Photograph

Chapter 2

The guy standing behind me resembles most of the men in William's family: ridiculously tall. His hair is blonde and adds approximately three inches to his height.

"You're Lucas," I affirm.

"Luke, yeah that's me," he says, pointing to the card with his name on it. "You are?"

"I am having trouble finding my name," I say.

He looks down at the name card in front of him. "Are you Annalise Storm?"

He pulls my chair out for me and I take a seat. "Thank you," I smile at him.

"You are welcome. I guess know one wants to join us," he says, looking around our empty table.

"They will once the food begins to be served."

"So you're Gabrielle's...?" He trails on.

"Cousin," I fill in. He looks at me as if he's trying to figure out something.

"So am I," I raise an eyebrow at him. "William's cousin."

"I figured, you guys are all so tall. But I think you're cheating though, your hair gives you a couple inches," I say. He laughs and shakes his head.

"You're the first one that points that out," he replies, "but, I had to look presentable today with this being the wedding of the year and all."

"It's like a fairytale," I look around, taking in all the lights that will light up at twilight. 

"Especially this castle," he points towards the house. "It's huge."

"You found your seat," Gabriella says, joining us with her new husband. "I'm sorry we moved them last minute."

"Congradulations!" I say, getting up to hug them both. "This is perfect. You two are incredibly perfect together, I wish you two the best in life."

"Thank you," she says, squeezing me tightly. "You look so beautiful."

"Don't," I say. "No one is allowed to look better than you. That was Erika's job."

William begins to laugh as he hugs me, then he turns to Luke. "I'm sorry we split you guys up, but you have great company here. Annalise is incredible."

"She seems like it," he says, smiling at me. I look at Gabriella and she winks at me. 

"She is. He isnt too bad, either," William adds. "But if you annoyed you can come get us and we'll switch your seat."

"I wish I could give Gabriella the same advice about you," Luke replies, receiving a punch in his right arm. 

They leave after we finish congradulating them and we take our seats. The food is delicious and everyone is engaged in the conversation, so this seating arrangement was not a disaster. Denver and Luke begin talking about certain music groups they like, the concerts they've been to, and which video games are the best. It's really interesting to see how two different families can be joined together because of two individuals who love each other. The sun is starting to set and the clouds are turning a beautiful pinky color. I know it's polution, but it's lovely. I leave the table and walk around to take a few photographs. 

"You like sneaking off at weddings?" a voice startles me. "You're going to get lost, then Gabriella won't have her beautiful bridesmaid."

"I won't get lost," I assure him.

"I wouldn't be too sure about that," he replies.

"No, really. I live here," I inform him. 

"Ahh, so you are the princess of this castle," he says, pointing the white house in the distance. I shake my head at his comment and look up at the beaufitul colors the clouds are turning.

"So," I begin, "if you and William get along so well, why weren't you a part of the wedding?"

"William and I do get on really, really well," he agrees. "but I couldn't be a part of it because my schedule wouldn't permit it." 

"You're like twenty," I assume, "how busy can your schedule be?"

"Luke!" a dark, haired guy calls. Dressed a similar black tuxedo, the guy walks over to us. "Come on."

"Alright," Luke agrees, joining his friend. 

I watch him disappear into the crowd of dancing bodies, leaving me alone with my camera.