Photograph Album (The Photograph Trilogy)

Posting the whole thing in one so that you don't have to keep searching for the three separate parts. As with the complete Summer Rain, there may be minor differences due to editing.

The Photograph

I found it hidden away in the bottom of a drawer, a twenty-year old photograph of me and Jessica hugging and smiling. She’d been wearing her one-piece swimsuit, conservative in comparison to what the other girls had worn, but to me it had given her additional mystique. I just had to sit as I stared at it. What had happened to us? Not that we had ever really been boyfriend and girlfriend, but when she was gone I finally realised that I’d fallen in love with her and that now it was too late. I wiped a tear from my eye and continued to stare.
The photograph had been taken when eight of us seventeen-year olds had gone on a caravan holiday at Easter. By the end of the summer Jess was gone, but just looking at that picture of us with our arms wrapped around each other brought memories of that week rushing back. I was one of the few to have passed my driving test and have access to a car. I suspect that was why I was invited and I’d asked Jess if she wanted to come too. We took two cars down to the holiday site. The other six were all steady couples and it made the sleeping arrangements difficult for me and Jessie until I decided to sleep in the car and let her have the final space to herself. I was never sure whether she was disappointed or relieved by this. The eight of us had a great time, out on our own for the first time. It was a week long party of fun. John, the other driver in the group had taken the photo of me and Jess on our last day, just as we were packing everything up. He’d given it to me when Jessica had disappeared from our school lives that autumn. For months I’d carried it around with me until I realised it was hindering my attempts to get on with a normal life. So I stashed it away in the drawer and tried to forget Jess.
I looked down again and saw her happy face and was determined to find out where she was, where she had gone. Our best guess at school was that her parents had moved away and she had gone with them, but there had been no sign of this when the summer holidays had begun, the first we knew about it was when she didn’t come back for the last year. I scanned the picture and posted it on Flickr under the title ‘Jessica, where are you?’ with a comment underneath asking everyone for any information. I did the same on Facebook. I also got in touch with some of my old friends to ask if they had heard anything of her. Then I had to wait.
It was a long wait too. I had to fend off several cranks pretending they were Jessie, but none of them knew the right answer to the question ‘where was the picture taken?’ It may have been possible that she wouldn’t know that, having seen it only briefly, but I felt she’d know. After two months the picture had many, many views and nearly as many comments, but nothing from the person I wanted to see it. And then one evening after I’d started to give up hope I got a friend invitation on Facebook from a ‘Jessica’. I checked that it was real. It seemed to be from her so I accepted. I also sent her an e-mail, asking if she really was the Jessie in the picture. Then I waited again. ‘Kashmir’ was playing on the radio when the reply came. All it said was ‘Now do you believe it’s me?’ Attached was an almost identical photo.
We exchanged e-mails for a few days. I skirted around the questions I really wanted to ask and just asked safe questions about how she was and where she was. Her replies were always friendly and any questions she asked were in the same style as mine. It turned out she was living about an hours drive away, in a town I’d passed through quite a bit, but didn’t know particularly well. After a week of pussyfooting around I asked if we could meet, expecting the answer ‘no’. I was more than a little surprised in that case when she said of course. I thought a neutral venue might be best, so suggested a pub called ‘The Black Buck’ about halfway between us. Another quick agreement and a time was arranged, and a recognition signal in case we’d both changed too much.
On the way over I thought about the fun times we had had together. Not just me and Jess, but our whole clique. We must have been the worst set of prefects the school had ever had, breaking more rules than the rest of the school put together. As I got closer to the ‘Buck’ I began to get vague pangs of worry, but tried to put them from my mind as I swung into the car park.
I paused at the door to the pub, suddenly unsure that this was the right thing to do. Maybe it would be better to remember Jessica as she was, or as I thought she was, rather than build this up as a grand reunion and find out my memories were totally at odds with a girl I hadn’t seen for twenty years. I took my hand from the door. Suddenly there was a fondly remembered voice behind me.
“Second thoughts, huh?” I span around and was greeted by the dazzling smile from the photograph. I grinned back.
“Sort of. Too late now though.” I held out my hand. “It’s good to see you again Jess.” She shook my hand, an amused look on her face and then pulled me close and hugged me.
“It’s good to see you too Dave. It’s been too long.”
“It has Jess, it has.” I pushed the door open “C’mon, I’ll get the drinks in.”
“I just need to check they’re holding my room for me, and then I’ll be in. Get me a Tia Maria and coke?”
“Of course. I wish I’d thought about getting a room too. Just have to hold off on the alcohol I suppose.”
“Oh, you can share the room if you like. I’m sure they won’t mind.” I had a flashback to the caravan. Jessie saw the look cross my face. “You don’t have to if you’re worried what people think you know.” She smiled that smile again, more knowing now. I grinned back.
“I think we’re both grown up enough now to handle it. Thanks Jess. But I sleep on the couch if that’s okay?”
“Sure Dave, if that’s what you want. The room may not have a couch of course.” She gave a wicked grin and went to find out about her reservation. My head spinning slightly with the suddenness of everything, I went and got the drinks in.
As we sat sipping our drinks we began to reminisce about our days at school together, the things we did either as a pair or part of a larger group. The jokes we had played or seen, the mishaps, the teachers we played up. The time passed swiftly and so did the drinks. I went to stand as the bar was closing and found my legs belonged to someone else. Jessica caught me before I fell and led me to what was our room. I couldn’t understand it, my brain was functioning normally, but the rest of me was on holiday. And Jess had drunk as much as me, but she didn’t seem to be affected. She opened the door and sat me down on the edge of the bed. “I’m sorry Jessie; I seem to have got carried away with the drinking.” I was really upset that I may be ruining our reunion.
“It isn’t the first time I’ve carried you to bed.” She said soothingly.
“It isn’t? I don’t remember being this bad with you before.”
“The Christmas we were seventeen? Leaving school at dinnertime and not going home until six o’clock? I got you home that day, and without your mom finding out.”
“You did? I don’t recall…”
“Of course you don’t. You barely remembered your own name, let alone mine, kept calling me Belinda, very disconcerting for a girl.”
“I apologise extremely belatedly.” My mind began to wander, but still connected to my mouth unfortunately. “Belinda? Belinda? I wonder… I know! Belinda Carlisle! I had a crush on her back then.”
“I didn’t really want to know that.”
“Sorry.” Suddenly I began to feel really queasy. My hand went to my mouth and I stood and began to stagger in the direction I hoped the bathroom was.
It was embarrassing, throwing up like that in front of somebody I hadn’t seen for twenty years. I felt so foolish, and really, really ill. Jessica seemed to just take it in her stride, as if happened all the time. She turned the shower on and told me to get under it, leaving me to it. I struggled out of my clothes and sat beneath the stream of hot water. It didn’t do much for the thumping in my head, but it did make me feel less queasy and I didn’t get the whirling pits when I closed my eyes.
It must have been more relaxing than I thought. I awoke with a start as daylight was creeping through the window. I held my head and struggled to sit up. I was in the bed. Guiltily I looked around me; there was no sign of where Jessica had slept. I slid out from the sheets and had another shock; I was naked! And the only one who could have moved me from the shower was Jess. Hurriedly I pulled on my boxers and trousers, wondering where a :) my shirt was: And b :) where Jessie was. Had she been forced to sleep in the armchair? Or had she slept in the bed beside me? I was going to feel guilty whichever it was. I was looking for my socks and shoes when Jess came into the room with my shirt.
“You’re awake then? Good. I’ve managed to get your shirt cleaned and dried.” She said, handing me the garment. I took it and began to put it on.
“Jessie, I’m so sorry. I’ve been nothing but a problem for you all night.”
“Calm down Dave. It wasn’t the first time I’ve put someone to bed, I got a lot of experience of that while I was in the RAF.”
“But I took your bed and everything.” I paused. “You joined the RAF?”
“Ten years.” She said proudly.
“There is so much about you I don’t know anymore. I should have asked you all those things before I met you again.”
“Dave, you haven’t changed a bit. You still worry about so many inconsequential things.” She smiled. The word ‘inconsequential’ made me look from the bathroom to the bed for some reason. Jessica saw the glance and laughed. “Yes, I put you in the bed. As I said, it wasn’t the first time.”
