Max looked again at the address on her phone. Yes, this is the place. An old apartment complex is not what after expected. She eyed the sagging iron fence and dilapidated gates.
Cool it, Max, she told herself. Your place isn't that great either.
Taking one last look at the fading paint on the buildings, she bunched her shoulders and walked in. Whoever wrote the address paid attention to appearances. Building J studio 23, sounded much better than apartment 23. Opening the gate, which she realized had a broken lock, she began to have doubts.
The lady seemed so professional over email. Max didn't expect to find a game studio in such a place. Looking one more time at her phone, she locked it and stuck it in her pocket. Adjusting her backpack, which held her camera equipment and small portfolio, she walked under the trees toward the back of the complex.
Building J was the furthest from the entrance. A lot of the cars she passed looked like they haven't moved in months. Shouting came from some of the units, making her walk faster. She was starting to get nervous as she finally reached the building.
Taking a deep breath, she let it out, focusing on the way her body moved and responded to it. She did it a couple more times before starting the climb.
The stairs creaked and swayed under her as she climbed. With white knuckles on the banister she made it to the top. "If this works out I'll need to get used to that," she thought as she straightened her clothes and composed herself.
Movement sounded inside after her knock but no one came. Knocking again she began fumbling with a strap on her backpack. Please be here, she thought.
"One moment!" Came a voice from inside. It sounded young and female, or maybe that was just wishful thinking to put herself at ease. The door swung open a moment later. "Can I help you?" The young woman looking at Max had straight dark hair under a beanie and a dark hoodie.
Pasting a smile on her face, Max stuck out her hand. "Hi, I'm Max Caulfield." The woman looked at her blankly a moment before saying, "oh wow! I am rolling nothing but one's today. Come in! Come in!"
Holding the door wide, she stepped aside beckoning Max to enter. Wiping her feet, she stepped into a sparsely furnished, clean apartment. After closing the door, the woman led Max to a small table in the living room. "Can I get you a water or something?"
Max nodded, saying, "Yes a water would be great." The nearest bus stop was a ten minute walk and, although the autumn day wasn't too warm, she had built up a thirst on the hike. The woman, Steph she thought the name was, disappeared into the small kitchen. A moment later she returned, two bottles of water in hand. Giving one to Max, she ushered her into the living room.
Taking a seat at the table, she waved Max to a chair and cracked open the water. "So you're Max, and I'm Steph. I want to say the pics you shared look like just what we need."
Swinging her bag to the front as she sat, Max said, "Thank you. It's always great to hear praise for your art. Tell me more about what you need." Setting the bottle of water on the table she opened it but didn't take a drink.
"My partner, Beth, and I are creating a video game. It's a narrative, choice-driven game where you play as a young woman," Steph said, leaning forward in her chair. "We want to model the environment after pictures of real places."
"And that's where I come in?" Max opened her bag to pull out her portfolio.
"Yes. Those samples you sent looked great. You said you had better shots in your portfolio."
Opening her portfolio Max slipped a few prints from it and placed them on the table. A young woman, a group of buildings, some wildlife. While Steph poured over them, Max opened the water and took a drink. Its coolness did much to calm and refresh her. Steph seemed nice, and rather enthusiastic over her project.
Right now the woman was making appreciative sounds over each of the prints Max placed on the table. Her eye in particular was drawn to the cluster of buildings. Max was particularly proud of that picture. She had captured the buildings at just the perfect time of day to bring some of their hidden lines into soft relief.
"In our email conversation you said you preferred to work with analog equipment," Steph said as she moved on to the next picture.
Setting down the water bottle, Max looked at her portfolio. "Yes. I really like the feel the old analog cameras bring to my work. Especially when it comes to developing the film. There are so many tricks and things you can do both during exposure, and when developing, that bring a different life to the picture."
She realized she was gushing about her art. Steph was staring at her with an unreadable look. Max shut her mouth with a click as a soft warmth crept up her neck.
"And the shots you'd do for us, would they be digital or analog?"
"It would be…according to what you need. Since you want to use the pictures in your video game, digital seems appropriate."
