Fifteen

Chapter 10: The Power of Love

"Lift your arms higher," Faye said in full, photographer mode. It was all right for her, she was the visionary behind the lens. Olivia hadn't prepared for a two hour-long session with her sister in months, and was beginning to see why she always avoided being Faye's reluctant assistant.

Olivia hadn't stretched or worked out in what felt like years and was dreading the aches and stiffness bound to make an appearance in the morning. "Are we finished yet?" Olivia huffed as she brushed her jet-black bangs out of her face. She was holding a monolight device in each hand and was beginning to feel the burn.

Faye looked back at her sister and sighed. Olivia was always a great sport about helping her out, but today was just not her day. She arched her eyebrow as the corner of her mouth pulled down into a frown.

"We've barely started and we're losing ground. The sun is beginning to set and I haven't captured the other 10 frames." Using her hands, she blocked the glare of sunlight as Olivia whined. Faye knew the session was over. "Fine. Let's just go home," Faye sighed walking past Olivia.

"I'm sorry, Faye, but we've been here for close to three hours." She's right. This is pointless. Faye thought angrily. They had been at the park all this time with nothing to show for it, but that wasn't Olivia's fault. Everyone in her Photographers Institution Club (PIC) gushed over the new additions to their portfolios during their final meeting the night before. Faye had nothing to say, because she hadn't added anything to hers since graduation. She was experiencing the equivalence of a writer's block in the photography realm and it was becoming more and more disheartening.

Taylor Swift's 'Style' played in the background as Olivia drove their shared white, 2019 Kia Optima home. Faye hadn't spoken a word and from the look on her face, Olivia was fully aware that her sister was deep in thought. She wasn't completely sure what was going on with Faye, but she knew that whatever it was had been bothering her for quite some time.

They were very close, but lately they had been drifting apart. The entire process of applying for college left Olivia stressed and exhausted, while Faye became engrossed in her photography. Olivia lost six pounds in one week from the entire ordeal, which worried everyone as she was already small in frame. Once they got accepted into Texas University everyone thought she would relax, but naturally Olivia found something else to worry about.

What are things going to be like in Austin? Will Mom and Dad be okay without us? Will Faye mind being roommates? What if we grow further apart? What am I going to major in? She was so apprehensive and distressed, while Faye seemed excited and ready for the unknown.

As they drove in silence, Olivia thought about what she wanted to accomplish while they were still in Macon, Georgia. The Freshman Orientation was that weekend and both sisters still had a laundry list of things to do. They had six weeks before official move-in day and Olivia hoped to get more done before orientation, but her anxiety was running amuck.

The family felt it was best to get a psychiatrist near the university. She had some recommendations from her current psychiatrist, but was so busy reading and worrying over reviews that she failed to set up appointments to meet with them during the upcoming week. I could just walk-in and see which I like best. Olivia thought feeling at ease with a potential solution at hand.

Now, if only I can find a major that easily. She sighed. The entire family knew Faye would be majoring in Photography. It was a no brainer. Faye was one of the most talented photographers Olivia had ever known. Her pictures were unique and creative with a modern twist. She was happy that her sister had decided to pursue what she loved, but that left Olivia feeling alone, as she was still undecided.

That technically was a major. She thought sheepishly. Yeah, but I doubt Mom and Dad would approve of that. As they pulled up into their driveway, Olivia noticed her stepmother leaving through the back door. "Hey girls," she called. "Do either of you want to go with me to Costco?" Olivia loved Costco, so naturally she hopped out and into Tara's passenger's seat. Faye, however, gave a quick smile as she shook her head no and headed into the house.