Through The Lens | ✓

18

"I'm not getting you a new camera, Camilla, and that is the end of it," my mama told me sternly that Thursday morning.

I groaned loudly. "But, Mama!"

She shook her head. "No buts!" I turned around and grabbed my camera from my camera bag hanging by the front door.

I held it up. "Look at it! Just look at it! It's totaled." She didn't look at the camera.

"You'll deal," she said in a tone that I hated. That stern I-Am-The-Mother-And-You-Better-Listen-To-Me tone.

"But, Mama. Taking photos is my life. I can't have my life without taking pictures," I pointed out. She crossed her arms. 

"That's not true, Camilla." 

I rolled my eyes childishly. "Yes, it is." I didn't want to fight with my mama, but it was my only option. I had to keep taking pictures of Finlay.

"Stop it, Camilla. This is the end of this conversation. I am not getting you a new camera. If you want a camera, get one yourself. Earn some money somehow like all of the other children in the world."

I stared at her, not saying a word. She turned around and went to the living room, picking up her People magazine. I stomped my foot, again, childishly, and ran upstairs.

I went up to my window and stared out it. There wasn't any snow, but it still looked very cold outside. I pushed open my window to get some fresh air. To calm myself down.

"Something wrong?" I looked up. Payton had his own window open, his head sticking out into the cold air.

I played with my fingers. "Yes."

He leaned his elbows on the sill. "I'm listening." 

I took a breath of the cold winter air before speaking. "My mom won't get me a new camera after mine broke yesterday."

"Was it after you took a picture of Bookworm?" he asked sarcastically. What the heck did he have against Finlay?

I didn't say anything.

"You're not saying anything," he observed. "I knew it! He's bad luck, I'm telling you."

I rolled my eyes at him and his superstition. "Anyways, she just made me really mad. My camera and picture taking are my life. Can't leave without them. I might die."

He chuckled. "You won't die, Camilla." He paused. "Not with me around."