“But… but, I was… you saw…” I spluttered, going a deep red. She was still grinning.
“If you must know, I didn’t look.” I managed to calm down. I looked at Jessica and realised I was still hung up on her. I had to do something.
“Jess. Can we talk? There are a couple of things I need to say, and maybe a question I need to ask.”
“We spent most of last night talking didn’t we?”
“I suppose, but that was just chatting really. Please Jessie, this is important to me I promise.”
“All right.” She said with a shrug. “Why don’t we go for a walk? It’s a lovely day and you look like you could do with some fresh air still.”
She waited for some minutes as we walked, while I was trying to sort out how to say what I wanted to say without seeming crass or bluff, until the silence became too much. “So, what was it you wanted to say?” Here goes nothing, I thought.
“The first thing is, I’m sorry about the caravan holiday, I didn’t think it through.”
“Why are you sorry? It was fun wasn’t it?
“It was great fun, but I should have realised that the others would all pair off, leaving you with me. I hoped that it would be boys and girls bunking separately, but I know your shyness made you embarrassed when it happened the other way.”
“I was embarrassed to start with, but I was kind of hoping that we’d end up together.”
“You were?” It was a bit of a shock to hear that. “And I thought I was doing the right thing for you. I’m truly sorry Jess, but why didn’t you say something?”
“Because you were right, I was shy. And so were you.”
“Yes. Yes I was. It looks like I made a right mess of that too. I’m really, really sorry.”
“You don’t have to keep apologizing; we both could have done things differently.” She smiled. “In any case, maybe it was all for the best. After all, we both kept an image of a perfect partner in our heads for twenty years didn’t we?” I nodded.
“I suppose.” I replied slowly. The phrase ‘perfect partner’ was bouncing round in my head.
“Was that all you wanted to say? You mentioned a question.”
“Yes, yes I did.” I held her hand, wondering how to put it. “What happened that summer Jessie? You just vanished without a word.” Now Jessica looked away.
“Oh, that.” She turned back around and took my other hand. “Well, my gran had been ill for some time and dad decided we needed to move closer. It was all a bit of a rush, and some things got forgotten.”
“I can see that, but why couldn’t you just come and say goodbye? You knew where I lived; it was only twenty minutes walk.” Jess hung her head.
“My turn to say sorry.” She looked away and then lifted her face to me. There were tears forming in her eyes. “I’d managed to convince myself that you didn’t like me, what with the caravan holiday and everything, so I thought a clean break would be best for both of us. But I never stopped thinking about you.”
“Jessie, why would I have asked you to come with me if I didn’t like you? To make up the numbers?”
“I know, I know.” She almost wailed. “I was just confused I suppose. I’d never been in love before.” The words hit me like a hammer blow. I hugged her as tears began to roll down her cheeks.
“Oh Jess, Jessie. What have we done? Between us we seemed to have screwed up a budding romance.”
“Do you think we could try again?” She asked, looking up with reddened eyes. I held her closer, hugging her tightly.
“Of course we can.” I smiled down at her. “It wasn’t until I’d lost you that I realised that I loved you. Something else I’m sorry for.” Jessie giggled through her tears.
“We seem to have spent most of the past day apologizing for one thing or another don’t we?” I laughed too.
“We do.” I led her back towards the ‘Buck’. “What do you think we should do now?” She shook herself, and a thoughtful look crossed her pretty face.
“Well, are you busy the rest of the day?”
“Not especially, no. Why?”
“I’ve got something I’d like you to see. Can you follow me back to my studio?”
“Your studio? Are you some sort of artist then?”
“I’d like to think so.” She smiled. “I’m a photographer. Mainly portraits, family groups and weddings. And I like to think my pictures are fairly artistic.”
“I know what you mean.” I said. “I take pictures too, not professionally, just for pleasure, planes and cars mainly.”
“What do you do for a job now? I never thought to ask.” I shuffled my feet and looked down embarrassedly.
“I’m ashamed to say that I’m a bin man for the local council.”
“That’s not a job I’d have connected you with, but why are you ashamed?”
“Because I know I could have done better. With you gone I couldn’t be bothered at school, and messed up my exams. I bummed around for a year and then got a job as a ‘temporary general operative’.” I shrugged. “I found I enjoyed working outside, and I was good at it. Eventually they made me a RCV driver.” I saw the look on Jessica’s face. “Yes, I’m one of those who, once a week, get in your way when you’re in a hurry.” By now we were back at the pub. “Look, let’s get our things, and I’ll follow you wherever you want to go. Something I should have done twenty years ago.” Jessica nodded and went to collect her bag. I went and paid off our bills and then waited for her by the door.
“Which car is yours?” She asked when she came out. I pointed at my Range Rover. “Nice. Mine’s this one.” She walked over to an Escort Cosworth that I had been admiring.
“Very nice.” I said.
“It suits me.” She got in and turned the engine over. It was a sweet sound. Then I heard the music on the stereo. It was Led Zeppelin IV.
“That’s amazing.” I gasped out. “I was listening to that too.”
“It was you that started me listening to this music back then.” She smiled up at me. “Come on, get into your monster and follow me.”
We pulled up at the back of a row of shops. Jess slipped into a parking space that was obviously hers. Unsure where to park, I waited until she indicated the space next to her. She led me into her studio. It was light and airy and full of camera equipment. I couldn’t help but look at some of it enviously. Jessie noticed my interest. “What camera have you got?” She asked.
“Nikon D50 and a Tamron zoom.” I swept my hand around. “Nothing as grand as this, but it does what I want mostly.”
“I started all this with a Nikon, they’re a good camera.” She turned back around and headed for a door. “Coffee?”
“That would be nice.”
“Through here.” She said, motioning towards the door. “It’s a little utility room where I keep some of my stuff that I don’t have room for upstairs.”
“Upstairs?”
“I live over the shop. It’s a bit small I suppose, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, but it suffices.” I followed her into the utility room and sat on a stool she indicated. Looking around I could see several boxes of bits and pieces that looked like they had been recently disturbed. “Sugar?” Jess asked suddenly.
“What!?”
“Do you take sugar?”
“Oh! Yes, yes. Two please. I’m sorry, I was thinking of something else.” I was blushing, and I knew it. Jessica looked at me and smiled.
“You still worry too much, and at your age too.”
“Can’t help it I suppose. You said you had something to show me?”
“Yes. There on top of the scanner.” She pointed at a pile of pictures. I picked them up and began to look through them. There were more than twenty of them, mostly from the caravan holiday, a couple from the school trip later in the year and some from our last days in that final term together. But I was in all of them, mainly with Jess, a couple of times on my own. I looked up as Jessica handed me a mug.
“Jess…” I began falteringly. “Jessie, where did you get these?”
“Oh, I either took them or asked someone to take them with my camera. It was only an Instamatic back then though.”
“But why? If I was that important to you, why didn’t you say?” I was at a loss.
“Because… Because I was shy. And if I didn’t ask, you couldn’t reject me.” She looked down, her eyes tearful once more. “It was stupid, I know.”
“No, no it wasn’t stupid.” I stopped and thought. “Well actually it was pretty daft because…”
“Why?”
“Because that’s the exact rationalisation that I used.” I tried to grin, but couldn’t. “We really screwed up Jessica. If one of us had got the courage up to say something, we could have been together.”
“We wasted twenty years then?” A watery smile spread over her face.
“I suppose.” A grin broke through onto my face, and then I began to laugh. Jessie giggled and then began to laugh too. I stood up and held her close, hugging her to me to make up for twenty years of wondering. “I think we’ll have to do better this time.” I said as we pulled apart reluctantly.
“We will. And the first thing we need is a new picture.”
“How are we going to do that? We’re the only ones here.”
“Dave, out there is my photographic studio.” She grinned. “I have all sorts of gadgets for taking pictures remotely. Come on.” She led me by the hand back through the door.
I sat in the middle of the studio as Jessie set up the camera, the lights, and the remote shutter, marvelling at all the attention to detail. All I’d ever done to take a picture was point and shoot! I asked her what she was doing next weekend. “Nothing I can’t cancel.” She replied.
“Want to come to a car meet with me?”
“Sure. Shall I bring a camera?”
“That’s up to you; I’ll be taking mine though.”
“I might do then, but I reckon you just want to borrow my big zoom lens.” She said mischievously.
“Jessie! As if.” She laughed.
“Only kidding Dave. Of course you can borrow it.” Finally she was ready and came to sit next to me.
“How shall we pose?” I asked.
“How about recreating the picture you posted.”
“Well there’s no caravan, but…”
“Idiot!” She laughed, kissing me. “Smile.”







