16 Oct A Short Story: Proper.

*This story is entirely a work of fiction.*

(Theatrical Sci-Fi writing practice)

Narration:

I decided to enroll in an elective photography class, primarily because there was this one girl that I’d see from time to time, a beautiful girl, one that I was fond of and attracted to, was taking the class. I hadn’t properly met her before, but she seemed like a smart girl and I liked the fact that she always took the time to get dressed up; you know, the type of girl that’s sort of boujee and sassy, yet down to earth. Her and I would lock eyes from time to time during the lectures… the type of stares that are just…different. Anyways, during this particular lecture, this one day:

The teacher said:

Can anyone explain to me what the Golden Rule of Photography is?

[I raised my hand. And the teacher called on me to answer.]

I said:

(Obnoxiously smart tone of voice)

Yeah… it’s when I got at least three sexy, naked girls in front of my camera posing in a way that’s pleasant for me to look at it.

[A few laughs are heard in the classroom and the girl I was interested in turned around and looked at me with a surprised smile.]

The teacher said:

That’s completely inappropriate, I’m going to have to ask you to leave my lecture.

I said:

(Calmly and unbothered)

That’s fine with me, you don’t know how to teach worth a shit anyway.

[I started to walk out of the classroom and with the corner of my eye I could see that girl also stand up and proceed to exit the classroom. She caught up with me in the hallway.]

She said:

(Sweet tone of voice)

That was kind of inappropriate, but at the same time you did kind of abstractly define what the Golden Rule of Photography is…

[I was surprised that she left the class to come and speak with me]

I said:

You shouldn’t have followed me… you should have stayed in the class. The professor is actually a good teacher and the class is a keystone for most majors here, probably yours also.

She said:
(Smiles)

I don’t really need the class; I only took it to get some extra credits. Anyways, my name is Maraena, what’s yours?

I said:

That’s your real name?

Maraena said:

Yeah, why? You think I’d give you a fake name?

I said:
My names Avi, some people call me Jay, that’s my middle name.

Maraena said:

Which do you prefer to be called?

I said:
Avi.

Maraena said:

(Jokes)

Is that your real name?

I said:

I think so.

Maraena said:

(Confused look)

What do you mean you think so?

I said:

It’s a long story, but when I was a kid some girl named Mary gave me that name. It’s been my name ever since.

Maraena said:

Some girl gave you your name? Your answer is somewhat mysterious… do you want to talk about it?

I said:

(Affirmatively)

Not really.

[There was an awkward silence between us for a few moments.]

I said:

(Charmingly)

So… I don’t want to sound creepy, but I decided to take that class after I saw that you was taking it.

Maraena said:

(Smiles and slightly blushes)

Really?

I said:

(Lightly laughs)

Yeah, actually I was hoping to be able to talk to ya, take you out to eat or something like that some time.

Maraena said:

(Promiscuously)

So what’s a poet doing in school anyways?

I said:

(Surprised)

How’d you know I was a writer?

Maraena said:

(Smiles)

I’ve seen you around campus… you’re always sitting somewhere, writing in some notebooks. So, I just assumed.

I said:

(Awkwardly speaks)

Not only are you a beautiful girl, you’re also a keen observer.

Maraena said:

(Cheerfully)

You’re kind of shy. I didn’t expect you to be that shy.

I said:

(Quietly and looks down at the floor)

I’m only shy when I’m around girls that I like, or that I’m interested… only at first though.

Maraena said:

(Tries not to smile)

So, if I never approached you, you probably would have been too shy to say anything to me?

I said:
(Laughs)

Yeah, probably, or I would have written you a poem and had someone else in the class give it to you.

Maraena said:

(Sassily sighs)

Shit, so I missed out on receiving a poem?

I said:

(Quietly laughs)

Yeah, I suppose you did. You look very proper and well kept… I like that, where are you from?

Maraena said:

Thank you and you are very handsome. I actually grew up in a rough neighborhood and had somewhat of a rough childhood.

I said:
(Quietly)

Interesting. I’m glad that you find me handsome; at least I know I’m starting to work it in on ya.

Maraena said:
(Laughs a lovely laugh)

So you think you’re ‘working it in’ on me, huh?

I said:
(Smiles)

I sure hope so.

Maraena said:

(Intrigued)

Do you know what the name Avi means? Like, do you know what your name means?

I said:

Yeah, I know what it means.

Maraena said:

(Softly)

I know that you said you didn’t really want to talk about it, but don’t you find it weird that ‘some girl’ would give you that name?

I said:

(Avoiding the subject)

I guess so.

[There was another awkward silence between us for a few moments.]

I said:
(Nervously looks around)

Hey, I don’t want you to be alarmed, but I don’t know if you noticed, but everyone in this hallway is standing there with blank faces, starring at us.

Maraena said:

(Anxious look on her face as she looks around)

What the…?

[All of the people in the hallway reach into the pockets and pull out a small container filled with what look like pills. They each open the container and ingest a pill, simultaneously.]

I said:
(Authoritatively and confidently)

Maraena, I need you to trust me. Hold on to me tight and close your eyes for a second.

[High-pitched shrieks and growls commence.]