Finding My Fate

The Photographer

Camilla's POV

     It was Saturday, my engagement party was about to start and I wasn't even ready. To be honest I didn't even want to leave my room. I told my mom and my friends that I could get dressed without their help, but the truth is that I was planning my escape.

Flashback

     "I need a huge favor Mariano" I told my personal driver. He was like a second dad to me since my dad was more focused on his business meetings and his golf tournaments with the clan. Mariano never failed me. I admired him so much and he was always there when I needed him. He has been working with my family for centuries, but I could always count on him. He preferred to be on my side since he knew how unfair my parents were.

     "Yes, Miss Montgomery" he said. I must be crazy for doing this, but I needed it. I need to breathe fresh air, to feel free for at least a day and not care about what they would say. 

     "I need you to take me away from here. At least for a few hours" I ordered him and he knew he could not argue with me so he nodded and we planned how we were going to do it. I picked up a couple of blood bags from my freezer and put them in my purse. I was ready to leave this place for at least one day, hoping it could be longer.

    And now here I was, wearing some ripped jeans, a pink t-shirt and my favorite sweater. I put my hoodie up so no one in the house could recognize me and jumped out the window to the tree next to my room. I got in the car and Mariano drove off. 

     "Where would you like to go Miss Montgomery?" he asked looking at me through the mirror. I had tears falling from my eyes, and he noticed them right away "I am so sorry Miss, I know how hard it must be what you are going through"

     He was a very good confidant. I looked at him through the mirror, those eyes that always inspired trust and care. "Thank You, Mariano. It just hurts you know? My parents, they don't even care about how I feel. I just wish for a moment they would just listen to me" 

     "I am sure that is not true Miss. They love you very much and they only want what is best for you" he tried to convince me.

    "Henry is not the best thing for me. They don't know him. He only shows his true colors when he is alone with me. Mariano, you have no idea how dangerous he is. He is a very powerful vampire and he has connections. I wish I didn't have to marry him, but he will ruin me if I don't comply" I replied letting out more tears "please take me anywhere, you know me better than anyone. What could cheer me up?"

     He smiled and kept driving "Oh I will take you to a place you will love. And who knows? Maybe you will find yourself there. Destiny has a funny way to play the game". His words seemed to calm me down a little. I looked out the window and kept thinking.

     We arrived at a small park full of beautiful flowers. Different types and colors adorned the trees and the shrubs there. I smiled at the beauty of it all. I covered myself with my hoodie since the sun was up and it would burn my skin a little. Walking around, Mariano kept a good distance as to give me privacy, I arrived at a bridge and just leaned against the wall and looked down to a little stream of water running under it. 

     I stood there looking at the distance. My hood was down letting my hair be caressed by the wind. I found some shade so I was able to let my skin feel the breeze. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It felt so good, so freeing.

     "Hi" I heard a voice next to me. Opening my eyes I look at him and give him a small smile. I noticed his light brown eyes and black hair combed back, he had a handsome face, with some freckles on his nose and cheeks and those big glasses complimenting him. I couldn't let a word out so he continued.

     "Sorry, I hope I am not freaking you out. I could not help but notice you were standing here by yourself. You look like you could use a friend" he said standing next to me looking out to the water stream. I wiped the streak of tears from my face and smiled at him again. I put my hoodie up again, trying to hide my face.

     "That’s okay, thank you for worrying um-"

     "Andrew, nice to meet you" he said extending his hand. I shook it, his hands felt warm on my cold ones "My name is Camilla, nice to meet you"

     "If you don't mind me asking, why do you look so sad?" he asked curiously. I looked at the water and took a deep breath "I am in this arranged marriage, and I really don't want to marry the guy. He's arrogant and mean. He only treats me right when my family is around" I said not caring if he was a stranger. I might not see him again anyway. 

     "I am really sorry to hear that. Have you talked to your parents about it?” he asked. I could hear interest and concern in his voice. "I have. But their friendship matters more than my happiness. I need true friends, real love, freedom" I replied almost wanting to cry. I looked at Mariano, who was waiting for me and giving me the cue that we had to leave. 

     "It was nice to meet you, Andrew. Thank you for listening even though I am a complete stranger" I said but as I was about to leave he spoke "Wait. What if I invite you for coffee and dessert. You look like you need it"

     I thought for a minute, looking between him and Mariano and I nodded. I told him to go back home and that I would find a ride later "Are you sure Miss Montgomery?" he asked.

  "Yes, I don't want him to know that I am rich. I don't want to scare him away since you look pretty scary yourself. I want to keep it this way for now. I will call you when I'm on my way. And about mom and dad, tell them you have no idea where I am" I told him and he nodded walking away.

     Walking back to where Andrew was I asked "Okay, where to?" 

     "There is this small cafe at the end of the street. They make the best cheesecake you could ever have" he replied and I let him lead the way. He said he had a car parked nearby and we walked towards it. I was shocked to see how comfortable I was with him. Something about him inspired trust and familiarity.

    As we walked, he would tell me a bit about himself. I was listening quietly and attentively at every word he would say. "I don't want you to think I am a stalker, but earlier when I looked at you sad, I could not help but take a couple of photos of you" he said showing me the camera. They were amazing and I didn't even care that he took them without me knowing. 

     "They are amazing. Is this what you are studying?" I asked. 

     "Yes, I am a part-time student and I do odd jobs here and there" he replied looking like he was proud of himself. I was not sure if today would be the last time I would see him. But I was sure I didn't want it to be.

     "That is great. You have talent. I have an idea. Why don't I hire you for a photoshoot? I would love to have photos of me taken" I said excitedly. 

     "Um...S-sure. When wo-would you like them taken" he said and I could tell he was a little nervous by the way he was stuttering. I smiled at him and biting my lips I said "Whenever you want. I have nothing better to do nowadays so you choose" 

     I was lying, I had my engagement going on at the moment and my wedding would be soon. But he didn't need to know that. I just wanted to spend time with him. He seems like a good company and I wanted to get to know him better.