Another Photograph


It had been six months after Jessie and I had been reunited and things seemed to be going well between us. Then I got a phone call from her one afternoon.
“Can you come over this evening? There’s something I think we need to discuss.” She sounded a little worried.
“Is it about the school reunion? I got an e-mail last night telling me about it.”
“Maybe indirectly. It has some bearing, but there’s something more important, and I don’t want to discuss it over the phone.” I took this in. “So, can you come over?”
“Of course, you don’t think I’ll pass up on an invite from my favourite girl do you?” I was jovial about it, but obviously something was on her mind, she just didn’t sound her normal cheery self.
I arrived just as Jess was closing her photographic studio for the day.
“You’re early.” She said, letting me in. I shrugged.
“You sounded out of sorts, so I came over as soon as I could.”
“Soppy sod.” She hugged me.
“So, what is it that’s worrying you? It isn’t the reunion is it? I know that everyone wanting to meet you might be a bit daunting.”
“No, not at all.” She shook her head. “I’m actually looking forward to seeing everyone again.” She looked down momentarily. “Come upstairs. I’ll make coffee.”
I stepped into the by now familiar self contained flat Jessica lived in above the studio and sat down. Jessie disappeared into the kitchen to put the kettle on. She definitely seemed preoccupied somewhat. I wondered how bad it could be. It was even more apparent something was up when she brought the coffees through. She looked really nervous, so nervous her hand was trembling as she handed me the mug.
“Just sit down and tell me Jess.” I said kindly. “Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.”
“It can.” She said, tears forming in her eyes. “It’s something I should have told you a lot earlier.” She paused and looked away, unable to look me in the eyes. Now I was worried too. “The fact is Dave, I’m still married.” I nearly spilt coffee everywhere.
“WHAT! You’re kidding, right?” She shook her head.
“We’ve been separated for ten years, since I left the RAF. I haven’t seen him since, but we’re still married. I’m really, really sorry.” She hung her head. I’d recovered a bit by now. I put my arm around Jessica and held her close.
“Don’t start with the apologies again.” I kissed her head. “But you might have hinted, and then I wouldn’t have made that remark the other week about us setting a date…” I paused, realisation hitting me. “Oh! That’s what brought this on, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“So, what are we going to do then?”
“You don’t hate me?”
“Why would I hate you? You’re my girl now.” I smiled at her and she grinned back. “Well then, what the plan? I presume you have one? And that’s why you left it till now to tell me, so I couldn’t stop you?” She grinned again, nodding.
“Well, I spoke to my solicitor and he says that estrangement won’t be hard to prove.”
“Not after ten years apart.”
“I’ve got the papers and found Mike. He’s coming round tomorrow…”
“And you want me here.” I finished for her.
“Actually no, quite the opposite. I’d like you to stay away. This is between me and Mike.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. Certain.”
“Well I know you like to do things your own way, so all right. Just call me when he’s gone.” I sat back. “Now then, let’s talk about the reunion. We are going together aren’t we?”

