by L A Moore
Chapter 5
“B, I got a B, but why? I don’t understand, I did exactly as you asked!” Poppy asked.
“I gave you a B because I asked for a picture depicting nature and you gave me a chipmunk with a human emotion. I wanted to see nature through your eyes, not humans through nature.” Mr. Smith reasoned. Mr. Smith was Poppy’s photography teacher at the local college. He stood every bit of six foot eight inches with dark, coffee colored skin and a nearly bald head. His brown eyes were the color of caramel and his lips full. He was a tall drink of chocolate milk, and any other time Poppy would have been tempted to get lost in his eyes but, at the moment, she needed to prove a point.
“It’s a good shot!” Poppy argued.
“You’re right, it is a spectacular shot, but it’s not what I asked for.” Mr. Smith replied honestly.
Poppy was pissed. She had nearly been killed to get that shot and he gave her a B! “So, because my chipmunk has a human look on his face, you’re going to punish me? That is crazy! You asked me to turn in a photo depicting how I see nature, and I do and you give me a B. Well this is how I see nature so I’m sorry you don’t like it, but I did the assignment and I deserve that A.” Poppy argued her point.
“I’m sorry, all grades are final. But look Poppy, you are doing great! I don’t see why you are complaining, you are one of my best students. Good luck with next week’s assignment, and don’t forget the test coming up.” Mr. Smith reminded her and walked out of the classroom.
Poppy was still angry. Stupid Mr. Smith! He was a real piece of work, judging how she saw the world! Well he could kiss her ass; she liked her picture. She put the picture back in her binder and packed her bag. She didn’t want to be late for work at the pet store.
Chapter 6
Ari called every single photography shop in town, and the next towns around, but got no luck. No one matching her description worked at any of them. He was beginning to think he would never find her. His next resort was to call the local Inns and hotels to ask if she might be there. His cover story was that they had bumped into one another on a hike and he had forgotten to get her info. There was nothing like unrequited love to make people open up.
“How did the hunt go today? Did you find her?” Avianna asked as she came through the door carrying his plate of food that night. Tonight she had made stuffed mushrooms and a wild salad.
“No, I can’t find anyone who knows a single person who fits her description. I called every single photo shop from here to the city, and every hotel and Inn, but no sign of her. I don’t know where to look next. I need another clue to go on.” Ari said, rubbing his face as his mother sat his plate before him at the table and moved aside the phone and phonebook.
“Well, maybe you should try going back to where you met. Maybe she will come back.” Avianna suggested.
“Oh no, you didn’t see the way she went screaming off the mountain at the sight of me.” Ari said, shaking his head adamantly.
“You never can tell. If she was there shooting nature, she might venture back in the woods again.” Avianna reasoned.
“I guess it’s worth a try. In the meantime, I’m all out of luck.” Ari said, between bites.
“Don’t give up. If she’s the one, you will find her again.” Avianna said reassuringly.
“I hope so Mom, I really do.” Ari stated.
Chapter 7
Poppy loved working at the pet store. She loved helping customers find a brand new pet. “Need any help?” she asked a little boy who was looking through the glass at the frogs with longing in his eyes.
“No. My mom says I can’t have a frog, but they sure are neat to look at!” the little tow- haired boy said vehemently.
“They sure are! You let me know if your Mom changes her mind. I would love to help you pick one out.” Poppy said, rubbing the little boys head.
“Ma’am, can you help me find dog food for my lil’ pumpkin here?” a nice old lady asked, holding her lil pumpkin up for Poppy to see.
“It looks like lil pumpkin here is a shih tzu. We have just the thing; follow me.” Poppy said, admiring the dog and leading the way to the dog food.
Her day continued in a similar fashion until closing.
“Whew, I’m pooped! How about you?” her coworker, Willa, asked.
Willa was a young girl in her early twenties, unlike Poppy, who was in her late twenties. She had brown straight hair that hung midway down her back. She had a round little face with big brown eyes and a nice smile. Her tanned skin was well emphasized by the coral colored shirt she wore with white jean pants. She ran the register while Poppy ran the floor, helping customers. Poppy had liked her instantly.
“My feet hurt from all the walking, but it’s a great job, I love it here.” Poppy responded while sweeping the floor.
“Yeah, it’s a great job. I’m just tired.” Willa said. “So what brought you to a tiny little town like this one?” she asked, watching Poppy sweep.
“Well, I wanted to expand on my photography degree, and this was the closest town to the nearest college that offered the expanded classes. So here I am!” Poppy explained. “I hope, well that is, I had hoped, to be a nature photographer.” She further explained.
“That sounds exciting, and a little scary. Aren’t you afraid to photograph wild animals?” Willa asked anxiously.
“Yes, which is why I don’t know if I will do it or not. Yesterday I was up at the state park shooting a chipmunk. When he disappeared, and I went looking for him, I came nose to nose with a giant snake and it nearly made me pee my pants, I was so scared!” Poppy said, emphasizing the part about nearly pissing her pants.
