The whirl of a motorcycle caught my attention, streaking across the parking lot.
It screeched into a spot a few spaces down from where I sat. The rider removed their helmet and purple hair tumbled forward.
Holy crap.
It was official, Nova was not only the weirdest person I’d ever met, but the coolest as well.
She caught sight of me and waved. I slowly lifted my hand and wiggled my fingers. I was still in shock.
She walked over to me, swiping her fingers through her hair.
I stood up, shaking my head. “Let me get this straight. You’re a photographer, you have purple hair, and you drive a motorcycle?”
She laughed, squinting from the sunlight. “Yeah.”
“Can I be you when I grow up?” The words tumbled out of my mouth.
She laughed, a real genuine laugh. It surprised me at first since I’d barely ever seen her smile.
“Sorry, I don’t think it works that way.” She hopped up on the bench, sitting on the part where your back rested.
I sat down once more. “So, this project…” I started. “My photos are typically people or nature and very straightforward. Yours…are…wow.” I’d seen several pieces of Nova’s work in class and to say I was envious of her talent was an understatement.
She cracked a smile. “My photos are conceptual. I see things that aren’t necessarily there. When I take a photo I don’t just see a bench,” she waved her hand to where we sat, “I see what I can do with the bench. Maybe I want it floating or in a tree or upside down.” She shrugged. “You get the picture…no pun intended,” she laughed.
“What do you think we should do then?” I asked, nervously wringing my hands together. Conceptual photography was way out of my comfort zone, but I’d always wanted to try.
“Marry the two concepts, obviously. You’ll dull me down and make my photos more realistic and I’ll help you spice yours up.”
“Thanks…I think.” I mumbled.
“Sorry,” she let out a small laugh, “I meant no offense.”
“I know,” I replied. It was pretty obvious that Nova was a blunt type of person. She didn’t sugarcoat things. I kind of liked that about her, but I knew it could become annoying.
“Will you be free this weekend?” She asked.
“Uh…” I started. Cade hadn’t told me which day he wanted to go out or given me a time. “I should have some free time but I’m not sure when yet.”
“You can let me know then,” she hopped off the bench. “I don’t have any time after classes this week but I should next week.”
“Sounds good,” I nodded, and stood. “We’ll figure something out.”
She unzipped her leather jacket and nodded. “See you later.” She turned on her heel and disappeared around the corner of a building.
I headed to class, hoping this project didn’t turn into a disaster.
seven
I was startled on Wednesday morning when I walked outside for my morning run and found Cade sitting on the top step.
He seemed lost in his thoughts and didn’t hear me approach.
I sat beside him and lightly bumped his shoulder with mine.
He pushed his hair out of his eyes and smiled. “Hey, Rae of Sunshine.”
I sighed, but made no comment on the nickname. “What are you doing here?”