It was after nine o’clock before she rang me. I was a little concerned. I was even more concerned when I got the call: Jessie was crying. ‘We’ve had an argument’, was all she would say. Ignoring how late it was getting I jumped straight into the car and drove there as quickly as I could.
Jessica opened the door to my ringing. Her eyes were red from crying, but more shockingly there was an obvious slap mark on her cheek. In a sudden cold fury I pushed past her. “Is he still here?” I demanded.
“No. He left. I waited until he was gone before calling.”
“You should have rung me straightaway Jess.” I took her in my arms. “What happened?” I asked calming down a little as I saw her face.
“Same as always with me and Mike. We started to argue and things got out of hand.”
“I think I want a word with someone who hits women. Where did he go?”
“Dave, I don’t think I should tell you. He was a bit drunk and I don’t want you hurt. It’s my problem, I should solve it.”
“It’s OUR problem now. Where?” I was now only just holding onto my temper. It was one of the things I hated, men hitting women.
“The little pub on the outskirts.” She said quietly. “But I don’t want you to go. It’s not just Mike, it’s me as well. It was always the same between us. We both had such explosive tempers”
“You don’t have to protect him you know?”
“I’m not, it’s the truth.”
“But you’re all right with me. I have a temper too you know?”
“You manage to control yourself, and so do I normally, but with Mike I just…” She waved her hand in despair. “Please be careful Dave.”
“Jessie, I’m not going to try and beat him up, I just want to put him straight on a few things. Did he sign the papers?”
“He took them with him, said he would see.”
“Something else I’ll need to talk to him about. Don’t worry; I’ll call when I have some news.” I slipped back out before she could protest any more.
I asked the barman to point out Mike to me. I looked long and hard at him. He was sat with a pint glass, looking at it moodily. Pulling myself together I walked up to where he was sitting.
“You’re Mike, right?” He looked up at me.
“Yep. And I’m guessing you’re Dave.” He pointed to the seat next to him. “Jessie sent you?” I sat down.
“Actually, she didn’t want me to come. She wanted to sort things out for herself.” He took a drink and nodded.
“Sounds like my Jess.”
“Except she’s my Jessica now.”
“Why should I listen to you?” Mike said with a sneer. I could feel my temper beginning to rise and tried to keep calm. “Running around behind some broad’s skirt, sucking up to her.”
“At least I don’t hit her. Only losers hit women!” I snapped back, my temper going up several notches. Mike snarled.
“She deserved it.” That pushed me over the edge. I swung my fist around and caught him full in the face, knocking him over. The sudden hurt brought me back to reality.
“I’m sorry; I swore I wouldn’t do that.” I held out my hand and helped him back up.
“Thanks.” Strangely he was smiling. “I hoped you’d have the bottle to stand up to me. I couldn’t just let Jessie go to any old wimp.” He saw the puzzlement on my face. “Yes, despite all our arguments, I still care for her. You surprised?”
“Not really I suppose. I feel the same way.”
“Good man!” He clapped me around the shoulder. “We should get on fine now.” I was totally bemused by the turn of events. “By the way, did I hurt Jess?”
“You left a slap mark. It didn’t look pretty.”
“I’d show the damage she did to me, but this is a public place.”
“She said that it was her fault too, the argument.” He shrugged.
“That was our problem; we just sparked each other off. Nobodies fault, so we decided to cut our losses.” He sighed. “I kept hoping, but it’s obvious we were never going to be together. Incidentally, watch out for her knee in an argument.” Mike smiled and I grinned back.
“Vicious is it?”
“Like you wouldn’t believe.”
After that we just talked. It was really strange, I had sought him out with a cold fury in my heart but once I realised he was still looking out for Jess in his own way we got along just fine. As I was getting up to leave as they called time he handed me an envelope.
“I’ve signed the papers, I trust you to post them.”
“Thanks Mike. I hope you can find someone else.” He just shrugged.
“Thanks for that. I have got my eye on someone.” We shook hands and I left.
Jessica was still waiting for me. Without a word I handed her the envelope Mike had given me. She didn’t open it, just putting it down and then hugging me.
“I’m so glad you’re all right.”
“We’re all okay. Mike has a bit of a broken heart and is a bit sore between the legs, but I think he’ll be fine too.” Jess looked down.
“He told you then?”
“He intimated if I do get into an argument with you, it would be a good idea to keep away from your knee.” I smiled. “But I don’t intend to ever get into that sort of disagreement.” She kissed me.
“Thank you for that. Now I suppose we can start to make some plans.”
“I suppose so, starting with the reunion.”
“Oh, that first.”
“Indeedy do. I reckon we need to get a taxi to the club. What do you think?”

I heard Jessica’s Cosworth pull outside my flat while I was still fiddling with my tie. I wasn’t convinced that the tie was a good idea, but Jess had insisted. She wasn’t going to meet all her old friends with a scruffy-looking partner. I knew she was onto a loser there though; scruffy-looking was my natural state, even with my best clothes on. I opened the door for her and went back to the battle with the tie. I heard the door close behind me and asked. “You couldn’t help me with this could you?” I turned around, the tie half done around my neck. And stopped and stared open mouthed at the gorgeous sight before me. Jessica positively shone in a figure hugging shimmering full length dress. She gave a little twirl.
“Like it? I do a little portfolio work for a couple of models and one of them insisted I borrow it.” She looked at me. “Close your mouth Dave, you’re dribbling.”
“Sorry, but you look absolutely stunning.”
“Thanks. You look a mess.”
“I am a mess. I always was a mess, and I probably always will be a mess.”
“Not tonight sunshine, I’m going to sort you out.”
“Why bother Jess? Stood next to you I could wear a bin-liner and no-one would notice.”
“I would notice. Please Dave, just for one night, let me sort you out.”
“One night only then. Then you let me be me.”
“Agreed.” She walked over to my meagre wardrobe and opened it. “Not much to work with is there?”
“I’ve got the suit.” I protested.
“That’s a suit is it?” She sighed.
After half an hour of fussing Jess had got me looking presentable. She looked around. “What now?” I asked.
“Where’s your camera? We need a picture of this.”
“You must be joking.”
“No. Where is it?” Sighing I took my camera out of the drawer and handed it over reluctantly.
“Only on the understanding I take a picture of you as well.”
“Okay. Its got a timer as well hasn’t it?”
“I think so, why?”
“We could get another one of the two of us.”
“We can try I suppose, as long as it doesn’t take too long. The taxi should be here any minute.”

