Weeks have past with no contact from the soulful boy I met at the cafe. He had peeked my interest and left it there lost and deserted. I had framed his picture and placed it on my bed side table, where my newest projects usually began. It may seem creepy to others that I would take actions like this about a complete stranger, but to myself I was merely just curious as to what his story is. Sort of like a crime investigation but more simple and less violent. I had always taken an interest in the photographs of strangers because of their story, similar to peoples love for photos of eyes because of how they can show their soul. 

Once upon a time I had taken a whole collection of photos of a homeless person and their so called journey. I say journey because I decided, the day I met that innocent male, that I could help him find his path or help him feel more human. That photo-set was now a collage sprayed neatly across my kitchen walls in a sort of a timeline format.Now with the 1 photo I was hoping that soon there would be a timeline as well. That is why my habits consist of my camera never leaving my side. 

My alarm sang away with whatever my favorite tune was at the moment causing me to sit up smiling at the peeking sun through the double door curtains of my room. Throwing the blankets off I let my alarm clock switch to the radio station as I ran, stomping on clutter I had sprawled across the floor towards my closet. 

My schedule was a little rushed throughout the hours today. I had a duel meeting with my editor and agent, 2 photography sessions and then another meeting with a student who wished to shadow me. More than happy to oblige to all of these I quickly threw on some suitable work clothes that kept me comfortable, also known as jeans, a t-shirt and a scarf. 

Hurriedly I ran over more clutter and into my apartment living room where my bag sat each day. I unplugged my phone and ran myself out the door, down the stairs and across to the cafe that was situated conveniently across from my complex building.

"Morning Audrey!" sang the school boy who worked here due to being related to the owners. 

"Morning David," I grinned at him glad he had a sparkle in his eyes every time I saw him here. Many workers stopped by here in the early morning hours as I did. 

"What can I get you this morning?" he rested both hands on either side of the register as I searched the menu. 

"I'll go with a medium hot chocolate, per usual and a cookie. I'm feeling like I'm going to need some energy today," I fished out my wallet and easily took out a few dollar bills. 

"Coming right up," he began his multiple steps behind the counter as I moved aside letting a woman dressed in a suit, who was chatting on her phone, step up. 

Two kids, divorced and couldn't afford to stay at home or no kids, married and is a workaholic, I thought to myself. I never thought of peoples stories as negative of sorts more like an adventure. Especially how their actions in life could lead up to the way it is situated now.

"Here ya go," Scooping up the burning to go cup and paper bag with the cookie, I made my way out of the shop, my shoulder bag banging against my leg lightly as I walked. 

The meeting with my editor and agent ended in frustration (for them) as I skipped out of there unharmed by the rushed attitude they gave me. They were trying to get me to send them a new novel but I was not in anyway inspired enough to create a whole new universe. I was trying to figure out everyone else. From there I had my photography sessions a few blocks down at a rented studio. At this time of year I am over loaded with senior photos and that was precisely what both appointments were. 

First was a prom queen trainee, cheerleader and a someone that had too many secrets bottled up. As her smile spread across each photo, white teeth and all, I did not see a sparkle in her eyes. Her parents stood by watching her so intently I had to ask them to leave the room, it made even me feel claustrophobic. After that I requested the girl about her hobbies which always made people smile, no one cares about what they're being forced to do but they love their hobbies. 

My smile grew when I saw a little hint of sparkle show in her eyes as she goofed off in front of the camera. I knew that soon the sparkle would be squashed but I was hoping only good for her. 

Next was a boy who seemed pretty at ease and was average enough that the session passed by without a hitch. I had him sparkling all over the pictures as each flash brightened up his clear skin and shaggy hair. No parents came to this one, surely because there was no need or they were absent most of the time. I would never know but I didn't sense many hidden agendas. 