“Oh my gosh, what did you do? I would have run away, screaming like a banshee!” Willa said, laughing.
“Well, so would I, as it turns out!” Poppy said, agreeing with her and laughing. “I ran the whole way down the mountain and straight to my Jeep.” Poppy explained. “I can hardly see myself being a nature photographer if I can’t handle one little snake.” Poppy stated a little sadly.
“I wouldn’t beat myself up too much about it. Besides it’s not like you want to be a snake photographer, and it does sound like it got the drop on you. I’ll bet next time you are better prepared.” Willa said reassuringly.
“I hope so.” Poppy said, smiling at Willa.
They spent the rest of the time cleaning up the shop and talking between themselves about all the places Poppy had lived before coming to the small town. Once the shop was all clean Poppy and Willa parted at the door, wishing each other a good night. Poppy headed to her Jeep, one friend richer. She was glad to have Willa as a friend, as she was her first friend in town. Maybe she would invite her over sometime to hang out and have pizza, Poppy thought to herself as she got into her Jeep and drove the short distance home. Once there, she walked over to her desk and sat her school things down, then went to the kitchen to reheat last night’s spaghetti for her dinner again.
Chapter 8
Ari went back to the woods every single day for a week, taking various forms and sticking close to the trails, but she never came. He was beginning to lose all hope when final, on the last day he planned to spend looking for her; she came, like an angel, bouncing up the trail. He had assumed the form of a chipmunk again, thinking to grab her attention that way, and was nearly jumping up and down with excitement. If she had come back without being in a hotel, it meant she lived someplace nearby, which was great news for him. His plan was to catch her attention, then disappear while she was looking for him; he would go change and redress, then come walking down the trail, accidentally bumping into her and introduce himself under the guise that he needed a good photographer for his article. He wasn’t counting on her having a friend with her though, and he wasn’t so great around other people. He warred in his head about whether he should go through with his plan or not until it was almost too late to choose. His mind made up not to lose her again, he ran across the path just in front of her and stood up, waiting for her to see
him.
Chapter 9
Willa had talked Poppy into going back to the state park this time with her, so she wouldn’t be alone. Their friendship had been growing over the past week of working together, and Poppy finally relented and they had set it up to go on Sunday, the day the shop was closed, and they both had the day off. They walked up the path, talking between them and snapping pictures of various flora and fauna as they went. Poppy didn’t think they would actually see any animals, talking like they were, but she enjoyed the company anyway. Turning suddenly, she aimed her camera and began shooting photos of Willa, who began posing in all sorts of silly poses and laughing. Willa had worn medium wash blue jean shorts and a white t-shirt with white sneakers and her hair pulled up in a bun atop her head. Around her waist was a light blue jean shirt that looked like it had seen better days.
“Your turn!” Willa said, reaching for the camera.
“Oh, no way! I never take pictures of myself.” Poppy said, shaking her head. She had worn pale blue cotton shorts with a pale yellow t-shirt with her sensible hiking boots and around her waist she tied a light grey and white light jacket.
“OH, come on, it will be fun!” Willa said and slid the camera strap from around Poppy’s neck.
“Give me a smile!” Willa urged. “That’s it, now pose for me! Come on, no one’s around to see us acting stupid.”
Just as Poppy began posing in all sorts of stupid poses, Willa pointed the camera down and began shooting at something on the ground.
“Look! It’s a chipmunk. It looks like the one you showed me the picture of. I wonder if it’s the same one?” she asked as she shot pictures of it. “Hey, this is fun. I can see why you like doing it.” She added, snapping away.
“Looks like you might just have the photography bug, my friend.” Poppy said, laughing, and reached for her camera. “All chipmunks look alike I think, but it could be the same one.” Poppy answered, slipping the camera strap back over her neck. “What say you, chipmunk, are you the same one I took photos of last week?” she asked laughing, not expecting an answer, but she could have sworn it shook its head yes.
“It looks like he is!” Willa said, laughing. “Did you see him shake his head yes?” She asked.
“Yeah, but he probably wasn’t really shaking his head yes.” Poppy reasoned.
“Of course not, but it was cute.” Willa said and sat down on a nearby rock to look around and rest.
Poppy turned to ask Willa if she wanted her water bottle, and when she turned back, the chipmunk was gone. She was sad the little guy was gone; she wanted to try to get some more pictures of him.
Ari scurried away as fast as he could and, once he was far enough away that she would never see him, transformed into his true form and strode purposefully to his stash of clothes. Once there, he quickly dressed and headed back down the path, determined to get her name one way or another.
Poppy and Willa sat sharing the rock, their backs to one another, sipping on their water and having a snack when Willa said “Don’t look now, but there is a serious hunk headed our way!”