Steph stared at her a while longer, the photo of the wildlife forgotten in her hand. At last she set it down. "No, I think what we need is the analog version. We can scan it in."
Max opened her mouth to protest but Steph cut her off with a smile. "The passion you showed when speaking about old style pictures? That's the passion Beth and I bring to our project. We want anyone we hire to bring a similar passion about their work."
Swallowing her response, Max opened the bottle and took another swig. "So, uh…tell me about the shots you need, and payment."
Still smiling, Steph said, "payment and shots were specified in the contract I sent you. Didn't you read it?"
"Yes…ur I mean I had my lawyer read it." Mom. I had my mom read it. She's a lawyer.
Raising her eyebrows at that, Steph asked, "and what did your lawyer say about the contract?"
That it seemed way too short, but otherwise nothing was amiss. "That it was ok, both of our interests are protected."
Nodding, Steph got up and walked to a small bookcase. It was crammed with books and papers and many other things. Pulling a folder from it, she walked back to the table and dropped it in front of Max.
"$5000 up front. We pay per shot, $50 for the ones we accept. A list of shots are outlined in Schedule A, which we can discuss in detail right now…if you're interested."
Max felt like her mouth was in her lap. $5000! She couldn't remember having that much money at once. That was more than she got in two months at her other two jobs!
"Y-yes," she stammered, trying to get a handle on herself. Steph was smiling at her funny as she reseated herself. I think I lost any additional negotiation I could have done, Max thought to herself.
The next hour or so was spent with the two of them hammering out details of each shot. There was a total of fifty shots requested, with four angles on each. If this worked out…something was fluttering strangely in Max's stomach. She could put a serious dent in her student loan debt with this job.
At the end both she and Steph were satisfied with the details for each shot. Steph pulled out a laptop and transferred their notes to the contract. While she typed, Max finished her water and leaned back in the chair. She allowed herself to relax a little and looked around the apartment.
The room they were in was quite spacious, serving as both a dining room and living room. Its furniture looked like it had been transferred direct from a college dorm. She supposed it was. "When did you graduate," she asked as her hands fiddled with the empty bottle.
"Huh? Oh, this past spring. Beth and I graduated at the same time. What about you?"
This past spring? They must be close in age then. "The same." Steph grunted something and continued typing.
Max looked at the futon near her, a couple of colorful throw pillows decorated it. One had pictures of dice. Not the regular six-sided kind, but ones she hadn't seen in a long time. "Do you play D&D?"
"Yeah, though it's been a few months since our last session. Most of our time is spent on work and this game."
Lifting her eyebrows at the comment, Max looked back at Steph. "Work? I thought you and Beth worked on the game full time?"
A snort issued from Steph and she stopped typing and looked up. "I wish. We have some grant money to help fund it. That's what we're paying you from. But it's not enough to cover our living expenses and develop a game. Beth and I also have part time jobs to cover our expenses."
Shifting uncomfortably, Max returned her gaze to her lap. "Ah, I thought maybe she was out and that you just worked on the game all the time."
"Really I wish that is how it was. When we got the grant money we were so excited. Beth wanted to throw this huge party to celebrate, among other things."
Her typing stopped again and Steph looked away from Max into the distance. "Of the two I'm the practical one. Once I pointed out all the things we needed, Beth…understood. She didn't like it, but she agreed to it." Her gaze returned to Max, a broad smile now on her face. "We still had a party, but it was mostly a private one and in a budget we could afford."
Max wondered what that would be like, to have a party. She hadn't been to a party since…well since forever. Her fingers began peeling back the label on the bottle as she waited for Steph to finish the contract.
The TV in the corner, with several game consoles under it, captured her attention. Ooh, games, she thought, the last game I played was Hawt Dawg Man with… Shaking her head to wrest the thought from it, she looked down. Her fingers had removed the label in little strips now piled on her lap.
Shooting a glance at Steph, Max carefully picked up the bits of paper and dumped them in her bag.