As it turned out we managed to get the three shots we wanted before the taxi beeped his horn. Actually I took more than one of Jessie in all her finery, snapping several when she wasn’t looking. Now we were outside the club where the reunion was being held, having confirmed a pick-up time with the cabbie. Jessica looked a little nervous now.
“Are you all right?” I asked. “I thought you were looking forward to it?”
“I was, I am. But I’m a bit scared. There’s going to be a lot of questions.” I put my arm around her and kissed her.
“I’m worried too. But it will be fine. They’re all just interested in you. And me I suppose.”
“Why?”
“Why me? Because most of them went on to higher education and I didn’t. I’ll probably fit in less than you dear Jessica.” She hugged me.
“Still with the worrying about silly things, eh?”
“You can talk. Come on, it’s getting cold out here.” With that we walked into the club hand in hand.
As we opened the doors and entered the function room, the drummer of the live band happened to look up. It was mistake on his behalf as the sight of Jessica in her slinky dress caused him to miss the drum kit. The rest of the group looked at him in annoyance and then where he was looking. The music ground to a halt. Now everyone in the room was looking at us. I desperately wanted to hide, but Jessica had already steeled herself and towed me towards the bar. The band started up again and soon old friends were gathering around us, asking how we were and where we had been.
After an hour or so I was getting tired of repeating the story of how I had found Jessie again, but people were interested so I persevered. At least they weren’t asking what I was doing now. I wasn’t ashamed to tell them but it was so dull compared with the careers they had all seemed to follow. Jess was revelling in the attention, not caring how often she had to repeat herself. I picked up a few nuggets of information myself, things we hadn’t talked about. After all, we had had twenty years of catching up to do in the past six months. I had decided that I wasn’t going to get as drunk as before so was being careful. Jessica had no such inhibitions and seemed to be drinking more than ever, but with no effect. I wondered how much was too much for her and hoped I’d be able to spot when it was close to happening. For the moment though she was a gregarious as ever. My friend John, provider of the original photograph, came over and we began to chat. He was one of the few who knew the story of the reunion already and subsequently was more interested in my story. “Come outside, it’s a bit noisy in here.” He said. Picking up my carefully nursed drink I followed him outside.
“Tell me Dave, why have you never tried to get further up the success ladder?” He asked. “We all know you had the brains.”
“But not the ambition mate. I found something I liked and just keep doing it. Oh they ask me to do odd things at times, but I just suspect that’s because I get them done.”
“You could have done more though.”
“Don’t nag. Anyway, I’m happy. Even more so now that I’ve got Jessie. There’s a great feeling of satisfaction at times, especially when there are twenty cars stuck behind you.” I grinned. He laughed and shrugged.
“Well, if you ever need another job, just call me.”
“Thanks, I’ll remember that. Now let’s go back in, or Jess will have started a martial arts tournament or something.”
It wasn’t that, but she had got up onto the stage and was making a speech. Or that’s what I thought. What she was actually doing was making an introduction for someone else’s speech. Mine! There was polite applause as she finished and friendly hands pushed me towards the stage. What was I going to say? I stumbled onto the stage, blinking in the light. I remembered what John and I had been talking about, that might do.
“Thank you for that introduction Jessie. I hope it was for me.” A laugh ran through the room. “Well everyone, it’s good to see you all again. As you can see, Jessica has managed to overcome her shyness.” She blushed and got a couple of friendly prods. “Unfortunately I haven’t and am in danger of drying up quite quickly. But before I do, I’d like to say a few words about contentment. I really only recently realised how happy with my life I was. Sure, I don’t have a lot of money or a high-powered job, but I enjoy what I do. I enjoy my free time and my hobbies. When I found an old picture of Jess, I wondered what had happened to her and decided to try and find her. You know that story by now; she’s been telling anyone who’d listen.” Another laugh. “While that was happening in here, I was outside talking with an old friend and suddenly it came to me. Finding her and falling in love again had given me everything I needed to be satisfied, someone to share with.” Jessica was blushing again. “So, as I’m running out of things to say, I just want to thank Jess for making me so happy.” A round of applause rose up. I waved my hand. “And thank you all for listening to my rambling!” Thankfully I left the stage and Jessie hugged me and planted a kiss on my lips.
“That was lovely Dave. Thank you.”
“Well, it was true.” I disentangled myself from her. “Anyway, I need a drink now. And you’re buying, volunteering me without asking you cheeky madam.” She grinned.
“All right, I suppose I can splash out a little for someone who is so content. And I apologise for not asking, but if I had you’d have said ‘no’ and then you wouldn’t have said those nice things.” She kissed me again. “So I’m not that sorry.”

The taxi came and took us back to my flat. We dropped onto the sofa, both a little merry, and just sat quietly in each others arms. After a little while I stirred.
“Don’t Dave. Let’s just stay like this.”
“But I need to get the bedding so I can sleep here.”
“It can wait for a while. I got something this morning that I want to show you.”
“Why have you waited until now to mention it?”
“Because I want to share it with only you, with no pressure from the clock or anything else.” I was intrigued now. Jessica sat up and pulled an official looking envelope from her bag. She passed it to me, a barely suppressed grin on her face. I took it and opened it, taking out the contents. A quick scan told me that it was a court date for the finalisation of her divorce. I looked up smiling into her beaming face. “So, what do you think?”
“It’s good news.” I said waving the paper.
“I didn’t mean that.” Her look darkened slightly.
“Oh, I see. You want to set up another photograph.”
“That’s not it either!” She turned away grumpily.
“You mean you don’t want pictures of our wedding?” She turned back to me slowly, the grin broader than ever. “Sorry. Think of it as payback.”
“It’s a good job we’re sat down or my knee would have been coming your way, you horrible teaser.”

“Have you got the white balance set right?”
“Jess, leave him alone. I know he’s your assistant, but I’m sure you’ve taught him how to take group pictures. Now stand still.”







Snapshots


I was sure I hadn’t made any more noise than usual as I prepared for the three-quarter hour trip to work, but there was Jessica in the doorway of the kitchen. “Sorry Jess, did I wake you?”
“Not in the way you think. I always wake up not long after you get up for work, but I usually wait until you’ve gone before I get up.”
“Why the change then?”
“I just felt a bit odd, that’s all.”
“Anything I can do?”
“I don’t think so, but thanks for asking. You don’t need to get there this early do you?”
“Not exactly, but since we moved out here I like to allow an extra half an hour.” Jessie came into the kitchen and sat down while I finished my early morning coffee. She looked wistful and began to play with the sugar bowl.
“Remember the first meal we had here? It was so romantic.”
“That’s not what you said at the time! I was threatened with the knee, if I recall.”
“Well, fancy forgetting to get the gas and electric turned on, you silly sod. Anyway, bacon sandwiches cooked on a camping stove and eaten by candlelight never tasted so good.”
“So, you’ll forgive me for that then?”
“I might eventually.”
“Eventually huh?” I pulled on my body warmer and picked up my keys. “I better get going.” I looked at her. “If you don’t feel well perhaps you’d better stay home today.”
“I’ll be fine. Besides I’ve a couple of things I want to do. I’ll call you later.”
“All right darling. Talk to you later.”

It was lunchtime and I was a little worried about Jessie, so I called her studio. The receptionist answered. “Tracey, is Jessie there?”
“Sorry Dave. She and Alan went to the solicitors a couple of hours ago.”
“That’s odd. Any idea why?”
“No, sorry.” She paused and I heard someone else in the background. “Oh, Alan’s just come in. Want to speak to him?”
“Okay, put him on.” Jessica’s assistant came on the line. “Hello Alan, what have you and Jessica been up to?”
“Sorry, I can’t tell you. Jess said she’d tell you later on.”
“She’s being mysterious again is she? Okay, it’ll wait. Where is she?”
“I dropped her off at the doctors. She said she’d walk back.”
“More mystery.” I sighed. “Is she all right? She said she felt a bit odd this morning.”
“All I know is when she came in she went upstairs with a paper bag, and she was positively beaming when she came back down.” I furrowed my brow.
“I wish she’d confide in me a bit more at times. All right Alan thanks. I’ll just have to wait until she calls me I suppose.”

