Drugs, sex and a… baby.
Chapter 4
Max Caufield x Mark Jefferson
AN: Realised I haven't put in a disclaimer. None of the characters belong to me (except my OC). "" means talking, '' means texting, italics means thinking
Sitting down in front of Mr. Jeffersons office desk made Max nervous. And yet, a part of her got curious. Looking around she noticed that there were a few glass cases containing his photographic equipment. Looking a little closer she saw he also had an old polaroid camera among his collection of digital cameras.
"Seeing something you like Max?" Mr. Jefferson said as he sat down in his desk chair. He looked over when he didn't get a reply and noticed that Max was looking at his old polaroid camera. "I see that you have noticed one of my old antiques." Mr. Jefferson said with humour.
"S-sorry Mr. Jefferson." Max said as she realised that she'd been staring at his camera collection, more importantly, at his old polaroid. "I didn't mean to stare." Max continued.
"Nothing to worry about Max." Mr. Jefferson said as he leaned back into his chair. "Now about your portfolio, do you have any photographs with you?" Mr. Jefferson asked.
"I've got a few but I don't think they are good enough to be placed inside a portfolio." Max said with uncertainty.
"A few is still a start Max. Do you mind if I get to have a look at them?" Mr. Jefferson said as he put his hand out for Max to hand them over.
Max reluctantly handed Mr. Jefferson her photographs and sat back as he started to go over and analyse each one of them. As the minutes ticked by Max got more and more anxious about what he thought of the photographs she had presented to him. As Mr. Jefferson was looking through them, Max decided to get up and explore his office. Not noticing that Mr. Jefferson gave Max a smirk as he followed her movements for a few seconds before going back to look at the photos. In the end he ended up dividing them into two piles. One pile being largely bigger than the other.
"Alright Max." Mr. Jefferson said making Max turn around. He motioned for her to take a seat again. "As you can see, I have divided them up into two piles. The ones in this pile." Mr. Jefferson said motioning for the larger pile. "While they are good photographs, they aren't really portfolio worthy. These on the other hand, could qualify to be put into a portfolio." Mr. Jefferson said referring to the much smaller pile. "However, I would really like to have a look at all the other photographs you have taken over the months you have been here at Blackwell, and even some from before your time here, if you will let me." Mr. Jefferson said. "Of course, there is no rush Max." Mr. Jefferson said as he saw that Max started to look uncertain and a little uncomfortable with the idea of him looking at all her photographs. "Unfortunately, I'll have to give you a deadline for this project. Which is two weeks before graduation, that's when I'm expecting everyone to have a ready portfolio for me to grade. Just remember, don't rush your portfolio and if you do take a photograph that you deem better than one that's already in there, don't be afraid to make changes." Mr. Jefferson said as he got up. "Do you have a binder for your portfolio Max?" he asked.
"No, I currently don't have any spares Mr. Jefferson." Max said looking down into her lap.
"Here, I'll give you one of my empty ones." Mr. Jefferson said as he walked over to one of his many shelves.
"A-are you sure?" Max asked as she was handed a black binder and her photographs.
"Don't worry Max, I've got more binders than I can think of what to do with them." Mr. Jefferson said with a laugh. "I think I've held you hostage in here far too long. Just let me know if the coast is clear as you leave, will you?" Mr. Jefferson said. "I really can't be asked to entertain miss Chase any more today than I already have." He continued when he saw Max confused face.
"Is she giving you a hard time Mr. Jefferson?" Max asked before she could stop herself. "Sorry for prying, you don't have to answer that." Max quickly said as she opened the door. Looking first to her left and then right. "I think the coast is clear Mr. Jefferson." Max said as she walked out into the corridor. Mr. Jefferson followed Max out of the office and locked the door.
"Just remember Max, have your camera ready and always take the shot. Sometimes you do manage to get pure gems of a photograph by doing that." Mr. Jefferson said as he led Max out of the building. "I'll see you tomorrow in class Max, just try and stay out of trouble and if someone gives you a hard time, don't hesitate to let someone in the faculty know. We are here to help." Mr. Jefferson said before walking toward the staff parking lot.
"If only it was that easy." Max said to herself before walking toward the dormitories.
As Max kept walking, being in her own thoughts, she bumped into Warren. Ha hadn't spoken to Max ever since she told him that they would never be anything more than friends.
"Hi Warren, how are you doing?" Max asked hoping that he would start talking to her again.
"Max." Warren said coldly before stepping aside to pass Max.
"Look Warren I never meant to…" Max said but got interrupted by Warren.
"You never meant what? To hurt me? To string me along? Well, you did hurt me Max and I feel so stupid for having felt anything for you. Just- just leave me along Max. I've got nothing more to say to you." Warren took one look at Max before running away towards the parking lot.
Feeling awful Max trudged back towards the girls' dormitories. Arriving she saw there were quite a few outside still. She saw Zachary and Logan throwing a ball and she saw Alyssa reading yet another book. As she got closer, she saw that Victoria, Courtney and Taylor were occupying the steps.
"Great just what I need right now." Max muttered to herself before she continued to walk forward.
"Look, it's Max Caufield." Max heard Victoria say in a mocking way making Courtney and Taylor laugh, although Courtneys laugh felt a little forced. "The only student who hasn't got any real talent at Blackwell. So, what did Mark, Mr. Jefferson want with you? Did he tell you how much you suck?"
"Could you just for once shut the fuck up Victoria." Max exploded causing everyone around to look in her direction. "It's starting to get old Victoria. Don't you have anything else to say? Do you always have to push others down? Do you find enjoyment in hurting others with your remarks?" Max continued as she pushed her way passed Victoria, Courtney and Taylor.
Max rushed into the girls' dormitories not hearing Dana call out to her and went straight to her room and slammed the door. When Max got into her room, she threw herself on her bed and for once burst into tears. Something she hasn't done in years.