Now that quarantine is a thing, let's see how many chapters I can write for this story (honestly, probably not a lot since this is the only one I've written so far and I haven't planned the next one - but I already have two chapters saved).
This was an old idea. I think it was one of my earliest ideas. I kept on forgetting to publish it.
Photo #118: The Centre of the Sky
Eadlyn goes through this a lot the more photos she looks at. She would come across a Polaroid and wonder what was going on. Any photo could be taken out of context, especially if it was so vague, but maybe that's what made them fun. It's a memory for the photographer and the subject but, to anyone else, it could be anything.
This photo is of her mother. It's a close-up in the dark but the flash is causing her to cover her face. Streaks of her red hair show in the light and cover her eyes. There's a blurry smile and squinted eyes, but that's all Eadlyn could pick out.
Eadlyn could construct any storyline, plot, moment, but it likely won't be close. Maybe the fun is behind making up a story.
Sometimes, it's the smallest details about a person are the biggest reasons why you love them. That's why she likes looking at all these photos. Photographs are just light and time.
-o-
It was a clear night sky and the kids were fast asleep. Maxon and America thought to seize this moment alone to have some time to themselves. Ever since they added kids to their list of royal responsibilities, they barely got time the relax and have a quiet one at that. Now, the couple finds themselves lying on the roof of the castle, on a section close to the top that they used a door in the attic to get there.
Tonight is just a night to look up at the night sky. Maxon was the one who suggested spending some time here. America agreed, thinking it'll be a good chance to rejuvenate after a busy day. The cold chilly night breeze will feel refreshing against her skin as she nuzzles beside her husband. Meanwhile, Maxon took her to see the stars because they're so beautiful when they glimmer in different colours.
And when the couple looks up, they see endless speckles of light poking out at them. Stars and stars as far as the eye can see. The inky blackness is so dark that it looks purple, bejewelled with abandoned bits of glitter. There are so many stars, white-hot, flaring, burning like candles in the sky. Like photos, stars are just light and time.
The beauty of the stars astounds them. It got them to think and wonder when they last took time to stop and look up at the sky. When was the last time they appreciated the beauty of the nature around them? It's been too long.
Even if they blinked and looked at the same spot in the sky, it would be different than a second before. They didn't know how but that was the magic of nature.
"Hey," Maxon whispers. America turns her head a little, still keeping it nuzzled against his shoulder. It's so peaceful that she almost fell asleep up here. "Can you hold this?"
"Hold what?"
"My hand."
America smiles, laughing a little. She looks down and sees Maxon's hand nudging hers. They stop talking although they weren't saying much and continue looking up at the sky as their fingers twirl together.
Moments later, they turn to face each other. It wasn't planned but felt automatic. It was as if their bodies felt the other one moving so it responded. Maxon and America gaze into each other's eyes, continuing not to speak a word. Right now, they're looking at the centre of their night skies.
America is lost in the breathless paradise of Maxon's dreamy eyes. He clutches his hands on her hip, leaning her into his body. Maxon would rather be nowhere with her than somewhere else without her. When he first saw her, he fell in love and he smiled because he knew. The way her eyes sparkle outshine any star up there.
"Hey," Maxon whispers again.
"What?" America responds.
"Can you do something for me again?"
"Anything."
"Smile."
America's confused. "I already am."
"I know."
Instantly, Maxon takes out a camera America didn't know he had. Before she could react, he snaps a photo and the flash nearly blinds her. America screams a little, hopefully not loud enough to worry the guards or wake the kids. Maxon laughs, pulling her closer as she tries to blink her sight. Now she has the night sky in her sight which wasn't exactly how she wanted it.
"Maxon," America scolds, lightly smacking his chest. "Once I can see, I'll make you see a different brand of stars."
Maxon's laughing simmers down as he kisses the side of her head. He loves these moments with her. He could lie here till morning with her and watch the stars become the sun.
I can't even go out on my roof right now. Damned quarantine. Stay safe, everyone!
