Chapter 1: The Beginning

My name is Max Caulfield...and I'm in Hella deep shit.

Earlier that day:

"...I could frame any one of you in a dark corner, and capture you in a moment of desperation."

...Damn I must have spaced out again! What did he say? Ugh...waste of my tuition right here! I came to Blackwell specifically for THIS class and I can't even hold my attention long enough to hear a full lecture! It's not that Jefferson is a boring speaker...quite the contrary. I love to listen to him talk...too much. The things he could do to me with that voice alone... Fuck my life! I hate hormones. Suddenly I take a Selfie with my camera. *Camera Flash* Shit...all eyes turn to look my way. Forgot about the flash. Fuck my life!

"Shh, I believe Max has taken what you kids call a "selfie"... A dumb word for a wonderful photographic tradition. And Max... has a gift. Of course, as you all know, the photo portrait has been popular since the early 1800's. Your generation was not the first to use images for selfie-expression. Sorry. I couldn't resist. The point remains that the portraiture has always been a vital aspect of art, and photography, for as long as it's been around. Now Max, since you've captured our interest and clearly want to join the conversation, can you please tell us the name of the process that gave birth to the first self-portraits?"

Oh Shit...I know this...fuck what was it...

" …The Daguerreian Process? Invented by a French painter named... Louis Daguerre. Around 1830-ish?" I say haltingly.

" Somebody has been reading, as well as posing. Nice work, Max!" He says with a smirk.

Whew...way to go Maximum...ha-ha

Visibly I relax as everyone's line of sight once again switches back to Mr. Jefferson as he brings his lecture to a close and begins to inform us again of the Everyday Hero's photo contest...

*Bell Rings*

" And guys don't forget the deadline to submit a photo in the "Everyday Heroes" Contest. I will fly out with the winner to San Francisco where you'll be feted by the art world. It's great exposure and it can kickstart a career in photography. So, Stella and Alyssa, get it together. Taylor don't hide, I'm still waiting for your entry too. And yes Max, I see you pretending not to see me."

Shit! I guess I should be flattered that he bothers to nag me about my entry at all.

I pick up my supplies and start shoving them into my bag. Seeing Victoria snag Mr. Jefferson's attention, I make a bee line for the door.

"I see you, Max Caulfield. Don't even think about leaving here until we talk about your entry."

Almost! Dammit...well better get this over with...

I turn around and walk back towards Mr. Jefferson's desk. Victoria gives me a nasty look.

"Can't you see that I'm talking to Mr. Jefferson right now?" Victoria questions venomously.

"Victoria would you excuse us? You know when my office hours are." He tells her dismissively.

Scoffing Victoria stomps off in a silent rage, slamming the door on her way out.

" Now, we need to talk about your entry for the contest." He says with a chuckle.

" Well, I don't have an entry yet...sir." I say nervously.

I avoid his eyes as his stare turns icy.

"Dammit Max... you have talent! I feel you are missing an opportunity here. If you could just have some confidence in your own work, I know you could find a suitable entry. Hell, I know you have taken hundreds of pictures so far! There has to be something that would work! I'm not letting you off the hook this time Max Caulfield! I expect your entry to be turned in by the end of the day today." He says with a tone of finality.

"Y-yes Sir!" I squeak.

"It's a date then, Max! See you this afternoon." He says with an oh so confident smile. His previous anger seemingly forgotten.

I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding.

Damn...he can be sexy when he wants to be. I know he is just joking but D to the A to the M to the fucking N!

As I stumble out of his class all I can think is: I am Max Caulfield and I'm in Hella deep shit.