Page 23 of I Shouldn't Feel This Way

“Same as before. I’ll remember that next time.”

Pizza twice in a row. That never happened in my household. I loved a good veggie pizza, as long as the toppings were diced. There was something about chunky vegetable toppings that really interfered with the taste and texture. If someone gave me a slice with the exact same toppings that were sprinkled in chunks, I wouldn’t be able to eat it.

The sun was setting in the horizon, and the sky had changed to a glowing magenta, melting into orange. Fading flecks of sunrays glittered on the polished windowpanes of the towering skyscrapers. I was so absorbed in the contemporary architecture and landscaping outside that I didn’t hear Noah calling my name.

“Aria?” He gently placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Sorry—I think I zoned out.” I turned around.

He studied my face for a brief moment, and then looked out the window. “It’s an impeccable view.”

“I wish I had my camera. I love photography,” I said, seating myself on the cream-colored sofa.

“Have you taken any classes?” Noah sat down beside me, giving me his undivided attention.

“No, but ever since I won a competition last year, I’ve taken a real interest in it. I’ve been taking photos of almost everything ever since.”

“Tell me about this competition.”

“It’s kind of stupid.” I sniggered. “You’ll probably laugh.”

“No, tell me.” He moved in closer, his eyes lighting up with genuine interest.

“My art teacher, Ms. Clare, was giving away this fancy art set last year. But it wasn’t just some charitable giveaway, you had to earn it. So she challenged everyone in the class to take a photograph of anything that was nature-themed. We were allowed to enhance the photo in digital software, just as long as we stuck to that rule—you know, trees, grass, flowers, wild animals.”

Noah nodded and continued listening.

“She gave us three weeks to produce our winning photo, and throughout those weeks, I was taking pictures of anything I found interesting. This was around the beginning of fall, when all the leaves were starting to change color. Most of the photos I took were from unusual angles.” I paused briefly, wondering if I still held his interest. “Anyway, one time I was walking through Central Park, and it was a sunny day, but for some reason, it started to rain out of nowhere. The sky had split in half with two different weather forecasts. It was remarkable. I was convinced that the climate in the city had gone bipolar or something …”

He chuckled a bit at that part.

“But it created this amazing effect because, as the sun was shining, there was a light drizzle of rainfall. It looked like diamonds were pouring from the sky. I noticed a young couple sitting on a bench between two trees, and the leaves were this brilliant crimson color. The man and woman were getting soaked under the rain, but they didn’t seem to care.

“So I pulled out my camera and took a photo. The shot was so beautiful. The woman had short platinum hair that was almost glowing in the sunlight, while droplets of rain shimmered over her. I didn’t edit or enhance the picture. The only thing I Photoshopped in was a personal quote:Every drop of rain that you can’t catch, that’s how much I miss you.

“When I won the competition, I felt like I didn’t win it fairly. My photograph was inspired by love, and specifically that couple. It wasn’t so much about nature or landscape. I was just lucky to be at the right place at the right time. Mother Nature conveniently happened to show her divine presence on that particular day. I think it was the way he was kissing her that had captivated me most. It was so tender and passionate.”

I wasn’t sure why I felt so nervous telling him all that—maybe because it was so personal to me.

“You have a poetic soul, Aria.” Noah smiled softly and caressed my cheek. “I’d love to see that photo.”

“Nah, I’m just a die-hard romantic who’s in denial. Ms. Clare framed my picture. It’s on display in her art room.”

“Why in denial? Who’s broken your heart?” he asked, looking a little concerned.

“No one important, I mean—when I was growing up, Mom and Rob’s relationship gave me the impression that love doesn’t exist. And if it’s anything similar to what they have, then I don’t want it at all. I feel like true love is an illusion that only exists in fairy tales and Hollywood films.”

“Are you dating anyone?”

“No.”

“Well, I don’t believe for a second that you really feel that true love is nonexistent, and I also refuse to believe that you’re not dating a guy. Look at you—you’re gorgeous.”

Is he always going to make me blush around him?I wondered.

“Not that I have a problem with you seeing boys—” He broke off. “Actually, I think I prefer you staying single for at least another ten years. It’ll make my job a lot easier, and I won’t have to knock any teeth out.”

We both laughed. I stared at him with such admiration, wondering if he knew how I felt.

---