Guns For Hands: A Violent Haven

Chapter 4

Harry’s POV

Like every traditional high school, we have a bunch of sweaty jocks who are always looking to set their authority. They get this strange idea from God knows where, up their ass I suppose, that because they play sports it makes them superior to all other students. I have a feeling that exists everywhere.

Two of the meatheads decided to join my photography class, which is the only reason I’m wasting thought on them. I’ve known most of them from Sophomore year, when they actually applied themselves and were able to be in my honors classes.

The ones in class were named Nick, and Luca. I’m pretty sure Nick’s full name was Nicholas, and he was notorious for bleaching his hair then lying about it. Then, there was Luca who was insanely fit. That’s all I know about them, but nothing in their personality tells me they should be allowed in my photography class.

It was the second day of working with your partner in class for the project. Which means, I’ll have to meet that strange girl outside of school soon. I’m not sure how that is going to go. Speaking of the girl who ignores the world, I haven't seen her since the park last night. Sometimes when we run into each other like that she sparks my curiosity. I found Emerson sitting at her desk and I decided to join her.

“Hey,” I said loudly. It was a little hard to hear, because of the roar of all the other students talking. Mrs. Williams gave up trying to quiet everyone down.

She had been writing in some book of hers since the beginning of the period. Just like last night, under that tree.

“Oh, right, sorry,” she stuffed the book into her bookbag. “I guess we should get started.”

“We have time, I mean that project isn't due for another two weeks and we need inspiration." I advised.

"What kind of inspiration and from where?" She asked, perplexed.

"Use your surroundings. For example look at dumb and dumber over there, do you know what reason they would have for taking this class?" I asked, motioning to Nick and Luca, and ignoring how nervous Emerson seemed.

“Uh,” She thought for a moment. “Maybe because it’s a fun class?”

I scoffed. What a ridiculous answer.

“Well, I only know them from walking around the hallway and obviously the pep rallies." She added.

“Do you have any connections with any of the others?” I questioned, egging on the meaningless conversation. I wanted to know what she thought of the jocks. Maybe I wasn't the only one who was convinced that they were dim-witted fools.

“I was actually friends with one of them in kindergarten,” she answered. “Latham, I think.”

Latham had large biceps, and once went through a long stripes phase. He grew his hair out, and was now obsessed with the Vans brand. I'm very observant.

“Oh, and Zach’s the good looking dick from my class,” she said.

“Why is he a dick?” I chuckled at the way she described him. I had always called him Zachary just to push his buttons when we were younger. He was always gentle, and laid back, so I was curious to how he turned out to be a pain in her life. I'm not sure why playing sports changed him.

“He asked me out once, and I said no,” she started. “And, it’s apparently against human nature to say no to a date with the astoundingly handsome Zachary Malik, so he goes out of his way to make me want to rip my hair off.”

“He is pretty handsome, you have to admit,” I said jokingly, wanting Emerson to smile. She was getting pretty heated.

“Oh, god,” she said with a slight smile.

Mission accomplished.

“So, what are we going to do for this project?” I asked, realizing how much time we wasted.

 **************************

 Class ended and we parted ways. As I walked home, I began to think back to the other night in the park. I had to draw my own conclusions as to why she was there. I don't think she is one for answering questions.

 **Flashback**

I snuck out my bedroom window and walked the six blocks to the park. I had no idea of the time or if my parents would worry, but I also didn't care.

I took my camera and began to take pictures on my way to the park. Trees, sticks, rocks the most meaningless and overlooked things were of the utmost interest to me as a photographer. Their abstraction was gorgeous.

As I made my way to the fountain in the middle of the park, I noticed a hunched figure sitting by the oak tree across from me. I walked over to the figure and the familiar characteristics began to form her identity.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as I approached her. She looked up at me and began to get up.

"Nothing, umm I have to go anyways." She quickly spoke.

"Wait," I said as I grabbed for her arm, "I've come to realize that I don't even know your name."

"That's because instead of introducing yourself, you stuck a camera in my face after staring at me."

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. I'm Harry."

"Emerson. I got to go. See you in photography." She walked away before we could exchange any more words.

**End of Flashback**

Emerson. The girl that I've been suddenly growing curious about was named Emerson.