Shooting Stars

Chapter 1: A Sexist Pig

Prologue

"Look Summer, shooting star, make a wish." I shut my eyes and made my wish searching in the depths of my heart, absolutely sure what I wanted. I opened my eyes and smiled at the sight. Taking out my Barbie disposable camera, I took a picture.

Chapter 1: A Sexist Pig

Ten years later

"Excuse me sir, sorry" I walked past the crowds of people in the subway. I was definitely not used to rush hour. I tried squeezing past yet another commuter yet ended up with my face against an old lady's droopy boob. I walked away quickly in disgust, making my way to the exit sign. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw the stairs leading to the daylight. I left the subway quickly and checked my watch; just on time. I spotted the building I was looking for, exactly as it had looked the night before on Google maps' and walked towards it. Sure enough in the polished windows was the nam "Belle" with the slogan,  "ordinary fashion, extraordinary people" I wasn't really sure what it meant, but it had always sounded so appealing to me. I checked my hair and clothes with the help of my reflection, I had chosen a grey skirt and my cream blouse, a professional look. Satisfied with how I looked, I entered the building, taking in its display of glam and luxury. I couldn't help but feel nervous.

This was my first real interview and what could be the entrance to my big break. I walked over to the reception where a very glamorous girl sat. Taking a deep breathe I said, "Hi I'm Summer Lloyd. I'm here for the social media job interview." I tried not to sound nervous. "Fifth floor, second corridor on the left, make sure to wear the visitor tag, wait outside the Social Media 2 room. Good luck!" I smiled at the girl and collected the tag, clipping it on. I took out my camera to look at my shots and called for an elevator. Just as the doors were about to close a brown haired guy about my age squeezed in. He checked me out and asked, "Do you work here?"

"No its my first interview actually."

"Oh me too" he said "So what are you hoping to work as, a model"

"A photographer" I told him, showing him my camera.

The boy gave me a funny look, "Sorry but isn't that job more for guys?"

"Excuse me" I half spat, annoyed at this guys sexism.

"Yeah in the fashion industry there are barely any female photographers."

I stifled a laugh. "I beg to differ"

"Please" he said, "What is a woman going to do snapping pictures of other half naked women , unless you're a player for the other side of course." Was this guy serious?

"I'm perfectly straight thank you" I half shouted, "And I intend to get this job so I can be in control of what girls see in magazines and give them art, not a piece of shit."

"How inspirational" the boy said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes.

"What do you do?" I asked him.

"I'm a photographer." I laughed meanly.

"And of course you must think you're better than me."

"Well I am a guy." I was getting very angry.

"You know what you are?" I shouted.

"Enlighten me" the boy replied teasingly.

"A sexist pig" I replied, pouring my whole coffee unto him. And with that I stepped out of the elevator hoping to never see that pig again. Of course I was wrong.

********************

"Well you seem to be a very good photographer" said the lady who was interviewing me. "Graduated from NYU, came second overall in the National Student Competition, interned in your local magazine. And you say this is your first interview?" "Yes ma'am" I replied nodding. "Well Miss Lloyd, let me ask you a question. I have interviewed many experienced photographers for this job, who have worked for many famous magazines', Vogue, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, the whole lot. What makes you think I should choose you?" Wow that was a hard one. I took a deep breath thinking and said, "Well ma'am all those photographers had a first interview, each of them got the opportunity to work with the best in the business. If you don't give me this job, you might passing away the opportunity to be the magazine who discovered a good photographer. I also come straight from college and I can add ideas which I have seen myself young girls appeal too." "Thank you Miss Lloyd" she replied smiling. Score!