"Photography is power," Mr. Jefferson stated, leaning back against Daniel's desk. Max kept her eyes on her notebook, writing down that sentence as one of her notes. "Sontag was a large proponent of this thought. She believed photographs made us feel knowledgeable and powerful. Can any of you think of a real life situation that this reflects?"

Silence descended upon the room. Max could feel Mr. Jefferson's eyes burning into her. Even so, she did not look up.

"Video of someone's real taste?" Victoria offered, her voice smug. Taylor laughed loudly, obnoxiously, in reply. Out of the corner of her eye, Max could see Kate flinch. She was just as curled up as Max was.

Mr. Jefferson frowned. "Keep it appropriate, Miss Chase."

"Evidence in a courtroom," Stella said, pushing her glasses up a touch.

"Very good, Stella," Mr. Jefferson praised. Stella grinned and sat up a bit straighter. Max could certainly remember when she reacted like that. "In Sontag's opinion, though, photographers aren't recording the world. Instead, they are capturing an interpretation of the world. This is why photographers will take multiple shots of the same subject. Because they only want to select ones that meet their preconceptions."

Max wrote down a few more notes as he spoke. To her left, Victoria crossed her legs before raising a hand. "Isn't it also true that Sontag believed that we are becoming too obsessed with capturing life?"

"That's correct," Mr. Jefferson responded. Max waited for the praise that usually followed, but he merely continued, "She believed that photography ruined our experience of life. In her own words, 'To photograph people is to violate them, by seeing them as they never see themselves, by having knowledge of them they can never have. It turns people into objects that can be symbolically possessed. In these last decades, "concerned" photography has done at least as much to deaden our conscience as to arouse it.' Thoughts?"

Victoria straightened up and opened her mouth.

"Not you, Miss Chase. How about we hear from someone who hasn't spoken yet?" Mr. Jefferson inquired, holding up a hand towards Victoria to silence her. Max closed her eyes a moment, knowing what would happen next. "Max. Do you agree with Sontag's interpretation of the effect photography is having upon our world?"

Max hesitantly lifted her eyes from her notes. "Not entirely."

"Oh?" Mr. Jefferson coaxed.

Max glanced around the room. Already, Victoria was glaring daggers at her. "I believe that some moments are important to capture. I usually focus on-"

"We already know all about your selfies," Victoria cut in.

Giggling, Taylor noted, "Get the burn cream."

Max averted her eyes. This was why she wished Mr. Jefferson would just forget all about her now that he had Victoria. She was obviously the jealous type. But then again, she also understood why Mr. Jefferson had to call on everyone. If he gave Victoria special attention in the classroom, rumors might spread.

"Max, please finish your thought," Mr. Jefferson encouraged, standing up. He took a few deliberate steps towards her desk, causing Max to look up at him. Behind his glasses, his eyes burned with determination. He was going to give her the room to speak.

"I enjoy capturing everyday life," Max replied. The faster she got her opinion out, the better it would be. "Which most people don't pay attention to. But our lives are more about the little moments than they are about the big events. I think for that, photography helps. If we're just talking about the big events then photography can get in the way, because you cannot make a memory for yourself without the camera lens being in the way."

"Eloquently put, Max," Mr. Jefferson acknowledged. With that, he turned and began to pace between the desks. His eyes started to flicker from student to student. "Photography for us is a passion. A profession. But we cannot allow it to become an obsession. Because the moment that that happens, we start to lose ourselves. And if there isn't a human element to the photos, there's an inevitable lack."

Max felt her breath leave her when his eyes landed on her again. His gaze was practically smoldering, with only his glasses as a filter. Just as quickly, he broke the eye contact. Max dropped her gaze back to her notebook. Jotting down a few more notes, she willed for the class to be over.

There was a time when you enjoyed this class, you know.

That felt like it was an eon ago, though. Strange how sometimes time seemed to crawl and other times it flew.

"Personally, I do believe photography has power. I believe that some photos harness the essence of someone," Mr. Jefferson stated. "Whether they believe it or not. Whether they acknowledge it or not. Photographs can show someone for who they really are. But that is just as true of the photographer as it is for the model. Sometimes more so."

The bell rang. Max snapped her notebook shut and immediately shoved it into the bag.

"Don't forget to read the next chapter for Monday. And I still need more entries for the 'Everyday Heroes' contest. Remember, this is a great opportunity for you all as artists!" Mr. Jefferson announced, heading up towards his desk.

