Dear My Childhood Friend

Chapter 3

I walked into the yearbook room with my usual group of classmates, finding my usual seat near the back as I pulled out my laptop. The chatter of the others filled the room as they exchanged stories about their summer break. Some kids in the row behind me kicked the leg of my desk while a group of girls in the front row shrieked loudly about one of their phones. A chair slid across the linoleum floor with an especially loud screech as I adjusted my camera bag beneath my chair.

Ms. Reeves clapped her hands together, her high ponytail bobbing with the movement. "Alright, everyone. Welcome to our first committee meeting for the yearbook. Welcome back to those of you returning and welcome to those of you who are new. As usual, we're going to go around the room and introduce ourselves and tell everyone our grade and position."

I tuned out as people gave their introductions, Marcus Chen giving an overly dramatic speech as he announced himself as the editor-in-chief before Anika Sharma followed with a more reserved but no less enthusiastic introduction as the layout editor. Other students followed, most of them underclassmen who had joined the committee for the first time this year.

"Amelie Kelly.”

I blinked, realizing that it was my turn. "Uh, that's me. I take photos."

Several people snickered at my reply as Ms. Reeves gave me a disapproving look. "Well, you'll be taking plenty of them this year, Amelie. As it is tradition for the photo editor to take all the pictures for the staff."

I gave a small smile, inwardly cringing at the memory. Sure, I had been on the yearbook committee since sophomore year, but I hadn't started taking pictures until freshman year when Ms. Reeves had asked me to join the photography team. It wasn't my first choice of a career path, but the yearbook needed someone who could take all of the hundreds of pictures of the many events that we did throughout the year. And that someone happened to be me.

"Alright now,” Ms. Reeves began as she continued on with the meeting, "as you know, this year's theme is 'Moments that Made Us.' Does anyone have any idea what we will be doing this year?"

I paused, thinking over the theme in my head before raising my hand. "I think that means we'll be focusing a lot on candid shots."

"Yes, that is exactly what I'm hoping to do this year. I want us to capture all of the little moments. The everyday moments." Ms. Reeves replied, turning to look at me. "Now, Amelie, since you're our lead photographer, I want you to focus on getting those candid shots. I don't want a bunch of pictures of people giving a thumbs up. I want something a little more unique. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes, Ms. Reeves."

"Good. Now it's time to assign people their projects for the first issue."

Marcus pulled out his clipboard as he began assigning tasks to various members. "As you all know, our first issue is the 'Welcome Back' issue. We'll need pictures of the first week of school, the football game, and a few other miscellaneous events. Kelly, I need you to be at the football game on Friday to get some shots. Last year's pictures were pretty boring so make sure to make this year more interesting."

I inwardly groaned, already dreading the event. As much as I hated the idea of taking pictures at a football game, I hated the idea of taking pictures of Weston Pierce even more. He was the star quarterback of the team, the golden boy of our school, and the biggest heartthrob in the county (well, according to teenage girls in this town). I could barely stand to look at him without having a migraine.

"Of course," I replied, my voice monotone as I stared blankly at the ceiling.

The meeting eventually adjourned, and I gathered my things, slinging my camera bag over my shoulder as I exited the room. It felt good to be outside, the warm air wrapping around me like a comforting hug as I exited the building. It was strange how I always felt this way whenever I left the school through the service door. Maybe it was because it was the most secluded door in the entire building, save for the main entrance. Either way it was my favorite door and I made sure to use it as much as possible.

My phone buzzed in my pocket as I walked towards the parking lot, my feet padding lightly against the pavement. It was nearly deserted save for the occasional athlete's car that passed by or the odd theater student walking towards the building. I leaned my back against the cool metal siding of the building, taking a deep breath as I enjoyed the peace and quiet.

It was the best part of the day.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket as I got a text from my mom. Don't forget to pick up milk on your way home. Also, I made lemon bars. They're on the counter. Don't eat them all at once. Love you.

I smirked as I replied, Will do. Love you too. Watching as my mom replied almost instantly with a heart.

Walking through the side door was a mistake. It was a big mistake, seeing as the only way to the student parking lot was to walk past the football field. The loud clamor of the football team's afternoon practice echoed in my ears as I walked. The team was finishing up their warm-up drills, their jerseys dark with sweat. I kept my head down as I walked, pretending not to notice the group of jocks standing around the goalposts talking.

I trailed my fingers along the chain-link fence that divided the football field from the parking lot, absently noting the coolness of the metal. It was nice to be outside, to feel the fresh air in my lungs. Looking through the field, it was like watching a nature documentary. Everyone acting based on their instinct like animals.

I barely heard the footsteps behind me as they grew closer, my eyes fixed on the football field. It wasn't until I felt a presence next to me that I turned around, coming face to face with none other than Weston Pierce. He leaned against the fence, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked me up and down. His dark brown hair was damp with sweat, and his gray T-shirt clung to his chest in places, accentuating the muscles that I had once thought were only on movie stars.

"Hey, Wes," I said, giving him a small smile.

"Ellie." He gave me a lopsided grin. "What are you doing here so late? Taking pictures of me?"

"Don't be cocky," I replied, adjusting the strap of my camera bag. "Why would I take pictures of you?"

"I figured the most attractive face around 50 miles should be in the yearbook." He said, brushing it off as nothing. "You're still doing the photography thing, right?"

"Are you still doing the football thing?" I countered.

"It's what I'm good at." West shrugged.

"Lucky for you. Being good at running into people and knocking them down a few feet is so very fulfilling." I deadpanned, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Better than hiding behind a camera all day."

It stung, not as much because of what he said but because of the way he said it. He had traded the little boy who built pillow forts with me for a football player who had to sound cool all the time. I had traded my childhood best friend for a heartthrob who knew how to fake an image. It was exhausting, really. Trying to keep up with an image that had nothing to do with who you really were.

"Maybe some of us prefer to observe rather than be in the spotlight," I remarked. "You might want to try it sometime."

"I'll pass, thanks," West replied, shaking his head. "So, you coming to the game on Friday? I need as much publicity as I can get for the yearbook, right?"

I nearly groaned right then and there. "It's my job to be there, Wes. But I'm sure you'll give me enough material for the yearbook to last me a lifetime."

"Just make sure you get my good side."

"Wes, I've been your friend since before you had a good side. I've seen you eat dirt on purpose in your mother's backyard."

He chuckled, waving it off. "That was a long time ago, Ellie. People change."

I looked at him through the fence, taking in his profile. The boy who had once been my best friend was right. People did change, it was one of those cruel realities that I could never escape. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, really. It just sucked that it had to be at the cost of so much.

"Yeah," I said simply. "They do."

Coach Miller whistled loudly, motioning West back towards the field. "Pierce! Get over here! You can flirt on your own time!"

Wes's grin widened as he jogged back towards the field. "That's my cue. See you around, Ellie. Try not to miss me too much!"

"I'll try to contain myself," I replied, watching as he disappeared behind the group of players.

He was already gone, helmet in hand as he walked onto the field, disappearing into the mass of students. I turned around, walking back towards the parking lot as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting an orange glow over the horizon. It was beautiful, if only for a moment, until someone missed a pass and Coach Miller yelled yet again.