Hugging everyone of my clients goodbye I was now walking down through the city to a fast food place to meet the student for the discussion about shadowing me. I figured this was all they could afford if they were meeting me here of all places, no judgment here of course. Almost tripping inside I made my way towards a teenager looking male who sat with a burger half eaten in front of him.  

"Hello, are you Christian?" I stood diagonal of him and eyed his button up shirt, he kind of looked uncomfortable. He wasn't dressed up to a dime but his outfit showed more class than sport. 

"Oh yes! You must be Audrey!" his not perfect teeth showed to me as we shook hands and I took my seat across from him ready to answer any dying questions that I was hoping he had. 

"So you wanna shadow me? Is there any particular reason for me or did you just look for any photographer?" My feet sat placed against each other as I set down my bag next to me, ready to show him what he would be watching. I was eager to have someone who looked to me for help.

"Well my school has a lot of your work displayed around to help us in class. Oh yeah! I take a photography class! That's my main reason! I just wanted to see if it was worth a career option or if it was going to just stay a hobby," his speech did well for his character as a decent school boy. 

"Well I'm glad you take interest I'd love to show you the ropes. I didn't realize my artwork was so well appreciated," I couldn't help but feel my heart warm up to the thought of a class using my pieces as inspiration. 

"Well of course! It's amazing what you do with just a piece of equipment!" he practically squealed at me as I sat a little astonished. 

"Oh speaking of artwork is there any I can see of yours?" he jumped up and bent over to the backpack hidden under the table and came back up with a black portfolio binder. 

Eagerly I grabbed a hold of it and carefully opened it to find many black and white photos. Many of these were nature pictures focusing on the detail. A characteristic many photographers took a liking too. 

"So you like the details a picture can show you?" not missing a beat I flipped through the numerous flowers and sunsets and even animal pictures he had displayed. 

"Yes."

"Very well. I can teach you many things but my line of work focuses on the profile of people," happy to see the interest of photography still alive and well just like the pictures taken. 

"I'm up to learn about any type of photography really." 

"Then let your shadowing commence!" We set up a meeting time two days from now when my next senior pictures were scheduled so I could start him off easy and then departed

I made my way through the streets of countless bodies and stories towards my apartment. The wind forced me to move slower than I would have liked but an invisible force can't really be questioned. 

As I made my way into my apartment my phone went off unexpectedly, "Hello?" 

"Hi there. Audrey is it?" a deep raspy, but strong British accent, spoke through the receiver. 

"Yes it is and who am I speaking to?" I rested my phone on my shoulder as I kicked off my shoes and rested my bags down on the table. 

"I'm the John Doe from your Polaroid picture love," I stood still shocked. I instantly shot my eyes to the picture where I could see the silhouette of himself.

"Oh yes hello! I'm so glad you called," I grinned, jumping onto my bed crisscross apple sauce and grabbed his picture. 

"I said I would didn't I?"

"True you did. Well what do I owe this pleasure?" I played with my pant leg as my hair fell down my shoulder.

"I was wondering if you would like to go catch dinner sometime?" the huskiness from his voice was evident through each word. I was hooked and I didn't even know him yet. Love at first phone call maybe?

"Of course just tell me when and where and I'll be there," My nights always stayed open due to the clients preferring the daylight which helped my picture quality sometimes too. 

"Well I am not accustomed to the restaurants here so you pick the place and I'll give you the date?" his question sounded hopeful as I pondered the areas I had been. 

"Sounds perfect. Is this the number I can contact you from if plans were needed to be changed?" I dreaded the thought of never knowing him truly.

"Yes but I am hoping that outcome is avoidable." 

"Same honestly. So, how about olive garden? I do love their salads," I plopped further down, letting my legs hang over the edge of the bed.

"Sounds like a date. I'll text you the day and we'll go from there love," my stomach fluttered more than I could handle as we said our see you soon's. 

I just knew time was going to torture me and pass slowly till this date. I wasn't complaining though, I had a strong feeling that it would be worth the wait. 

Notes;

I don't know why but the italic aesthetic is my craving right now.