Max shoved her notebook into her bag before snatching up her pencil bag and camera. She could put those away later. Getting up, she shouldered her bag and made a break for the door. Victoria stepped in front of her suddenly. Max tripped over Victoria's leg, staggering forward and catching herself on a desk. It slid across the floor before crashing into the wall. Although Max kept a firm grip on her camera, she lost her pencil bag, which went flying. Her pens, pencils, and markers scattered across the floor.

"Excuse you," Victoria sneered, sticking a hand on her hip.

Checking her camera, Max was relieved to see that it hadn't been damaged. She carefully tucked it into her bag before snatching up her pencil case. She couldn't believe she still had this pencil case. But it had sentimental value to it, despite the fact that she should probably have upgraded to the 21st century before coming to Blackwell. Then again, she had never been one for the latest and greatest.

Max went to grab the one closest to her to find another hand reaching for it as well. Retracting her hand, she looked up to see Mr. Jefferson. "No, Victoria, excuse you," he stated, his voice turning hard. He collected each item, leaving Max shocked in his wake. When he had everything, he walked over and gently eased them into Max's open pencil bag. "I'm afraid I don't have time today to talk. I already have a meeting."

Victoria balled her fists before storming out of the room. It was one of the first times Max had ever seen her lose her composure in front of Mr. Jefferson. Coming to her senses, she managed to say, "Thank you. For helping me." She then started to leave.

Suddenly, she felt a hand grasp her arm. It was a firm hold, but gentle in its nature. "Max, we need to talk."

Max felt her heart stop.

Did Victoria tell him that she told me about them?

"Uh… right now?" Max clarified, her uncertainty reflecting in her tone.

"Yes. Right now. My meeting is with you, and we both know you have nowhere to be anyway," Mr. Jefferson informed her.

It was true. Thursdays meant that Mr. Jefferson's class was her last one. Shuffling her feet, she finally replied, "Um… okay. What do you want to talk about?"

"Not here. Let's go to my office," Mr. Jefferson said.

Max nodded before stepping out of the classroom. Samuel was already mopping the halls, starting down by the gym. However, all the other students were basically fleeing from the building. Max couldn't blame them. Outside of the study groups, no one liked staying here longer than necessary.

Mr. Jefferson led the way, unlocking his office door to allow Max in. She stepped inside, and he closed the door behind him. When she heard the lock, though, her heart raced. Spinning on her heels, she stared at him. He stood directly in front of the door, his head lowered and his eyes locked upon her.

"Wh-what are you-?" she started to ask.

"We're not leaving this room until we solve whatever is going on. The longer you play dumb, the longer it will take," Mr. Jefferson replied, his voice solemn. "So talk to me. What is going on with you?"

Trapped, Max took a step back. The distance between them certainly felt better, but it didn't amount to any freedom. "Why do you keep pushing the subject?" she inquired.

"Because I care," Mr. Jefferson snapped back. "Because I want to understand. And believe me, Max, there are few people who I genuinely want to understand."

Max hesitated. Victoria hadn't told him then. Honestly, she wasn't certain if she was relieved or upset.

"Is it about the lawsuit?" Mr. Jefferson pressed. He had leaned forward a touch to level himself more with Max's height. "Because we can drop the case if that's what's causing you this much distress."

"No, it's not about that at all," Max responded. Quite frankly, she had completely forgotten about the case.

Mr. Jefferson sighed with exasperation. "Then what is it?" His presence was overbearing - overwhelming - engulfing. Max picked up the scent of his cologne and shuddered.

"It's you and Victoria!" Max exclaimed before she could think her words through. Clasping a hand over her mouth, she gasped. Her eyes were wide with shock at her own stupidity. Now he knew that she knew and that Victoria told her. "Don't tell Victoria that I told you."

"Told me what? What does Victoria have to do with any of this?" Mr. Jefferson asked, his brow contorting with confusion.

Max hesitated as she tried to find the right words. "Victoria told me about your relationship," she explained.

"Victoria and I are not in a relationship," Mr. Jefferson stated, frowning.

"Mr. Jefferson, it's not cool that you demand for me to be honest but then lie yourself. I heard it, okay? Victoria played me a recording she took after giving you… after s-sucking your…" Her face flushed as her courage failed her each time she wanted to explain what they had been doing. "And you told her that she was 'talented' and that you could give her some 'tips after school' on how to improve her 'technique.' I heard her call you Mark."

Mr. Jefferson barked out a laugh. Wounded, Max flinched away. "That conversation wasn't about a blow job, Max. She was showing me one of the photographs she wanted to send off to be displayed in a studio. Although her vision was good, she was still lacking some technique, so I showed her some examples of what she should be shooting for after school. No pun intended."

