Stepping out of the shower I rapidly towel dry my hair and wrap it up into the towel. I wrap another towel around my middle section. Even though the water was set on the cold side I already feel the Savannah warmth. I can tell it’s going to be a shorts and tank top kind of day. I get dressed quickly into chocolate brown shorts and a pale light yellow, thick strapped tank top. I brush my teeth again really, really well getting rid of the remaining regurgitated alcohol taste.
I brush my short black hair parting the purple and blue streaks to one side. I lightly blow dry it and tuck one side behind my ear. I grab my camera and gear, slip on my flip flops and scoot out the door with Emily behind me. We rush past the stoop and I briefly think of David, missing him like always.
Downstairs Emily and I both grab a few muffins to go. We walk to the car and I make a quick detour to the square where Sam and his dog sit on their bench. I say hi to them and give them both a muffin. Emily and I eat ours in her car while she drives us to Forsyth Park.
“Do you think I will get fired on my first photo shoot for being late?” I ask Emily in a bit of a panic.
“Nah. You will be fine.” Emily says.
She parks the car on Gwinnett Street, one of the side streets right off of the park. We both get out and I hurry into the park. The festival is just barely getting started so I don’t worry anymore about being too late. There are only a few entrants that have gotten started. The Sidewalk Arts Festival is an annual tradition that’s been around almost as long as the university. SCAD Students, alumni, and prospective students compete to create temporary chalk masterpieces along the sidewalk squares in Forsyth Park. The studio I work for has been hired to cover the photography for the event. It’s an exciting day. Not only do I get to capture the artwork that gets created but I also get to capture images of the people as they create it.
As I am messing with the f-stop settings of the camera, Kyle the other photographer at our studio walks up beside me.
“Hey there Thea.” He says nudging my shoulder playfully.
“Hey Kyle.” I say back.
I don’t know Kyle too well yet. But he has been nice and he is very good looking. He has light brown eyes and thick light brown hair that has a few waves in it. He has facial hair that he keeps shorter that extends around his cheeks, mouth, chin, and neck.
I finish playing with the settings and am ready to snap some images when I spot some good potential shots.
“You ready for the hot day?” Kyle says.
“I guess. Although I don’t think I will ever get used to this Savannah heat.” I say. I clumsily drop the lens cap probably because my hands are already getting sweaty and clammy. Before I can attempt to pick it up Kyle has already grabbed it and is handing it back to me.
“Here. I’ll just put it in your bag.” He says as he drops it into the bag I have side strapped over my chest and back. As he does it he brushes against my arm with his hand. It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up and gives me goose bumps. I have to remind myself that we work together so flirting is probably not the best idea. I don’t want to mess up this job.
“Thanks Kyle. See you around.” I say to him heading off to another section of the sidewalk.
“Ok Thea.” He says. “Maybe I will see you after.”
I rush off not wanting to confirm anything with him. The event is really getting started now. There is a crowd walking along the edge of the sidewalk and several artists at work on their sidewalk square. There is also a pretty good line at the check in table where you get your chalk supplies. Everyone uses the same chalk but some choose to apply it with a paint brush and water and some choose to apply it as is.
I start snapping images of the people. The ones that are hard at work and focusing on their masterpiece. The ones that are walking and admiring them along with their children or families. Seeing this makes me feel homesick for my family, the one when my brother Jacks was still around. But I am glad my parents and sister will be here tomorrow morning for graduation.
I move away from the close up personal shots and change gears into showing more of the whole event, the whole picture. I capture some images while sitting on the base of the fountain in the middle of the park. This angle shows a long line of people cascading back into the other side of the park. The people are framed by trees following them all the way down to the end of the park.
“Tired already.” I hear a voice from behind me say. And it happens to be Kyle.
“No. Just getting a shot.” I say back.
“Beautiful.” He says.
I look back at him a little confused by his comment.
“The angle you picked to use. It’s beautiful the way the green and moss of the trees makes a canopy over the people.” He says.
“Ya. It’s nice.” I say.
“Thea. You really have an eye for this.” He says.
“Thanks.” I say. “How are your photos going?” I ask trying to shift the attention off of me.
“I have got some good ones. I’m gonna take a break and grab a sandwich. Then come back and see how much a little time does for the chalk artists.” He says. “Wanna grab a bite with me?”
I am hungry but I hesitate. We work together though so there can’t be anything wrong with getting a sandwich together.
“Alright.” I say. “There is a great little coffee shop right at the end of the park we can go to.”
“Ya. The Sentient Bean. Ok.” Kyle says.
We walk both taking a few photos along the way. We each order a panini and a coffee and take it outside to eat closer to the park on one of the benches.
“Coffee is pretty tasty.” Kyle says. “But The Tea Room is more my brew.”
“Really?” I say. “And what do you get there?” I ask surprised a guy like him has been there.
I know the menu pretty well since I work there. The shop is very quaint and has a formal sit down tea area.
