Issues

Beauty

Emily's POV

Our next stop for the day is this set of blocks in the Bronx. Street after street, beautiful murals and intricate graffiti tags cover the brick walls. We stop and take pictures in front of my favorites. Alison's playing rap music to help me get in the "mood of a pretty young thug" as she calls it. Only this girl could make me bust out laughing like this. A couple of kids playing in the street approach us and ask us what we are doing. Ali and I explain that we're just having fun taking pictures. This one little boy, probably around ten years old, asks if I want to play basketball with them.

"You're tall" he says. "You can help us win".

Of course I couldn't resist these little cuties so I decide to play along for a bit. I'm having the best time laughing, playing, and being goofy with these kids. I look over on occasion and see Ali standing on the sidelines laughing and  snapping a few pictures.

"Alright guys, I should head out. But thanks for letting me play with you guys. I had a lot of fun" I say giving them all high fives.

The same little boy that asked me to play replies, "Hey, before you go, lemme get your number pretty young thang".

I couldn't help but laugh. I bend down to his level and say, "While I'm flattered, you see that beauty over there? I'm with her".

His eyes widened and he says, "Well dang. It was worth a shot though".

"Sorry little man. Your queen will come one day" I say standing up again and waving goodbye.

Next up, we head to Manhattan for a "fragrant surprise" as she describes it. I'm pretty sure we're going to the big, extensive garden with hundreds of types of butterflies. Sure enough, I was right.

"Oh I've never been here before. I've always wanted to though" I say taking her hand and walking inside. This place is seriously beautiful and smells amazing. Ali and I just casually walk around and explore the garden while I occasionally stop to strike a pose.

"Wait. Don't move" Ali says suddenly. "A butterfly is flying close to your face. Maybe it will land on you".

Before she could finish the sentence, a large Monarch butterfly lands on my cheek causing Alison to snap photos left and right.

"What are you? A butterfly whisper?" I say laughing.

"I have many hidden talents" she replies jokingly.

For the rest of the day, Alison takes me to the zoo, the aquarium, a chocolate factory, lunch at a little Italian restaurant, and the waterfront just across the Statue of Liberty. I'm seriously having the best day with her. The thing I'm noticing most of all is just how comfortable I am with her behind the camera. I've never been this relaxed with another photographer. She's made this day so relaxing and effortless with her quick, spunky humor and her perfect timing with capturing moments. I can't wait to see how all of these photos have turned out.

"Ready to head back to my place" Ali asks while taking my hand. "I think I have everything I need".

"Sounds great" I reply happily. We walk towards the subway station to head back to her place. Once at the station, we wait for the subway and I take this moment to share with her how I'm feeling in the moment. "Ali, I just really want to say thank you for today. This was such a fun idea and you've really made me feel even more comfortable with you. And... I don't know. I'm just really happy right now" I say as I begin to blush.

Stepping closer to me, Ali replies smiling, "I'm so happy you had fun today. I did too. It's been awhile since I've stared through the lens of a camera and it felt right to see you on the other end of it".