I’d almost finished for the day when I got Jessica’s call. “Dave?”
“Hello Jess. I’ve been waiting for you to ring.”
“Have you finished yet?”
“Just doing the vehicle checks, then I’ll be on my way home. Are you going to let me in on the mysteries?”
“Mysteries?”
“Alan said he couldn’t tell me why you’d taken him to the solicitors.”
“Oh that. Well, I decided to make him a partner. It’ll help keep the business going.”
“Why would it need help?”
“Well, in the not too distant future, I’m not going to be able to be there.”
“Why’s that?” She seemed to delight in talking in riddles at times.
“It’s why I went to the doctor, I needed to confirm something.”
“Jess, stop dragging it out. Just tell me what’s wrong.”
“Oh, there’s nothing wrong. I’m going to be a mom.” I was almost struck dumb.
“How did that happen?”
“Don’t be silly. I know you’re not that naïve from all that porn I found on your computer.”
“Sorry, stupid statement. And how long are you going to keep dragging that up?”
“Depends how long you keep making stupid remarks I suppose. Is there someone with you? I can hear them in the background.”
“Yeah, Steve is.”
“What’s he saying?”
“Wants to know what’s going on.”
“Well tell him then.” I turned and called out to my workmate.
“Steve, I’m going to be a dad.”
“Does Jessica know?”
“Very funny.” I walked away a little. “Jess, I’ll be home in an hour. Tell me everything when you get in.”

It was after six when Jessica came in. “You madam! Why didn’t you say something? Here, sit down, put your feet up. I’ll make some coffee.” I was fussing and I knew it, but it was something I couldn’t help.
“Well I wasn’t sure.” She replied as she sat down. “And you don’t have to treat me like an invalid.” A short pause. “Well, not yet anyway.”
“Just getting some practice in. What are we going to name him?”
“Dave, you’re getting ahead of yourself a bit. And it may be a girl just as easily.” I grinned.
“Sorry, and I honestly don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl as long as you’re both fine. Will it be all right? You’re a bit older than most first time mothers.” I suddenly realised that hadn’t sounded quite right.
“I don’t know whether to be insulted or touched by that remark.” She smiled.
“Sorry. Again.”
“Good, now come and kiss me.”
“Is it safe?”
“Don’t be silly. Now come here.”
“Just keep that knee uncocked.”
“Fool!”

It was a little bit tense in the delivery room. I was stood next to Jessica as she strained, breathing hard. “Grip my hand Jess. You’re nearly there.”
“You swine! This is all your fault. Aaahh!” She was sweating quite a bit. I was too. Childbirth was obviously as difficult as I had been led to believe.
“Keep going Jessie.” I said soothingly.
“If I could get my knee at you, you’d be feeling this pain too!” She clenched my hand harder. I winced a little.
“You’re nearly breaking my hand as it is Jessica.”
“Good! Aaaaaaah!!” The doctor and the midwife looked up. The midwife nodded at me.
“Jess, Jessie! It’s coming! I can see its head. One more push.”
“Aarrrggh!” With a sudden rush, the baby was born.
“Congratulations! It’s a girl.” The doctor said.
“Jess, Jess! She’s beautiful. She looks like you.” I kissed her sweating brow. “You’ve made me happier than ever.” The midwife handed the bawling child to Jess, resting her next to her head.
“Here you are Jessica; she’s going to be a strong one.” Jessie looked at the tiny baby.
“Thank you nurse. She is all right isn’t she? We were worried that I might be a bit old.”
“You are both fine.” The nurse said, patting Jess’s hand. I had been staring at the little girl in wonderment.
“She has your eyes Jessie. To a tee.” It was true; looking at the two of them I could see so much of my beloved wife in the tiny mite. “Can, can I hold her please?” I asked tentatively. The baby was handed to me. I cradled her like she was the most precious thing in the world, which she was, scared that she’d break if I held her too tightly, worried that she’d slip if I didn’t hold her close. I looked down into that sweet little face, totally unaware of any troubles, and fell in love. Gingerly I touched her nose with my finger, then her mouth. Her eyes looked straight at me and her hands converged on my finger, attempting to catch it. “She’s so beautiful. I can’t get over how small she is. She’s holding my finger look!” I was totally enamoured at once. A daughter, a beautiful daughter.
“Don’t get so excited Dave. Anyway, she needs a name remember? All you came up with was boys’ names.”
“I did? Sorry. How about Charlotte? She looks like a Charlotte.”
“Charlotte? That’s a nice name, okay.” Jessica lay back, taking the newly-named Charlotte from me.
“Doctor? Jess? Can I take a few pictures? Will it be all right?” The doctor nodded. Jessie sighed.
“If you must Dave.” She smiled, a thought coming to her. “The amount of pictures you’re likely to take, I suspect her first words will be ‘cheese’.” Charlotte’s arms and legs were waving as if to some unheard tune, gurgling and chuckling to herself. That was the first of many photographs of Charlotte.

I was taking another picture of my darling Charlotte sitting out in the garden while Jessica prepared her afternoon drink, talking to her as I always did, when I heard her say ‘Dada’. I stopped. “What was that Lottie? Say it again for daddy.” She did. “Jess! Jessie!! Come quick! She said ‘Dada’ twice!” Jess ambled out, the bottle in her hand.
“Again?” She said wearily. “That’s the third time this weekend you’ve claimed she’s been talking. She is barely ten months old you know.” I ignored the friendly jibe. It was true I kept thinking I heard little Charlotte say a word, but this time I was sure.
“Say it again Lottie, say it for mommy too.” Nothing. I knelt next to the toddler. “Please Charlotte; your mother thinks I’m going potty. Say it for daddy.” She reached out her little hand and tried to grab me.
“Dada.” Jessica’s amused smile froze. She knelt down as well. “Dada.”
“See! I told you Jess.” I was grinning massively. I felt so proud.
“Well, I have to admit that did sound like ‘Dada’. Pity, I was hoping her first words would be ‘Mama’.”
“I’m sorry Jess. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been coaching her. Well, nagging her really.”
“You don’t think I haven’t?”
“Of course not, I didn’t mean it like that.” She kissed me.
“I know.” She grinned at me. “And I did say her first word would be ‘cheese’ anyway.” Charlotte seemed oblivious to our pride, she just sat and grinned.

I was a little concerned. I felt Charlotte should be trying to walk by now, but she seemed content to crawl or shuffle on her bottom. Jessica said it was my fault; I kept picking her up, so I’d decided to try and encourage her. I stood her on my feet, holding her hands to balance her, and shuffled forward. The problem was, she enjoyed that so much she wouldn’t try herself. All I’d done was invent a new game for her. Jess had just sighed and told me to let her be; she’d walk when she wanted to, when she wanted something. I’d nodded, but known that I wouldn’t be the first one to see this happen. Jess had been taking Lottie to the studio with her for seven or eight months, where her receptionist Tracey or Alan the other photographer could keep an eye on her if Jessie herself was busy. With Lottie getting so adventurous now, I knew that exploring the studio would be the inspiration she needed to take her first steps. She’d explored our house already with me helping her, so I knew it was my own fault.

My phone rang while I was at work driving so I was forced to ignore it for a moment. As soon as I pulled up I pulled out the mobile and checked the missed call. I groaned when I saw it was from Jessica, suddenly sure that Lottie had been spotted walking. I called back. “Jess? Sorry I couldn’t answer. What’s up?”
“Charlotte!”
“What?”
“Charlotte’s been standing up!”
“And?”
“And nothing. She’s never stood up on her own before has she?”
“No.” I conceded. “Except in her play pen, holding the bars.” I had a thought. “Did you get a picture?”
“Of course.” Jessie sighed. “Another one for the ever-growing file on your computer.”
“Of course.” I was pleased; there was still a chance I could be there when she first walked.