“I am kind of addicted to their Earl Grey tea.” He says. “Ever since the waitress there recommended it to me.”
He looks at me waiting for me to say something.
“Wait. Have I waited on you there before?” I ask embarrassed for not realizing.
“You waited on me my first few times there. But not lately.” He says.
“Oh. Sorry Kyle. I think I am on autopilot sometimes.”
“Well you seem to be pretty busy. Two jobs. Plus school. So autopilot is necessary sometimes.” He says.
“Ya. I’ll be glad when graduation is officially over tomorrow.” I say. “What about you? Looking forward to graduation?”
“I guess. I already feel done with it though. So I have been picking up a few extra events here and there for the studio.” He says.
“That’s great. It’s nice to find something you enjoy doing and make it into a career.” I say.
We finish eating up our sandwiches and sit silently drinking up the rest of our coffee.
“Guess it’s time to get back in there. I’ll cover the right hand side, if you want to cover the left.” He says.
We both get up and walk closer to the ongoing festival.
“I’ll see ya Thea.” He says once again making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“Ok. See ya then.” I say waving to him and splitting off to the left.
Walking closer, the colors of the chalk really jump out at me. I get some shots of the colorful squares of sidewalk extending into the distance as I walk closer and closer to it. Once I am upon the artists I go crazy with my camera. Kneeling down in the grass beside them to get shots from their point of view too.
I take close-ups of their hands that are smeared and dusted with chalk as their fingers rub the colors onto the concrete. Some artists are barefoot. Some artists have chalk dust covering their shorts or pants and shirts. Their chalk masterpieces are works of art but so are they. There is one girl creating a detailed Chinese dragon with black outlines and bright reds and purples and oranges. In the shot I show part of the chalk work but
frame it so she is more the focus. One of her elbows is bent out to the side resting next to the drawing. Her other arm is extended as she uses two fingers to mix the colors together to create shading. Her eyes are focused down and she is smiling from ear to ear. Her long wavy brown hair is loosely tied back and hair strands are flinging about with each movement of her arms. Slivers or end pieces of chalk lay at her knees.
Some of the squares have groups of people working together and combining their squares into one larger image. There is one that is copy of a cover of Time Magazine so it has the red border and “TIME” letter styling along the top above a photo realistic image of a man.
I also get shots of just the materials too. Some that are painting with the chalk have ground it down into dust and put it into clear plastic cups. Using a paint brush and water to apply it to the concrete. There are a variety of methods and a variety of types of images. Some of them photo realistic looking, some abstract shapes and textures.
It’s an amazing display of talent. A group of guys that have finished their two squares, are standing to the side and laughing so I ask them to quickly scoot together for a photo. The emotion is great. You can see the feeling of accomplishment and hard work. And the chalk that dusts their faces.
I snap another image of a white haired Pomeranian dog that is streaked with yellows and oranges and reds and purples. His tongue is out while he pants because of the hot Savannah air. He stands tiredly at his master’s side. In the shot I get the guys sandals that face his drawing of his white dog.
After several hours of sweating and inhaling chalk the festival is at a close. Emily left earlier to meet up with Darren and his parents. I begin my walk back to the dorms knowing I have pepper spray handy in my bag just in case. I make it about a block before a car starts to slow next to me. I am a little freaked at first until I realize who it is behind the wheel of this red beat-up Ford truck.
“Need a ride.” Says Kyle.
“I think I will take you up on that. I wasn’t looking forward to another layer of sweat from the walk.” I say. “Thanks.”
“Oglethorpe House, right? Going that way anyway.” He says.
“Yes. O house.” I say. “Is that where you live?”
“No I have an apartment close to there. Off Whitaker and Oglethorpe. It’s above the Paper Moon.” He says.
“I used to love that place.” I say. “I am meeting up with some friends there tonight for dinner. For old times sake.” I say.
“What about you? How are you spending your last night before being a graduate?” I ask.
“Just going to relax before the family and graduation chaos starts. Gotta pick up my dad pretty early in the morning so not doing too much tonight.” Kyle says.
“Oh. Well if you feel like dinner out you’re welcome to come downstairs and eat with me and my friends.”
“Maybe.” He says.
We drive the rest of the five minutes to the dorms in silence. Silence doesn’t bother me like it does some people. Sometimes I like to just sit and soak things up. Process what is going through my head. Kyle doesn’t seem to mind it. When we get to the dorms he drops me off in front of the door. I get out of the car pausing to turn back.
“Thanks for the ride.” I say.
Leaning on the car door frame of the open window I say “Really. You should come to dinner tonight. It’s at eight thirty. See ya.”
Kyle waves and slowly drives off. I ride the elevator and walk to my room still thinking of the festival and of Kyle. As I pass by the stoop my thoughts drift to David like usual.
