1 chapter 1

"Do we have to go dad? It's always so boring there! There is never anyone my age, there is nowhere to go, nothing to do. Nothing exciting ever happens at grandpa's house." Lizzy complained in the back seat, brushing her red curls behind her ear. She loves her grandfather, but he lives in a very small town in the middle of nowhere. The town rarely gets visitors and when they do, they usually stop long enough to get gas and eat before leaving the depressing town.

"You know your grandfather looks forward to you visiting every year. Besides, who knows how many more years you'll have to spend this quality time with him." He said sadly, Dale frowned before gently shaking the thought and instead suggested a stop for coffee before they got there. Happily Lizzy agreed. Coffee was one thing she could never turn down.

After about an hour we finally arrived at grandpa Paul's house. It's not always bad at grandpa's, he usually lets me do whatever I want and always makes sure there is something we can do together. Who knows, now that I'm sixteen there may actually be something interesting that's going to happen this summer. Maybe some new people have moved to town, though I highly doubt it, I'm trying to think positive. I will probably end up spending a lot of time taking a lot of pictures, now that I have an upgraded camera this year.

To surprise Lizzy, Paul got a new camera and black room for her. He really is supportive of his granddaughter, it helps that she is so talented. I know that probably sounds a bit biased, but she has actually won a few photography contests. The only contest she has wanted to try but couldn't, is one that requires a black room. Unfortunately, her house just isn't capable of accommodating a black room. However, Paul has two spare rooms: Lizzy's and now a black room.

Lizzy started unpacking and saying goodbye to her dad. "Don't worry, this year will be a bit different. Grandpa and I have some surprises for you." Dad smirked as he pulled Lizzy by her hand to the garage. "Alright, close your eyes." As she closed her eyes she could hear the door opening and fought the urge to look. "Can I look yet? You know how I feel about surprises dad!" Dale chuckled softly as he said to open her eyes. As Lizzy opened her eyes she saw her dream car; a perfectly restored 1959 Chevrolet Impala 283 Fuelie Sport Coupe, in a gorgeous black with nice red interior. The car was so clean she could clearly see the reflection of her blue eyes and curly red hair. Lizzy has always thought this car was gorgeous. 'This must be why dad made sure I got my license before summer break.' She thought to herself.

"Oh my God! I love it dad! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!" She practically knocked Dale over, hugging him with excitement. This summer really will be different. There are a few places she wanted to go for photos but couldn't get to by foot. Suddenly she remembered her grandfather also had a surprise for her. "What is your surprise Grandpa?" After giving her a minute to fawn over the car, Paul led her to the spare room that was converted into a black room. "I made this room for you, I hope you like it." He walked into the spinning door he installed to insure no light could in accidentally, don't want to ruin the film.

"You made me a black room?!" She screamed with excitement. "This is the best summer ever!" "Lizzy turned to her father and grandfather with her new camera in hand. "I want the two of you to be the first picture I take with my new camera and develop with my new black room!" She was positively gleaming with happiness, so much that it was impossible for them to deny her; not that they would anyway. "Of course." The two of them said in unison, while smiling. "I have one more surprise for you." Paul said. Lizzy looked at Dale for a clue but he was just as confused. "What is it?" Lizzy asked a little hesitantly. Paul walked over to the hall closet where he pulled out a few photography props and paper in a sealed envelope. "You got me props? Like a professional?" She looked at the envelope and her smile turned to confusion. "What's this?" Paul smiled as he looked at the two standing in confusion. "Sit on the couch, I want a photo of you two opening this."

Unsure as the two were, Lizzy and Dale did as they were told as Paul grabbed a camera before handing Lizzy the envelope. Lizzy looked at her dad before opening the letter. As the two read the contents they both nearly jumped out of their seats in surprise and happiness. Paul managed to get a perfect picture of the moment before and after they realized he had enrolled Lizzy into a summer program for the Photography program at the school about thirty minutes away.

This summer she will get to actually learn from professional photographers. This is going to be quite the summer. Dale and Paul had their photo taken and then Dale headed home. "How about we go out for dinner tonight? Give you a chance to drive your new car." Naturally Lizzy couldn't refuse.