Overexposed Read online

  It only took a few minutes of the class going nuts before I realized that this was a perfect photo opportunity. It didn’t go with the paparazzi theme Ash and I decided on, but there was nothing wrong with having options.

  I took out my camera and stood on top of my desk, and started taking pictures of everything. There were kids who turned the desks and others who were standing around. Some kids were sitting on desks, and others had turned on their music and hooked up little speakers instead of head phones. Then, I noticed that Macy wasn’t doing any of those things. In fact, she wasn’t doing anything but sitting there, quietly, waiting for the craziness surrounding us to die down.

  I jumped down from the desk and took pictures from other angles, all the way around the classroom. Some kids posed for me, others ignored me. Then I got to Macy.

  “Why are you just sitting here?”

  “Why not? Just because the teacher isn’t in here doesn’t mean we don’t know how we are supposed to act. I don’t know about you, but I came into this class because I love photography. I want to learn. And when the teacher does get here he is going to have to take the time to get the class back on track. Take the time to discipline them. I would rather not do anything to make him take anymore time away from teaching.”

  The girl made sense. “You’re right. Thanks.”

  I went back to my seat, but kept my camera out. I wanted to capture Mr. Bennett’s reaction to the class when he came in.

  “What do you think about asking Macy if she wants to join us in our project?” I asked Ashley. It had always been the two of us, so I wasn’t going to invite someone else without talking to her first.

  “I don’t mind, but why?” We whispered, as I didn’t want anyone to over hear. Not because of Macy, but I didn’t want them to steal our idea or tell other people to watch for us. The secret to being a spy is to be invisible. At least that’s what the books and movies have taught me. “Well, she thinks differently. But she is really into photography, too. Like yesterday, she made me think about that picture in a new way. I think she might be helpful. We should ask her after class.” Ash nodded her agreement when the door opened.

  Half the class was so loud or turned the opposite direction, they didn’t notice Mr. Bennett and the principal enter the room.

  “What is going on in here?” The principal yelled. Mrs. Nash was in her late sixties. She had started her career here at Willowspring as an English teacher. Mom said she was her freshman year teacher and she was tough as nails. Not much had changed except possibly the gray hair and wrinkles.

  At this point, the rest of the class froze and the noise died immediately. The chairs and desks screeched along the floor as they were being turned around.

  “I am very disappointed in all of you. You are old enough to know how to treat a classroom with respect. I went and asked Mrs. Nash to come in and observe the class so that we could hopefully sign out some cameras to the students who needed them. I told her how responsible I thought you all were. Then we come into this?” He shook his head and the look of disappointment on his face made me feel guilty, and I didn’t even really think I did anything wrong. I snapped a few more pictures (from my seat) of the students’ frightened faces and the teachers’ angry ones, but when Mr. Bennett looked directly at me, shaking his head, I turned it off and put it away.

  “The school has only five cameras. I was going to allow them to be all checked out off campus, but I think that until you can prove yourselves trustworthy, they will only be available during class time. I will let Mr. Bennett decide for how long.” Without another word, Mrs. Nash turned and walked out of the room, the door closing loudly behind her.

  “I really thought you all were more mature than that. Today we were going to get to go out and just enjoy taking pictures on your own. I wanted to see your natural abilities before we start discussing composition or any of the elements of design, but I don’t think I can trust you to be alone and come back on time. We will go as a group. There were only two of you sitting quietly, so Ashley, Macy, you get first pick of the school cameras to use if you need one.”

  “No thank you, Mr. Bennett. I have one,” Macy said, holding up her own camera. I looked back over my shoulder and nearly fell out of my chair. She had a brand spanking new camera. I knew how much that bad boy cost and I was immediately jealous. I wanted to hold it, to touch it, to use it…then, I swear, it was like Jilly was screaming at me to ignore the shiny bauble, and to love her and only her. I shook my head clear of the jealousy and turned back to my seat. I started handling my camera, reminding myself that while it may not be new and shiny anymore, it was amazing and did everything I wanted and needed.