"All done!" Max looked up almost spilling the paper on the floor. Steph was rising from the chair. A loud noise from the corner drew her eyes. A small printer rested on a TV tray, currently spitting out paper. Steph grabbed the papers, straightened them, and returned to place them in front of Max. "Check them and make certain all the details we discussed are right."
Scanning each page, Max found that Steph was very scrupulous in capturing all their notes. "These are great," she said, placing them on the table.
"Nothing to change then?"
"No, you got all the details correct."
"All that's left then is to sign."
Picking up the pen, Max turned her attention to the contract. Initialing each page, she worked her way to the end of the document. A little thrill went through her at seeing her business name: TimeStop Photography, L.L.C.
This was her first official job that was close to what she really wanted to do. Weddings, graduation photos, family reunions and similar were ok. They were not what she wanted. She wanted to do Art. She was practical though and knew the other jobs were what helped pay her bills.
"How'd you come up with that business name?"
Steph's question startled her and Max almost dropped the pen. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts she hadn't noticed Steph peering closely at her.
I can stop time to get unreal photos. I can rewind to fix mistakes. "It's kind of a play on words. Photographs capture little pieces of time." Max barely heard his voice anymore when she said that. She still wondered what had possessed her to choose that name, except that it is a great name.
Nodding at Max's explanation, Steph said, "You pay attention to details. I mean you kind of have to to be great photographer, but you pay attention even to the things that aren't seen."
Ducking her head as Steph spoke, Max let the praise wash over her. "Yeah…" She looked up at Steph. "I kind of have to." A faint smile painted her lips as she spoke to Steph. Gripping the pen, she scrawled her name and date on the contract than passed both to Steph.
After signing, Steph took the contract to the printer, which also functioned as a copier. While the device made copies for both of them, Steph asked, "Have you played D&D?"
"Not in many years." Not since…again she wrested her mind into the here and now.
"I'm hoping to get a group together soon. Are you interested in joining us?"
Her heart began pounding a little faster, requiring her to do one of her breathing exercises. Joining a group of strangers in a group activity that required a lot of talking?
"Counting Beth and myself there would only be two or three others. Not counting you, of course."
Four or five people? She could handle that. Maybe. "Y-yes, I'd love to." She kept to herself that since moving here after graduation she had no social life. Work and pursuing her art kept her very busy. It's not like she had the greatest social life in college, or high school, or really ever. It felt good to be invited to something. "I'll need at least five days notice though, to make certain I'm not working."
"Five days? I think I can swing that." Steph walked over and placed a copy of the signed contract in front of Max. "Here's your copy. I'm hoping you have the first four scenes soon, by this or next weekend. Those will keep us occupied for a while."
Grabbing the copy and stuffing it into her bag, Max rose. "I've already got ideas for those scenes. If nothing happens I should have something for you by this weekend."
Sticking her hand out, Steph said, "That's great. Well I have to get back to it."
Looking at the hand, Max slowly took it and they shook. "I kind of hoped I'd meet both of you."
"Sorry, Max. Beth had to work today and won't be home for a few hours yet. Oh! Drat I'm rolling a one again!" Dropping her hand, Steph scurried from the living room into the hall and disappeared. Moments later she came back, a large checkbook in her hand.
Within moments she had filled out a check, removed it, and handed it to Max. The number 5000 filled Max's vision. She hadn't held that much money before. Her hands trembled a little as she held the check.
Dimly her mind told her Steph was still speaking. "Oh…uh, what?"
Steph laughed. "Is that the most money you've ever had?"
Grinning sheepishly, Max placed the check into her portfolio inside her bag. "Is it that obvious?"
"Very. Listen, would you like me to walk you to an atm or someplace where you deposit it? You seem a bit…nervous and I'd hate for someone to target you with that much money on you."
What? Max looked at the dark haired girl more closely. Nothing about Steph seemed off. The girl was quite genuine with her offer.
"That's very nice of you, Steph. I appreciate it. It's not needed though. I'll be ok." And if someone tries to take it, they'll run into more trouble than they bargained for.
"Ok. Take care then, Max and I look forward to your next visit."