"But she called you by your first name," Max pressed.

"Yes, and I asked her to not right afterwards."

Max could feel her thoughts beginning to coalesce. "But Victoria is… intelligent. And beautiful. And she's super in love with you. N-no one would blame you if you did-"

Suddenly, Mr. Jefferson stood straight and took a step forward. Max felt her words die in her mouth and took a step back in response. Another step forward met with another step back. A few steps later, and Max bumped back into the shelves. She glanced back as her brain processed it.

"You listen to me, Max Caulfield," he growled, as he continued to approach her. "I would never lay a hand on someone like Victoria. She repulses me in every way as a woman. Desperate. Needy. Two-faced. She wants me for the fame and glory I can help her achieve. Nothing more. Do you think that I am so blind as to not see that?"

"N-no, I just… I thought that she had…" Max tried to explain, unable to voice her thoughts as she noticed he was a few steps away.

Mr. Jefferson continued, "I'm disappointed that you believed her. I thought you knew me better than that."

Their chests touched. He loomed overhead. Immediately, Max was overwhelmed by his scent. She trembled ever so slightly, her heart bouncing about like a rabbit. They had never been this close before. Never this intimate. It made her thoughts go fuzzy.

"I-I-I never had a reason to believe differently," Max pointed out, her voice becoming more desperate.

"No reason?" Mr. Jefferson replied, staring at her in half-amazement and half-annoyance. "For fuck's sake, Max, do I have to say it for you to get it?"

Max went to respond when her mouth was covered. A scruffy beard tickled her face. Slowly, a hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her in closer. She could feel something hot and wet slip across her lips.

A tongue.

Her brain was certainly slow at catching up.

Mr. Jefferson's kissing you.

With that, Max gasped. His tongue slipped into her mouth, dominating her. Her hands flailed, landing onto his suit jacket. Gripping the lapels, she tugged on them, trying to pull him closer. Catching the hint, Mr. Jefferson then locked his other hand on the back of her head. She could feel him exploring every inch of her mouth, as if mapping it out. She felt completely owned by him, a sensation that she had always wanted to have. It left her aroused in a way she had never been before. And then, just when she was starting to become light-headed, he pulled back.

Max sucked in her first gulp of air. Mr. Jefferson smirked, his hand sliding from the back of her head to cup her cheek. Leaning into the touch, Max stared up at him. Her brain was still trying to process what had just happened. She searched his eyes for any sort of explanation. But she was only met with an unwavering gaze.

"Y-you-" she stammered, blinking.

"Look at the shutter of your eyes. You're trying to capture this moment in your mind's eye forever, aren't you?" Mr. Jefferson responded, his voice husky, before smiling. "Don't be scared, Max. I am not going anywhere."

Max touched the back of his hand, feeling his smooth skin underneath her own. "Why? Why me?" she breathed out. She still couldn't believe it. Honestly, she was still trying to process the fact that Victoria had lied to her. But it was just like Victoria to pull one over her in order to gain the advantage.

And you fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

"Because you've captivated me," Mr. Jefferson informed her, tilting her face up to look at him. She felt pinned down by his searing gaze, which sent a shiver down her spine. "You can't even see how remarkable you are. You're too caught up in your own insecurities that you won't even listen to me. But you're a future star, Max. You have a fever for taking pictures and capturing this world in your own vision. And your vision is so pure and instantaneous. Just as you are."

Cheeks heating, Max trembled slightly. He noticed her. He saw her. It was what she had hoped for but never expected. Suddenly, she felt her throat tighten. She still had questions buzzing about her mind. "B-but that doesn't explain why you kissed me."

"I probably shouldn't have," Mr. Jefferson admitted, making Max's heart sink. "Now, don't look at me like that. I do not regret my actions. It's just that there are certainly better ways to broach this subject."

Max let out a breathy laugh. "W-well, I didn't mind…"

"Joking aside," Mr. Jefferson continued, "you didn't pursue me. You didn't attempt to blackmail me despite several opportunities to do so. You didn't attempt to leverage my name. You simply enjoyed being around me, and I certainly enjoyed being around you. Before I knew it, I found myself wanting to spend more time with you. And becoming jealous of that boy always hanging on you." With that, he laughed in an almost bitter manner. "Max, I cannot tell you the last time I was jealous. It's been so long now."