  “Very well. Ashley?” Mr. Bennett motioned for her to go to the front of the room and pick out a camera. I looked over them quickly from my seat and saw one just like mine. I knew if she picked that one, I could help her learn it faster. So I quickly tapped her arm and pointed to it. Ashley stood up and grabbed the camera off the teacher’s desk.

  “Thank you, Mr. Bennett.”

  The few other cameras were handed out and most had to share. Once we were all ready, Mr. Bennett opened the door, and we converged into the hallway as a single unit.

  “Well, Class, since this is now a group assignment, let’s take a vote. What type of photos are we taking? Portraits, landscape, or photojournalistic?”

  There was a cacophony of voices echoing the hall, and it seemed the class could not agree on a type at all.

  “Okay, here’s an idea! Why don’t we put it to a vote?” Ashley yelled out.

  “Very good idea, Ashley,” Mr. Bennett got the class to quiet down after a minute. “Okay, all in favor of portraits raise your hand.” I raised my hand as well as four or five others. “Landscapes?” another five or so hands lifted into the air. “And photojournalistic?” the rest of the class raised their hands, twelve in total. “Photojournalistic it is.”

  We wandered around the school for the next thirty minutes taking photos. I got a really good one of some graffiti on the wall in the girls’ bathroom. I slipped in to use it, and saw the wall, and couldn’t help myself. It was photojournalistic, and I know no one else in the class got it. As a group, anytime someone took a photo, at least three others came right in behind them and took the same shot.

  Eventually we got to the cafeteria and went in. Ashley took a few pictures of the custodians cleaning up after breakfast and as soon as one person noticed, a group of kids did the same thing. The poor guys had no clue what to do with all these kids snapping off photos. Macy took a few of the trash cans being full while the recycling bin was empty instead of following the pack. I loved that she thought outside of the box.

  “Okay, class, lets head back and talk about what we just did.”

  Walking back to the room, Ashley and I fell in step with Macy. I really wanted to talk to her with Ashley there. We were a team, a single unit. If Macy wanted to work with me, she had to know that Ashley was going to be there too.

  “Hey Macy. I love that shot you saw back there, the trash cans. Can I see it?” I asked her. She smiled and nodded, then brought the image up on the back LCD screen of her camera. Note to self, do not drool on fancy LCD screen that has perfect color and is almost a half inch bigger than your own.

  The photo was remarkable. She had set her camera to black and white and that just made it more haunting. Who knew trash cans could be haunting.

  “That is stunning,” Ashley said, “Do you think you might want to work with us on this next project? We have a cool idea, at least we think so.”

  “Sure, why not? I don’t really know anyone else in there that knows photography like you guys,” Macy said.

  “Oh Ashley doesn’t know much, but I plan on helping to teach her. Do you think you can meet us after school to talk about the project?” I smiled at both my best friend and at Macy. I could tell already she would become one of us.

  “Sure. Sounds good. Do you guys want to stop by the diner for a milk shake
or something?” Both mine and Ashley’s faces fell. Neither one of us had any money. And we wouldn’t be asking for any anytime soon.

  “Um, how about we go to my house and I can make some hot cocoa? That’s better for a cold day anyway.” I hoped she would take me up on it, but I wasn’t sure since her family actually lived on the north side of town. Her mother was a commuter and had been for a long time. Her father was one of the only miners up there. Hell, he was one of the only miners left.

  “I think that should be all right. Let me call my mom at work during lunch to make sure it’s okay to be home late. Maybe she would even let me borrow the car if I went home first so I didn’t have to walk all the way home from south town in the snow. Guilt trips work great on parents.” We all laughed and followed the mass of people into the classroom.

  THE DAY FELT LIKE it ended faster than normal. Classes just flew by, but maybe that was because I was partially excited to bring Macy in on the project, but I was more worried about her seeing our house. I wondered if I would have time to get home and clean up a bit before she got there.