I walked into the studio through the front door. Tracey, the receptionist, looked up. “Hello Dave, come to collect Charlotte?”
“Hello Trace. Yeah, I’ve come for the princess. Is the boss in?”
“She’s out back; printing off someone’s wedding pictures. The princess is with her.”
“She’s been standing up on her own?”
“Oh yes.” She smiled. “She looked so proud of herself.”
“But no steps?”
“Not while anyone was looking.” I grinned.
“That’s my girl, waiting for her dad.” Jess appeared in the doorway, Charlotte held in the crook of her arm.
“And why would she be doing that?” She asked, a wry smile at my enthusiasm. “She loves her mommy too.”
“Because she’s a little girl who knows that the rewards will be greater from her daddy. And of course she loves her mummy, and she’s not the only one.” I kissed them both. “Ready to come home Lottie?” The little girl held out her arms as I took her from Jessie.
“You spoil her you know?”
“And the three of you don’t?” Tracey looked away guiltily and Jess went red. I smirked. “What time will you be home tonight love?” I asked as Lottie settled on my hip, trying to pull on my ear.
“I might be a bit late; I’ve got to get the Johnson’s wedding album ready for tomorrow.” She sighed.
“Well don’t be too late; Charlotte and I might have a surprise for you.”
“Exactly what are you planning?”
“Just a little bribery and encouragement. See you later. Wave to mommy Lottie.”

I set Charlotte down in the middle of the front room. “Does daddy’s girl want a biscuit?”
“Dada. Bikkit.”
“All right then. Come and get it.” I produced a digestive and held it up for her to see. She crawled over, but found she couldn’t reach where I was holding it. She pulled herself up me and stood on her feet, wavering slightly. Carefully, so as not to disturb her balance, I backed away a pace or so, still offering her the biscuit. Then, tentatively, what I’d been hoping for happened. She took a few steps and grasped hold of the digestive! “Good girl!” I scooped her up and hugged her. She gurgled happily and began to suck on the crumbly biscuit. “Can you do it again for Mommy when she gets home?”
“Mama.” She said, waving her hands, throwing crumbs everywhere.

I was beginning to think I might have to put Charlotte to bed when Jessica came in. “Okay Jess. Sit down and I’ll get you a coffee.”
“All right, I’m not one to turn down a drink, but why is Charlotte not in bed.”
“Because we have something to show you.” I called out from the kitchen.
“If she’s cranky tomorrow, you’ll be in trouble.” Jess warned.
“Believe me Jessie, this is worth it.” I said, bringing her coffee in on a tray with a couple of digestives.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a biscuit Jess.”
“I know that, but I don’t have biscuits with my coffee this late.”
“I never said it was for you. Offer it to Lottie.” A light dawned in my wife’s eye.
“That sort of bribery eh?”
“Just do it Jess.” She sighed and held out the biscuit towards Lottie.
“Charlotte, want a biscuit?” This time I had got my camera out and was snapping the toddler in action for the collection.
“Bikkit!” Lottie pulled herself up onto her feet and teetered over to her mother, grasping the digestive before plonking herself down on her bottom and sucking on the biscuit.
“Oh you beautiful girl!” Jess exclaimed, picking up the surprised Charlotte and kissing her. “And you, you sneaky Daddy you.” She kissed me too.
“Your idea Jessie. You said all she needed was to want something badly enough and she’d do it.” Lottie was waving her hand again, showering her mom with crumbs from the biscuit. Jessica gave me a look that said ‘Couldn’t you have found a more solid bribe?’ I scurried off to find the vacuum cleaner.

“Daddy, I don’t want to go.” Charlotte wailed.
“Why not? You enjoyed Nursery School didn’t you? This will be like that.”
“But it’s EVERY day daddy. I’ll hardly ever see you or mommy.”
“Good job too!” Jessie said. Charlotte and I both looked at her in surprise. “She needs to learn to be herself, not just our child Dave.” I nodded slowly. I understood the theory, but it was still difficult. “Just go and check with the Head that our arrangements to pick Lottie up are fine, while I have a word with Miss clever here.” Sighing, I walked over to the Head Teacher who nodded at me benevolently.
“Problems?” She asked.
“Nothing that her mom won’t sort out. Jess is so much better with the serious talking; I tend to give in to Lottie too easily.” She smiled and patted me on the shoulder.
“Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. Lots of dads are the same, especially with daughters. Moms are much more practical.” I brightened up.
“And I thought it was just me.” We grinned at each other. “Anyway, the reason I came over was to check it was all right to keep Charlotte back until one of us turns up to fetch her. It’ll usually be me, but occasionally I get delayed. If it looks like I’ll be late, I’ll call. If I think I won’t make it by quarter past, Jess will come and fetch her. Is that all right?”
“Don’t worry, there are several after school clubs she can get involved in until half past three.”
“Thank you. It’ll never be later than that, I assure you, even if I have to bring the Dustcart over!” We grinned at each other again.
“It looks like your other half has worked her magic.” The Head said, nodding in the direction of my two lovelies. I nodded and walked back.
“Sorted?” I asked them. Jess nodded and Charlotte looked at me shamefaced.
“I’m sorry Daddy; I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
“I’ll always worry about you princess.” I kissed her head. “Now go on in and I’ll pick you up at three.” She trotted off, waving. Jessica looked at me and sighed.
“What are you like? You know she’ll enjoy it, but you just have to worry don’t you?”
“Of course I worry.” I smiled and kissed her. “I worry about you too.”
“You’ll never change will you?”
“I hope not.”
“Me too.”

I was a bit nervous waiting outside the school. I felt so out of place amongst all the young mothers. I was old enough to be the father of most of them. They were curious about me, but started to talk to me when they realised I was collecting my child the same as they were. The children came pouring out of the doors at three. Charlotte came bouncing up to me pulling another little girl with her. “Daddy, this is Maria. She’s my new bestest friend!” I smiled at her zeal.
“Pleased to meet you Maria.”
“Hello sir.” She said shyly.
“We played football and beat the boys.” Lottie spoke excitedly. “Maria was brill. She scored our goal!”
“I learnt how to play with my brothers.” The little girl said, blushing at Lottie’s enthusiasm. “I must go, my mommy is waiting. See you tomorrow Lottie.” She left with a wave.
“Oh, you want to come back tomorrow now?” I teased.
“I was being silly this morning daddy. I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in.” Charlotte looked up with her eyes shining with enjoyment. I leant down and kissed her.
“That’s my fault princess. You get that from me. You should be more like your mother is now.”
“She doesn’t worry?”
“She worries, especially about us, but she doesn’t let it get in the way like we do.” I took her hand and we walked towards the car. “Now then, tell me about what you’ve been doing apart from playing football.”

