Taming The Family

21. Arianna Black

Levi's P.O.V.

My left hand rested in my jean pocket while my right had held the list up to my face. My brown eyes studied the small scrap of paper with annoyance. "What is a Gusher and where would I find Safeway?"

My hand rummaged through my hair as continued to read the list. Then a quiet feminine voice caught my ears. "Safeway is a few blocks from here."

I looked up in surprise and across the sidewalk was a woman with something in her hand. She looked my age and had a calm presence around her.

Pencil straight blonde hair fell down the shoulders of her black sweater. The grey eyes in her head were so calm and so busy all at once. A delicate smile played on her lips as she lowered the item in her hands.

"It's that way." I looked to where her finger was pointing and nodded. She held the thing up to her face again and it made a few clicking noises.

With a confused expression I walked up behind her. "What is that?" Her finger pressed a button on the black item before her head turned around. "A camera."

"What does it do??" I asked earning a smile from her. "It takes pictures." She informed, turning the item sideways. I shoved both my hands in my pockets and tilted my head sideways. "What's a picture?"

She slowly turned her entire body around and pointed the thing at my face. "I'll show you. Smile!"

"Why?" I asked gently. "Just do it." I shrugged and used the best smile I could find.

The item clicked a few times and her grey eyes twinkled. She bit down on her lower lip and turned the device around. "See?" It was me inside the small square, frozen in time and my eyes widened. "That's incredible!"

She looked down at the ground and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She sent me a soft smile before turning around. "You do this often?" I asked, gesturing to the wall her camera was pointed at.

She nodded and remained focused on the screen that was casting a glow on her grey eyes. I watched as every movement she took was calculated and peaceful.

"Not to be rude, because I do not want to disrespect you in any way! I'm-I'm just curious." She didn't meet my eyes but I could see a soft smile pulling at her lips.

I cleared my throat and scratched the nape of my neck. "Why?" She lowered her camera slightly so she had room to turn her head. "Because... A picture can be interpreted in so many ways. And each person has a different background that influences their point of veiw. I like to take pictures of things that most people don't think about."

She paused to point to the brick wall in front of us. "At first glance, you just see a wall. Some people might even see the dents, posters, and graffiti that's on the surface." She licked her lips and knelt on the ground. I waited for her to continue as she tucked her camera inside a small bag.

"But what I see is the thought, work, sweat, and care that was involved in the construction. The people who worked all day to provide for their families. Their wives, children, elders."

She pushed herself back onto her feet and laid the strap of the bag over her shoulder. "That's why I take pictures." My brown eyes had widened slightly and my heart rate quickened. I smiled and looked back to the wall. "You sound like a very honorable person."

She gave me no reply and left me to admire the wall in a different light. "What should I call you?" I met her gentle gaze and smiled. "Levi. What should I call you?" She breathed a sigh and stuck out her hand. "Arianna."

I skeptically looked had her hand before giving her a questioning eyebrow. "You shake it, darling, I won't bite." She commented with a sarcastic tone, although it was much softer than Tony's.