  “Before the final bell rings, I want to make sure you all know to bring supplies in tomorrow to work on your first projects. You need to build a sculpture that represents who you are. Have a good afternoon and I will see you all tomorrow!” The bell rang and we were all out of our seats and through the door as fast as we could.

  “Do you see Macy anywhere?” Ashley asked me, standing on her tiptoes trying to see over people. Ashley wasn’t the tallest person around, but she refused to let anyone call her short. She wasn’t really, but standing next to me did her no favors in size comparison. I was tall. I knew it. Everyone always asks me if I played on the basketball team, that is, until they got to know me. I have no coordination. Sports and I do not get along, not at all.

  “Nope. Maybe she is waiting for us outside? I hope Jason doesn’t take forever today. I want to get home and make sure it’s all cleaned up. Plus, I need to tell Mom and Dad that we will be having company.”

  “You always have company. I come over there every day.” We stopped by our lockers and began dressing ourselves in the multiple layers for the cold walk home. I loved the look of snow, but I was really ready for the snow to melt and spring to come.

  “You aren’t a guest anymore. You’re family.” She smiled and bumped my shoulder. It was true, she called my parents Mom and Dad, and I called hers the same when I actually saw them.

  It was sunny outside when we pushed through the doors. Still cold, but sunny. It was a nice change. The sun made waiting more bearable, seeing as how I didn’t see Macy or my brother anywhere.

  “Oh there she is!” Ashley said, pointing across the parking lot. Macy had just gotten out of a blue pickup truck and was walking towards us.

  “Hey guys! Sorry about being late. I called my Dad during lunch and he said he would bring me the car, and then shows up in that truck! He said it’s for me. They bought me a truck! See?” She was jumping a little, pointing over to the small but very shiny and new pickup. “I hope you don’t mind, but I kinda thought since it is cold and all, I could just drive us to your house.”

  “We don’t mind!” Ashley shouted before running off toward the truck. I had to put a big smile on my face and pretend that I wasn’t filled with jealousy over the fact her parents could buy her a brand spanking new camera and truck. I really hoped that her dad wasn’t next on the list to be replaced.

  “Thanks Macy, that’s great. I just have to wait here to make sure my kid brother actually heads home. I hope he didn’t get detention. He still hasn’t come out.” I was starting to worry and was about to go back into the school to look for him when Macy point to the parking lot again.

  “Isn’t that him?” she asked.

  She was right, it was him. Huddled up with Brock and his buddies again. I didn’t know what he was up to, but I just had this strange feeling that something was wrong. “Let me go tell him to head home. I will be right there.”

  Macy nodded and went back to her truck. I waved to Ashley then walked toward the group of guys. I was sure Macy would tell her what I was doing, but she ran up to meet me anyway.

  “You could have gotten into the truck and been warm.”

  “But this way I get to see Nate again. In class he said he still hadn’t told them, but he was excited for the dance. I really hope I can get that dress.” I think she knew she was going to be disappointed, but wanted to pretend to get shiny new things, too. The dress cost too much and her parents just didn’t have it.

  The closer we got to the boys the more we heard. Although none of it made any sense. I heard bits and pieces about numbers and people and times. When I finally got to them, they didn’t even notice me.

  Tapping Jason on the shoulder, I said “Excuse me. Planning on heading home anytime soon? I have stuff to do.” He shrugged his shoulder hard to get my hand off of him, and whipped around with a look of utter annoyance on his face.

  “Vi, seriously, just go. I don’t need you to see me off. We’re busy here.” I had to take a deep breath. I didn’t do anything to deserve that kind of attitude. He had been so nice the night before; it was like he was a different person. But that was Jason. At school, he didn’t know me. At home, he either ignored me, or was at least pleasant. Well, okay, not pleasant, but not really rude either. I always thought that it was the older sibling who was supposed to treat the younger one like dirt.

