Through his lens

The scream

'Congratulations miss A+.'

Ms Stevens beamed at me as I took the seat opposite her. My Mother Nature project workbook was sat on the desk between us and I couldn't help but smile proudly at my pride and joy. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into that book.
'Thank you, I guess I'm lucky the examiner understood my work.'

'Luck shmuck you earnt that, you both did! I probably shouldn't tell you this but I think it's an achievement you should celebrate so I'm going to tell you anyway.
You both ended up being our top marking students, you in art and Harrison in photography. I think you two really bring out the best in each other creatively. It's a shame you can't work together again.'

I'm sure both of us disagree with that.

I found out through Paige this morning that Harrison got an A+ in his photography project. Even through everything I couldn't help but being so proud of him. I know how hard he worked on it, we both did and so he really deserved that mark. On instinct I pulled my phone out of my pocket and pulled up his name. My fingers hovered over the keypad ready to type out a congratulations text but then I remembered being kicked off the football team. I stared at the blank message screen for a few seconds before locking my phone and shoving it back in my pocket.

'Now have you decided which topic you'd like to go with for your next project?' Ms Stevens said pulling me out of my trance.

I glanced down at the sheet in front of me running my eyes over the words.
'Well I've gone through them all but I think Nightmare really stands out.'

Whether that be because I like creepy things or because I get woken up every night with a reoccurring nightmare, I'll let you decide.

'Oh yes I think that would be a great topic for you. Lots of depth and I think it'll challenge you creatively. Good choice.'

'I was thinking about doing some research after school today. I heard about this local art gallery that has a horror exhibition, I thought it might be worth a look.'

'Oh definitely. If I were you, I'd try to think out of the box as well, maybe go to the library and read the synopsis of some scary books. You never know where you might find inspiration from.'

'Yeah you're right, I think I'll try that.' I shifted in my seat thinking that was the conversation over but Ms Stevens went on.

'Now there was something else I wanted to talk to you about.' She leant her elbows on the desk, crossing her hands before looking at me seriously.
'I wanted to ask what your plans were for your future, is art an area you want to get into?'

This question took me back. I thought she might ask me about Harrison, or why I'd been acting differently recently, not about my future path in life.

'Possibly, I haven't really thought about it too much. If I'm being honest, I didn't really think I was good enough to have it as a career.'

'Eve you're absolutely good enough!' She said with determination.
'What about 'you're our highest marking art student' did you not understand? You're so good that I'd highly recommend you applying for the Goodwin scholarship.'

'What's that?'

'The prestigious Goodwin art college in London run a competition every year to pull in more talent from across the world. Out of the thousands that apply, only 10 will receive a full invitation and scholarship into their art programme. It's a very competitive competition and the standards are extremely high. It's not something I'd recommend to just anyone but I think your creative style is just what they're looking for.'

I sat back in my seat trying to process everything she'd said.
'Wow that all sounds amazing and I'm so flattered that you think I'm good enough but do you really think they would like my work?'