Of course, Poppy couldn’t resist looking in the direction Willa had indicated. He was beyond handsome, he was the stuff male models were made of. He had dirty blond hair, a well-defined face, and very kissable lips and his skin was slightly tanned. He was well built, but not in a body builder way, and wore a pair of jeans that looked like they were made for him and a fitted t-shirt that showed off his muscular torso. He was tall too, but not much taller than she was, and she stood at six foot, which was tall for a girl. She couldn’t see his eyes yet, but she knew they would be blue. He was everything she dreamed of at night, the perfect lover, and she wished she had the balls to talk to him.
Ari saw Poppy checking him out and he couldn’t help but stand a little taller, not wanting to fail her inspection. He still wasn’t sure what he was going to say now that she was sitting and he couldn’t bump into her, but he knew he would talk to her, one way or another. Then he remembered the water bottle he had tucked into his cargo pants. Walking up to them he said “Ladies!” and sat down on the ground like he was out of breath. “Looks like this is the rest stop along the trail.” He added, smiling up at Poppy.
Poppy couldn’t believe he was talking to her, and almost forgot to respond when Willa nudged her hard in the back with her elbow. “Yeah, it’s kind of a perfect spot.” Poppy responded and hoped she didn’t sound stupid or condescending.
“Do you take photos professionally?” Ari asked Poppy, ignoring the other girl with her.
“Um, not yet, but I hope to one day.” Poppy answered and pulled her camera a little closer to her.
“Don’t be modest Poppy! She takes amazing photos! You should see the one she took of a chipmunk! It’s fantastic, even her Professor said so!” Willa interjected.
“He doesn’t want to hear about that Willa!” Poppy said, her face flaming red from embarrassment.
“Actually, I would like to hear about it. Let me introduce myself. My name is Aurion Mooreland, but my friends call me Ari. I work for Nature magazine, writing articles and I could use a good photographer.” Ari said, smiling now that his plan was finally sliding into play.
“Are you offering me a job?” Poppy asked, totally bewildered that this hunky guy would just walk up in a state park and offer her her dream job.
“Well, I mean, I would need to see examples of your work first but yeah, if you make the cut, I guess I am.” Ari said, knowing questioning her skills would rile her.
“Oh, she’s good enough!” Willa interjected again, defending her friend.
“Shh Willa, he’s not even seen my work yet.” Poppy admonished her friend in a whisper.
“Well, my name is Poppy Wilde. I’d be happy to put together some of my photos for you to review. Do you have a card?” she asked, eager to get his info and trying to contain her excitement.
“I think I do, yeah, let me look.” Ari said patting down his pockets and finally coming away with the card he had purposefully stuck in his pocket just for her with all his personal information on it so she had plenty of ways to contact him, including his personal cell number and email.
“Wow, thanks, I look forward to meeting with you, Aurion.” Poppy said, grinning from ear to ear.
“Please, call me Ari.” Ari said as he stood. “It was nice to meet you both; I look forward to hearing from you soon as I’d like to get started ASAP.” Ari added.
“Of course I’ll get started tonight and give you a call in the morning.” Poppy promised, waving goodbye to Ari as he walked away.
Ari was over the moon; he finally had her name, and she was going to call him in the morning. He had a feeling he was going to need a lot of photos taken in the near future.
“Omg, can you believe that just happened?” Poppy asked Willa excitedly.
“You are one lucky girl; did you see the way he nearly ate you up, just looking at you? Oh what I wouldn’t give to be in your shoes!” Willa admitted, fanning herself teasingly at Poppy.
“He’s not into me; he just offered me a job, that’s all.” Poppy said defensively.
“He’s not into you! Hello! He never spoke to me, or acknowledged me at all. He was definitely into you!” Willa insisted.
“Oh, I don’t know about that, but ok ,if you say so.” Poppy said, gathering her stuff.
“Don’t pretend you don’t want him to ride you to happy town” Willa said ,laughing.
“Hush! He might hear you!” Poppy said, watching Ari walk down the mountain.
Ari did, in fact, hear Willa and he couldn’t help but smile to himself as he kept walking as if he hadn’t heard a thing.
“Aha! You do want him to ride you to happy town! I knew it.” Willa said, laughing harder.
Chapter 10
“So, how did it go today? Did you see her?” Avianna asked her son as she came through the door bringing him his dinner.
“As a matter of fact, I did see her! I talked to her, got her name, and g
ave her my card. She’s going to call me in the morning for me to come review her photos. I told her I needed some photography done for my articles.” Ari said, grinning from ear to ear.
“Ugh, Son, how many times do I have to tell you it never pays to lie? What if she finds out the truth?” Avianna asked, frustrated with her son’s subterfuge.
“Ah, I have already thought of that! I will simply submit some of her stuff in with my trail camera photos and if they use them, they do and if not, then no harm, no foul. In the meantime, I’ll pay her for her photos, and I get to spend time with her.” Ari said, smiling at his own genius.