  “Well, Mom seems to think you do. Take it up with her. I can’t leave until you do.” I stood with my arms crossed against my chest, waiting for him to talk back again. I would just leave him there, but I would also tell Mom. Yes, I am that sister.

  I looked over at Ashley and she was grinning like the freaking cat from Alice in Wonderland. Her hand stayed down by her hip, but she was definitely waving it. I looked back to Nate who subtly shook his head, but also mouthed a quick ‘I’m sorry.’ Ashley stopped what she was doing immediately before turning back towards the truck.

  “Vi, I am going to wait with Macy. Hurry up!”

  “Jason, seriously, at least pretend to start walking home so I can say I saw you leave. Damn it, I don’t care what you do, just don’t get me in trouble while you do it!”

  “Fine, geez, Vivienne! Calm the hell down already. Guys give me two minutes, I will be right back.” He grabbed his bag off the ground and stormed passed me. I gave the group a quick little wave and ran off behind him.

  “What are you doing with those guys anyway? I mean, they think they are better than everyone. They make fun of the miners all the time.”

  “If you didn’t hear last night, we aren’t a mining family anymore. See, problem solved. Now, mind your own damn business, okay? I am just trying to help out.”

  “Help out? How is hanging with them helping out?”

  “Seriously, Vi. None of your business. Just go home. Look I left school grounds, now you don’t have to lie to Mom.”

  “Fine.” I turned and ran back to the truck, slipping halfway there and landing on my ass. The boys all roared with laughter as I got back up and walked the rest of the way to the truck. I hoped they would do something embarrassing that I could catch on camera for the project. They would never let me forget falling on the ice, I needed something to sling back at them too. Maybe one of them likes that popular boy band the girls are all gaga over...

  Driving home got us there within five minutes, which was really nice. Macy parked on the street and before we could even open the door, Dad opened it for us.

  “Hello girls! You’re home early and you brought a friend. Hi, I’m Mr. Blake, Vi’s Dad.” Macy shook his hand and we all stepped into the house to take off our layers.

  “Dad, this is Macy Nellman. She is going to be working on a photography project with me and Ash.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Blake.”

  “You too. Nellman, huh? Your Dad works in the mines, right?”

  “Yeah, he does.”

  “Thought so. I have known him
for a long time. Well you girls go on up and get working on that project, don’t let me stop you.” His chipper mood seemed to drop, and I knew he was thinking about how her dad still had a job.

  I looked around the house quickly, hoping everything was where it should be and that nothing obvious was broken. We had plenty of broken things, like the dishwasher, the garbage disposal, the couch (it was “fixed” with a board under the cushions) but I just hoped nothing new had popped up that would stand up and shout “Hey! My owners are poor!”

  We got up the stairs without Macy noticing just how different our lives had to be. I mean, her family had money, as so far, both her parents had their jobs. It had only been a day since Dad had been fired, but they had been cutting his hours more and more over the last two years.

  “Here’s my room.” I opened the door and the three of us filed in. Ashley took a seat on the bed, Macy grabbed my computer chair, and I stretched out on the floor, leaning against the bed.

  “Hey, if our dads work together why is yours home?” Macy asked as she pulled her notebook from her bag. Ashley looked away, trying to find anything else to occupy her.

  “He was laid off yesterday. Another machine. It’s been happening to a lot of the miners.” I didn’t want to talk about it. I wanted to talk about the project. “So, we were thinking, for the project we should basically be the TMZ of Willowspring High. Get all sneaky and catch people’s secrets and what not.”

  “I like it. Ooh! I bet Brianna stuffs her bra. I wonder if we can catch her in the locker room! That girl deserves to be knocked down a peg or two!” Macy sounded as giddy as I’d felt earlier. I knew this was a good idea. I was almost never wrong when I got a good feeling.

  “Uh, nope. Sorry. The only way I agreed to the project was if we had ground rules.” Ashley went on to explain the rules she had set while I fired up my old desktop computer to plug in my camera. I wanted to show Macy the pictures we already had.