Chapter Text
Hailey was in the park, it was an average day, nothing exciting or new. She just sat there taking pictures as the wildlife wandered and frolicked. It feels as though… photography has gotten boring, like she can’t seem to get the soul in it anymore. Maybe she’s just growing out of it, maybe it was just a dumb temporary hobby.
She twirled her blonde hair with one finger, setting the camera down in her lap. Geez, everything is so boring!
Then she heard it, a squeal, then laughter. Her head shot towards the center of town. She raised the camera.
CLICK!
At the end of the steps was Emily and… someone? Is that Alex? No. Alex doesn’t have long hair.. and last Hailey checked, he's not a woman. This is someone new. The valley never has new people this time of year.
Now that she thinks of it, Emily did mention a friend of hers coming to town. Hailey just assumed it was Sandy or something. Maybe she should listen better when people talk to her.
Hailey slowly inched over towards the duo.
“Oh my gosh I’m so excited your here, oh-! Hailey! This is Jude, my friend I told you about! Say hi!” Emily waved her hand around frantically, pointing at the stranger.. Jude? That’s an OK name.
“Hey! It’s nice to meet you. “ Hailey waved politely. Jeez this girl is dressed— sad. Black band T-shirt, shorts, no accessories. She’s like a nothing-burger. The only redeeming quality is her hair, maybe Hailey should ask her about the products she uses. No. Don’t talk to Emily’s friends, especially not the ones that look so sad.
“Hi!” Jude spoke softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “We’ve uh- actually met before. Emily’s 20th, I, uhm, had, like blonde hair then so maybe that’s why you don’t recognize me.” She smiled sheepishly as the strand she just tucked fell back in front of her face.
“Ohhh… yeah no I totally see it now. Nice to see you again!” Hailey does not remember her. She tries not to remember her sister's friends, save the few she hears about and sees regularly (It’s one. Sandy). “How long are you gonna stay in town?”
“Actually I’m—“ Jude was interrupted, “She’s moving here! something you'd remember if you actually listened to me. Her grandpa owned that old farm down by the bus stop! She inherited it after he passed!” Emily spoke enthusiastically.
Why would someone move here...?
“Oh— that’s cool I guess. I bet you'd get a lotta sun out there.” She glanced at her freckles. This is getting kinda boring.
“Hah! Yeah, I guess. I’m used to manual labor, not this kind though... but there’s always time to learn!” She gave an awkward thumbs up.
Can I go now?
“Well good luck! Maybe I’ll see you around!” Hailey returned Jude’s thumbs up before walking away.
Weird.
𐙚˚࿔ - - - - 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
“What do you think of Jude?” Asked Emily over dinner.
“She seemed fine, I guess.” She seemed BORING! Hailey thought to herself.
“Yeah? She’s sweet, really excited to start working on the farm. Maybe she’ll be able to get a sheep or two and make me some fabric!” The blue haired girl smiled. Can this conversation end?
“Mhm... well— I’m done!” Hailey pushed the plate away.
“Really? You barely touched it?”
“Yeah, I’ve gotta go get ready for bed! Night, Em!” She spoke quickly.
“Oh.. nighty night then Hales!”
Hailey’s bedroom door closed with a click! And she quickly hopped towards her “closet”, carefully peeling the door back and slipping in.
Today’s photos should be done processing, it’s been a few hours.
The blonde gently lifted up a picture, hanging it out to dry. She stared at it, the shapes of two girls being illuminated by red light. The taller of the two was cut off slightly, the camera had focused more onto the brunette. She was pretty.
Hailey quickly turned her eyes away, switching her attention to the other photographs as she began hanging them up as well.
Boring.