I was checking my camera equipment before the airshow the next day when Charlotte came up behind me. She spoke in her special ‘pleading’ voice.
“Daddy, can I come with you tomorrow?” I stopped what I was doing, turned around and looked at her. She meant it; there was a serious look on her face.
“Of course you can sweetie. I never asked because I didn’t think you were interested.”
“Well, if I don’t go I won’t find out, will I?”
“That’s a good point sweetheart.”
“And I am seven now you know.”
“I remember how old you are.”
“And what about mommy? We can’t leave her on her own.”
“She might actually enjoy that.” I grinned. “But let’s go and ask her shall we?” She took me by the hand and led me into the kitchen where Jessica was ironing. I had offered to do it, but she’d laughed and said that Charlotte’s school clothes needed to be done properly. “Jess?” She looked up. “Lottie has something to ask you.”
“Yes love? What is it?”
“Well mommy, we were wondering if you wanted to come to the airshow with us.”
“Oh, you finally asked daddy did you? And he said yes?”
“I did, but I don’t want to leave you here alone. So, will you come with us mommy?”
“Actually, yes. It would make a nice change. It’s been a while since I photographed some aeroplanes.”
“I didn’t know you liked to take pictures of planes Jess.” I said.
“Well I am a professional photographer who used to be in the RAF.”
“I keep forgetting that bit. All right then, we’ll start out early tomorrow morning then.”
“Good idea. I’ll need to pop into the shop on the way and pick up a few things.” As I nodded I caught a glimpse of Charlotte’s face. She was looking thoughtful. Jess saw the look too and imperceptibly shook her head. Leave it for now, I thought. Jessie knows something I don’t.

As I pulled up outside Jessie’s studio and she opened the car door Charlotte spoke from the back seat. “I wish I had a camera too.” I turned around and looked into her serious face.
“Why’s that princess?”
“Well, you and mommy will be taking pictures and I’d like to as well. I know what to do; I’ve watched mommy and Alan.”
“You’ve left it a bit late to mention this darling; I might have been able to find my little camera.”
“Oh.” The crestfallen look on her face nearly broke my heart.
“I’ll let you borrow mine while we’re there. With your own memory card, so you’ll know which pictures are yours, how’s that?” She perked up a bit.
“Thank you daddy, that will be nice.”
Jessica had returned with her camera bag and put it in the back with the picnic gear. She slipped back into the car and smiled. “Okay, I’ve got everything I think.” She turned around and spoke to Lottie. “You all right sweetie?”
“Daddy says I can take some pictures with his camera!”
“He did? Well, that’ll be nice.” She looked at me and gave me a grin that I recognised. She was up to something! I gave her a questioning look but she ignored me. “Let’s go then, off to the airshow.”

The car park was almost half full even though the gates had only just opened. I turned off the engine and looked at the two glowing faces in the car with me. “Before we have a look around I suggest we get the chairs and go and stake out a spot. I know a good place.”
“I should hope so; you’ve been coming here for years.” Jess said, getting out. “Come on then poppet. Grab your seat and we’ll follow daddy.”
“What about the cameras?” The little girl asked.
“We’ll pick them up after we’ve got our spot.” I smiled at her earnest look; she so wanted to take some pictures. “Don’t worry; you’ll get your chance.”
It didn’t take long to put up the chairs and peg the windbreak around them so we were soon back at the car. Charlotte waited impatiently as Jess and I fiddled with our cameras and lenses. Jessie smiled at me and pulled a second camera from her bag.
“Look what I’ve found. Now why did I pick this up?” A huge grin split my face. Charlotte looked up expectantly, not daring to make a suggestion. “I think I’ll take this one too, if I can find someone to carry it for me.” She looked around slyly.
“I’ll do it mommy!” Lottie couldn’t get the words out quickly enough.
“Will that be all right? I mean, you can’t borrow daddy’s camera if you’ve already got one can you?” It was too much. I burst out laughing. Jess did too. Charlotte looked at us perplexed. “Sorry both of you.” Jessie managed to say. “But I knew that was what Lottie was angling for all the time, so I thought I’d tease her a little bit. I didn’t expect you to offer her yours though.”
“You didn’t see the look on her face.”
“I’ve seen all the looks she can give Dave, and you’re so gullible when it comes to Charlotte.”
“Mommy.” Lottie piped up; she’d been following the conversation whilst looking at the camera intently. “Does this mean I can take some pictures?”
“Yes dear. The camera is yours for the day. If you can take care of it, you might get it for longer.” Charlotte positively beamed with joy.

“Daddy, can you put my pictures on your computer now, so that I can see them?”
“You should be getting ready for bed sweetheart, it’s getting late.” She looked downcast. “I’ll tell you what; I’ll put them on now, and if it doesn’t take to long, you can have a quick look before you go to bed, how’s that?” She nodded and scurried off to wash and change into her night things. I plugged the memory card in and began to download her pictures. Jessica came up behind me and leant on my shoulders.
“You are such a sucker for her; she’s got you wrapped around her finger.”
“I don’t mind. Anyway, don’t you want to see how she did?”
“Actually yes. She was so serious about the settings, trying to remember the things she’s seen at the studio. Not like you, Mister point-and-click.” She laughed.
“I get some good pictures!” I retorted.
“You get lucky sometimes.”
“You’re teasing aren’t you?”
“Of course I am. You’re pretty good for an amateur. If you took a bit more care you could be very good.” She leant forward and kissed me on the forehead. The download completed. I hovered the mouse over the new folder marked ‘Lottie’s Pix’.
“Ready?”
“Go on, let’s see.” I clicked and the two hundred or so pictures came onto the screen. We scrolled through them, marvelling at our daughter’s aptitude. There were quite a few that were as good as mine, even some as good as Jessie’s. Suddenly we both stopped and stared at one in particular. “Open it to full size.” Jess said hoarsely. I did so. It was a picture of the two of us in a familiar pose, the pose from all those years ago. “I don’t remember doing that.” She said.
“Nor me.”
“You do it all the time.” A little voice said from behind us. “I just waited and clicked. I thought daddy could add it to that file with all the others the same.”
“How did you know about that?”
“I’ve seen you looking at it daddy, mommy has one too.”
“She does?”
“I do.” Jess sighed. She knelt next to Charlotte. “Thank you sweetie. Just for that picture, you can keep the camera; I think you’ve earned it.”
“Oh, thank you mommy.” They hugged, a tear forming in the corner of Jessica’s eye. I knelt beside them.
“Charlotte, thank you. That was a beautiful thought. You’ve made us both very happy.” Charlotte beamed. “But I think you better go to bed. We can look at all your pictures tomorrow.”
“Okay daddy, goodnight.” She kissed us both and picked up her camera and went upstairs.
Jessica and I looked at each other for a while.
“It looks like we did something right with her Jess.”
“It does.” She looked thoughtful. “There’s something else too.”
“What?”
“I think it’s about time we had a new picture pose.”
“Not just the two of us you mean?”
“Yes. We’ve both got loads of pictures of Charlotte with one or other of us, but very few with all three of us. So, tomorrow morning, we’ll take a new photograph.”