Chapter 1 | First Job!

Today's a special day, not only for me but for my career as a new photographer. I mean, it's been my dream since I was old enough to hold a camera and snap a picture to become a photographer. How beautiful it feels as you can capture a memoir and keep it with you forever... the feeling is absolutely wonderful! And now, for the first time, I'm hired for my very first gig, and yeah, it's my FIRST job so I might not earn as much... but hey, at least it's something. The location is a bit far, close to the city. It's so far I have to take an Uber there and not my usual bike ride.

The air sends a breeze against me as my rolled-up window lets it in. I sigh as I think of everything that's happened in order for me to accomplish my dreams, and all that I've sacrificed.

Like I said before, it's been my dream since forever, but the problem was that my family didn't support this. I come from the usual middle-class family, the one where there's usually no milk for cereal and where we always use double bags for groceries secretly to have bags for trash. So when I told my family of my dream they said it was impossible, that it would be too costly. Okay, maybe it was. College expenses for this career were absolutely gorgeous, but absolutely expensive. Not to mention the equipment, like the camera, lens, stand... the list of things for everything is endless! So I could kind of understand my parent's reaction to this. But even if I remotely understood that didn't mean I approved.

"Mom, Dad, please! You both let Micah into college, and he wanted to become a doctor!" I begged, hoping that they would have a change of heart and let their youngest child have her dreams accomplished!

Of course, they didn't.

Instead, they told me the worst thing you could possibly say to your daughter—or any right-mind woman.

"Sorry, Maggie, it's just to costly. We let Micah become a doctor because, come one, he's a male. We all know men are the best workers, not women!" Dad exclaimed. I was absolutely shocked, looking at mom to see if she would be on my side on feminism.

I was wrong. "You should be focused more on finding a rich man and having children, becoming a house wife!" Mom reproached, and I almost chocked on my own saliva. I couldn't believe mom could think so low of women, thinking our duty was to end up as housewives! Yes, that was okay for some women but for women like me that was not enough. We want a better, exciting life. One where we can rise to fame and eventually get recognition. We want to make a change, and we want to be successful. Is that too much to ask?

"Mom..." I began, but paused. I wasn't going to fight with them for this. After all, I'm almost turning 18, almost getting independence. Maybe it was best to be independent. To... to move out. "Okay, since you've made it clear that you won't support your blood just because I'm a girl, then I have no choice but to move. I'm going to gain independence, and accomplish my dreams!"

Dad snickered darkly. "Please, Maggie. Don't walk out on all you have, because when you come crawling back crying on how you want your mommy and daddy," he eyes me warily, "they won't be here."

Tears stung by eyes as the realization hits me hard. I suck in a trembling breath, assessing the situation. Do I really want to leave? What if I don't accomplish this? What it it's a waste of time? What if—

"No, daddy," I say finally, looking at him right in the eye. "I won't regret it, you both will. Just don't expect anything from me when I rise to the top!"

Dad frowns, clearly angry. "Let's go, Tabitha. The girl's clearly old enough to make her own decisions and life..." He takes Mom, who nods solemnly, just meeting my eyes one last time, before storming off with Dad.

I look at the empty spot where they've been standing, and burst out into tears, my trembling body slumping into a small ball on the floor as I realize that now I'm alone, completely alone.

Back in reality, I slump back into my car seat, the air now making me sick. I put the window up again, and sigh. "Windy day, huh?" I say, trying to spark up some conversation.

It takes the driver a second to answer, at first thinking I'm talking over the phone. "Oh yeah, did you bring your jacket?"

I point to the grey pile atop my bag, smiling. "You know I do."

He laughs heartly, his laugh reminding me of Dad... or at least the dad I used to have and wish I still had to this day. Unfortunately it's not possible, because to have a dad I have to give up my dreams. I smile tightly at the rearview mirror. That's not happening.

"Wow..." the driver says in awe, and I look over to where he's seeing. I suck in a breath, in awe too. The house is huge, and has a beautiful modern look outside to it.

"It definitely belongs to a rich person, am I right?" I joke, and he chuckles.

"Definitely. Now hon, don't doubt calling me for a ride back if something goes wrong there..." he looks at the house strangely.

"Um, okay. Thanks for the ride, sir. How much is it?"

He smiles. "I'll tell ya what; It'll be half the original cost, just because you were nice and made me laugh!" I smile gratefully. "It'll be $20, hon."

"Oh god, thanks so much! Give me your number, I'll call you when I'm ready to go back, but it'll probably be in a few hours since this gig is pretty important, supposedly going to take pictures of someone...? Anyway, I better get going, or else I won't get paid!" we both share a laugh, and I wave as the small black car begins to drive away. He waves back. I smile to myself as I look up at the house.

Dream job, here I come.