"Thanks, Steph. Next time I'll have some of your pictures ready for you."
With that, Max left the apartment. The first thing she wanted to do was deposit that check. Despite her confidence she didn't want to chance walking around with it. Making her way back to the bus stop, she checked the routes and planned the rest of her day.
Within an hour she had deposited the check and was on the last bus to her first destination. There was plenty of light left in the day and if rain didn't happen she should be able to get at least one of the shots done.
Fingering the strap on her pack as she rode Max thought about this job and Steph and Beth. It was still hard to believe she'd found the posting, at her job of all places. The email exchanges had gone so well she'd become a bit suspicious.
Part of her was still in disbelief. It would take some time for the check to clear and she didn't want to touch that money until it did. In the meantime she could start working on the pictures Steph and Beth needed.
What kind of person was Beth? There wasn't much in the apartment to indicate whether Beth was old or young. The little bit of character in the living room seemed to belong to Steph. Two girls building their own video game. She shook her head, amazed at what those two wanted to do.
Max really hoped they were legit and their game would succeed. Not because her name would be on it as well, but because she knew the game industry was not kind to its members. Female members, well, that was even worse.
Before she could sink much time into that she arrived at her stop. Shouldering her bag, she stepped from the bus and began to explore the area.
The contract had not specifically mentioned Pioneer Square, but it was the first thing Max had in mind. An open area where people were common, a mixture of building architecture, and plant life. It was an eclectic request and fit Pioneer Courthouse Square perfectly.
She had several rolls of film in her pack, as well as a backup digital camera, just in case. It took her the better part of an hour to scout the area. Although she'd been in Portland several months, she had not devoted any time to sightseeing. Today's visit marked her first visit to the square.
Her exploration told her the square would fulfill several of the shots. She was confident she could get at least one of the them today, but the others would require a bit more planning.
Taking out her digital camera, she used it to take a number of shots of potential areas for other shoots. That was a habit she'd developed in school. Scout an area taking plenty of pictures with a digital camera. Use those to plan her analog shoots.
That done, she knelt and extracted her analog camera. A graduation gift from her parents, she knew it was top of the line. They also bought her a telephoto lease for it, which rested in its own compartment in her pack.
The pack she carried was also a gift from them. Built specifically for photographers, it had protective compartments for her gear. It also had space for carrying miscellaneous items. It was heavier than the satchel she used to carry, but well worth it.
With camera and tripod in hand and pack on her back she was ready for the first shoot. Standing in position she waited. Some clouds obscured the sky and she wanted the light to be just right. Minutes passed until finally she was satisfied.
It took but a thought for her to freeze time. She began taking pictures after that. Each shot needed taken from at least four perspectives, but she planned six. Each would also require many exposures. Even with her advantage with stopping time subtle variations in her equipment and how she held it could change the shot.
Max moved from point to point, capturing each perspective. She never left the time freeze, moving her equipment each time. Her ability allowed her to capture scenes that normally required far more equipment than she could afford.
Maybe with the money she could finally purchase a drone? The thought gave her pause. Shaking her head she focused on completing the shoot. After going through three rolls of film, Max slumped against a building and let time resume.
It had been a while since she'd been in the stillness so long. It always drained her. She'd spied a cafe on her way from the bus stop and made her way to it. No caffeine for her at this time of day, but she needed food and drink badly.
While she waited in line she checked her bank balance. The check hadn't cleared, of course, but it said some of the funds were available. Ignoring that temptation she knew she only had enough for a small drink and a snack.
Her first job paid weekly, which she was so thankful for. Today was Tuesday, which meant three more days until payday. Her other job paid every other week, making every second Friday a big pay day. She'd just paid this months rent. Now she needed to save for her utility bills: Internet and electricity. She was glad water and trash was free for her.
Making her order, she wandered to a seat at a small table in the corner. It allowed her the perfect vantage for people watching, something she loved to do.
Today though, her fingers wandered to her left wrist. Twice today memories had stirred. Twice she'd had to readjust her mind. It had been many months since last that happened. Talking to Steph, chatting with a girl near her own age; she suspected that was the cause. It happened more frequently when she was in school.
