Click, Click, Click

A figure stood, silhouetted in the early morning sun. The soft splash of the waves, the distant cries of a flock of seagulls, the click of a camera. This was the perfect time to be here, right when the light hit the water for the first time of the day; the perfect shot. Click, click, click. Click, click, click. The sound was soothing, familiar. It was a sound

that Daniel had not been able to hear for weeks. He welcomed it.

Slowly he let his Nikon drop to hang around his neck. He stared out at the water. He stared at the way the light played on the constantly moving and constantly changing liquid. He stared for so long, lost in thought, that when his eyes unglazed the sun had fully risen above the horizon. Daniel sighed and breathed in the fresh sea air. It was rare that he got out anymore, and he cherished the little time he had out here.

Daniel slipped his hands into his pockets and took one last look at the ocean before turning and heading home. He walked slowly, not wanting to go back to that place. That place he called home. But only in name; it didn’t feel like home to him. On his way he saw across the road an old couple. They looked serene, walking along enraptured with each other and in love. A faint smile appeared on Daniel’s face as he brought up his camera to take a few shots. They really did paint a beautiful picture.

He then turned a corner and ran smack into someone. Both fell to the ground with a slight thud. “Oh I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t see you.” A smooth voice exclaimed. Daniel opened his eyes to find that he was on his back, being helped to his feet by the one person he didn’t want to see, yet at the same time craved with every fiber of his being. He stood and brushed himself off before looking into the grey eyes of Seth Black, star track runner and the town’s resident hottie. Daniel sighed and said that it was no big deal, he was alright.

Nervous smiles were exchanged and silence reigned. Daniel was starting to get fidgety when Seth spoke up, “Er, I better get going. My mum’s expecting me back in a bit.”

“Oh, yeah. Er, see you around then.”

Seth gave a smile, “Yeah, see you around.” He gave a small wave and started off. Daniel stood there staring forward, trying to calm his heart. His mind raged at him. Screamed that that could have been his one chance to ask Seth out.

Daniel bit his lip and steeled himself. He turned to see Seth’s back not very far away. “Hey, Seth!” Seth spun at his name and fixed Daniel with questioning eyes. “Yeah?” Daniel licked his lips and walked up to the other boy. “I was wondering if…if I could…”

Seth looked at him expectantly, “If you could, what?” Biting his lip again Daniel replied, “Could I take your picture?”

Seth gave a bemused smile, “Sure.” Grinning Daniel brought his camera up and focused the lens on Seth’s beautiful face. Click, click, click. Click, click, click. The camera was brought down and Daniel gave Seth a smile, “Thanks.”

“Any time, Danny.” Seth gave Daniel a friendly sock on the arm and they once again said goodbye. This time Daniel turned, grin still plastered to his face, and started walking for his house. Maybe going back wouldn’t be so bad this time. Maybe next time would be the right time to ask Seth out. For now he had his pictures and his most treasured memories of click, click, click.

-Finit-