Chapter 7
An hour until sunset, I packed up all of my cameras and other equipment. I was excited this would be the first time I really went out in search of scenery for my new gallery opening. I wanted everything to be perfect. Elliot and Gia had done an excellent job on finding a location and construction. Now all that was need was new and fresh pictures. I wanted Ally's pictures to go up in the studio, but I was going to have to run it by her. It still mystified me that she didn't like being photographed. I zipped up my last bag and was greeted by a faint tap at my doorframe. I turned to see Ally standing the frowning with her arms crossed.
"Going somewhere?" She arched her eyebrow and crossed her arms. She was wearing tight dark denim paired with a crème scoop neck top, and her now straight hair was up in a ponytail.
"I thought you were playing with Teddy?" I said as I threw one of the bags over my shoulder.
"I was. He said mommy and I took him to her." She shrugged. "Where are you going?"
"I was going to take some pictures for the new gallery opening," I murmured as she stepped closer her eyes piercing into mine.
"Really I'd heard about the one studio you had. You're opening another?" I nodded. "Well, tell me about it." She shoved me a little.
"Well, I want to teach photography. This studio will give me the opportunity to mentor aspiring artists and showcase their work. I know from experience that it can sometimes be hard to find places to showcase your work for profit. I just wanted to give back." I shrugged her eyes were wide with admiration.
"Wow Jose', that's so …," she shook her head and then focused. "Is it going to be just for photography or will you showcase sculpture work and paintings as well. I think you could profit more yourself by adding different types of art." She added and I smirked, Gloria and I had this discussion recently and I was still mulling it over.
"I like the idea of having different styles of art in the studio. I'm partial to sculptures over paintings though." I answered her question of why before she could form the word. "I could never sketch or paint well … I call it artist envy. I can mold clay and things of the like but I can't draw."
"Drawing is easy Josie," she murmured softly, "I sketch a little not enough to be considered and artist. I like fashion so I draw dresses and things of the like. I draw dolls because my dad created toys. I'll show you my sketch book one day." I scrunched my nose up at the little vixen.
"You seem to be a girl of many talents." I smiled at her and she hunched her shoulders.
"Really, I don't think so. My dad always said I had a keen eye for things and I'm always curious." She said picking up one of my bags. "Can I come with you or you one of those artists that like to work alone?"
"Sure you can come. I'm not really sure where I'm going anyway maybe you can help me find a spot."
We ended up back at the spot I'd photographed earlier today. I wanted to see if the moon caused the water to sparkle and create a trail that led to sore.
"Es tan hermoso," she said a barely a whisper exclaiming the lands beauty. I nodded and set up my camera for some shots. I decided to go old school so to speak and used a film camera, Fujifilm GA645, my pride and joy it took my forever to find this camera. I stood back and took a couple of shots. The great thing about landscape pictures is that you don't have to change or move anything. I just press the button and save the experience easy. I moved to a couple of different spots to get different angles and then I was done with this spot. I looked at my voluntary assistant who was staring at me as if I was a book to be studied.
"You really enjoy this, huh?" She asked and I nodded a response. I placed my camera back in its case and the case back in the bag. We traveled the path that the Grey's had traveled earlier. We walked slowly every now and then our arms would touch. It was such a peaceful night I think we were both enjoying the silence and the beauty around us; it was the most comfortable experience I've ever shared with anyone.
"So college …," I started to break the stillness between us. I wanted to take this experience to get to know her better.
"Yep, I'm a business major, accounting." She said dryly and I chuckled.
"You sound so excited about it." I purposely nudged her and she smiled a little.
"I'm not really doing it for me. My dad wanted me to do something that he knew would secure me financially in the future. I'm okay at it I make As and Bs. Plus, I still have time for what I really love … dance; by the way I need to find a dance studio around here." She commented and I nodded.
"I think there's a couple about twenty minutes away from the loft."
"What about from your dad's house?" She asked.
"You're still thinking about staying with him?" I noticed my voice out a little higher at the end.
"Yeah, I don't want to cramp your style Mr. Rodriguez. Besides, things are weird between us." She stated matter of factly.
"Weird? I wouldn't say that."
"I would. I've never felt so odd around a guy before. This morning I couldn't stand you and then when you came back I was so happy to see, but I was still pissed at you for turning me down. I let you photograph me which was weird, I usually put up a fight, but part of me … most of me wanted to please you. I don't act myself when I'm around you." She wrapped her arms around herself and looked to the ground.
"I haven't been thinking with a level head either. I think we are both just a little out of sorts because things have shifted in our lives. I don't think that means things are weird between us or that we can't live together." The more I spoke the more I realized it would really bum me out if she decided to stay with my father. I would be at his house almost every day if she did. She took a deep breath and looked at me.
"I don't think you realize what you're asking for." Her tone told of warning.
"I want to help out my childhood friend. I want to be there for her, that's all I want. Please stay with me Alexandria." She rolled her eyes and took my hand.
"Are we gonna finish this trail or what?" We continued to walk and get to know each other. I stopped only once more to take a couple of shots. I noticed that she hadn't answered my question meaning she was still undecided. I would have to work to let her see that we could do this. I have left my intention of needing to stay away from her. I would be hurting myself by trying to keep distance between us, and I'm not for inflicting pain on myself. I would make her see that we could be friends, just friends.