The server set her mug of herbal tea and muffin on her table, smiled, and left. Stirring some honey in the tea, Max looked at her left wrist. Tattooed inside it was a reminder. Like she could ever forget.
Pulling her sleeve over it, she forced her thoughts to more productive matters. A drone. Could she afford a drone because of this project? There were a couple she had in mind. She'd used a few in school and even figured out a trick to use them with her time freeze ability.
Taking a bite of the muffin she pondered the purchase. Once back at her apartment she'd have to look at her money flow before deciding. Paying down her student debt was more important, but with a drone…with a drone she could bring in more specialized jobs.
Sighing, she pushed all these responsible thoughts from her mind. Her life was one of focus and responsibility and it wore on her at times. A young woman in her early twenties, college educated, alone in Portland, Oregon without friends.
Even though she liked her solitude, part of her craved a friend. A powerful craving, like an immense void inside. She knew what fit inside that void. Her eyes had traveled back to the tattoo.
Sitting up, she shook her head and sipped her tea. People, focus on watching the people. The cafe was moderately busy. Many people got to-go orders, only a few staying in the cafe. There was also outdoor seating which some people used.
Max distracted herself for the next hour or so watching people. At last she heaved a sigh and left the cafe. She was in a melancholy mood for the trip home. She knew that sign, that she needed to do something to get her mind onto something more productive. There was a new anime series on Netflix she thought would do the trick.
The walk from her last stop to her apartment was just a few minutes. Standing at the foot of the driveway, she looked up. Her apartment was a small loft on the back of an older lady's garage. Many years ago the lady and her husband had renovated the space for one of their sons. Since then they had rented it out to supplement their income.
Trudging up the stairs, Max unlocked the door, flicked on the light and stepped inside. Home sweet home. Shutting the door, she leaned against it and looked at her little place. One long room that functioned as both the living room and kitchen with a small combination bathroom, laundry room, and closet. It wasn't much bigger than her college dorm
Even though it was small, it was hers. No one to share the space with. No one to contest decorating choices. Quiet when she wanted, or noise when she wanted. Her space. Placing her bag on the futon, she went to the kitchen. Turning on the tap she splashed water on there face, then stayed leaning over the small sink.
Closing the tap, she used a towel to dry her face and stood up. Today was some kind of day. Opening the small fridge she perused its contents, making sure she had enough food for the week. Satisfied, she filled a cup with water and seated herself on the futon.
Setting the cup on a small side table, she grabbed her laptop. Opening it, she logged in. After checking her email and twitter, she set the laptop aside and retrieved the digital camera from her pack.
Connecting the camera to the laptop she began transferring the photos. While that happened she turned on her small TV and started Netflix. Sipping some water, she checked the transfer progress. This would take a while. Sighing, she got off the couch and went to the small cabinet that served as her pantry.
Grabbing a bag of chips, she tossed it on the couch and turned her attention to making supper. Supper. Like she could afford anything so fancy. She still had a can of soup. That and a sandwich would be her feast tonight. Her stomach growled as if in protest.
Maybe she should splurge on a nice meal for herself once that check cleared? She smiled as she poured the soup from the can into a small saucepan. From what Steph said, Beth would approve of that use of the money.
While the soup heated she emptied the drier, and moved the laundry from the washer to it. Starting the drier, she checked the soup, then folded her laundry. She liked to do her laundry at the start of the week, usually on Saturday or Sunday. Her excited exchanges with Steph over the weekend had distracted her. Yesterday she spent all day at work and didn't feel like doing it. Which left today.
Putting the folded laundry away, she checked the soup. It was almost ready. Getting the bread, meat, and other things from the fridge, she made herself a cold meat sandwich. Wrapping the sandwich with a napkin, she placed it on the tray that served as her table. Returning everything from the fridge, she next poured the soup into a small bowl. With it on the tray next to an extra napkin and spoon, she carried the tray to the futon.
Checking the transfer progress, Max turned off the lights and started the series.