Through The Lens

Chapter One

I watched my best friend pull up outside my house and zipped up my coat.

"Grandma?" I called. "Reed is here! I'll be home later, okay? Your dinner is in the microwave. Just press start!"

"Have fun, pumpkin!" The quiet voice replied.

I smiled and double checked that I had my school work and most importantly my Canon Rebel t5.

"Hey girl!" Reed hung out her window as I stepped outside.

I chuckled and climbed into the passenger seat of her blue Volkswagen bug. "Hi, Reed. How was your weekend?"

"It was eventful to say the least." She started up the car. "How was yours? Did you get that oral com assignment done?"

I nodded. "Yup. Sent it to Dr. Parker last night."

"Well good! You were really worried about that." Reed pulled the car out onto the main road and drove towards campus.

I glanced over at her and smiled. "So what was so interesting about your weekend?"

"Hmm, well let's just say that Robert and I barely left my bed and when we did no clothes were worn."

My nose scrunched up. "Seriously Reed? Don't your roommates ever get tired of you and Robert doing it all weekend?"

She shrugged. "I wouldn't know. First off, they hate me and I hate them. And second, they were at the Alpha Beta Gamma party all weekend."

I rolled my eyes. "Regardless, I am surprised you've stuck with him this long. Your last two guys were gone in a week."

"There's something about Robert that makes him more attractive than the others."

I nodded.

"What about you, Mari? When are you going to find a man?"

I shrugged and glanced out the window. "I don't know, Reed. I'm not actively looking."

"Maybe you should."

"A boyfriend just isn't really on my list of necessities right now."

"Hmm, well I have a couple of friends. Can I set you up?"

I groaned. "Reed. I don't want a boyfriend."

My best friend chuckled. "Okay, okay. Fine."

I shook my head as we pulled into the parking lot on campus. We go to Los Angeles City College as Business Administration majors. Reed is minoring in Journalism and I'm minoring in Photography. We have two weeks until graduation.

When she'd parked, we hopped out and headed towards the building.

"Am I taking you home today?" Reed asked.

I nodded. "Please. If you could."

"When do you get your clunker of a truck back from the shop?"

"Hopefully tomorrow. I'm actually hoping they'll call me today with the cost so I can get it before class tomorrow." I explained. "I'd really love to have tomorrow afternoon to take pictures for my portfolio."

"What about your grandma?" Reed asked softly. "What have you decided?"

I sighed. "I don't know Reed. I really don't know what to do anymore. I love my grandma more than anything and I know she needs more help than I can give her. I just don't have the heart to put her in assisted living."

Reed patted my shoulder. "You'll do the right thing, girl. I know it. I'm here for you okay?"

I nodded and gave her a small smile. "Thank you."