a giant room that comfortably accommodates our group.
Friday finally arrives, and we meet at the school gates charged with a shared purpose and a touch of nervous energy. The walk to Blair's is filled with animated chatter, the excitement growing with every step. The routine is well-practised by no, Ollie, Mike, and Levi are engaged in lively banter up front, meanwhile, Cody and I are huddled around Blair's brand new camera, her last birthday present coming in handy for the competition. Cody's analytical mind and my own knack for technology make us a surprisingly effective team.
"Okay, so if we adjust the aperture here and tweak the ISO settings, we should be able to capture some really clear shots," Cody suggests, his fingers navigating the camera's buttons and dials.
I nod in agreement, my eyes scanning the camera's screen as the image changes in response to our adjustments. "And if we combine that with a slower shutter speed, we can experiment with some creative effects," I add, my excitement growing as I start to envision the possibilities. Blair hovers nearby, her eagerness palpable. "You guys are like camera wizards or something," Cody chuckles. "Just a little bit of tech-savviness and experimentation."