After taking a refreshing shower I wrap myself in a towel and lie down on my bed to rest. I look around the mostly packed up room and notice how plain it is once again. Emily has everything packed except for a few clothes and all of her shoes and makeup. I have packed everything except for a few books, my photography equipment and a few of the things I have hanging on the wall. One of those things is David’s oak tree drawing. I still think it is the most beautiful tree I have seen. Starring at the drawing my eyes get heavy so I close them.
I nap for three or so hours and wake feeling rested. It’s about thirty minutes till I am meeting the gang for dinner. I get dressed in a clean t-shirt and jeans and brush out my hair, tussling the blue and purple streaks to one side.
I grab my key and walk out the door. I stop off to see Max.
“Ms. Clark. Good evening. You ready for tomorrow?” Max asks.
“Hi Max. I’m getting there. It’s going to be a big day. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to this place.” I say.
“Ya. But you will only be blocks away. Won’t be too bad.” He says.
“I know. I’ll miss you though.” I say.
“Have a good evening Ms. Clark.” He says.
It’s dark and warm outside. I am the first out of the gang to arrive at the Paper Moon. I guess I am about ten minutes early. As I sit I think about that first night in Savannah when I came here. Here with David. The paintings and paper stars hanging from the ceiling look the same as they did that first night.
“Thea. Hey.” Says Dax startling me a little.
“Dax! Hi.” I say standing up to give him a hug. “We weren’t sure if you were going to make it. We haven’t seen you for so long.”
“Well for old times sake I wanted to see everyone. Also Thea. I have grown up a lot and I am sorry for how I acted to you. I want to be friends. I don’t know what I was thinking.” Dax says.
“Thank you. I’d like to be friends, Dax.” I say standing up to give him another hug.
“So where are you going after graduation?” I ask him.
“Staying here. I have an apartment and I will be back in school next year for my Master’s degree. And also doing some student teaching.” Dax says.
“Wow. That is great.” I say.
“I already know what you are up to Thea. I have heard a lot about it from my roommate. It sounds like things are going good for you.” He says.
“What do you mean? Who is your roommate?” I ask curiously. Immediately thinking of David when he talks about a roommate since David was his roommate in the dorms.
Just then the gang starts trickling in. First Remy. Then Micah, Dean, and Lilah. Then Grayson. Then Kyle joins us. Emily and Darren show up an hour later. By that time we have already eaten and are just sitting and reminiscing in the last four years. I am stuffed full from a ham and cheese omelet and key lime pie. We talk about teachers, assignments, parties, hook-ups, and just everything. Of course David’s name comes up. So does the coincidence that Kyle and Dax are roommates and have been the last two years or so. So that is where Dax got information about what’s going on with me. We all talk and talk for hours.
I am getting tired and we all have to be up early tomorrow so it’s time to call it a night. A group of us walk back to the dorms. Emily says good night to Darren and her and I walk to our room arm in arm. We walk past the stoop, David’s stoop.
“Oh ya.” Emily says. “David called to wish you a happy graduation.”
“He did.” When?” I ask surprised.
“While you were at the festival.” She says.
“What did you say to him?” I ask.
“Nothing really. He asked how you were too. And I told him you were good.” She says. “That’s it.”
I fall asleep looking at the drawing of the Savannah oak tree with Spanish moss hanging by my bedside.
The alarm clock sounds and Emily and I both stagger out of bed. No snoozing it today. It’s graduation day. I put on a little make-up and start fixing my hair, just up in a neater than usual ponytail. Then I slip on my bright olive green dress. It has thick straps and is pleated. The length is just over the top of my knee. The color matches my graduation cap tassel pretty closely. Emily wears a simple black dress. We look at ourselves and each other in the mirror and both smile.
“Awww Thea! I am going to miss you so much!” she says.
“I’ll miss you too Em. Don’t cry or you’re going
to make me cry.” I say back.
“Ok. Even though we are going our separate ways. We will stay in touch. And you have to keep me updated on Grayson, Kyle, and Dax.” She says.
“I told you there is nothing going on between me and any of those guys. And of course we will stay in touch.” I say.
“Ok. Well a girl can wish.” She says.
We carry our cap and gowns out the door with us and of course I have my camera hanging around my neck too. We stop on the stoop for a quick picture together and head down to breakfast. I get my last cafeteria meal with eggs, hash browns, and sausages. On the way out of the cafeteria I take some food to the square where Sam and his dog sit on the bench. I sit next to them and listen to Sam mumble about something his wife used to say. I take a deep breath and sit comfortably and almost happily as I wait for my family to drive up to the school entrance. My stomach is in knots. I’m happy and sad all at the same time.
“Thea!” calls out my sister, Cami.
“Thanks Sam for always being there for me. I’ll see you again soon.” I say getting up from the bench and jogging over to meet my family.
“Hey guys!” I say hugging Cami first and then my dad and mom.
We walk a block over to the civic center and I wave goodbye to them temporarily. They go find seats and I go to the side room where the other almost graduates are waiting. They line us up alphabetically by last name and tell me it’s time to put on my gown and cap.
Capturing Savannah Page 11