Heart fluttering, Max instinctively tugged on Mr. Jefferson's lapels again. She wanted another confirmation that she wasn't just dreaming. With a smile, he leaned down and kissed her again. This time, it was chaste, but Max was still getting used to the feeling of scruff against her skin. It felt rough but it reminded her that she was kissing a man instead of a boy. After a moment, he pulled back completely. Max felt the loss.

"Wowsers," Max breathed out before swallowing hard.

"Even after everything I've said, you still don't understand, do you?" Mr. Jefferson asked, a smile still playing on his lips. Max felt her embarrassment flare. "That's alright. Eventually, I'll convince you. And we have all the time in the world."

Max felt relief bubble out of her. Mr. Jefferson felt the same way that she did. All of that anxiety and pain and insecurity had been for nothing. But then the reality of the situation began to sank in. Averting her eyes, Max felt the weight of the situation settle upon her chest. "So… now what?"

"That depends on what you want," Mr. Jefferson replied, his voice remaining level. "Is this- Frankly speaking, Max, do you want to pursue a relationship past this year at Blackwell?"

Stunned, Max felt her mind reel. Was this some sort of test? "Yes, I do," she answered. Anxiety gnawed at the back of her mind. "Is… is that a bad thing?"

"No, Max, it's not a bad thing at all," Mr. Jefferson replied. Rubbing the back of his neck, he continued, "Actually, it's a relief. If that's how you feel then I will inform Blackwell Academy that I do not intend to renew my contract after this year."

"Wh-what?"

"A long distance relationship is, in my experience, the kiss of death. And if we're going to be in a relationship, I will want to support you as you step into the spotlight of the art world. As well as want to guide you through the obstacles and pitfalls," Mr. Jefferson said matter-of-factly.

He makes it sound so natural.

Max averted her eyes as she tried to process what he was saying. Honestly, she couldn't believe that he was already considering actions for a future with them together. "Do you… do you really think I'm worth it? Worth quitting your job for?"

"I was already considering quitting this job," Mr. Jefferson answered, his voice dropping a bit as he spoke. "One of the reasons being the response to your accident. This would just be the final proverbial straw. No reason to stay here if my girlfriend has to move for her career."

He just called me his girlfriend.

The thought still boggled Max's mind. Mr. Jefferson was viewing their relationship as a long-lasting one. Honestly, his faith in it alone made her feel as though nothing could stop them. Not age or society or academic hierarchy. In the end, that would all just melt away to leave her and the person she had fallen for.

"W-we would have to wait, wouldn't we?" she finally inquired.

A sad smile flickered across his features. "I'm afraid that would be best," he said softly before hefting out a heavy sigh. "A relationship between a teacher and student is illegal, even with the fact that you're a legal adult. We won't be able to be together until you graduate in May."

"That's seven months away," Max pointed out, her tone more exasperated than she intended. She fiddled with the strap to her bag nervously.

"What's seven months in a relationship that lasts years, Max?" Mr. Jefferson reasoned, reaching out and lifting her chin up. "It's a mere blip in the span of time. And it will help us in the long run. No one will be able to say that I was taking advantage of you or you were seeking favoritism in class. We were just two people who were brought together by a mutual passion for photography."

Max carefully removed his hand from her face. This hurt more than thinking he was dating Victoria. Because now she knew that he was interested in her but they couldn't be together. Tears prickled as she felt anxiety clutch her throat. "But what if you don't… w-what if when May comes, you aren't interested in me anymore?" she pressed.

"I can assure you that's not going to happen, Max," Mr. Jefferson responded. He then sighed and ran a hand through his hair, mussing it as he thought. "If this is something you want to pursue before then, Max, we can. But we would have to be incredibly careful when meeting up outside of school. My reputation is on the line."

Grimacing, Max shook her head. She didn't want him to have to take unnecessary risks. But she also didn't want to wait seven months to be with him. Not when their first kiss felt that good. "A… a compromise?" she whispered, worried of his response.

"What do you propose?" Mr. Jefferson responded, tilting his head ever so slightly. His eyes never wavered from her face.

"One date a month," Max suggested, examining his expression for any tell. Unfortunately, he remained stoic. "It's nothing that should draw any attention. But that would at least give us some time together."

Mr. Jefferson hummed, considering her terms for what felt like an hour. "I think we can manage that," he finally conceded.

Relief engulfed her. Max let out an excited laugh before clasping her hand over her mouth to smother it. Even if it wasn't much, it was something. And it meant that she, not Victoria, was dating Mr. Jefferson. She still couldn't believe that he had chosen her, of all people. But he had. And Max couldn't have been any happier in that moment.