Right Into Place

Four

Taylor kept taking pictures of the place for God knows whatever reason. According to her, photography is her favourite hobby apart from writing and I've no idea how good she is because she never showed any picture to me. Not that I expect her to do that, I know how it goes. You only show your work of art to someone you know will care about it.

"Harry, are you sure you really want me to take it? This thing is wonderful!" Taylor said but she's not holding it. In fact, she left it on the counter while I am mindlessly watching a movie from my laptop.

I did not reply anymore. She should probably realise the concept of "silence means yes."

I heard a slight shutter from her camera, DSLR, exactly and then there are flashes every once in a while.

"Hey Harry," she called.

My mind couldn't think of the proper response for the moment so. . . "Hmm?"

"If I wanted to write an article about this place, would you approve?" She asked.

Even if did not, most still keep writing about it. There's no limit to it. "No," I answered gravelly.

"Oh? Okay."

I tried ignoring it but I heard the defeat in her usually hopeful voice. I can't keep doing this, even for a stranger, she's already crossed some boundaries I normally would keep off limits.

I saw another flash from the left side of the room so I turned my head to face her.

She was smiling, the kind of smile only kids would usually have as it is very enthusiastic. "Oops, the flash went off." Although she doesn't sound regretful.

"Did you just take a picture of me?"

Taylor shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not. Who knows?" She smiled and then started skipping around.

I've got no time to spare for her little jokes. "Delete it."

"No."

"Delete it," I repeated firmly.

"No way."

"Stop playing games with me," I said very calmly.

She stopped in her tracks and faced me, obviously trying to figure out if I mean my tone or not. I've got no idea what's running through her head at all. All I can see is confusion but the rest, none.

"When's your birthday?" She asked. Out of everything I expected her to say, she had to go with something excluded from the list.

The door opened up, revealing a group of teenagers. I saw the surprise in their faces and it's not a good surprise. "The cafe is two doors to the left," I said.

"Oh. Thanks." One of the girls said and then walked out. I get this thing a lot.

When I got back to Taylor, her jaw is still dropped so I tried to remember the last points of our conversation. "Why would you want to know my birthday?!" I scoffed, getting back to the mood we were in earlier.

"Nothing. I just want to change the subject because you're creeping me out. You're scary at times."

Well, she does not need to say that because I know I can be at times. I nodded along, just to let her know that I took no offence.

My watch beeped and it's already six p.m. "You should probably go home now. It'll be dark soon."

The camera flashed to my direction again.

I frowned, showing my clear disapproval at whatever she's doing. When I gazed at her, all I see was her innocent smile, showing her remorselessness.