Perhaps that was one of the reasons why she was so into photography.
Maxine was leaning against one of the lockers while listening to a song Warren had recommended to her. She didn't actually have any clue as to what the artist's name was, but she didn't care all that much. The beat was rhythmic and the melody was vivacious, and that was all that mattered.
She could see Daniel entering the boys' bathroom. She observed he wasn't wearing his glasses; maybe he had forgotten them at home. Or maybe they had been stolen or broken. Maxine knew the poor guy was often bullied. If she had any more courage, she would step in and help him.
Trevor and Zachary were hanging around near the toilets, chatting animatedly. Undoubtedly about a new videogame or film. She couldn't help but think Warren would have gotten along well with them, if he just reached out more. (Same thing applied to herself, on that note.)
Kate walked by, and Maxine gave her a smile. Kate was a shy girl, but a good listener. (That also applied to Maxine, still on the same note.) And her haircut was simply awesome. (That maybe applied a bit less to herself.)
In a corner Courtney and Nathan were standing closely to one another. Courtney seemed to be giving him something, but Maxine couldn't tell what it was. Knowing Nathan, though, it couldn't be anything good. Yet she knew better than to get involved.
Maxine preferred observing the world around her, rather than actually participating in it.
Perhaps that was one of the reasons why she was so into photography. She loved taking pictures, capturing moments and immortalizing them. Her analog camera lens was to her what glasses were to some people: it allowed her to see the world in a different, better way.
Her break was almost over, when a diverting idea hit her. She took her camera (which she kept on her at all times), aimed it at herself and clicked.
Flash.
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. Max Selfie was taking a selfie.
She was alone, watching the other students inconspicuously (much in the same way he watched her) before eventually closing her eyes. Jefferson noticed her earbuds. Perfect.
He approached her casually, one of his hands resting in his pocket, the other swinging by his side. She didn't detect him, and nearly jumped when he put a large hand on her shoulder.
"Mr. Jefferson! You scared me." She took out her earbuds.
"Oh. I'm sorry, Max. I didn't mean to spook you."
"No, you didn't… I was just surprised." His hand was still on her shoulder, and he slowly pulled it away.
"Taking selfies again, are we?" He made sure he sounded amiably. "Could I see it?"
"Uh, yeah, sure." She handed him the freshly printed picture and he studied it in detail.
Clear blue eyes stared back at him from the paper. Even though the image had been taken as a triviality, it had a nice touch to it. The dim light of the hallway fell across Maxine's youthful visage from just the right angle. The girl had a gift.
Jefferson let his eyes glide over her face one last time, then returned the photo.
"You know, I could share a few tips to improve your selfies. If you'd like." God, he disliked that word.
"My… selfies? Why would you care about them?"
Did she really just ask that? "Max… Of course I care about your… selfies. Why would I not care about one of my most talented students' photography? I want to help you get the most out of your pictures. And that includes your self-portraits."
The female was quiet at that. It might have been his imagination, but he could swear he saw a slight blush on her cheeks.
"Why don't you bring me some of your other self-portraits tomorrow? I would love to see them, and give you advice on how to…"
The school bell interrupted him. Maxine shifted her weight to her other leg. (Saved by the bell?)
"I have to go now, but meet me tomorrow after class with your pictures." He didn't give her much time to respond. Turning his back at her, he started to walk away.
