The Oracle

Chapter 10

"Uh... just lean forward a little more. A little more." Justin held the camera in his hands, trying to keep it steady. It seemed to only be getting heavier. He focused the camera on Cassie as she knelt on the ground reaching for the mask. The backdrop was all white, so the the black was a nice contrast. A black shirt with black shorts. Her long, cloud-like hair tumbled down her back. The purple streaks were a nice contrast as well.

"Like this?"

"Exactly," Justin stepped a little further back. "Now keep still."

"... Have you taken it yet?"

"No..."

"...Now?"

"Not yet.."

"What are you waiting for? I'm going to go stiff!"

"That is the idea." He mumbled.

"You've already taken it, haven't you?"

"A few minutes ago."

Cassie dropped to the ground with a thud. Justin towered over her, the camera dangling around his neck. "I hate you." Cassie said, her joints aching. Justin took another photo and laid down beside her. He was wearing a white shirt with denim jeans. They agreed that the look had to be simple.

"I could stay here forever. What's the time?" Justin asked. They were pretty much sure they were the only students working on their photography project on a Saturday.

"It's seven thirty." Cassie slid her phone back into her pocket. "We've been working on this since the morning." She groaned.

"We're dedicated students." He turned to his side and faced Cassie. She giggled. "What?"

"Your hair. Is it always in your eyes?"

Justin shrugged. "I should probably cut it some time soon."

"Don't." Cassie murmured. "I like it how it is." For awhile they just laid there.

"I should probably go." Justin stood up abruptly. "Mum's probably expecting me home soon."

"Oh. Yeah." Cassie woke up from her daze and stood up. "Same time tomorrow?" Justin nodded. And with that, Cassie lead him to the door.

*

"So what's the plan today?" Justin asked as he and Cassie were in the basement on Sunday.

"Not much. We just have to blend my face out and add some finishing touches whilst editing it."

"Really?" Justin raised an eyebrow. "We'll be finished by twelve."

"I know. We better get a good mark."

"Since when did Miss Kerr care about marking fairly?"

"That's true." Cassie mumbled. "But I'm really proud of it. No matter what we get."

"Yeah, same."

"I'll go get my laptop." Cassie headed to her room. She didn't come back for awhile.

"Where have you been?" Justin asked, looking up from his camera. "I was starting to get worried."

Cassie lingered by the doorway. "Things fall apart. They fall apart so hard."

Justin set the camera on the floor while he sat on the stool. "Cassie?"

"You can never.." she sighed. "Put them back the way they were."

Justin's face softened once he realised what she was talking about. "Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry. It's just... " She took a breath and walked closer. "You know it takes time. You can't just have coffee and expect-"

"I know." Justin spoke with softness.

"There's just so much to work through. Trust us to be built again. On both sides." Justin was starting to get nervous. He noticed that she was. "You have to learn if we're even the same people we were. If you can fit in each other's lives.. It's a long and important process... Can we just skip it?" Cassie looked at Justin, afraid but hopeful. "Can you just be kissing me now?"

Justin's face was blank. It wasn't until the realisation hit, did a smile form on his lips. They walked to each other and he placed his lips on hers. It was soft and tentative. Justin's mouth moved slightly, opening just a hint, capturing her top lip in his. When he felt her sigh into his mouth, he took as a positive sign. The way she opened her mouth to him completely was unmistakable. He felt her warmth, the way she was still fidgeting on his chest nervously. She was warm and soft. Her tongue met his, and they felt like they were melting into each other. A feeling they could both easily get used to. Looking back on it, they couldn't believe each other. They were responding to each other, using tantalising slow movements with their tongues. Justin felt Cassie arms rest on his shoulders, then around his neck. Justin then pulled away. Cassie's cheeks were flushed. Justin's breath slowed down as he smiled shyly.